ACAD - Inspired by Sun Chips

Last week's card a day challenge was to use a favorite chip as inspiration.  Well, I try to avoid chips as much as possible - or I would devour most of them myself.  I especially like Sun Chips, and used the blue bag (with the requisite chips) for my inspiration.  Pretty plain, especially as I did not even try to tackle the lettering style.  I sponged the Distressed Stripes) embossing folder with Tattered Rose (Tim Holtz) distress ink. The image is another of my gift package - Your Next Stamp Vacation Don.  The sentiment is by Dandelion.
Sketch:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/your-next-stamp-f372/yns-challenge-17-sketch-t561702.html#post19712904

Get well, Friend (Dale)

This is not the "friend" card I intended to make, but we just heard a good friend is in the hospital with serious internal bleeding.  He definitely needs a lift.  This Bugaboo image and sentiment are so funny, but I have not found a lot of suitable situations - Dale will appreciate the humor!  '
Image and sentiment - Bugaboo;  cs - AMuse,  die cut buttons
Sketch: http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
Use of yellow,, orange, blue, green, and a bit of red:  http://amusestudiochallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Card for a friend:  http://yournextstamp.blogspot.ca/2012/09/ynsc-15-friends.html

Patriotic birthday

This is an image in a stash of images given to me.  The sentiment is 7Gypsies Library,'  I am trying to add a few cards to my supply to send to the troops.

No DP:  http://perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/
Masculine birthday:   http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
Sketch:   http://classygirlmusings.blogspot.com/search/label/card%20Sketch

First Christmas Card this year

I know that many of you have made a lot of your Christmas cards, but I am sure I am not alone in just starting.  I do have good intentions of starting early every year, but it seems like other card making gets in the way.   I have used this image before, but I might be able to find some one who did not receive it!
IRL the main image is nice and sparkly - I need something to get my order over the minimum for free postage (can you relate??) and I am so happy with it - a Spica.  I should have ordered more, including white. The only label on the stamp is Glad Tidings Cube.  I used SU Beyond the Basics, with light handed Garden Green, to stamp the bg.  For once I am pretty happy with that kind of bg stamping.  I added some silver edged gemstones from Pizzazz Aplenty .TTP Dec2012

Green monochromatic:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Trees:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Stamped bg:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Sketch:  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
Lots of dots included on bg:  http://www.vostamps.blogspot.com/

A friendly Mouse

I have had this House Mouse image for a while. a gift from an SCS friend.  I am not sure what is being served, but I put  it in a gold bowl.  I colored with Prismas, used some gold from a recycled envelope, DCWV plaid, Script EF, Shapeabilities swirl, and Martha Stewart sticky tape.
Fall colors:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/2012/09/challenge-6-autumn-colors.html
Friendship and House Mouse:  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/
Tape it up:   http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Sketch (rotated to fit the image):   http://graphicatsketchs.blogspot.com/
Gold and Script:  http://www.cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/

YSN Beaver Bob

This is from one of my SCS albums.
I have recently acquired several new goodies and have been anxious to use them. 
The image, Beaver Bob, by Your Next Stamp, is part of the prize I was lucky enough to win as part of the Dirty Girl challenges a few weeks ago. I colored him with Prismas.  For some reasons, that image makes me think FALL!   The sentiment is by fancy Pants.  I just bought a set of fall embossing folders by Sizzix.
Challenges:
Anything goes - YNSC16
The sketch, with a fall twist: http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
A favorite technique - dry embossing sponged with chalk: http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
I used ribbon and bg DP that I have had for several years:  http://useittuesday.blogspot.com/
Dry embossing: http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/

Pumpkin Farm from Sizzix

I have been anxious to try some new embossing folders - my first from Sizzix. I ordered them, and did not pay attention to the size.  This is A6 and I rarely make any.  But I do like the scene!  I will be experimenting some more- to decide if I should make larger cards, or crop the scene.  What do you think?   The sentiment is from Dandelion designs.

Fall:  http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/
Farm:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/

For a friend

I really need to work on CAS.  I am not at all happy with this, but I do need a card for a friend and it will work.  The stamps are Unity.  The EF is diamond, by Cuttlebug, and I added orange tiny rhinestones.
Sketch, using Unity stamps:  http://chickchallengeswithippity.blogspot.com/
Brown and Orange:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Things with wings:  http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/

ACAD - Another CASE

Once again I am trying to move out of my comfort zone.  That is one of the reasons I like to CASE cards.  My inspiration is here: http://dementedspoon.blogspot.com/2012/09/torn-paper.html .  Thank you, Bexx.  This is another of the SCS card a day challenges.  It actually incorporates a second challenge from a couple of weeks ago - torn paper.
I used Kraft and a couple of scraps of cs, twine, and an EKSuccess border punch.  The image is from a huge set of Fancy Pants stamps I recently bought from Peachy Cheap.  (If you are not familiar with them - they will send a special offer to your e-mail each day.  It is good for only a day, and usually has a pretty good price.)
Fall colors:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
A challenge to use Kraft and twine:  http://doyoustackup.blogspot.com/

Does he hop?

The weekly High Hopes challenge is to show something that hops.  Well, I am not sure about this guy - I would think he probably does.  What do you think?  I used up some DCWV dp that has been in my collection for a long time.  I added Baker's Twine and rhinestones from Pizzazz Aplenty.  I colored with water color pencils, and cut with Nesties and a corner rounder punch.
Aqua, pumpkin and espresso:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
For a guy:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
High Hopes - that  hops:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/

Special for Anna

This is a card for a granddaughter - she is starting her senior year in college, and will student teach in the spring.  We thought she could use a few extra $$ - we cannot quite imagine how young families today can manage household expenses together with what is needed for college.
There is not much to explain.  I used Olivia (CB) letters, snowflake ef (CB) - I know that is out of season but it seems kind of like a celebration to me - and a sentiment from a Recollections set.
I did not add to this sketch:  http://skippingstonesdesign.com/
Whitmore College colors are black and deep red:   http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Elegant but simple - less is more:  http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/

CAD Colorful Strips

Thank goodness for challenges!  All summer I could not keep up with card making as I was selling quite a few at our weekly craft sales.  Now I have excellent internet connections, and a fair amount of time, but no immediate outlet for cards.  I appreciate having challenges to keep my interest - and it is good to build up my stash.
In addition to completing challenges, I am trying to accomplish a couple of goals.  I need to use more of my oversupply of materials.  (can you see how many I used here?  LOL!!)  I also need to try new techniques and styles.
For this card I used Buttercup cs by the Paper Company.  The corner punch is one of my first paper crafting purchases - the label says Family Treasure.  I think most of the scraps are Basic Grey - including the butterflies.  The flower is Sandylion Essentials - a couple of years ago I got a whole box of these embellishments, and a lot more for just a few dollars, at a store closing.  The sentiment is from a grab bag - it could be DRS.
"Wings":  http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/
More wings  http://willowsketchiechallenge.blogspot.com/
Bright colors, no neutral:  http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/
Use DP:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
and finally, our Card a Day blogger's Group has a weekly challenge.  This week it is to use a card by one of the group as inspiration.  Mine is from Nathalia:  http://d28studios.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-kind-of-great-outdoors.html
I especially liked her creative way to use paper strips and stickers. Below is her inspiration card:

Simple sympathy

I like to have sympathy cards in my stash.  Often, friends come to see if I have any available.  This sentiment is from the Verve Blessings set - I was so fortunate to have my number drawn in a recent Mojo Monday challenge.  Winning justifies my addiction to challenges it seems!  I used a scrap of the embossed piece (Swirls) left from my last card, and added a ribbon.  The bg is Costco double sided cs.
I just ordered a Tonic guillotine cutter.  I have resisted getting that style due to space limitations in the motor home.  However, I have tried several other cutters and have been quite frustrated with the short blade life and chopped edges.  There were several positive comments on SCS regarding this trimmer, and the reviews on Amazon were pretty positive.  It arrived today and so far I am pleased.  Well, that is enough commercial!
Sympathy card:  http://digidarlas.blogspot.com/
              And:   http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/
Sketch:  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

CAD in red and white

I am part of a small group of bloggers on Splitcoaststampers who are continuing a challenge of making a card a day.  Originally the members of a larger group each were to make 100 cards in 100 days, without purchasing new items.  Well, I am sure many of us made purchases to celebrate the completion of that challenge!  I know I did.
For my card I used several CB and SU embossing folders, a bit of red ribbon, and white TearDrop Flatback pearls from Pizzazz Aplenty.
Red and White challenge:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
Use Pearls:  http://songbirdchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
  
Our card a day group also has a weekly challenge.  I posted the one for today, which is to use a card of a fellow member for inspiration.  Excuse the length - there will be several links here.
Our SCS thread: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/blogging-groups-f290/card-day-blog-group-full-blogging-t557553-6.html
I hope to use additional cards for inspiration, but I started here:



This is from:  http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

Here is a card from my SCS gallery - forgot to post it here a couple of weeks ago.
See the full story here...
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/fo...f-t556605.html
Our destination this week is Brenda, who is recovering and doing therapy after a very serious auto accident.
The sketch is here - and I found it quite a challenge: http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
The last butterflies of summer: http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.c...of-summer.html
Outdoors, for the card a day blog challenge.
Recipe: computer generated verse
Misc. scraps of dp and cs
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots EF
ribbon, cord
Nesties - circles, border flowers, butterflies
The verse is overstamped with a $1 stamp, in mustard

Tailored Birthday

Good timing!  I just received a little order today.  It included  a Sizzix Wedding set (embossing folders).  I embossed a portion of the larger folder to include the hearts on the bg strip.  I hope this set will prove to be as versatile and useful as I expect.  The sentiment is from a set - I think it is Recollections.  I added some small butterflies, a button and bow.  The double sided DP is from my never ending Costco pack.
Use hearts:  http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://totallystampalicious.blogspot.com/

Ippity Cherry

This is a fun itty bitty set from Ippity.  The verse I used inside is:  "Lead me not into temptation...I can find the way myself!   I colored with Fiskars metallic pens and used Liquid Applique on the icing.  The EF is Victoria, by Cuttlebug. The DP is Paper Studio's Faith pad.  (I hope I did not make the color combo look too much like Christmas.)  I used Rhinestones by Pizzazz Aplenty, and a bit of sheer ribbon.
Colors (I used 3 of the the four - pale gold, burgundy, dark green):  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
"Sweet as Cherry pie" - inspired the cherry:  http://cardcrafterscircle.blogspot.com/
Humor:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
Sketch:   http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/

Jungle in the fall

First of all, sorry for the faded look - I am not sure what happened!
Then, I am always happy when I figure out a way to use some of the DP with an over all or larger image - There are always some of these sheets in the big stacks I buy - and buying them is an addiction, I admit!  This is from a Debbie Mumm pack.  I added some Shapeabilities swirls, a sentiment from the 7Gypsies library stamp, and tiny punched birds.
Sketch:  http://365cards.blogspot.com/
Fall colors:  http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/
Jungle creatures: http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/

CAD Office supplies with a castle

For some reason, last year I bought a huge pad of DCWV fall/Halloween dp, though I seldom make Halloween cards.  I did really like  the combinations of colors and patterns - but this is going to last a while LOL!  I also just ordered a new paper trimmer, as the one I have roughs up the edges, even with new blades.
For the following inspiration challenge I immediately thought of this rather old Provencal set (SU).  It is one I like a lot, but seldom use.  The image is sponged with Eggplant Envy chalk.  I used some fancy clips to hold the Bobbin ribbon.  The bg paper has bat silhouettes at the top - they probably look like smudges here.
Inspiration:  http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Office or school supplies:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Sketch, and a bit of bright color:  http://willowsketchiechallenge.blogspot.com/

Sending a smile to a cyclist

My allergies have been acting up - seems like the discomfort settles in my eyes, so it is hard to get involved in card making!  I took advantage of an easy sketch to showcase this Basic Grey bicycle dp - I added punched buttons and a Dandelion sentiment.
Sketch:  http://skippingstonesdesign.com/
Punches:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

High Hopes for a child

I do not do well with cards for little ones.  Our youngest grandchildren are teens, so I am out of practice!
This uses my oldest High Hopes, colored with chalk pencils.  The bg is dry embossed with the Happy Birthday (CB) folder.  The ribbon and DP I have had for several years.  The rhinestones are Studio 18.
Sketch:  http://sketchesbycarly.blogspot.com/
Use a critter:  http://perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/
Dry embossing:  http://stamp-n-doodle.blogspot.com/

Feeling Sketchy

I finished a couple of cards this morning with no time to spare - we had to leave for church.  I think these flowers are SU Happy Harmony.  The sentiment is from a new Verve set, Blessings - a recent prize.  I used some DCWV (Old World?) cs I have had a long time.
sketch:http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/

Lavender floral

I ran out of time this morning - it was time to leave for church!
For this challenge I used some plaid dp I have had for several years, and have not used for a long time.  I also used one of the stamps from a brand new Verve set called Blessings.  This was a recent prize from Mojo Monday.   The floral image is a digi colored with Prismas.  I added some Petaloo flowers, a bit of a shapeability die, and some lace that was in a box of ribbon from a garage sale.  So I was able to make a card at almost no cost!  I like the result better than I thought I would.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Something old, something new:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/

Thanks to a neighbor

This is a card for a neighbor.  We just learned that week end guests are arriving a little earlier than expected.  We will need to hustle!
DP - DCWV
Flowers - Petaloo
Embossing:  CB Script
Unknown - image, cs, ribbon
Sketch::  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
"reading" - Script bg:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/

Crafting in our motor home

I intended to add a card that I uploaded to my SCS gallery yesterday, but I had a computer glitch before I could do that.  I did not lose any files, but they are reorganized!  I am so un-savvy that I cannot figure out how to upload a file if it is not in the usual spot. 
I have also had a couple of requests to show a photo of my RV work space, so there it is!
Hubby could not back up any more to get a more general view LOL!!  First of all, a disclaimer - rarely is that much of our table visible.   This is of course our dining space - as long as there is room for his plate my husband is fine with this.  Some things have to be as they are.  We have to have the computer in the corner so we can use the external antenna to boost the power for Verizon.  The printer (and lots more) is under the table - which is attached to the counter.  The windows , counter, and small cupboards beneath are part of the slide out.  There are additional cupboards over head, with a pack of cs and other non-crafting papers.  It does not work well to have supplies I need often in the cubbies.  You can see one of the plastic carts - I have two right there.  Often used stamps, ink, CB and Nesties, Wish RAK images, embellishments and ribbon pretty much fill those drawers.  Just at the end of the table on the floor is a plastic "crate" with my summer supply of cs - it will hold 12x12 as well as smaller.  Other cupboards across the way, and forward, have other supplies.  I keep another tote bag filled with stamps in our bedroom.  Whew! 
When I started this hobby I figured it was safe for an rver - after all, I just needed a few stamps, some CS, and not many other items.  Then, I discovered SCS and other stamping places - need I say more?   Oh, yes.  My Cuttlebug protests a lot every time I use it, so I also have a Vagabond.  It is more problematic - it will sit on the plastic card, but the cord is SO short...  I like it, but I need to figure out something.  There is quite a tangle of cords hidden somewhat under the table and behind the printer - there is only one outlet on this side of the motor home. 
Really, this is all pretty comfortable - and you can tell, we are often blessed with great views.  The fridge and microwave are a couple of steps away, and I am facing the tv.  Hubby gets the couch which makes him happy. 

CAD Torn and glittery with swirls

DH is ready to walk out the door - our big activity for today is to go for pizza.
I used one of my favorite things - a Cuttlebug folder (swirls).  I have had these for a while, and they are not much neglected.  This ribbon is also from my older stash.  The Penny Black image is much newer for me.  The DP was a gift from a friend at Wish RAK, on SCS.
Tearing is one of the weekly challenges for the card a day group on SCS.
The sketch:  http://sketchesbycarly.blogspot.com/
Colors (as close as I could come to evergreen, olive, smoke and cherry:   http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/
Glitter:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
            http://stamp-n-doodle.blogspot.com/
Favorite thing - embossing folders!!!: http://shoppingourstash.blogspot.com/

Improvised Vintage with Memory Box

Grr.  I am seeing so many lovely cards with a vintage look.  I guess I need to find one item that I really like, make sure I have all the supplies, and case away.  I am not at all happy with this result, but it will have to do for now.  There are a couple of challenges that called me to try...  I do not have the inks or the colors, so this is improvised.  I used Twinkling H20 inks for the main image - the green is a mixture. I used a bit more water and wetter aqua brush than I usually do.  The (Ocean Blue) bg and the cs for the die cut border are sponged with chalk.  The die is cuttlebug; flowers are Petaloo, and the ribbon are Offray.  The image is Memory Box
I would welcome comments on improving this - I was somewhat limited by a sketch.
Colors - raspberry, mown grass, and ocean:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:  http://perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/
Sketch #63:  http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Case for a challenge

My card is on the left - or on top!  It seems to move when I finalize this.  The inspiring card is by Misti Oblander, Scraperwannabe on SCS.  Misti is the featured fan on CPS this week  I feel like I "know: Misti through SCS.  This card just jumped off the page as i saw it - I hope it is "legal" to use a sample as my inspiration for a different challenge as well as for the CPS sketch.
We made a last minute decision to take a drive this afternoon, and that makes this post more of a rush than I had anticipated!  I am also glad to note that we return to our home in a few days, after a summer in the RV.  That means I will be reunited with the rest of my stamping supplies!  YEAH!  Don't get me wrong - we really enjoy these summers and really, really like the RV lifestyle.  And I have a lot of supplies along (just ask DH!!!).  That being said, I know that I have a lot more choices at home.  I have made so many cards this summer that I do look forward to additional variety.

AMuse orange DP and CS - anything:  http://stampedblessings.com/
Sketch:  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (see above); using a shiny crystal from my stash - I have had this over a year and a half -:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Anything:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/2012/08/challenge-3-anything-goes.html
Embossing:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/