Ice Cream?

I had time to complete one more card - we are expecting some family for a visit and getting anxious!
This is a High Hopes image (colored with Prismas), and I think the sentiment is SU. The DP is Debbie Mumm - all I could find with a bee right now!  It also has stripes and dots- I hope you can see them.
Sketch:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Bee:  http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/
High Hopes:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Dots:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

On the beach

This is another card I made for a friend - she would like several.  The image (colored with chalk pencils) and sentiment were received though WIshRAK at Splitcoaststampers.  The DP is DCWV, and I used a bit of the lace I got at an estate sale.  I see my photo is missing the border on the top and left - I still have not figured this out!!!
Birthday:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/
Dots & other challenges:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Spring Birthday

I have been having major computer and internet woes - again!  So it is good I could get on here for a little while at least, and get this added.  I used a free digi image and sentiment from The Alley Way.  The DP is DCWV, and flowers by Petaloo.  I colored with a combination of Prismas and gel pens, with glitter added to the frosting.  The sketch is Sweet Sketch Wed, but though I finished the card, I could not get on to upload on time!
Digital image:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Spring colors:  http://thesweetpeastampers.blogspot.co.uk/
Birthday, with ribbon:  http://theprettylittleribbonshop.blogspot.com/
Inspiration, with green and white, and TAWS freebie:   http://www.thealleywaystamps.blogspot.com/search/label/BE%20inspired%20Challenge
Any:  http://pausedreamenjoychallenges.blogspot.com/

Maude in pink

Maude is looking a bit grumpy - maybe there is too much pink for her!  I colored her with prismas and a touch of gel pen.  The dies are Nesties and a CB border, with some punched butterflies, and a bit of lace trim.  Both papers are from Paper Studio. 
My cyber friend Kathy Curry designed this great sketch.
Sketch, with butterflies:  http://flutterbywednesdays.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://stamp-n-doodle.blogspot.co.uk/

Skinny Dipping - NOT

Both the image and sentiment came from friends at WishRAK on Splitcoaststampers, and I have lost track of the origin.  I think they go together well.  She is colored with Prismas, and has some REAL gold earrings and eyeglass frames.  I would have added diamonds to her earrings, but the ones I have seemed a bit too large LOL !  The ribbon, lace, and cuttlebug border die add some frills.  The lower panel is dry embossed with the CB folder D'Vine Swirls - an old standby for ocean waves.  The cloud DP is Debbie Mumm.
Sketch, with CB dry embossing:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Water:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Frills:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Sentiment for a girl (I am pretty sure this one would not show up on a guy's card LOL!):  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/girl-power.html?showComment=1363747015274#c2190585826955564486

Easter Blessings

It is almost time to leave for church so I will have to come back with details.
The image and Scripture are from the ODB Birthday set, colored with gel pens and Brilliance ink (watering can).  I sponged and distressed lightly to create a somewhat shabby chic look - I think the watering can adds to that look. The butterflies are punched, and I added a bit of Easter ribbon I have hoarded for several years..
Spring/Easter:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Lig 
Easter/inspiration:  http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/
Sketch:  http://designed2delight.com/blog/
Punches:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Pastels: (I used the Easter egg colors for the flowers):  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com/
Any (shabby):  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/

Circle card

I seldom do shaped cards, but thought this would work for a little Easter note.  This image is SU Peace Within, and the sentiment JustRite.  The embossing folder is LifeStyle crafts, and the circles are Nesties.  I colored with a combination of Prismas and gel pens - the flowers have a nice shimmer IRL.
Sketch:  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
Basket:  http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/challenge-63-baskets.html
An Easter basket filled with flowers:   http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/2013/03/challenge-31-whats-in-your-easter-basket.html
Easter:  http://www.vostamps.blogspot.com/
Shaped card:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
 Note a rectangle (from my old stash - everything is a year old except the EF):  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

Springtime HB, Deb

This may be the card we send to our daughter for her birthday - mid 50's - YIKES!  (She probably will not see this so I think I am safe...)  I know, that is probably even older than most of you LOL!!!
Birthday:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
 Monochromatic (honest! - IRL this is much more green!):  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Feminine:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
 Spring:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
               http://digidarlas.blogspot.com/

Spring fishing

This will be a fun card for some fisherman friend.  I used spring colors (misc. papers); added a bit of a banner and twine to enhance an image from Digi Darla.  I colored the fish with watercolor and chalk pencils, and sponged with lemon colored chalk - probably too faint to show up.  Since the second line was too wide for the Nestie, I just cut into the body of the image to place it over the die while cutting.  I am satisfied with that result.  (Using the next larger Nestie would have made the image too big for this card - and with too much white showing.)  In retrospect I wish I had trimmed the A and R a bit more. 
Serendipity - as I was getting out my twine, I re-discovered an old mesh bag I saved for something, some time!  Well, this was the time - I hope it looks a bit like a net.
Sketch- with spring):  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Green:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
 Banner:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Sherbet colors (green, peach, apricot, lemon - hope I saw them right!!!):   http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/

An angel to watch over you

I decided to use this angel on a spring like card - I have many friends who can use an encouraging word.  The image and Scripture are from the SU set On Angel Wings.  I used spring green cs and DCWV dp.  The embellishments are a gold cord, Spellbinders border die cut, and half pearls.
Sketch:  http://sketchyfriday.blogspot.com/
Angel:  http://deliciousdoodleschallenge.blogspot.com/
1, 2, 3 (see above):  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Encouragement:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Green:   http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/

Encouragement this spring

This is one of many stamped items given to me by a friend who decided not to continue stamping.  Is it Unity?  I used two pieces of Basic Grey (Hopscotch) dp with a matching acrylicvbutterfly. as well as a bit of ric rac.
Sketch #1:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/
Encouragement, with the promise of eternal life:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Spring, with Basic Grey:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:  http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/sentimental-friday.html

B&W with coral

I wanted to use this image, and I also wanted to do the color challenge (see below), so I did some paper piecing of the chair to limit the colors.  I discovered that this image is really a challenge to piece 0 the pattern needs to have a lot of white in order to see where to cut.  I think I managed ok.  The ribbon is tied for the dimension needed.
Image - Art Impressions; DP - Paper Studio; misc ribbon, brads, black and white cs.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.co.uk/
Black, white and a splash of coral:  http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2013/03/challenge-103-anything-goes.html

Celebration

 -

I have had major computer problems - trying to get a new lap top set up.  I have been on the phone with a tech guy for a couple of hours and I am tired!  So this is the best I have for now.  This is a High Hopes , with Basic Grey cut outs. I colored with Prismas, and used white core cs for the embossing folder.  Can you tell - I used one of the "doodle" chip board pieces to make the number 6 for a special birthday boy!
For a boy:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Celebrate:   http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/

Some shabby chic

I used Ranger Tattered Rose distress ink and some Costco DP to give a shabby look.  The embossing is from a CB border set; the butterfly is Cheery Lynn, and the twine from AMuse.
sketch:  http://designed2delight.com/blog/
Shabby chic:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Twine:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Easter:   http://cheerylynndesignschallenge.blogspot.com/

For Hal

I am almost late with this card!  (sorry, it seems like the scallop on the left has been cut off.)  The image is from Digi Darla.  I used a cloud like dp, a couple of CB dies and the HB folder as well as the scallop punch and oval dies and some twine.
F for folder and far away:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
masculine: http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
monochromatic:  http://cardsformen.blogspot.com/

Reverse Print, for Jean

This is one of the most difficult cards I have made, and the note inside was equally hard to do.  A friend (we are in contact less as we have moved) has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and he is in hospice care.  Unfortunately I procrastinated about sending a card several days ago.  It will take a couple of days for the card to arrive, so I am not sure what the situation will be then.  At least we can let them know we are praying for them.  I have had far too many cards of this type to send in recent weeks.
The image is SU Reverse Prints (I trimmed the attached quote as it was not quite suitable), in Not Quite Navy.  The DP and cs as well as sentiment - Recollections.  The trim is a bit of lace and scallops.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/
Flowers (image, dp):  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Spring in the garden

The image is SU Peace Within.  The butterflies are one of my favorite recycling ideas - punched from a (coconut) pie box.  To create the scene, I used two new embossing folders - brick and woodgrain.  I also used a leafy one (green) - all by Sizzix.  I sponged a bit of black to age the brick.  I hope the mid layer reminds us of paving stones. 
I may use this sooner than expected.  I just learned that a friend has an inoperable brain tumor, so it will be a matter of days for him.  Curt, and especially his family, could use an extra prayer - their faith will sustain them, but I cannot imagine the strength that will be needed.

Sketch:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Garden scene:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/03/this-weeks-challenge.html
Any:  http://www.vostamps.blogspot.com/

White on white

I am still learning about my new printer.  Until now the scans have worked pretty well, but I think it does not like the all white!  I hope you can somewhat see this.  I used a Martha Stewart edge punch for the two sides. The next layer is embossed leaves, and the mat behind the image is Linear -both by Sizzix.  The image is Paper Inspirations, and it is a Verve sentiment.
Sketch:  http://www.charismacardz.blogspot.com/
White on white:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/

What heavenly body???

I'm sorry about the bad scan - still learning a new printer - and maybe I can even graduate to photos!
I think this image by Rubbernecker, and the Art Impressions sentiment, make a classic look!!!  The dp is Rcollections, flowers by Petaloo, Pizzazz Aplenty ribbon, coloring with Prismas.
Sketch:  http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/
2x2 (2 papers, 2 embellishments - ribbon and flowers - 2 "images"):  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/2013/03/challenge-29-2-of-everything.html
Odd# - 3 flowers:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
2 from list (ribbon, sentiment):   http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Murray in green

I used some DP that has been in my stash forever, but it works for Murray - a Rubbernecker stamp, colored with Prismas.  The tape is Recollection.  I did the sentiment on the computer - the answer inside is OLD!!!  The bg is very dark green embossed with a LifeStyle Craft EF.
Sketch:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:    http://mygraficocrafts.blogspot.com/
Green with grey and a sentiment:  http://perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/: 
Green:  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Any, with a twist of green:  http://sandyscraftycreations.blogspot.com/

Color, ribbon and bling

Here is another idea of mine that I am not happy with.  Oh well...!  The EF is Linear by LifeStyle Crafts, and the image Sweet on You bu Stampim' Up.  It is colored with shiny gel pens - if you shine your flashlight on it you might see the glitter on the blossoms and scattered on the red!  Ribbon and clear crystals complete the look.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Ribbon and bling:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://ribbongirls.blogspot.com/
Colors (as close as I could):  http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/

Happy 90th, Bette

I just learned that Bette will be 90 on Sunday, so I will get this card in the mail now!  Bette is a member of our "summer" church in Colorado. Last year, she retired from her volunteer job as church financial secretary.  She is always available to help with church coffees, pot lucks, etc.  A fall this winter has curtailed these activities.  She is deserving of special honors!
I used 3 dp's (DCWV,, Paper Pizzazz,), buttons, numbers (CB), crystals, and rhinestones; 2 ribbons.  The image is from clip art, and I did the name on the computer.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Recipe (see above):  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
2 buttons and a bow:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Numbers (90):  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Ribbon, die cuts:  http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/

laugh a Little

I made a similar card for a challenge at Splitcoaststampers and was happy with the result.  Here, however, in retrospect, I should have used a solid color (maybe embossed?) for one set of panels - this is just busier than I like. Oh, well, I am known for going along with whatever the result is.  Some one will like it!!!
The papers are Recollections, the stamps (border and sentiment) JustRIte Smile Set, flowers by Petaloo and twine separates the panels - hard to see here.
Sketch:  http://annabellestamps.blogspot.com/
Grey, black, yellow, JR stamp:  http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2013/02/justrite-friday-challenge-091-color-challenge.html
Two pattern papers (one grey, one yellow):  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Tic Tac Toe - yellow, twine, flower:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/

More Ice Cream!

This is a cutie by High Hopes, colored with chalk pencils and some gel pens.  The DP has been in my stash for a VERY long time, as has the sentiment stamp, and the (barely visible) metal star charm at the top.
Sketch::  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/my-favorite-things-f164/win-%2420-mft-products-sketch-113-feb-27-mar-5-a-t567353.html
High Hopes with metal:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Brights:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/
Tag:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
For the boys:  http://dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/

my CASE

New (case)                                                           Original






I seldom make the same card twice, and even more rarely do I case myself - which is what I did for the Crafty Creations challenge.  I used the same basic layout, with a change in color and flower placement.
The original was posted Jan. 26 -and I actually prefer it.  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
For the sketch, I selected Sketch #73:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
This challenge is for embossing:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Anything:   http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/
The image is a digi that I neglected to label.  I used the Victoria embossing folder (CB) and some new SU cs that I got at a garage sale - could be Pale Plum or Perfect Plum.  The DP is from Paper Pizzazz, and I used nesties.  I colored the edge with a gel pen  - will not do that again as it does not blend well enough to suit me here.  I used pastel chalk pencil on the original.

B&W Sympathy

:

There are few sympathy cards left in my stash, and I have had some requests, so I need to replenish.
This is a stamp I use a lot, called Cross and Blossoms, by Paper Inspirations.  I used 2 different embossing folders from LifeStyle crafts, and a small butterfly punch, as well as the circle die and butterflies.  The sentiment is computer generated.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Black and white:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Embossing:   http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
EF, die, stamp:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/

Sunshine Bright

This is a great Fluffles (Stampendous) image to use for a Thinking of You card.  The bg DP is DCWV, and the oval is from AMuse.  FLowers are by Petaloo - with rhinestones and a bit of glitter.
Sketch:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Sunshine:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Flowers:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Bright colors,  DP, flowers and stamp that have all been in my stash for a long time:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/

Painted flower

I am always happy when ideas come together for combining several challenges.  I hope some of you will agree.
Recipe: 1) painted flower - I know I have a box of paints but I put them away for summer storage (!) and I cannot discover the location.  My only choice was the Copper acrylic paint - it worked here, I think.  I also used watered down paint for the shading.   2) lattice - I used a Lattice punch by Martha Stewart;  3) circle bg - Spellbinders eyelet circle;   4) inked embossing - I used the same copper paint - it did get a bit more blotchy than I liked but I wanted to match the image:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/
Neglected stamp I like - well, that could be any of a large number, but I selected this SU Garden Collage - one I have had for some time, like a lot, but use sparingly - I make a lot of cards, but also have a lot of stamps - there just is not time to use them all!  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Sketch (stretched to an A2 size):  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Any, with sentiment:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/:  
Chocolate (the lattice is chocolate in color, and the bg and ribbon are cocoa - I used the Cuttlebug for the embossed bg, the HB folder, and the die cuts): http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/
Other supplies:  Twinkling H20 green, copper; ribbon, LifeStyle Crafts ef; pop dots for cut and raised butterfly.