Sympathy - black and brown

This is a Clear Stamp image,  The DP I have had for a LONG time - the swirly beige and black is a favorite that I kind of hoard! 
This also marks kind of a record for me, I am sure - 80 cards posted in one month!  And I had kind of a slow start over the July 4 week end!
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/

Verve Scripture

I have been happy to ink up my new Scripture set from Verve - this is one of the verses - and I found some lovely scraps to use as a back ground.  I used Swiss dots on the burgundy layer, and the lower panel has subtle dots as well.
Sketch: http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/Power:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Polka dots:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
                  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Flower  Power:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

Stenciled background

I tried something new - used a Ranger stencil, with chalk, for the background, then embossed the floral EF.
Sketch: http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/07/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-16.html
chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Flower Power:   http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

Lots of green

I have been trying colors I do not use a lot - and  green is one of them.  The dots and gingham are from AMuse.  The Craft Room has an inspiration challenge - I was inspired by the green and the top left image.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/Any:  http://stampedblessings.com/
Inspiration/greem:  http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/

More strawberries

I seldom do repeats, but a friend saw the card I made using this image (from Beccy's place, precolored), and wanted one - I changed a couple of things, including adding a gold frame (stickers) around the image - once again, I had a boo-boo to disguise!\  For the inspiration challenge, I was inspired by the green - especially the leafy image.
Any, using one of her images:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/july-challenge.html
Fruit:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/
Green:  http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/

Clouds and grass

I needed a quick masculine card - backed the image with "sky" and added some cloud and branch dies.
Sketch, with die cuts:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.ca/
Birthday:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/
Two or more dies:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/

A cherry on top

This is a fun set from Itty Bitty stamps. And what would I do without this birthday folder?  For the strip backing the sentiment I used a piece from the scrap and stick papers.  I used metallic gold to color the cake stand, and added stickles to the icing.
Sketch and colors ( violet, pink, gold):  http://poppysketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/

My help comes from the Lord

Lucky me!  I recently won a prize at the monthly Mojo contest.  This verse is a part of the Scripture Medley 2 set - lots of great verses that I will use a lot, I am sure. I have lots of aqua/turquoise papers - great to use on this sketch.
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

HB, Jerry

This is for a group of friends to send to Jerry, whose birthday is soon.  He lost his wife a few months ago, we we hope this will give him a lift.  Before retiring he raised horses - and broke a few, so this should be suitable!  The stamp is from a set by Mark's Finest Papers.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
"J" for Jerry, with a birthday in July:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

blue stencilling

For some reason, when I use different shades of blue, the results are disappointing to me - as in this card.  I should have used a different color for the stenciled bg.  I did use a favorite ODB set, however.  For a stencil, I used something that has been in my supply  drawer for a long time.  A local store (now closed) was generous with make and takes, and I learned a lot from the owner - named Dorothy!  She cut A2 sized "stencils" from some type of light plastic sheets - I purchased a set of about 6 designs.  When I "discovered" pattern paper, and then embossing folders, I kind of forgot about useing these stencils - but I certainly like the effect, if not the color!  I sponged with chalk - trying to go lighter toward the center.
Use a stencil:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challengehttp://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Sketch:  http://deconstructingjen.com/category/the-deconstructed-sketch/
Birthday:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Stencil:  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/new-month-new-challenge.html

wedding in silver

This uses various silver papers and CS, a computer generated verse, and a butterfly die cut by Cheery Lynn.
Sketch #3:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Silver:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Embossing:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

This is another card using the Floral Fantasy EF by Cuttlebug, and CC designs butterflies.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/07/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-16.html#

Verve Scripture

This showcases one of the stamps in the Verve Scripture 2 set I just received as a prize from the Mojo contest.  I know I will use this set a lot!  I dusted off the Cuttlebug  embossing folder I have had for a long time, but have neglected recently.I used shades of grey and black.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
                               http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/

Hugs and prayers

I have a large stash of images that I have printed (digis) as well as stamped images I have colored - nice to have on hand for quick cards - however, my record keeping is not so good - as a result, I cannot identify this.  I am pretty sure it is a digi, but I am not able to locate the original in my files.  Can any one help?  The sentiment is from the Wish RAK group at Splitcoaststampers.

Sketch: http://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/
Any: http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Flowers:  http://lacysunshinechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Thank you #8

Another version, using the Cuttlebug folder and an old sentiment stamp, with chalk to color the flowers.
Chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Blooms:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks #7

Actually, I have lost track of the number of thank you cards I have made recently.  Several friends wanted them, and a couple requested more of what I made already - hence, you will see several of this type!
Flowers:  http://lacysunshinechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/

Having fun

This is a fun image - they do look like they are having fun in the sun.  The sentiment is from Verve.  As I often do, I used the snowflake EF to look like sunbursts - that works in bright yellow!  I added a die cut from the Cuttlebug Olivia set.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Summer fun:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Fun in the sun:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
                         http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Midsummer:   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Happy 102nd Birthday

Each year, my friend asks me to make a card for her oldest sister - this year it is age 102 - truly a special occasion, and I try to make the card special.  I went with a color scheme my friend likes, and I thought this digi from Antique Images was very appropriate.  (If you are not familiar with their images, check them out - lots of interesting freebies are available.)   I added an embossed bg (birthday and Swiss dots), Vines on the gold layer.  The letters and numbers are Olivia - a Cuttlebug set I have had for a long time.  Thankfully, she has a short name that fit the banner!
Sketch:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
embossing:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
 Big birthday:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/

White on white - sympathy

This is a favorite Cuttlebug embossing folder - I often color with something like chalk, but left this white - perfect for a sympathy card.  This is actually my sentiment stamp, but I am not at home and forgot to note the name.  I layered white on white - the black is not part of the card.
Sympathy:  http://cleanandsimpleonsunday.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic: http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
White on white:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any: http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Embossing (1 0f 5):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Wedding in white

Here I am again with a card that is difficult to see - tried several ways!  (The black border is background only and not part of the card.)  I used a wedding stamp, an embossed layer that was a gift, some shiny white on white metallic, ribbon and a stamp I have had for a LONG time.  The layer under the cake is a sort of brocade white on white.
White:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/:  

More sweet berries, thank ou #6

The inside verse is a thank you.  Once again I used the precolored berries from Beccy's Place, together with some berry DP and a vine embossed piece.  I added a bit of metallic gold and Cheery Lynn leaves.  This is a sketch I like a lot.
Sketch:  http://deconstructingjen.com/ds160/
Any, with Beccy's image:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thatcraftplaceblog.blogspot.com/

Thank you #5

Whew!   This must be a record for posts in a day, as well as for the month.  I have been making so many cards for requests - can hardly keep up!  I forgot to note the name of the dp (I have to go to the club house at our RV park to use wi fi...).  I am pretty sure the image is Stampin Up.  Again I used Brilliane ink - silver and platinum work well for items like the wheel barrow.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/

Sweet strawberrries

These are lovely colors!  Beccy, thank you for this lovely precolored image. The butterfly is Cheery Lynn.  I think everything on this card is at least 6 months old - the striped DP is probably 6 years old!  The image has been in my file for almost a year.
Sketch:  http://kgiron.blogspot.com/2014/03/sweet-sunday-sketch-challenge-210.html
Colors:  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/challenge-131-inspired-by-color.html
Any:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/july-challenge.htm
Stash items; using fruit:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/

tHANK YOU #4 - Chalk, again

How can I have so many favorites?   Here is another - it is an old Cuttlebug folder, with a new to me Paper Smoochies stamp.  Technique:  sponging with chalk.   I had a request for several thank you cards - most are already gone, but I will probaby make more like this.  Easy, yet impressive, I think.
Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/

ETA  I selected this as another favorite for the year.  I do not do CAS well, but really like the look of chalk on the embossing.  
The late December hallenge is here:  http://cardsbydorothy.blogspot.com/2014/12/easel-5.html

Blue and yellow

More of my blue and yellow phase! This DP was a gift - How pretty!  These colors were perfect for a color challenge, but I seem to have missed the deadline.  I am finding it difficult to keep track - no internet access at our motor home - fortunately, we do have a good connection at the club house - but that is not so convenient.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/

Missing friends

A member at our RV park asked me to make a card to send to their good friends who are moving away.  I had this piece of DP in my stash, and thought the signpost  was suitable.  I am not sure why it only shows two directions.  THe sentiments are part of a Paper Smoochies set - I like the font, and the sentiments that are a bit different.  The butterflies are cut with Spellbinder dies that I have had for some time.
Sketch:  http://thecuttingedgechallenge.blogspot.com/

Thank you #3

Here is another in a series of thank you cards, as well as another for this sketch - which I found fun to use.  Again, I got to use some stash items, as well as dp from a huge box my sister sent me.  I recently "discovered" this color combo - what a nice, cheery look!  I colored using my aqua pen and Twinkling H2O's - they have been somewhat neglected recently,
Sketch:  http://deconstructingjen.com/ds160/
Water colors:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/

Thank you #2

This is a fun sketch to use!  I also got to use some stash items.  I recently dusted off the Brilliance inks and used them with my aqua pen for this image.  I especially like the silver and platinum I have - great for the watering can!
sketch:  http://deconstructingjen.com/ds160/
Spots and dots:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/#
Watercolors:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/

Wonder Woman #2

As I mentioned earlier, several residents of our RV park request cards.  This is the second Wonder Woman card I have made - kind of an inside joke for my friend!  I found this on free clip art.  I backed her with some scraps of patriotic papers I have - to go with her outfit.
Sketch:  http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/
Colors:  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/challenge-131-inspired-by-color.html 
Stars:  http://www.blogquickquotes.com/2014/07/friday-challenge-41.html

A series of thank you's

I am making several thank you cards for friends.  I have had the good fortune to be able to sell a lot of cards this summer - we have a little weekly craft show at our rv park - and residents have learned they can request special cards!  At any rate, this is a very simple version - I have had this double sided DP (Costco) for a long time, and it is hard to use with these birds - so I thought I would try with this sketch.  (I think thank you's are probably meant to be a little simpler than some other types!)
Sketch:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/#

Birdhouses

I have not used a lot of yellow in the past - but a glance at recent blog entries will show that has changed - here is another color combo that I like a lot!  I also like that Blessings die from Cheery Lynn, as well ss the fence die - I have forgotten the origin.
 Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Summer colors:  http://tuesdaytaggers.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-07-15T09:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=1

tombstone inscription

This has quite a story to it.  The photo is by Eva Searcy, an acquaintance who is a photographer.  Thanks to her talent, I have this photo with the inscriptions superimposed.  It reads:  My good people, as you pass by, As you are now so once was I  As I am now you soon must be.  Prepare yourselves to follow me.
This is a touching verse - especially on the tomgstone of a 17 year old. 
However, I have been unsure as to how to use it - though several customers indicated they liked this bg.  I created it using an unmounted stamp whose identity has vanished - I sort of masked some portions and stamped various parts of the stamp randomly.  I do not do well with random stamping, but I think this worked.  I may try it again with black and white.  Now - what verse for the inside????  I used a die for the middle strip and the corner treatment.
Faces:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
  Dies and distress:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/

I'm Here for you

This lovely dp is a gift - wish I could identify it!
Sketch:  http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/

When is a cupcake a muffin?

TLC has some great freebies - this is no exception!  Most of us can relate, I am sure!
Polka dots:   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Graduating nurse

Details to come.  In the meantime, If you know this image, can you let me know?
Sketch: http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/#

I used watercolor pencils and an aqua brush to color this flower  The glittery DP is from DCWV.  I added glitter around the main image- looks kind of like a blob here!
Sketch:  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any, with glitter:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
water color:  /http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/

A star for you

As I have often mentioned, my sister gave me a huge stash of stamping supplies.  Included were quite a few sheets with borders and punch out centers.  This is one example - I trimmed down the edges, and used only the star and button from the center - I adhered the border and star to the blue bg.  I used some of the excess border for the pennant, and added the sentiment from Stampin' Up.  The materials are called This n That by My mind's Eye.  Is anyone familiar with this type of product?  I need ideas, please.  I did a Google search with no result, and e-mailed the company.  I heard that my e-mail was forwarded to an appropriate person, but have not heard back.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/

Lighthouse

I made this to have on hand as a generic masculine card - the image is from Coast to Coast by SU.  The "banners" are from stick n tape sheets.  I received many sheets of this water/sky dp from my sister - I need to be creative to use more of it.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Travel (I love to visit light houses!) : http://acreativeneed.wordpress.com/join-in-the-monthly-challenge/

Popcorn the Bear

This is one of the Popcorn Bear images, from Crafter's Companion.  I colored with chalk pencils - I like that soft look for some images.  The banners are washi tape.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Animal:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Thinking of you, Teal, Aqua, Green

This is a digital image from Sweet ,n Sassy, combined with a Cuttlebug sentiment.  I used some scraps of DP, and a heart sticker from EK success.  It has a teal color, but was on a clear sticker - so I adhered it to some of the solid teal cs and cut around the heart, to allow more contrast and dimension. I am not good at cutting, but managed this!
Sketch and color Week 1)   http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any inspirational:    http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Sympathy

This stamp by Paper Inspirations is well used - this time I stamped in black on pale blue cs that has a subtle pattern. 
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/

Paper piecing

This card is 4.5 x 6.25 - still not quite large enough for this image!  I pieced her dress and used gel pens and chalk pencils for the rest of the coloring.  I used several scraps of DP for the bg layers.
Sketch: http://joannamunster.com/2014/06/15/june-inspired-by-stamping-monthly-challengeibsic83/

Blue, vanlla and coral

I was pretty unsure of this color combination when I started, but it certainly grew on me as I was working with it.  I especially like the vanilla (cream?)  with the medium blue.  My sympathy cards are usually more subtle, but I do think this is suitable.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/07/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-15.html
Colors:  http://joannamunster.com/2014/06/15/june-inspired-by-stamping-monthly-challengeibsic83/

The Most High Almighty

Sketch:  http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Cool colors:
Ribbon:   http://www.inspiredbystamping.com/blogs/news/13618805-inspired-by-stamping-april-blog-challenge

Have a Berry Special Day

I have had computer/internet issues but all seems better now!  This image is from my very deep stash of gift items - can you help identify it, please?  The DP is also a gift, and I used my very own "you" embossing folder to complete the look.  The yellow and white strips are actually the reverse of the strawberry DP.  The circles are all Spellbinder dies.

Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/

Fruit:  http://thecraftingcafe.blogspot.co.uk/

Die cuts:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/

 colors:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/

Soccer mania

This stamp by YNS is called Corey.  After such excitement over soccer, this should be a good time to use it!  The DP is by Basic Grey, and the sentiment by Paper Smooches.  I colored with chalk pencils.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Sports:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/
For the boys:  http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/

Your birthday again?

This is a digi from QKR.  I think it is a fun one to use!
Sketch, plus yellow, green, black:   http://poppysketches.blogspot.com/

Sunshine and flowers

Paulette at Create with TLC shares so many great digis - mostly sayings.  I think this one is a great one for encouragement.  I used some DP that was a gift, and cut flowers from the DP as well a some glitter papers.
Sketch #2:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Encouragement: http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Digi: http://createwithtlc-createwithtlc.blogspot.com/p/show-it-off-sunday.html
Sunny yellow, with ribbon: http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com/

The Fish Whisperer

We need this guy around here this summer - we spend summers near a reservoir (Blue Mesa, CO).  DH and his two buddies spend a lot of time fishing - it has not been good this summer.  I am sure some one will want this card!  This is probably a first for me - hand printing the sentiment.  I thought that went with this Bugaboo image.  I used some odds and ends of fishing DP and a couple of stickers to complete the image - as well as some water/sky DP.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge

This is my entry for the High Hopes challenge this week.  The strips are cut from sheets of sticker paper.
Any, with a High Hopes stamp (Time well spent):  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/