Don is 97!

This is a special card for a special person.  We have been stopping in to see Don, a member of our church, for the past few months.  He is home bound, but sharp as a tack!  During our first visit a few months ago he asked how soon he could claim to be 97 - for a May birthday.  Now, most of us prefer to even avoid that next birthday, but he has been anxious.  So I thought putting his name and age on the card would be appropriate.  Now I am going to look for one of those lists telling what life was like in 1917 - not sure what web site to check, and my Google has not produced what I am looking for.  (Unfortunately, Don's wife suddenly passed away a few weeks ago - but he remains so positive.)
I just got a DWV stack called Heirloom - I will never use it all, but there are some great papers, including this one - meant to represent his lifetime with several "years" included.  The circle is from a packet of wood like chipboard - I added some walnut stain to darken it.  Letters and numbers - CB Olivia.  The card is 5,5x8.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
For the boys (well, an older boy!!):  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Birthday:   http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/
Die cuts:  http://getinkychallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Say it with words:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
Wood:   http://eclecticpaperie.blogspot.ca/2014/04/eplay-challengewood.html
Birthday; #4:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Darla's baptism

In our church we practice infant baptism.  On Sunday, parents who are not members of our church brought their year old daughter to be baptized.  This is a cause for celebration and most definitely a new beginning.  These colors are not very frilly/feminine for a little girl, but I wanted to use some of the DP from the Paper Studio Faith collection - I think the butterscotch cs helps to lighten it.  I used the Spellbinder Majestic Elements ovals,  I am trying different ways to use this set.  You can see that i used a middle sized die for the main verse.  The layer under is cut with the same die and the next larger - which creates two pieces.  I put them back together with tiny bits of scotch tape., and adhered this to the bg square.  Oh, yes - I used a piece of DP the same color as the square with crosses - since I wanted contrast I sponged burgundy ink to match the DP designs.  The scallops are a Martha Stewart punch,  The main verse is SU, and the blessings is a part of a sticker from Dazzles (Hot off the Press.)  I have a special verse for the inside, including her name.
Sketch:  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-month-long-choose-your-challenge.html
Die/punch:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
 Beginning: http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-04-10T06:30:00%2B01:00&max-results=10
Sentiment:  http://flatfriendschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Uplifting verse:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Yellow (butterscotch):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Lots of layers:   http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Ink on paper:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Graduation 2014

I know I need graduation cards so far, no invitations so no colors (I am not sure of the colleges - I thought black and gold would be safe for this guy card.  The embossing is CB's congratulations EF, and the numbers are stickers which I colored with a marker.  The stars are gold foam stickers from a big package (yard sale find).  They are that rather garish (Is that the word I want???) gold - I toned them down with a bit of powdered chalk from chalk -ah-lot - spread with my finger.  Just the look I wanted!  The strips are washi tape.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://natalieandamy.blogspot.co.uk/
Masculine:  http://thecraftingcafe.blogspot.co.uk/
Texture and embossing:  http://www.theartisticstampercreativeteam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/april-challenge-embossing-and-texture.html
Beginning:  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-04-07T06:30:00%2B01:00&max-results=10
Chevrons:   http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Any: http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

For Mother in pastel

(I keep hoping some techie will visit this site and help me with the uploading problems - my image looks fine in my computer file, and when I upload here it gets all blotchy - especially the edges, and white spaces.)
The verse is from Our Daily Bread Happy Birthday set.  I added some die cut letters, Cheery Lynn branches, flowers from a SandyLion sticker set.  I sponged the Swiss Dot piece -IRL it is lighter toward the center - a result I like with this sponging. 

Sketch, with ODB stamp:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Pastels and polka dots:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Purple and white, nature (snowflakes, leaves, flowers), items from Joan's Gardens (EF, vagabond machine, and I bought the leaf die a while ago):  http://www.joanstouch.com/
embossing and texture:  http://www.theartisticstampercreativeteam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/april-challenge-embossing-and-texture.html 
Mother, with Cheery Lynn die:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Pretty Pastels:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
White plus one color:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/ 
                                        http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
No DP:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

 

MMTPT299 - Fishing for Nemo

 

This week the SplitcoastStampers TeaParty is going to a young (grade 6) girl who is fighting a mysterious illness.  She loves Scripture and Nemo - I think this House Mouse is looking for Nemo!!!  This was in my stash of images I have colored (I often do that while sitting at my table at craft sales) - time to use them and add some new ones!  I used bubbles on the bg strips - then sprayed with Glimmer spray and added glitter for a sparkly sea look - but with a large image not much of it shows.  The card is 4.5x6.25 - still hardly large enough for this image.
Prayers for Emily are encouraged.
Sketch:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/
Tea Party:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt299~april-22-2014~first-nemo-now-cousin-namo%3B-cant-you-stay-home-t586751.html
birds/feathers:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Wings:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
Flowers:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
"B" - blooms, bubbles, bird, blue, beak:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Pastels:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
 Celebrate spring - by going fishing:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://sisterhttp://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/actcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
 Any uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

sympathy for Virginia

This image from SU's Garden Collage has really become a favorite.  I used my new (prize) powdered chalk from Chalk ah Lot - this is called Blue Bell - subtle coloring for the bird and the edges of the white circle.
Supplies:  from my stash - image, Recollection DP, pale blue ribbon, pink gems;  Other - branches from a Cheery Lynn die.  There is a sympathy verse on the inside - this is for a friend from church whose sister and sister-in-law died within four days.
Sketch, with stash items listed:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Colors:  http://papersweeties.com/uncategorized/paper-sweeties-april-inspiration-challenge-18-sweet-treats/
Bird:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.com/
Sympathy:    http://cardadayblog.blogspot.com
Circles:  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Feathery friend (8 challenges max):  http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/
BG DP:  http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/
Favorite stamp:  http://stampinfortheweekend.blogspot.com/

For a special friend

 

Once again, this image is not true to life - the shadow that seems to appear on the white layer does not exist IRL!  It is a solid white embossed piece.  The floral image is from Antique Images - they have a lot of lovely images - both pre-colored, like this, and black and white.  The sentiment covers a banner on the image, and it is popped up.  The bg is sea green, and the ribbon a pale version.  The floral strip is a yard sale find - I think maybe the package of strips includes iron on material, but I like the look for this kind of  strip.  The pink one is Basic Grey.
Sketch:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/ 
Pastels:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Color inspiration/photo:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
For a special lady - a friend who shares my like for the vintage look:  http://paper-craftingjourney.blogspot.com/
For a friend:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/ 
Birthday:  http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.com/ 
Embossing:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/

Ethan's Graduation

This will be the third graduation among our grandkids.  I used the photo and logo from the college web site - and the colors are blue and gold.  I liked the sketch I selected - to fit in the various elements.  I did the sentiment on the computer - a variation of one I have seen before.  For stripes - the bg is the embossed Distressed Stripes (Cuttleabug) - as well as the stripes in the logo.  I had to alter the placement of the tiny circles - to cover a label that was part of the logo.  A fortuitous find in my stash - ribbon  in the right colors!  The finished card is 4.5x6.25.
Sketch:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Stripes:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Embossing, texture:  http://www.theartisticstampercreativeteam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/april-challenge-embossing-and-texture.html
Beginnings:  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com/

All die cuts

 I enjoy using die cuts, so a "die cut only" challenge is right up my alley!  I just need more (yah, sure!!) dies - more of the fancy circles and ovals - then I could do gorgeous cards like so many of you create.
Here I used a couple of kinds of DP, Spellbinders ovals - with glitter added - sizzix dies, and some ribbon.  The leaf die is available at Joan's Gardens.  The owner Terri also sells the Vagabond die cutting machine - I am glad to have that as it does a great job of cutting this birthday die - it seems a bit more temperamental than some of my dies.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
No stamping; at least 2 layers, and product from Joan's Gardens:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Tic Tac Toe ( middle down - glitter, pastel, and flowers):  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Spring flowers:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-anything-goes-challenge.html
           http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/

Monochrome graduation

I have a fairly long list of graduation cards and not much time, so I will need some quick and easy styles!  I think this works - when I get invitations I will try to create a card to match the colors.  This uses a Cheery Lynn Tiny Things die - which I bought when Joan had her Joan's Garden shop.  The flourish Frame folder is now available at Joan's Gardens - as is the Vagabond die cut machine I use.  The Congrats is a Cuttlebug die I have had for a while.  Two layers of purple are matted on white base.
Monochromatic:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
wings:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Purple, with Cheery Lynn die:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Embossing:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
Die cut (no stamp), with layers and items from Joan's Gardens:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Frame (embossed frame):   http://www.suzypantssmarty.blogspot.ca/
Spring (Graduations!!!)  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/

Rejoice! Have a blessed Easter

This is a favorite technique - using a white embossed bg - this time, with an addition of chalk.  I used some of the Stamp 'n Plus powdered chalk - just received as a prize from Chalk ah Lot.  I mixed it with water and painted it on the leaves - it looks grey here but IRL is a lovely green.  I like the way that I could use the aqua brush and control where it is placed.  I added some gems, and butterflies.  The image is from my stash of pre colored items - ready to use when needed.  The mats and butterflies are a dark green for the spring look.
Sketch:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search?q=stella+says+sketch&max-results=20&by-date=true
He is Risen - pastel:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Easter - with chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Easter:  http://createdwithlovechallenges.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Favorite technique (see above):  http://www.fashionablestampingchallenges.com/?p=8200
Emboss:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://aurorawingschallenge.blogspot.com/
    http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/

MMTPT298 for Lesley

I think this is a bright, springy card to show support for a friend of a teapotter (at SplitcoastStampers) who is undergoing tough times with cancer - the latest is that her blood count was too low for a scheduled treatment.  I am sure Lesley would appreciate prayers.  For more details:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt298~april-15-2014~peace-love-lava-lamps-t586525.html
I could not think of anything for the lava lamps or the 60's, so I opted for a supportive theme - this sentiment is a part of my Wish RAK stash, and the Hello is from The Alley Way.   The starry pattern is the best I could do for the red polka dot inspiration photo!
Sketch:  http://unscriptedsketches.com/
Inspiration:  http://beinspiredchallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring flowers:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Feminine:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Black, white and purple for Easter

This represents one of my favorite styles - using primarily a white embossed bg with dark (usually black) conrast - here I added some shades of purple.  In completing the Verve sketch I was rather stumped as to how to complete the long strip behind the circle - then I remembered the Paper Inspirations stamp I use frequently - for sympathy and for Easter.  I am quite happy with the result.  I used black ink - stamped lightly for a subtle effect.  The Easter stamp has not name.  I added a touch of lace and a Petaloo flower. as well as Nesties die cuts.

Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Black, white, a color: http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
            http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Easter:  http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/
               http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/ 
               http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
               http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/
Flowers:  http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com/

HB Ethan

I am re posting this card I made about a year ago.  It will help me remember - this is for Ethan - who is going to Alaska this summer to train as a fire fighter (hot shot group).

For Don and Jan

This card is going to a couple from our church - he is having serious back surgery to prevent the onset of paralysis - they both need our support and prayers. The sentiment is a digi.  The DP is K&Company.  Other supplies _ Nesties, a gold strip, tiny "flower" punch, flower from a stem, glitter, gem (flower center), Washi tape.  The gold strip, punch and flower have been around for a few years!  The sticker is a faux stitching one.
Sketch #1:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Case #4:  http://citycrafter.blogspot.com/
Inspiration image:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Any, with stash items and faux stitching (see above):  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

Paris Journey on Kraft

This has been a disappointing and frustrating experience today.  I had another version that, IRL, I liked much more - but I could not get a view that would show up on the screen.  So I did a partial remake - stamping the top part in black rather than Ranger Distress Tea Dye ink.  I also substituted a narrow gold sticker for a ribbon - actually I had used rust and gold twine that looked great.  I used a stamp set that has been gathering dust for a while - from PSX - just fit the challenges!  I used the collage look main stamp, a quill pen, tiny post card, and trunk - the one you cannot really see at the bottom of the card.  The sentiment is a stray from my sentiment collection, and the other two circles are pieces of DP from my new DCWV stack - Heirloom.  I added sponging with the Tea Dye ink.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
For a friend:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Paris Journey with Kraft:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Monochrome:  http://bunnyzoescrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/march-challenge-monochrome.html
Journey:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
A little bit French in Tim Holtz style:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/
Vintage: http://itsallaboutthevintagechallenge.blogspot.com/

Cheery spring

For this card I used dies and a technique I do not recall using before.  The flowers/stems are part of the Cuttlebug Olivia set I have had for a LONG time  I used pattern paper (from AMuse) cut two pieces to make longer stems.  For the flowers I uaed both pattern and solid cs, wich a sparkly gem center.  The HB is Sizzix, and the circles are Spellbinders Exquisite Circles.
Note:  Does any one use those circles?  I like the look, but have trouble figuring out how to layer them.  I also find them labor intensive - some of the tiny pieces do not punch completely - and a lot of items stick to the die - I use a pin to remove them, but that is lots of poking!
Sketch:  http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-04-11T00:02:00-04:00&max-results=2
Colors - yellows, grass green, light blues:  http://www.inlinkz.com/new/luAddLink.php?ref=http%3A%2F%2Fstampedblessings.com%2Famusing-challenge%2F&id=391770&cookie=870af6d541f7
Spots(bg paper, green leaves, lots of dots on the die cut!):  http://whimsiedoodles.blogspot.ca/2014/03/new-challenge-seeing-spots-and-winners.html
Technique - using piecing (pattern papers) to create flowers):  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Feminine:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Here I used a new image sent to me by a member of Wish RAK, at Splitcoaststampers.  I added a Spellbinder die cut/embossed border, with a Swiss Dot background.
Sketch:   http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Flowers:   http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/
Color inspiration:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Pastels:   http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Ribbons and bows:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/

Fish Whisperer - Dale

This image is perfect for our friend whose birthday is soon - I just received it as part of a Bugaboo prize package.  I used a computer sentiment so I could make it small and add his name.  It is colored with Prismas.  The DP is from a Karen Foster "Gone Fishing" pack - there are (subtle) lures.  I added some chalk sponging, and distressed the edges.  The button and circle are die cuts on my machine. 
Inside top:  It's your birthday again?  Didn't we do that about a year ago?  And for the main verse, I have a list of fishing wisdom - such as "When in doubt, exaggerate".  (I think that is needed with this cartch LOL!
Sketch: http://adieforasketch.blogspot.ca/
No flowers:   http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Humor:  http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/
Shabby chic:  http://craftyhandsdevon.blogspot.co.uk/
Make me smile:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Distress:   http://onesweetchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge

Another spring

Here is a second version of a card using ODB Birthday Blessings.  I like the colors better, and I will use it for a birthday card.  IRL the bg is a dusty pink, and the embossed strips are lavender, as is the bit of lace.  THe image is colored with Prismas and Spica pens - the Spicas add a nice touch of shine  I added stickles to the points on the circle and the stripes on the watering can.  I hope this works for the "water" challenge - this time, it is all IN the can LOL!  Maybe the bg embossing will remind you of some rather large raindrops!
Sketch:  http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/
Spring: http://www.disdigidownloads.blogspot.com/
Colors, with lace:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Pastels: http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Water:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Any:    http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
             http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/

Spring flowers

Images:  Our Daily Bread; misc cs and dp; Cuttlebug and Sizzix embossing folders - to
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
 Inspired by the stripes of the umbrella:  http://theseinspiredchallenges.blogspot.com/
Water, rain drops:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Showers, flowers:  http://shellysimagesblog.blogspot.com/
Colors (teal, burgundy lavender???):  http://papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Any:   http://paper-craftingjourney.blogspot.com/ 
           http://4kraftygirlzchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ 
          http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
          http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
 

MMTPT297 - for Albany Med Center

TThis week the SplitCoastStampers Tea Party cards are going to the son of one of the members.   He had serious treatment at the Albany Med Center, and his hope is to donate cards for patients and staff to give to patients.  I used a High Hopes stamp - Kitty's Fluttery Friends. I colored with chalk pencils and gel pens.  The paper is from a Debbie Mumm stack - that lasts and lasts!  I added some stickles for sparkle on the stars and butterflies.
Sketch:  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Pastels:  http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
         http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
         http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
         http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/#
        http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/2014/03/ttcrd-challenge-april-1st-april-8.html

Favorite ODB - Congratulations, ODB!

The last anniversary challenge at Our Daily Bread is to use a favorite ODB stamp.  I think any one I use is a favorite, but this one certainly qualifies.  I like the versatility - I can stamp it in black or in different colors - can leave it plain or add some color.  And it fits the "square" dies!  It is from the set called Faith, but I paired it with a sentiment from the Happy Birthday set.  I used Swiss Dots and Victoria embossing folders.  In retrospect I find the butterflies a bit too much - no time now, but I think I will look for something smaller and less fussy for those corners.
Sketch:   http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Favorite ODB:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
 For a friend:  http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
       http://2cuteinkchallenges.blogspot.com/
         http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Easter Blessings

I do have a couple of Easter stamps, but I have used them often, so looked for something different.  This SU Garden Collage image represents Easter well, I think.  I added a computer sentiment.  The image is colored with chalk, and I used new papers from a DCWV Heirloom stack.  The leaves and backing are cut from the same paper as the mat - it has a kind of mosaic pattern to it - perfect for leaves.  The flowers are by Petaloo.  Available from Terri:  Sizzix Garden Green dies, Memento Tuxedo black ink, and the Vagabond machine (http://www.atjoansgardens.com/).
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Dies:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
Flowers:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Use:stamp, corner treatment, pattern paper, item from Joan's Gardens: http://www.joanstouch.com/  
Wings:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Any:   http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
          http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
          http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Die cuts, embossing and masks

:

Edit:  My apologies to those of you sponsoring challenges and to DT members who are commenting - this is probably too late, but something weird has happened to my description - when I checked now (Sunday p.m.), I realized that my original description has vanished.
Products:  SU Designer greetings, JustRite sentiment; chalk pencils, misc. dp and cs.   Items available at Joan's Gardens:  Cuttlebug frame embossing folder, Sizzix Garden Green die (I cut apart the leaves from the branch).  I used a somewhat different masking technique - I used a scroll punch, and sponged oer it with SU chalk - I also masked a circle for the sentiment.  The color is way off, as I used More Mustard chalk - to match the mat.  (The "to you" is from a Just Rite set that was probably the first JR one I bought - not sure of the name but it is a Classic Circle Stamper..  I masked the rest of the stamp to get the "to you" that I wanted here.)

Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
 Light Blue, golden yellow, white:  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Pastels:   http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
DP, corners, a stamp, item from Joan's Gardens (see above):  http://joanstouch.com/
Masking, JustRite stamp:  http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/justrite-friday-challenge/
Any:   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Blue and yellow:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
 For You:  (Vintage stamping challenge):  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/

Vintage Birthday

This is my interpretation of the Tim Holz style.  I used pattern paper (Costco) which I sponged with chalk  to give a more vintage look.  I also sponged the edge of the circle (A Day for Daisies image),  The circles are by Spellbinders, and the leaves and sentiment Sizzix.  The pastel flowers are done with metallic markers.
Sketch 2:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Pastels, using their image:  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
         http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/ 
         http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Birthday:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Shabby chic:   http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/ 
Say it with words - Vintage:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/

MMTPT296 for Kathleen

Those of you who visit my blog regularly know that I participate in the weekly TeaPot Tuesday challenge at SplitCoastStampers.  In addition to doing a challenge, we have the option of sending our card to someone who can use a lift.  This week the cards go to one of our group, Kathleen, who is awaiting a lung transplant.  Our challenge is to use images and sentiments that represent the courage Kathleen has shown during her illness.  The eagle is one of the suggested images.  This verse certainly fits.  Kathleen, you are in our prayers. 
The pattern strip was in a kind of grab bag at a yard sale.I think it is an iron on material, but I just used it like paper -   it has the colors I needed!  I also needed something to embellish an oops! so added the strip of lace (I suspect one or two of you has had a similar experience...!!!)
Sketch:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Stella%20Says%20Sketch
Colors and items of the sea - aqua, coral, shell, bubbles, lace:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
Dies:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Favorite die (there are so many - here it is Labels One):   http://lejdesignschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Uplifting Scripture:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Teapot Tuesday:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt-296~april-1-2014~-courage-one-t585922.html