3x3 in B&W #3 - with a bit of red

See previous posts for additional information.  I added a bit of color (Recollection tape) and some crystals.
A splash of red:  http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://graphicatsketchs.blogspot.com/
Birthstone (mine is diamond, so these are definitely fake - but shiny!): http://craftingwhenwecanchallenges.blogspot.com/

3x3 B&W #2

See my previous post for more details.  This coffee cup is from an older SU set called Bitty Bolds.
Sketch:  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
Brads:  http://creativecornerchallenges.blogspot.de/

3x3 B&W #1

I have been MIA while I uploaded a dozen or so cards to my SCS gallery - the member companies there have sponsored a two week challenge - I just made it under the wire for this last challenge - a set of 3x3 cards.  I chose a black and white theme with some variations - thanks to some sketches that I felt worked well for the tiny format - a hard one for me.  The sentiment is MFP and the image is a clear stamp.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Animal (butterflies) http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/

Create a Scene

I like the results with the Madison Window, and yet I seldom use it.  I stamped the Stampendous scene on white cs, then added the "grass" and "sky" (aqua pen and ink) before stamping the trees (SU Lovely as a Tree).  I then positioned the window die cut over the scene.  I added ribbon and Tear drops - both have been in my stash for a long time - as well as the stamps.  The sentiment is a dollar stamp.
Birthday:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Scene/Birthday:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/02/joans-card-for-this-weeks-challenge.html
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Bingo (G-Green, grey; free; die cut):  http://guylousinimitability.blogspot.com/2013/02/bingo-card-challenge.html

Inky Sky

I have been posting several of my new cards in my gallery on Splitcoaststampers, as I have been trying to keep up with the Love Fest challenges this week.
For an "inky" challenge I inked a very large bg stamp (B&J's Art Stamp), sprinkled with water, and tried to create a bg.  Not sure I like the effect but I did try something new!  I also used a new (to me) die from Spellbinders Ribbon Buckles.  The dark blue layer is dry embossed. THe sentiment is Just Rite.
Sketch:  http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/justrite-friday-challenge/
Use ink differently:  http://www.clearlyistamp.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Clearly%20Inspired%20Challenge
Bingo - lace, pearls, dry emboss:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Punches and Dies:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Lace & pearls:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/ 

God is our Refuge

We have friends who are seriously ill and in need of support- how difficult it is to make the cards.
The scripture is a digital image.  I used my CB frame folder, added ribbon, Petaloo flowers, and a Cheery Lynn butterfly.  Everything but the butterfly is from my stash - the cs, ribbon, flowers, and EF have been around a long time!
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Frame:  http://cheerylynndesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Red and purple:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

RVer's greeting

I just received this DP from a friend (Wish RAK at Splitcoaststampers) - it works so well for a card request.  It is a texturized cs, with shiny raised (embossed?) images. I added more texture with the die cut birds and the tape.  I made it messy with distressing, tearing and sponging.  The sentiment is computer generated.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
"Messy" look: http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Texture:   http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/

After Valentine's Day Hearts

I ran out of time before I ran out of heart/Valentine challenges.  I think this shows the love, with hearts and the sweet Your Next Stamp image, yet can be used as a non-valentine greeting.  The DP at the top is K&Company, and the piece at the bottom is My Mind's Eye.  Sentiment is a dollar stamp.  I added pearls, scallops and a ribbon.
Sketch:   http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Hearts:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
          http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Love:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
Red:  http://pausedreamenjoychallenges.blogspot.com/

Pink swirls

This sweet Penny Black image (colored with Prismas and some gel pens) just called out for swirls!  The EF is LifeStyle crafts Swirls, and the swirly DP is Recollections.  All is backed with brown cs, highlighted with a brown satin Martha Stewart ribbon and half pearls.  This is a favorite color combo.
Sketch:  http://www.cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/
Swirls and pearls:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
                            http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Pink, pearls and swirls:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.co.uk/

Springtime Cowboy

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I hope your day is a good one.    I am so blessed - no need for chocolates or even flowers - just so thankful for having a loving DH who is so supportive.

Not sure who made this cute cowboy - he looks like he is ready for spring to get out for a ride!
I colored with some shiny gel pens - a bit of sheen and texture IRL.  I used scraps of DP, some twine, and Basic Grey tape to complete the look.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Western: http://herecometheboysblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Kids/spring: http://sendasmile4kidschallenge.blogspot.com/2013/02/easterspring-cards-4-kids.html
Boy:  http://creativecornerschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Inspiration - colors and giraffe spots:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/

White on white

This white on white was not an easy one - IRL there is more dimension than you can see here.  I used a LifeStyle Crafts (embossed) frame, and a Spellbinders butterfly, as well as the oval with an embossed edge.  There is a bow of sheer ribbon, and some added half pearls.  The sentiment is from Paper Inspirations.  In case you cannot see them, the corners of the frame layer are rounded.
Sketch (rotated):  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
White on white:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-02-10T18:15:00%2B10:00&max-results=12

Love that lady bug

This Penny Black  hedgie looks absolutely smitten with the lady bug, don't you think? I colored them with chalk pencils and a gel pen, and used a lot of scraps of dp, even a sentiment that was kind of in my scrap stack!
Sketch:  http://whimsiedoodles.blogspot.com/2013/01/feeling-sketchy-we-have-just-challenge.html
Scraps:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Love:  http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
Red:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Tie/yellow:  http://craftyannschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Spring butterfly

I got to use a bit of DP (DCWV) that I have had in my stash for a long time - good!  The butterfly is by Cheery Lynn, backed by a Labels I die (Spellbinders) and the flourish from Spellbinders.  I added ribbon, a bit of glitter, and sentiment from the Rubber Cafe.
Sketch (feminine birthday)   http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.ca/:
Flourish:  http://cheerylynndesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring:   http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Butterfly:  http://flutterbywednesdays.blogspot.com/2013/02/flutter-by-wednesday-226.html

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME, and one more card

WOW!  I just realized that I started this blog one year ago, February 10!  I started it in order to have a place to upload my cards - mostly for challenges.  I am surprised at myself - 390 cards here in addition to over 150 at my gallery on Splitcoaststampers - generally I do not upload to both locations.  I feel I have grown in my stamping  by following these challenges - even though I do regress on occasion!

This time, I think my brain is kind of non functioning!  I have been thinking about the Simon Says challenge for several days - base a card on a fairy tale.  Nothing comes to mind.  So I guess this is a real stretch - maybe satire?  I saw this digi image in my stash, and thought of Little Red Riding Hood and the big bad wolf!  Now, these cute ones do not fit that picture at all.  Oh, well...  I added a sentiment from a Recollections set, and some Basic Grey tape.  The DP is from a huge collection of double sided cs from Costco.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Fairy tale inspiration:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/

On eagle's wings

My brother in law is coming to stay for a few days.  When he was here last year he purchased all of my sympathy cards - he lives in a very small town, and was glad to be able to have some cards that were not just like all of the others.  So I am trying to be prepared!  Unfortunately, we are of an age where the need comes all too often.  A friend who no longer stamps gave me these images.  I used an EK Success punch for the border, and used the punched circles in the corner.
Sketch:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Fancy edge:  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/
A favorite scripture (one of many, I should say):    http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/

Sympathy with an oval

This is the card I intended to do yesterday, but I was interrupted and forgot to make it an oval!  I do not have much to use to create flowers with patterned paper, but I like the result when this stamp is used on subtle dp.  The stamp is Paper Inspiration.
Sketch:  http://sketchyfriday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://mygraficocrafts.blogspot.com/
Use blue and green, a pattern flower, oval, and stamped sentiment:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/02/this-weeks-challege.html
Pastel:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/

New stage in life

I am trying to fill in some gaps in the assortment of cards I have available for sale.  Once in a while some one needs to recognize a new job, retirement, etc. with a card of this type.  Here, the inside verse says "As a chapter closes in your life, and a new one starts for you, May your years be filled With all the things You're looking forward to.  ENJOY!  I like the color combo, but I did struggle to find something to work.  I think this does!  I should add - I am probably pretty well known for my frugal ways!  I have had the verse (computer) printed on the base for some time, and it had become a bit smudged on the back - not much, but noticeable.  I solved the problem by cutting a slightly larger piece of the grape cs, and glued the entire base card to the grape piece.  I kind of like the result!  The flourish is from an SU set - sent to me quite a while ago through the WishRAK forum on SCS.  The sentiment is from a new set received from Mark's Finest Papers.  The pumpkin dp is K&Company, and I used the Congratulations ef (CB).
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Colors (grape, waterfall, pumpkin):  http://annabellestamps.blogspot.com/
"New":  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

In the round

I seldom make shaped cards, but this is a simple sketch that will make a cute little thinking of you note.  I used Nesties for the circles.  The flowers are by Petaloo, the lustre twine from Pizzazz Aplenty.  I added a bit of color to the House Mouse with chalk pencils.  This pretty dp has been in my stash - no label!
Sketch:   http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Special cut:  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/

Any:   http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge

Blue and green sympathy

I I have not used this stamp recently - for a long time it was my go-to stamp for sympathy and Easter cards.  IIt is Cross & Blossoms by Paper Inspirations.  Here, I stamped it on subtly patterned paper.  I added bits of satin edged ribbon and clear crystals. The stamp, dp (blue and green) and ribbon have been around a long time!
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
"my style" - layers and DP:  http://digidarlas.blogspot.com/

Pieced chair

I am not sure the paper piecing shows - I did the chair back and foot rest in a subtle blue, light brown and white print - maybe it was too subtle! Supplies:  Art Impressions image, chel pencils, tear drop gems, ribbon, DP, brown, white, blue cs.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Paper piecing:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/2013/02/speedy-fox-and-friends-challenge-145.html
Gents and Gems:  http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/

2nd Funky valentine

This is very similar to the previous valentine - for grandson #2.  I hope they are not too frilly!
Image - Penny Black, colored with chalk pencils and edged with chalk.  I used the actual piece of chalk to edge the cs, after having sponged lightly - I wanted a darker edge.  I filled the corner with stickers - did not want flowers on this one.  Sentiment by JustRite; tape by Basic Grey.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Love:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
For a guy:  http://craftingwhenwecanchallenges.blogspot.com/
celebrate valentine's day:  http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/2013/02/challenge-51-lets-celebrate.html#comment-form

My Funky Valentine

I am sure some of you can relate - it becomes more of a challenge to make "different" cards for family members - especially after doing so for several years!  Most challenging are the now 20 something guys!  It helps that I have them hoodwinked - they think Grandma's cards are just ok!  still, I try to do something age and gender appropriate LOL!  So I decided on a "funky" look this time - yes, all the crooked lines, etc are intentional!  I used more of the hand made paper (red hearts) - I had piece of each pink and red about 2 ft x 3 ft, so it goes a long way!  (I got it along with a couple of boxes of other odds and ends at a store closing.) Just about everything else also came from my stash - the Basic Grey triangles and chip board sticker are more recent.  The Penny Black image is colored with chalk pencils.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Penny Black - love:  http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
Cute:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Red and white - stash:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Love (BG items used):  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

Sympathy in spring colors

Supplies:  Image from Mark's Finest Papers - Today, Tomorrow and Always, colored with Prismas.
Striped DP - K&Company; misc. green, yellow and white;  Leaf EF by Sizzix; ribbon, brad, Nesties.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Green, fuschia, yellow:   http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/
Brads:  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/

Ready, set...

These ladies are wonderful!  A friend sent the image - please refresh my memory as to the origin!  I used some DCWV dp, prismas and shiny gel pens as well as a shiny metallic (mauve?) bg layer.  The flowery dp has bling, and I added crystals to the tag.
Sketch:  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2013/01/fresh-brewed-designs-2013-challenge-1.html
Bling:  http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2013/01/fresh-brewed-designs-2013-challenge-1.html

For a boy

This image is High Hopes; the sentiment TPC; coloring with Prismas.  The DP is Hopscotch by Basic Grey.  I added star brads, and used the snowflake Embossing folder (CB) - I often use the snowflakes to simulate starbursts!  Some brown and white ribbon "holds" the tag.
Sketch:  http://sketchyfriday.blogspot.com/
stars:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Ribbon, with a HH stamp:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge

Pink, red, white and hearts

I will be needing several valentines, and it is nice to have them done a bit ahead of time!  It is nice to know that our grandkids appreciate my cards!  I used the hand made paper (hearts), "love" DP, and dark rose bg from my stash.  The gingham and twine are part of a previous prize from Amusing challenges, and the image is also a prize from Sassy Cheryl.  I used a CB border die that I have had a long time - and seldom use.  The butterfly is part of ODB birthday set, stamped on pink cs and scissors cut.  The coloring is with gel pens and water color pencils.
I do want to thank blog owners and sponsors, and certainly DT members for all of these great ongoing challenges - a special thanks to those who visit our blogs and give encouraging comments.
Sketch:  http://stampedblessings.com/category/amusing-challenges/
Hearts:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Pink:  http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/
Circles and stash (see above):   http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Pink, red, white:  http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Chocolate for Dessert

I a in a big time crunch (before church!) so not much detail!  Love stamp isTPC, image is Eat chocolate - Basic Grey tape
Edited to add:  the scalloped circle is from a piece of hand made paper - IRL the texture is great. and there is a heart partially hidden!
The sentiment is hard to read here:    Alll you need in life is a friend who has chocolate....I'm that friend.
Sketch:  http://cardsbydorothy.blogspot.com/2013/02/more-blues.html
Love:  http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Dessert:  http://pausedreamenjoychallenges.blogspot.com/
Brown:  http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/

More Blues

This ship is a new image I received as a prize from Digi Darla - thank you!  I added a lighthouse (Rubber Stampede) and sentiment (JustRite).  Other supplies include misc. papers and brads.
Sketch:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Blues:  http://digidarlas.blogspot.com/
Masculine-transport:  http://cardsformen.blogspot.com/ 
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/