Hanna and Spencer's wedding card

This has been a very special card for me to make - unfortunately, the image is not as good as I would have liked.  Our oldest grandson is getting married - their invitations featured pink and brown, a cord "tie", and their initials so I incorporated those elements. IRL the bg is a pale pink - it looks more creamy here.  The main DP is a botanical print in pink and brown; the lace is pink. and the DP strips are also brown and pink.  I used the Swiss Dot folder on the bg.  Die cuts include spellbinder hearts, Cuttlebug letters, and Cheery Lynn butterfly and Blessings.  The stamped sentiment is Great Impressions (pretty old, I think).  I used Choc chip ink and heat embossed for a bit of sheen.
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Dies:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Botanical:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Stamping and a bow:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
 Embossing (See above): http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Dies:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers (DP):  http://stampedblessings.com/
Shabby chic (DP, lace):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Masculine, with Cheery Lynn die  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge

Graduation #?

I thought I had completed all the graduation cards we needed for the season - but another invitation arrived.  I have my "stuff " half packed - some to take along this summer, and some to leave at home - and I don't know where anything is!  (The older I get, the harder it is to remember...)  But I just got this Blessngs die from Joan's Gardens - what a nice item!  I am sure I will use it a lot - this is the small version.  I did not embellish a lot, to keep this a masculine card - added a ribbon, and a Spellbinder swirl and border.  Black, silver and turquoise were the invitation fcolors.  I used the computer for the central verse, and Our Daily Bread scripture.
Sketch:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Die, black, embellishment, Joan's product (Blessings):  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Die cuts:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
2 or more die cuts:  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.co.uk/
Any uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Manly, with Cheery Lynn die:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge

stencil and chalk

I used a stencil and dp that was part of my recent prize at Frilly and Funky.  The DP is from a pad calledSomething Blue (Prima), and the sunburst stencil is Stampers Anonymous.  The leafy branch is a Sizzix die available at Joan's Gardens - Terri has so many great products.  The verse is Verve, and sentiment from Recollections.  I added a bit of Washi tape between the segments.  Oh, yes, I used 3 shades of coral chalk for the sunburst - the scan is not very good.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com
Use a stencil and 2 pattern papers:   http://www.joanstouch.com/
DP to cover base:  http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers and die:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Die Crazy:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Natural glory (the roses are glorious):  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Monochromatic Wedding

h

I think you will need your imagination when viewing this card.  IRL the bg mat and dp bg color is a deep teal.  The letters LOVE also show up much better - the chalk sponged on the edge of that layer is subtle.  To create the word, I die cut letters (CB Olivia).  The center of the o and e are separate - I used a tiny bit of double stick tape to hold them in place when I sponged on the chalk.  I also sponged the flower a bit, and distressed the dark edges.  A bit of lace adds to the vintage feel.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Distress:  http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
DP:   http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/
Distressed:   http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
One word focal point:  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Chalk (letters):  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Sparkle, feminine:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Hal's graduation

On graduation cards for our grandkids, I try to include important aspects of their lives - sometimes difficult to do, without having a cluttered look.  This represents his high school, choice of college, and his interest in horseback riding.  I could have included a lot more!  I used a copy of the HS logo from the graduation announcement; clip art for "class of"  (there were some great ones available!) and I also found the Jayhawk through Google.  The DP is K& Company.  Note for the Eureka challenge - this horse is pretty much in the air - not sure about the Jayhawk!  The confetti is also in the air.  The card is 4.75x6.5.
Sketch (rotated):  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Graduation:  http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/
                       http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
In the air:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
"M" - mortarboard:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge
Not square:  http://craftingmusketeers.blogspot.com/

Honoring this week's Queen

This is another card I made to honor this week's queen at SplitCoastStampers - to be revealed later today.  It is a pretty accurate case - something I rarely do!  I did emboss the bg - this time I just "bit the bullet" so to speak, and used the HB folder "sideways" - figured it did not matter a lot as most of it is covered - especially the cake and candles that would not do well tipped over LOL!  Has any company heard my plea for a landscape HB folder?  I have practically worn this one out...
The bubbly DP is Paper Pizazz, and the other is Provo Craft.  The dark CS is navy Recollections.  The sentiment has become separated and I am not sure of the origin.  I used Oval Nesties, and a Martha Stewart punch.
Queen for the day - Kathy aka Muscrat on SCS:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/queen-day-challenge-f311/qftd211-our-new-queen-t587681.html
Monochromeatic:  http://www.aurorawingschallenge.blogspot.com/2014/04/challenge-2-monochromatic.html
Birthday:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
                  http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Die and a punch: http://flatfriendschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Old (punch, dies, HB folder) and new (stamp - first time use):  http://polkadoodle.blogspot.com/
"M" - monochrome, Muscrat (screen name for the honoree):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Honoring the QFTD at Splitcoaststampers

This is to honor the weekly Queen for the day  at SplitCoastStampers.  (She has not yet been revealed, so I will be back later to do that._
I used a die cut trellis that a friend sent - I have no idea of the origin, but I think I should look for that die or punch, whatever it is!  I added a Verve Scripture and Whiff of Joy  sentiment.  Te oval is Spellbinders - I added the backing for contrast.
Today's Queen:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/queen-day-challenge-f311/qftd211-our-new-queen-t587681.html
Any:  
Scripture:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
"M" - my (my eyes, my help):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Old and New ( old - the lattice; new - sentiment - first time inked):  http://polkadoodle.blogspot.co.uk/
Thinking of you:   http://www.cardadayblog.blogspot.com/

Graduation, again

I mentioned earlier - LOTS of graduations this year!
Supplies:  DP - Paper Studio; Congratulations (CB) embossing folder - the folder was inked; precut chpboard tag (no manufacturer listed);  computer verse, ribbon; black, white, goldenrod cs
Sketch:  http://www.inspiredbystamping.com/blogs/news/13618805-inspired-by-stamping-april-blog-challenge
Items:  chipboard,  b&w and i color, text, dry embossing:  http://desertislandcraftschallenge.blogspot.com/
Black, white, one color:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Any, with a gem:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Favorite color combo - I have several, but black and white is right up there!:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://open-mindedcraftingfun.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Inking - EF inked:  http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/
Special person - this is for my niece who is graduating:  http://unstampabelleschallenges.blogspot.com/

Kitty and mice

Every summer I meet a customer who routinely purchases a dozen or so "cat cards" to give to her friend the cat lover.  I appreciate the sales, but it does keep me on my toes to locate a variety of images!  I recently found new ones at Dearie Dolls - this is a colored image - and they are freebies.  Hooray for the variety, and thank you, Dearie Dolls!  I added glitter to the flowers on the chair, and cut the kitty's head, to make a smaller panel.  The circle and strip are both DP, and the bg is Cuttlebug's You - I inked just a few of the words before embossing - a kind of spotlighting technique, I guess.   The ink does not seem to show well on the screen - "kind", "loving" and "stupendous" are the ones with a bit of dark pink ink.  The flowers are Petaloo, with gems added, and the ribbon is a sparkly pink.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Circles and squares (well, it is almost a square!):  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Special lady (my customer's friend):  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Pink:  http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
Flowers:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Ribbon, bling:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Feminine:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Another graduation

I still have more graduation cards to make!  This uses some hand made paper (Costco) with gold metallic spots.  I inked the Textile embossing folder; made a hexabon from a piece of metallic gold, and placed the die cut heart over it - not sure why it seems so hard to see on the screen.
Sketch - with a die cut:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.ca/
 Hexagon/any:   http://www.addalittledazzle.com/dazzling-diva-challenge-24/
Vintage (inked textile), with words, words:  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Love (Sentiment):  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Graduation:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any:  http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/
          

Pink and orange

I mistakenly sponged the wrong side of the embossing folder - so this is debossed (those of you who "know" me are aware that I seldom discard any mistake LOL!)
The image is Verve, I believe, and the sentiment - Recollections.  The ef, available at Joan's Gardens, is snowflake - but I like it for the look of celebratory starbursts.  The delicate Cheery Lynn butterfly was purchased from Joan some time ago.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Embossing, butterfly, sentiment, item from the store:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Soft pink, soft orange, lavender (flowers) white/w CB embossing:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Encouraging words:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Pink and orange BG (Sponged on EF):   http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any ( butterfly die):   http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/  
Anything feminine:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/05/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-132.html

A Country Garden for You

This card features a High Hopes image (Country Garden) and some favorites  The image is colored with Twinkling H20;s, including Playful Peony, Pink Anthuriam, and Cedar Wood.  Another fun technique is to ink the embossing folder - in this example, with SU Garden Green.  It is a large image, so I used the Outside the Box technique, cutting part of the image so it extends beyond the main rectangle.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
HH image, pastels:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
"5" - 5 layers: base, mat, embossed layer, green bg, image:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
My style - layers, often with embossed bg; Favorite - embossed bg - that is a folder I have had a long time; favorite inks - H20 - also in my stash for a few years!:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Tutorial - outside the box:  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Stamps and flowers:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-challenge-stamps-flowers.html
Any:   http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

A kitty for Carolyn

This is a card I completed to honor the Queen for the Day, redi2stamp (Mary), on SplitCoastStampers.  I did not case her card, but used it as an inspiration.  I will send this to a friend from church - she has had to leave her friends and church home to be closer to extended family - and she misses us!  She is also fond of cars.  I tried a new to me color combo and I am pleased with is.  The image is a freebie from Dearie Dolls - I used the technique outside the box, cutting the ears and tail so I could use a smaller circle. 
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Many layers, with a Cheery Lynn die (pine branches):  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Dots:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Tutorial  (outside the box):  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Dies (circle, branches):  http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Just because:  http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

Cover page - Ethan's album

This is not a card nor does it have stamping, but I wanted to share a technique.  I have a tradition of putting together a simple photo album for each college graduate (grandchild). I try to include interesting snap shots of his/her life - photos from our collection that their parents probably do not have.
For this album I used double sided paper (from a Costco pack).  I used dies (Lifestyle Crafts, Cuttlebug) for the lettering. 
HERE IS MY TIP:  I had read a hint about adhering tiny items, but I changed it a bit.  I adhered blue cs to some sticker paper - leaving the protective layer in place.  For this purpose, to save paper, I cut the blue in small strips, then used glue.  I cut the double layer (cs and sticker paper), then fit it to the letter die and cut.  The protective layer strip came off easily - so much easier than trying to get glue on those narrow strips!
  I am not good at photos - to clarify, here is the "sandwich":  cs, glue, protective sheet, sticky paper.  I have had this package of sticker paper for a long time - nice to have figured out a way to use it..
Anything but a card:   http://www.sparklingblackrose-craftmylife.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-04-16T09:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=10
Numbers:   http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/

Soft florals with wings

It is somewhat "outside the box" for me to do a card without dark mats separating the layers - but, here goes!  The embossed frame does have a bit of white ink - which I applied directly to the folder.  The Garden Collage (SU) image is sponged with lavender and pink chalk.  I used an aqua brush and Twinkling H20 for the butterfly, and applied stickles for some sparkle.  The strip is a sheer floral ribbon, and I tied the sentiment (CTMH) with some shiny cord - used glue and glitter to create a jewel to keep the cord tied.  The butterfly is CCDesigns.  It is cut from a scrap of scrolly pink paper from my recycle box - think it came from an ad.  The corners are punched with a Martha Stewart corner punch.  This card will go to the recipient for this week's SCS TeaPot Tuesday challenge.
Included for challenges:  soft colors, butterflies, flowers (on ribbon and part of the image); CB Scrollworks EF available from Joan's Gardens shop, embossing (cuttlebug), ribbon, sentiment, punch, die cut

My apologies:  this blog is not cooperating this morning.  I will return and try to fix it.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Soft colors w/ Cuttlebug:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers and ribbon:  http://ribbongirls.blogspot.com/
Spring colors:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Butterflies:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Wings: http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Embossing, butterflies, sentiment:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Flowers (on image and ribbon):  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-challenge-stamps-flowers.html
               http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/
Punch/dies:  http://flatfriendschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Any: http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/
         http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/   
        http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
         http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

TeaPot Tuesday  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt301~may-6-2014~roses-red-violets-blue-t587342.html

Quick masculine card

Sometimes I just need a really fast card!  D - DCWV Heirloom. Image - Embossing Arts; Sentiment - Rubber Cafe; Washi tape, MS punch.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Masculine:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2014/05/challenge-134-anything-goes-masculine.html
Dimension  (washi tape, punch): http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thesweetpeastampers.blogspot.co.uk/
"5" - Paper, Washi tape, punch, stamps, dies :  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Any:  http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/ 

Congrats to Allison

Our niece is graduating from nursing school - this CC Designs stamp is just right!  The Congrats is a Cuttlebug die.  I used my new Stampers Anonymous stencil for the "rays" - colored with chalk.  The image is on watercolor CS, colored with Twinkling H20's.  DP by Prima.
Sketch:  http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Chalk (on sunburst):  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/ 
Rectangular (Not square):  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
For the ladies:  http://feelingcraftychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/ 
          http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Any, with a die (sentiment):  http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/ 

In memory of Linda Palmer

It is with sadness that I post this card,  I belatedly learned of the death of a long time SplitCoastStamper  friend, Linda Palmer.  We exchanged images and comments over a long period of time.  Then the talented Linda became a designer for blog challenges, and her name was often on the list of winners.  I think my best memory of Linda is seeing all of the cards she created for grand and great grand children.  (If you know of a challenge for which she was a designer, could you please mention it?)
The image is SU's Garden Collage, and the sentiment DRS.  I used bits of lace, some DCWV DP, and punched flowers with gems.  I embossed the mat of Spellbinders' labels die.
Sketch, with Tic Tac Toe (sentiment, DP, flowers):  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Texture/embossing (lace, gems):  http://miriamscraftingblog.com/1/post/2014/04/miriams-crafting-blogs-11th-monthly-challenge-texture.html
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
          http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-04-10T08:00:00-04:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false
         http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/

Grad gift card holder

The past few days I have had to make sure the challenges I enter have criteria that work for cards I must have - so many cards needed, so little time!  I had meant to omit the last Verve challenge - then when I took a look at it I realized I could use the sketch to create a gift card holder - this is the result.  I folded double sided paper and trimmed to form a side opening envelope (this is 4.25x5.5, so it holds the original cardboard holder as well as the gift card.)  Then I added the DP, some die cuts (Lifestyle Crafts), and one of those really shiny stars!  A while ago I bought several library style stamps (American Crafts), and I finally remembered to use the one with the date!  The phrase is one of several selections as part of the same stamp.
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Texture:  http://miriamscraftingblog.com/1/post/2014/04/miriams-crafting-blogs-11th-monthly-challenge-texture.html
 Not so mellow yellow:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Anything but a card:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Any:  http://thatcraftplaceblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/new-challenge-anything-goes.html

Grad - Hanna's sister

I need more graduation cards than any other year - need to keep them fairly simple.  These are school colors - for the sister of our future granddaughter-in-law.
I used the Cuttlebug Congrats folder, and LifeStyle labels dies.
The butterfly and branches are Cheery Lynn dies.  The butterfly is cut from one of my favorite non-crafting items - a Marie callender pie box - this is coconut cream.  I added glitter to the butterfly and a gem to hold the branches.  The ribbon is a metallic gold.  The stamp is a 7Gypsies library stamp.   The starry bb is DCWV, and I used scraps for the labels and the branches. The gold cs is AMuse.
Sketch, and blue dot-like inspiration:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Scraps - see above:   http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Wings:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Any:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Any:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Recycle:  http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/