Heavenly Bodies (not!)

This is such a fun image from Art Impressions.  It is on a card 4.5x6.25.  I colored with Prismas, and added glitter for the burning candles and some sequins at the edges.
Use sequins:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2014/06/challenge-138-inspiration-sequin-use.html

A Nap ...

Looks like too much shopping, to me!  This is one of the delightful AI images - my fellow seniors love them!  I used mostly teal, with sequin enhancements.  I even trimmed one of them to decorate her shoes.  BTW, the sequins come from a baggie of several packages that was one of the many items I have that belonged to my mother - so they are truly vintage.
Sketch:  http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com/
AI image with sequins:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/

Far outside of my comfort zone

I pretty much avoid CAS cards- but I saw the challenge to case VIcki Dutchr, and I wanted to try.  This is a very old cuttlebug embossing folder - which I colored with Twinkling H20's/  I think that they are my favorite coloring medium - though I do not use them very often - probably because my color selection is not that great.  (I use an aqua brush.)  I have at least 4 different shades of blues and aquas as well as Forest green for the stems and leaves.  (The blotches are not present IRL - LOL!)  I added tiny black crystals for the flower centers, and the stencil is Tim Holz.  The Blessings die (Cheery Lynn, available at Joan's Garden) is my new favoarite die.  I like it because it is a simple way to express this sentiment - and useful for such a variety of occasions;  I also like that it is available in two sizes - and positionable in a way that a stamped sentiment may not work.
Inspired by Vicki:  http://www.aaacards.blogspot.co.uk/
Several colors, with stencil and texture, with die from Joan's Garden):  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Old (embossing folder) and new(die):  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Favorite die (see above):  http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Something new (die):  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/

Stencil with many colors

This is my version of a stencil using several colors of ink - combined with the Vintage Journey style.  I have several stencils, but not many that would seem to work with the challenge instructions to use several colors of ink.  I am not terribly satisfied with the white - I may try this again on kraft cs.  As stated in previous posts, I am the recipient of a huge box of goodies sent by my sister.  I sponged several inks - red,orange, yellow, and one called mudslide - but I decided to make the circle smaller and the yellow edges are cut off!  I also sponged the edge of the bottom mat.  This is from a sheet of cs by Bo Bunny (I used to see her on TV YEARS ago!!!). I did color in the flower of the image (Garden Collage by SU).  The bg is debossed, showing a bit of white through the dark layer.  ).  More texture comes from the ribbon and the Blessings die cut (Cheery Lynn - available at Joan's Garden store).
Wings (butterfly):  http://www.vintagejourney.com/
Multi ink stenciling, texture, product from Joan's Garden:  file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/A%20sketches/z%206-30%20Joan%27s.htm

Birthday butterflies

The past few cards I posted have all made use of some of the many goodies sent by my sister - her friend gave up stamping and I am the beneficiary!  This DP is lovely - and the stamps were part of the pack as well.  I sponged the stamped layers, but it is not nearly this blotchy IRL.  I used some sea green chalk to match the DP
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/

My cup of tea

The blo.tchiness has returned!  IRL there is no shading behind the image.   I used this image from my stash, and some DP sent by my sister - my selection was influened by the inspiration photo at Verve.  The coloring is with Prismas.  I added sheer ribbon and Petaloo flowers.
Verve #3:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/

For Sarah, Charley and baby

This is not my usual style, but I need a baby card, and have few supplies for one!  I just got a huge box of goodies from my sister - including these papers.  I had the image in my stash from Splitcoaststampers Wish RAK.  The sentiments are 7gypsies, and I added some sheer pink ribbon.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Baby:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

High Hopes Guest Designer

Woo Hoo!  I was fortunate enough to win the challenge at High Hopes a few weeks ago, and they asked me to be a guest designer.this week.  The challenge is to use ribbon or twine with a High Hopes stamp.  This is a weekly challenge and I invite you to check it out!  The post went live this morning, so now I can reveal it here!  I used a set I selected a while ago - called sign post - the post is cute and has several sentiments that can be added.  I used a die cut on the left, and threaded the ribbon through it, and added the ribbon and bow along the bottom.  I sponged the sign part, and colored with gel pens.  This is a sketch I will probably use again,
Sketch:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Any:  http://craftingattheweekend.blogspot.co.uk/
Underused item (the die - strip at the left - not sure who makes it) :  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Use ribbon or twine:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/

Black and white with a touch of yellow

This uses an image from Beccy's place, with a sentiment by SU.  The Helen Keller quote is part of the main image - I just put it above instead of underneath.
Our internet service has gone from bad to worse - that puts a damper on my challenge participation!  But I will keep making cards and enter when I can.
Sketch:  http://www.palspaperarts.com/
Black and white and 1 color:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Use a stamp or digi (Beccy's)   http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Friendship

This is an image from A Day for Daisies.  I think the cs is Provo - I do not have the label with me right now.  This is a favorite type of layout - I get to use two coordinating patterns!  The sponging on the image looks so blotchy here - it is more subtle IRL.
Sketch: http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Distress:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/

all purple

This is the best version of harlequin I have with me this summer - I paper pieced the dress in the same cs.  This Emerson image is so popular!
Sketch, with harlequin:  http://poppysketches.blogspot.com/

Anniverary

I am hoping this will work for a friend to give her husband for their anniversary.  What do you think?  Is it too "girlie" with these colors?  I used the same combination as in the previous example - and I will definitely use it again (and again) now that I have discovered it!  The embossed layer uses a folder (Sizzix?) with hearts - but they are only partially visible at the top.  I embossed about 2/3 of the layer, then inserted the other end to do the remainder - so I could get the hearts at the top.  I then proceeded to cover that area with the strip!  Side note:  this quote is from a very favorite book, originally in French - the Little Prince.  It includes a lot of great wisdom.  It might be considered a children's book - but has deeper meaning at an adult level.  Has any one read it?  By the way, I sponged the main panel with peach colored chalk.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/
For a friend (hubby must be considered a friend....):  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/http:    
                 /http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
 Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/             

happy birthday in peach and grey

I just discovered a new favorite color combination!  (How many favorites am I allowed???)  This is peach and grey - inspired by the bg paper whose name I forget.  The bg is embossed with a "vine" folder by Sizzix.  I used some chalk for a bg on the image panel.  It uses a favorite die - Labels 4.  Another favorite, for its terrific versatility, is the Pine branch die from Cheery Lynn.  Here, I just used tiny parts of the branches - I did not want to cover any more of the DP!  (The branches are in all 4 corners of the panel.)  To complete the sketch, I used sheer ribbon across the center, topped with narrow peach ribbon.  I hope you like this as well as I do!  The inside verse states:  God bless you always with His special love.
Sketch:  http://scrappingeverydaymiracles.blogspot.com/
Favorite die (see above):  http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Dies:  http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
2 word sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

For an anniversary

 This is for a friend to give her husband for an anniversary - hope she likes it!  This is a cute Penny Black image - I am supposed touse a favorite but that is impossible - I think my fave is which ever one I am using!  I used the "you" folder for the bg - chalked to highlight, but that does not show well.  I also chalked a border on the die cut. bg.

 Sketch:   http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/

Fave Penny Black:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/

Distress:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/ 

Chalk:   http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/

Are you having fun?

I used some fairly old DP and an image that has been sitting in my "colored and ready to use" box for a long time!  I added some twine and striped sticker paper for a border.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Joys of summer:   http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/

Bright get well

   

As I look over my recent cards, I see it is time to show some bright color!  I had intended to emboss the red layer, but got interrupted a few times, and distracted - so this is much plainer than my usual work!  I did use the fussy circle dies from Spellbinders, and a couple of pretty unkonwn flowers - they have been in my stash for a while, but I think this is the first I have used them.  At least, they are neglected!  The goldenrod cs and DP is from AMuse.  I colored the image with a variety of colors - red, gold, brown and green predominate, but there are touches of blue and pink as well.
Sketch: http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
At least 4 colors:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Any:  http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/
         http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
         http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Do-si-do anniversary

Inside it says:  still do-si-doing, After all these years!  Our good friends have an anniversary next week.  This is such  a fun AI image!
Sketch (6-20) :  http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/
Friends (6-25):   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Square ((6-20)  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2014/06/challenge-137-hip-to-be-square-square.html

an anniversary window

Several friends are celebrating anniversaries soon - one friend asked to me make a card for his wife and this is the one he selected.  I am not sure what happened to the image you see - I have stamped "Love ya" in the lower left corner - only a bit of the phrase seems visible.  Oh, well...
I stamped a number of images before taking off in the RV for the summer - I forget which SU set this is from, but it is an older one I have kind of neglected. I hand cut around the image.  I used lavender lace for the ribbon - the package says "to use on apparel" so I think it qualifies for the Pile it on challenge  to use something not intended for cards. I also think these colors are beautiful - and hopefully bright!
Sketch - theme, bright and beautiful (7-12):  http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/
Wrong but Right (6-22):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2014/06/pile-it-on-24-wrong-but-right.html
Crop or Cut -hand cut image (6-22):  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Lace and bow (6-22):  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/

Anniversary in Black and white

For me, anniversary cards are a special challenge - to have a compromise between frilly and masculine!  I thin this image works - it is from Beccy's Place.  I added a touch of green chalk to the embossing - a Sizzix folder.  The sentiment is Verve, Wishing you...Sheer ribbon completes the card.
Sketch #2:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://ditziedigidesigns.blogspot.co.uk/
Any using Beccy's image:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/:

For Boyd

A friend asked me to make a card for their son-in-law, a pastor.  She wanted Scripture, and a reference to fishing - so I chose this dp from a DCWV pack.  I have had this Psalm stamp for many years - as well as the teardrop embellishments.  I used some stickers for his name, and stamps from the Verve Wishing You set.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
For the boys:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Father's Day:  http://thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Scripture:  http://www.faithhopelove1cor13-13.blogspot.com/2014/03/faith-hope-love-challenge-fhl1.html
Dad:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Blessings for you

This looks much more pink on the screen than IRL, where it seems rather subtle - not sure what happened!  The bg is ivory and I used tan, ivory and pink to color the ODB image.  The Blessings die is from Cheery Lynn.  I thought I could use this for a wedding card.
Sketch:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/
Ivory, pink, tan, white:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
          http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
wings:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/

Thank you from Aunt Madge's Garden

With our extremely capricious internet connection this summer I find that I am often running behind and taking short cuts - please excuse the abbreviated info.
I love this image but do not use it often because of the size - here I placed it on a 5.25x 6.5 base.  I tried something new -stamped it on subtly patterned paper, and found a left over strip of dp that nearly matches the image!  I think I like the uncolored look this time.  I also used DP (rust colored dots on green - for the leaf cluster.  I hope the final effect is masculine - hence the leaves rather than flowers. 
I am so trying to use "leftovers" _ thought the thank you was a rub on, but it is on a clear sticker - I think a few pages of those items were in a yard sale grab bag.

Kraft bg - Just for him:  http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/2014/06/challenge-175-just-for-him.html
High Hopes Aunt Madge Garden, with 2 or more patterned papers:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Thank you:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/

For father's day or any occasion

I made several cards that could be Father's day or any occasion.  I hope this color is masculine enough - DH said it passed!  The sentiment is from a great Verve set!  I am finding the Cuttlebug You folder to be versatile for special occasions.
A man's world:  http://vervestamps.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-2014-diva-dare-day-1.html

Garden fence in turguoise and grey

The bg is dark turquoise, and the embossed layer is a paler shade.  The layered mats are grey, as are the gems. The digital image was a prize from the Stamping Boutique.
Sketch (rotated):  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/

Sympathy, black and white

This is a digital image from TLC.  The butterfly is Cheery Lynn, and the scallopy frame is sold at Joan's Gardens (Cuttlebug).  I like the simple elegance of black and white for sympathy cards.
Black and white, texture, scallops, frame available at Joan's Gardens:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Dies:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Any:  http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Birds:  http://citycrafter.blogspot.com/

The church ladies

This image has been in my stash for a long time - I have lost track of the origin.  It SO reminds me of my grandmother - complete with the print dresses and the hat! 
I feel I am working under a handicap this summer - I inadvertently left a box of my "tools" behind when I packed the motor home - including my punches!  (I got a tiny star one along....). So I have little in the way of scallops, but I hope this rectangle die works!  The corner treatment uses tiny flowers from a Cuttlebug border die, and the Blessings is a great new Cheery Lynn die from Joan's Gardens store.  I used the textile embossing folder (cuttlebug), which I chalked using black chalk.  The splotches are courtesy of my computer.
Sketch:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.ca/
Uplifting - the verse inside is for Birthday blessings with God's love:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Corner treatment, with Cheery Lynn die:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Black and white, texture and scallops. with die from Joan's Gardens:  http://www.joanstouch.com/

Dad likes pizza!

This is such a cute image - especially for a pizza lover!  (By Gruffy, colored with chalk pencils and gel pens))
The letters are cuttlebug's Olivia.
Sketch: http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Father's day:  http://thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com/
                      http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Lots of layers:  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/

Thinking of you

I always need a lot of cards to show support - so many friends are seriously ill.
I had printed a few of these verses - I believe they are among the wonderful freebies at Word Art.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!  I used a very old piece of dp - perfect for the aqua, navy and yellow challenge to go with the first sketch at Verve this month.  I added some Prima flowers that have also been in my stash a long time.
Sketch, with color:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/ 
uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any: http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
        http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/

Enjoy a lazy day

These strips are from sheets of sticker patterns.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/

Too many candles?

This sentiment and this older Rubbernecker image just go together - and is perfect for a lot of our friends, as well as DH.  (He is 82 today, but got a different card!)  The bg is embossed with the "you" folder.  I highlighted with light color chalk, but it does not show well.  The lighter mat is a leftover piece I had randomly sponged with the negatives of number dies - a cople uof the numbers show here. Coloring is a combination of pastel chalk pencils and glittery Spica pens.
Sketch:
Texture:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/
Any:  http://polkadoodle.blogspot.ca/2014/05/wk-22-men-on-our-mindspolkadoodles.html
         http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/

Hannah's graduation

Supplies:  DP by Paper Studio; number stickers, Spellbinder circles, an old sentiment stamp
Sketch:   http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/

A big fish

What a true statement! We know a lot of fishermen!  I used stickers for a few more fish...

Special masculine

I think this is SU Thoughts of Father - an oldie but very good one! (Sorry for abbreviated posts - connection problems!)
Fathers day:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/

Katie's graduation

This year I have made more graduation cards than the total I have made previously! This is a combo of dp, die cuts,stickers, punches, dry embossing, a bit of stamping, and sponging/ I don't think it show up well, but the silver border is dry embossed with swirls.  (Note - for the "bravo" panel - I partially cut the edge using the largest Labels die - since I do not do well at all using scissors to create a shape!)
Sketch: http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com/
Die cuts: 
Embossing:

This is an older High Hopes image, colored with chalk pencils.  I used star punches and metal brads.  I have had the punch, the gold paper, and brads for a few years!

Sketch: http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Stars, masculine:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Metal brads:  http://inkychicks.blogspot.co.uk/
Older High Hopes:    http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/

One for DH

-

Once in a while I find myself in a unique situation - friends ask me to make a card for my hubby.  This is a case in point - fortunately, the friends were really happy with the result!  There is a bit of resemblance - his boat is red, he has a safari hat, and he has been known to doze off...!!!  The tiny sentiment (computer) says Best Fishes.  The image is a digi - a gift a long time ago to TeaPot partiers (Splitcoaststampers) and it worked here as well.  The bg has a variety of fish, and the strip is from an early Cuttebug die.
Sketch: http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
The man in my life:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Graduation in white

This challenge - white on white really evokes "wedding", but I need 3 more graduation cards !
I used the Congrats folder (cuttlebug) that I seldom think of using.  I added a die cut strip and a couple of the flower pieces (with pearl centers).  The sheer white ribbon is on top of the sentiment.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/search/label/sketch%20challenge
Graduation:  http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
White on white:http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Any: http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
          http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
          http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Ready for a dip?

This image cracks me up!  It is colored with Prismas, and I added the funny sentiment by Lockhart.
Sketch:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/sketch-challenges/what-if-wednesday-sketch-challenge-m2814/comment-page-1/#comment-3846
Girlie:  http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/2014/05/challenge-93-girly-feminine.html
Any:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/

More humor for a guy

This is another of the AI hero collection.  I colored with Prismas, and used the Cuttlebug "You" embossing folder for the bg.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Father's Day/Masculine:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com
                                            http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
                                            http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/  

Humour for Dad

This fun image is from the AI "hero" collection - a departure from my usual fishing and golfing masculine cards!  I pieced the shorts (DH thought they were way cool!!!!).  The rest is colored with Prismas.  OK, I did use a fishing bg - from a DCWV set. 
Disclaimer:  for the rest of the summer I think our internet connection will be spotty - since I have to take the laptop someplace for a connection, I tend to rush - If I make an error as I enter challenges, I am sorry - just ignore my entry. 
Sketch (theme: use a stamp):  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Father's Day / Masculine: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
                                           http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
                                           http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/
"S" - for swatter:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/

Walter's 70th

My younger brother is turning 70.  He seems a bit concerned about the number so I decided to really high light the fact!  He is musically inclined and I hope the die cut at the center looks a bit like a musical note.  I am not at home, and cannot recall the name of the DP.  The letters are an older Cutlebug set, Olivia - one of my first CB purchases - and I have been so happy with this choice.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Celebration:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Anything:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Layers:   http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Texture for Austin

This card is for the TeaPot Tuesday challenge at Splitcoaststampers.  This week our cards go to Austin, who is going blind due to treatments.  He enjoys "reading" texture on the cards.  I used dies for inside sentiments, as well as for this truck.  I also used the You embossing folder, and added enamel outlines and enhancement for the dots.
Sketch #1: http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
For the Guys:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Spots and stripes:  http://www.littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/little-claire-monthly-challenge-45.html
Cute for the boys:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Embossing and cute: http://cutiepiechallenge.blogspot.co.uk/

Especiallly for Father

We have had a busy two weeks of travel, graduations, and a wedding.  I hope to get some photos posted soon.  Now that we are in the RV for the summer, I am having to make do with what I brought along - there will probably be more improvisation than I would like!  This card, suitable for a birthday or Father's Day,  includes an image from my Wish RAK stash (SplitCoastStampers).  It is colored with chalk pencils.  The image bg has blue sky and water and a layer of beige sand.  The sentiment is by Recollections.  The Kraft bg is embossed with a Tim Holz folder.  I used the metallic seal from a can of International Coffee for the die cut strip.  A metal brad holds the button die cut.
Sketch: http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Manly: http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
For the boys: /http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/
Father's Day: http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Any: http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Water, with Kraft cs:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Metal:  http://miriamscraftingblog.com/1/post/2014/05/miriams-crafting-blogs-12th-monthly-challenge-metallics.html 
Men only: http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/