Another fall birthday

This will be for another family birthday coming up soon!  Joan's Touch has a challenge to use something already cut, alter it, and create a card.  I had this circle cut in purple.   I thought I had a good solution - use gold Brilliance ink to give it a gilded look.  The final result is not very sparkly and does not look gilded, but does have a look of fall.   I also used a "bubble" embossed piece that was in my drawer ( I have a lot of pre-embossed pieces).  I used Ranger disress ink to sponge.  That folder is available at Joan's Garden shop.  The Blessings die came from that shop.  I used the Thanksgiving look image at ODB for inspiration.  Oh, yes, several of the pieces of CS and DP were sort of pre cut - from my scrap collection.
Sketch: http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
Fall; alter item already cut; embossing; item from Joan's Garden:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
 Inspiration (lower left):   http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Blessings:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Too much like spring?

This kind of looks like spring - not sure if I will use it now or wait for a feWolors.  I used matching Washi tape.  The verse is in my collection of items sent to me through WishRAK at Splitcoaststampers.so I donot know the source.  I am not going to have much computer access for a while, so my postings will be limited - just hope I can check out a few of the challenges!
Sketch:  http://joannamunster.com/2014/09/15/ibsic-86/
Inspiration/colors:  http://papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Support for friends

This will go to friends from church- both husband and wife are undergoing some health challenges and need support.  The DP (from Faith stack)  has words such as Faith, Salvation, Glory,  The Blessings and Leaves dies are CheeryLynn and the arch shape is Spellbinders - one of my very neglected die sets. The flowers are Cuttlebug, and  the "heart"paper is Paper Pizzazz.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Die cut flowers: http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Fall:  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Fall colors:  http://whimsiedoodles.blogspot.com/
hearts: http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/

Thinking of you - Vintage fall colors

We have a friend whose liver cancer seems to be diminishing, and she is feeling better - thanks to answered prayer and good medical prayer.  I want to send a note of encouragement.  I have a pad of DCWV papers called Heirloom - I liked the look of this for a bg.  And I am no good at stitching with a pen or needle, so I used some from a sheet of stickers for this one.
Sketch #2:   http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/ 
Vintage, with distressed edges and layers:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Technique - distress:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
encouragement:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Stitches:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge

Pastel cupcake

Ske

Interpreting an inspiration challenge is not always easy for me.  The Alley way challenge offered several choices - even harder to decide!  I was looking for some DP that I had in mind, when I noticed this piece - by the Paper Studio  It was part of a sort of grab bag - lots of paper, and this is the first I used these cupcakes!  It fits the color part of the inspiration, and I was inspired to use this sketch for the circles as well.  The Alley Way image is colored with Prismas - some Stickles added to the icing and to the pink flower.
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Inspiration:  http://beinspiredchallenge.blogspot.com/
Circles:   http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Birthday: http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=3542740&group=0&frame_type=b&frame=1&click=0&user=0http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=3542740&group=0&frame_type=b&frame=1&click=0&user=0

Fall birthday

This uses a number of papers from a fall/Halloween stack I got a couple of years ago.  I rarely use anything Halloween related, but I figured if I used the fall items I would still be ahead - though I now have enough to last for my lifetime!  I used the Spellbinder circles - I forget the exact name.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Autumn:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/ 
Colors of autumn:   http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/

Distressed birthday!

There are several family birthdays coming in the next few weeks, and I need to build up my stash.  I really like this cs - it has texture and sparkle - as well as giving me a sense of  old fashioned (vintage) wallpaper.  This is one of many sheets of cs that was in a box sent to me by my sister - given to her by an acquaintance. I added some gems to the strip, and used ribbon that has a bit of shine to it as well.  I distressed the edges.
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Technique (distressing):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Distress, vintage, layers:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Distress:   http://www.joanstouch.com/
Distress:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/

Distressed Vintage

Our friends are celebrating a milestone anniversary, and I thought the challenge to use hearts would be appropriate - as well as the distressing!  In addition to the die cut hearts, there are hearts in the embossed portion - one one each side has been left uncovered but nearly impossible to see here.  All of the edges are distressed, and I added tiny flowers with pearls, some gems, and a bit of lace.  The CS is all from a huge packet from Costco.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Distress, vintage, layers: http://www.joanstouch.com/
From the heart:  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Pearls and lace: http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.com/
Technique - distressing:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

For a friend's recovery

This will go to a friend who is having back surgery - I suspect he will spend time at home in his favorite chair with a cup of coffee.  He is a "member" of DH's breakfast group - they apparently consume many cups of java!  I am not sure you can see it - I personalized his mug. Just a comment - this DP is some I have had for a long time, and there are still a few bits left!
Sketch:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Masculine:   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
                      http://thesquirrelandthefox.blogspot.com/

Cute image:  http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/

"Home sweet home":  http://timeoutchallenges.blogspot.fi/

Krafty horses

I am making a small collection of cards to send to my sister - their family does a lot with horses, so this should be good for her.  I do struggle with these larger images - hope this is not overwhelming on an A2 card.  what do you think?  I used a Sizzix Brick embossing folder on the Kraft layer, and also used Kraft for the Cheery Lynn leafy die cuts, as well as the circle punches.  This image has been in my stash for a long time - it was received through the WishRAK group at Splitcoaststampers.  The other tools and supplies have also been around for quite a while - I am really trying to use up some things, but I think I could make a dozen cards a day for a long time and it would still take me years do get to the end of my supplies!  (I suspect a couple of you could relate to that...)
Sketch:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.ca/
"Boys":  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any, with Kraft:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
circles: http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Spots:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/

Brown and cream with a touch of blue

I needed a fairly elegant thinking of you card - the embossed cream works well for that.  The EF is Victoria by Cuttlebug.  I used a sentiment from High Hopes that sadly has been buried for a while - glad it came to light again!  The DP is from an older stack by DCWV - textured and a bit glittery.  I have some ribbon in my stash that almost matches!  I cut the Cheery Lynn butterfly from the same DP.
Sketch:  http://joannamunster.com/2014/08/15/ibsic-85/
Blue, brown and cream, with a HH stamp:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Texture, with Cheery Lynn die:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Any:  http://www.craftindesertdivas.com/
Butterfly:  http://citycrafter.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
 Embossing:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com
Wings:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/

Painterly card

The challenge at A Day for Daisies is to create a card with a "painterly" effect.  I thought I had some paints, but it has been so long since I used them that they are pretty much dried up.  My printer's ink and water colors do not get along - there is much smearing.  But, I did try - just used the aqua brush and stayed well away from the lines - I think I sort of accomplished the effect with very little bleeding.  Maybe some one has some suggestions.... 
This image is from A Day for Daisies.  The strip is a glittery border from a sheet by Hobby Fun.  I used Coordinations white core to emboss with Cuttlebug's dots and spots - though I did enhance the white by lightly sanding.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/09/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-19.html
Bright colors:  http://arandomfandt.blogspot.com/
For a child:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.craftindesertdivas.com/
Embossed:  http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/
Embossed:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Circles:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
"Painterly":  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/
Embossed:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/

Half a flourish

Not long ago I expressed a wish for a more delicate flourish die - wish granted!  This is from a Die Namics flourish die - part of a prize from My Favorite Things!  How fortunate for me.  However, I only used half of it so the image was not covered.  The flourish, the collage look of the image, and the sponging are all influenced by Tim Holtz' style.  I used pale gold and rust for fall - as well as the sunflowers. That stamp, by Inkadinkadoo, is one I have had for several years, and tend to neglect.  I stretched the sketch due to the size of the image.  The bg. is embossed with the Vines folder(Quickcutz).  That layer as well as the stamped layers are sponged with ColorBox Chestnut ink.  The flowers are from a little strip I have had a very long time.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Autumn in the garden:   http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://craftcreatoins.blogspot.com/p/new-challenge.html
 Autumn colors:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Touch of vintage:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
Tim Holtz style with a flourish:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/

TeaPot Party for Connie Jo

If you frequent SplitcoastStampers you may be familiar with the TeaPot Tuesday challenge and party.  I have not participated very regularly as of late, and I need to get back in form.  Each week a special recipient is chosen, and the leader writes a nonsense story to go with the situation.  Connie Jo has had a lot going on in her life and needs some cheer.  Our mission is to do humorous cards to accomplish this.  I used the first bubble from a piece of Paper Pizzazz dp -and hand wrote "Things could be worse... we could be trying on bathing suits!"  The image is large, so the card is 4.5x6.75.  I added a strip of gold sticker, and some garnet gems. The sketch is flipped for this image.  Difficult to see - the garnet mat was embossed.
Sketch and colors (garnet, pink, sand):  http://poppysketches.blogspot.com/
Stamped image:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/http:
Not square:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
                   http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/

Back to School Riley with a birthday

I am a bit late for back to school, but this will be good for some one with a birthday right now!  I keep forgetting to mention a favorite technique for subtle distressing.  I have kept a trimmer with a dull blade - it gives just the right amount of texture at the cut - so much easier than tearing.  My blade gives a rougher edge going left to right, so I can even adjust the amount of distress. I used colored pencils and water color pencils to color - and he has a pencil tucked in his rack!  Another note - soon after I began stamping I bought a box of magnetic "word" stamps (by Words and Crafts).  I forget about them - but they are great for an informal card such as this.  There are endings to add to words, as you see here.  The strip is Washi tape mounted on blue cs.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/09/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-19.html
Birthday:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Animal:  http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Child's birthday:   http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Back to school:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Back to school:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/08/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-139.html
Pencils: http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Stamp:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

1st 2014 Christmas: stars and snowflakes

Before I begin the description I will comment on the weather in AZ.  Sky Harbor recorded the most rainfall EVER in one day - about 3 1/2 inches the last I heard.  We are about 40 miles away and had a lot - not that much, however.  You may have seen photos of incredible flooding on the freeways - many drivers have badly flooded cars.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose homes were flooded also - some for the second tme in a few weeks.
It is hard for me to focus on Christmas when temperatures have been right around 100!  Last year I made some 50 cards - will not do that again.  I have a friend who gave me a stack of her cards to recycle, and I will try to use many of them.  I am thinking of donating them to our church to enclose with the Christmas boxes we give to needy families.
This is a recycled image, and the burgundy strips and sentiment were cut from the same card.  The blue:
 bg is also a recycled piece - the cover from an annual stock report.  I embossed with the snowflake folder.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Stars:
Non-birthday sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any, with recycles:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://thesweetpeastampers.blogspot.co.uk/

Recycled Kinkade

I have a drawer full of recyclables, and seldom use them!  Several years ago I had a daily calendar with Thomas Kinkade art - and could not bring myself to discard it at the end of the year.    This is one of the images.  The butterfly is cut from a view of the ocean that was once the front of a cereal box.  And one more - the gold bg for the Kinkade image is the liner from a can of International coffee - I am addicted to there is an endless supply!  (The shiny gold does not do well on the scanner, and the white tip of the butterfly is more subtle IRL.)  I placed sheer (cream color) ribbon over the sentiment to tone it down a bit.  The teal bg is embossed with LifeStyle craft Vine folder.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Encouragement:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Recycle/any:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/#:  
Sentiment other than birthday:   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/09/dlart-september-linky-challenge.html
Any/thinking of you:   http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/ 
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Shiny hearts

Where did this week go?  All of a sudden it is Saturday...!!!   I was not sure about how to use hearts, but I realized I am needing cards to put together as a thank you gift to the stranger (friend of my sister) who gave me a huge box of supplies.  I will include a variety including some holiday cards.  This uses double sided CS in a Martha Stewart pack (from a bargain table) - the key/heart side is shiny, and I added a metallic center to the Cuttlebug heart.  The Blessings is by Cheery Lynn - this is  the smaller one.  The card is completed with some stitched ribbon.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Hearts aglow:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Bold:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Hearts/stars:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/

CAS

OK, I a not addicted to CAS - it is a difficult style for me, but I will keep trying!  The CS is textured Coordinations, and the main image aa neglected one from Memory Box.  The others are SU - also neglected!  I added a bit of Washi tape and a luxurious  flower.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
CAS:    http://www.addictedtocas.blogspot.com.au/
 Any:  http://www.craftindesertdivas.com/

Back to School with an apple

Wouldn't you know!  I decided to use some stamps I had not yet brought in to the house fro the motor home, and just at that moment a monsoon wind (called haboob) came up - I decided it would be prudent to stay in and use supplies I had!  This die is from Cuttlebug - a bit labor intensive, but with a cute result from all the pieces.  The embossing folders ( a tree trunk and leaves) are both Sizzix.  I used pop dots behind the circle.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Layers:   http://thesweetpeastampers.blogspot.co.uk/
Embossing:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Texture:  http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/
Back to school:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
                         http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
                       http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
                        /http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/

Masculine

I had a masculine card in mind - this turned out a bit more "blah" than anticipated - I used various parts of one sheet from my right now favorite stack - a DCWV Heirloom pack.  I am on a mission to use some pieces that I tend to skip over.  I used the Cuttlebug Asterisk die for the trim.
Sketch #5:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
             http://thesweetpeastampers.blogspot.co.uk/
Best friend = smiles and happiness:    http://asonginyourart.blogspot.com/
Any:    http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
            http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
         
 

Fluffles 'n Flowers

It seems there are not as many Fluffles images out there any more, but this is still a favorite of mine - such a cute face!  It is a shape that works well with this Labels die - and a few flowers in the bg work as well.  The embossing folder is Victoria by Cuttlebug.  I added a bow and some gold sticker accents. The stamp, die, ribbon and sticker are all from deep in my stash - and that embossing folder had been in hiding for a while until recently!
Sketch #4:   http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Flowers:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
Pet:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.com/2014/08/fussy-and-fancy-challenge-121-pets-or.html
Animal:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Stash (see above):  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Use a stamp:  http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.ca/