Stencilled Kraft

The Kraft Outlet challenge (see below) is to use scraps - I have plenty - but I have not yet figured out the ideal organization and I cannot always find what I need.  I do have them in zip lock bags roughly separated by color - that does not always work with DP that has multiple colors. The tiny punches and sentiment used bits of leftovers. I used a butterfly stencil with black chalk., on Kraft cs.  I need to find a tutorial on how to use stencils - I would appreciate any suggestions.  The Prisma flower is a glittery one - from my rather old stash!
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Leftovers:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Thankful:  http://www.dreamweaverstencils.blogspot.com/ 
Give thanks:   http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge-2-give-thanks.html
Thanks:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/ 
Thank you:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Stencil:  http://www.addalittledazzle.com/dazzling-diva-challenge-53/
Old - all but the card base:  http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Kraft and one color:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Stripes, ribbons and faux buttons

These are coordinating and double sided CS - I think the company is Best Creation.  Both the stripes and flowers are glittery.    I used dies for the buttons - flatter to mail!   A narrow ribbon and shiny gold sticker strip complete the look.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/ 
Thanks:   http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Thanks:    http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge-2-give-thanks.html
Thanks:   http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Thank you:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/
Ribbon and bow:  http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Any:  http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/
            http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
           http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/2014/11/final-wonderful-wednesday-of-november.html

snowflakes and metal

Double snowflakes here - embossed on the white layer, and on the DP.  The stamp is Kolette Hall.  I bought a huge roll of this shiny mesh several years ago and the wire edge ribbon is also from my stash.
Sketch #4:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:    http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
 Challenge #4:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
Metallic (mesh and ribbon):  http://liastampz.blogspot.com/ 
                          http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
 Any:  http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
              http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/
          http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
            http://christmasstampin.blogspot.com/
Snow:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/ 
Winter:   http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Better CAS look

This CAS card is at least better than my last!  (Note - the black bg is to enhance the picture and is not a part of the card.)  I  used Distressed stripes, and lightly chalked the edges for a bit of a distressed look.  The image is Stampendous, and the sentiment by my computer. The main color is cream.
Sketch:  http://addictedtocas.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/challenge-52-sketch-and-happy-2nd.html
Distress:   http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com
Shabby chic:    http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Stripes:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
CAS:   http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
Inspiration - cream color and traditional Christmas scene:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Inspired by the mostly cream color:   http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Non-traditional Christmas colors:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
 Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
       http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.com/
Christmas present (brought by the Wise Men):  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/

CAS - an experiment that does not work for me

CAS is definitely not my style - I'll do layers any day!  Thought I would try this - but will do something ese next time!  I used chalk to match the card base, and embossed the LifeStyle Crafts tree.  It does qualify as a card representing the USA - trees all over.  However, I am sure that no matter where you go in the world, there will be trees - maybe just not as many.
Sketch: http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com/
Regional tradition: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
CAS:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
 Add a tree:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/

Aubergine!

A recent commenter reminded me that this eggplant cs could be called aubergine (French for eggplant - I certainly knew that!).  What a difference a word makes - so much more elegant sounding LOL!    I have been working on Beccy's month long Christmas challenge - and the end of the month is soon.  This is for #26 - to use the style of a favorite card maker for inspiration.  Mine goes back a while.  For a long time Roxie Glaza (aka Rox71) was moderator of the sketch challenge at SplitCoastStampers, and I was a faithful participant.  During that time, I learned so much and developed my addiction to card making.  Roxie is such a talented artist - I certainly do not want to claim anything near that talent but my style of layering was influenced by all those sketches!  You can check out her blog here: http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
The colors are aubergine and cream; the stamp is Stampendous, and the sentiment computer generated.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Style:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
 Layers:   http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/
No DP:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
December sentiment:   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

a trio of poinsettias

This is a freebie image from A Day for Daisies, and I was inspired by the photo with challenge #3 at Verve this month.  The challenge at A Day for Daisies calls for herringbone - I know I have something but could not find whatever it is!  So this EF is the best I can do.  I added glitter to the flower centers and the Cheery Lynn Blessings die cut.   The mats for the circles and the ribbon, and the sentiment,  are a shiny eggplant cs. (The black bg is for contrast on the photo and not a part of the card.)
Sketch/inspiration #3:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Non traditional Christmas colors:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
                 http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/
Any:   http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
           http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Something old  (ribbon, EF):   http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/:  
Going in circles:  http://quirkycrafts.blogspot.com/  
A Day for Daisies image/herringbone:  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/
Colored (eggplant) sentiment:  http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas 2014, vintage non traditional colors

This time I embossed some glitter cs strips (the Paper Studio) - the embossing folders and gold cs have been around my stash for quite a while.  I used the snowflake EF for the eggplant base layer, and textile for the gold - to me that is a vintage look - reminds me of some old tin ceilings.  I also sponged the image (Stampendous).  The sentiment is computer generated.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Vintage, non traditional colors (Christmas): http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/
No DP:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
No red or green:  http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Winter:  http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Christmas:  http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Something old:  http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/
Any Christmas, with embossing:  http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas 2014 - Eggplant and Ivory

If you read a previous post you know that I just ordered a whole pack (50 sheets) of eggplant cs. It is not quite as dark as I had anticipated, and has a shiny finish.  I will be using it a lot, but maybe in smaller bits.  It is white on one side, and goes through my printer, so I can use it for the card base, which I did here.  In order to use this image on a circle I did crop the two "ends" of the image, then masked and added more of the distant stars to the sky.  The bg is Cuttlebug's snowflake, and the punch is Martha Stewart.  The image is Stampendous.
These are the challenges met by this card:
Sketch #2:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Christmas with twist of  no red or green:  http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
No pattern paper:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
                   http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/    
Any:            http://avenue613.blogspot.com/
Favorite holiday (no question - Christmas):  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.co.uk/

Masculine birthday

I just ordered envelopes from Clear Bags - and decided to order a few other items.  I think this cs was on clearance - I often want an eggplant cs - this is not quite as deep a color as I had hoped, and it is metallic - kind of limiting the use - the 50 sheet package will last a LONG time!  I decided to try it here.  It is white on the back - so I can run it through the printer with a verse on the (white) inside.  I used a second piece for the birthday layer - there is a touch of white that shows through after embossing - then I distressed the edge to show white for more dimension without adding a layer of white.  I had previously colored the image (with paper piecing) so I found a piece in my stash of  recycled items to use (a tissue box) that I thought would work for the circles.  I doing so I realize I created a kind of gear look - I have no gear dies but maybe this would work!  They are simply Spellbinder circles and scalloped circles.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/2014/11/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-24.html#
Masculine:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Birthday:     http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/                    http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/ 
                    http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com
Any: http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Recycle (circles are tissue box):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Circles:  http://quirkycrafts.blogspot.com/ 

Christmas in Gold and White

This card is layered on a white base.  The gold comes from a large gift bag - I often buy the metallic ones at the Dollar Tree - there is a lot of paper to use!  This one is actually a little too "intense" for my taste - I embossed with the Cuttlebug textile folder, and that tones it down a bit.  I layered some sheer ribbon on the strip.  There are snowflakes at the top and distressed stripes on the bottom, with a computer generated sentiment.  Tip - I created a full page of sentiments with slight variation in wording and shape - so I have a ready choice.  The image is by Stampendous.
Sketch (rotated):  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
White:  http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:  http://melonheadzfriends.blogspot.com/Holiday sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
 Bling:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
Let it snow:   http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
Traditional Christmas:   http://deliciousdoodleschallenge.blogspot.com/

5 Shades of White

spar

I am sure you can't tell on the screen, but there are five shades of white - each layer is different,  The fancy circle is shiny cs (actually, the recycled back of a card I received), and the punched snowflakes are from a scrap of brocade style white cs.  The embossing is a Nellie Snellen folder.  I tried the highlight technique from a video tutorial - see the link to Beccy's site below, and she has links on her blog.  White glitter is sprinkled over all.  The sentiment is computer generated.  THe cs, dies, and glitter have been a part of my supplies for a long time.
Sketch (4 challenges max):  http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com/
Shades of white:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
Christmas / white:  http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any with glitter:  http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/

Cream and Blue Christmas

Today's challenge at Beccy's blog is to use a familiar item in an unusual way.  This card represents a couple of aspects - though they may not be readily visible.  My cards usually open from the top (just habit) and this opens from the left.  Secondly, the die cut is an opening in the blue layer, rather than have the image layer on top.  The edge is embossed.  By the way, I kind of like the way this fits the Labels 4 die.  Not much more to explain - I used a couple of ribbons and a computer sentiment.  The image is Stampendous.
Sketch:  http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/
Do it differently:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/ 
 Inspiration (the tigers became camels!):   http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
 Any Christmas:     http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
                          http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
                         http://christmasstampin.blogspot.com/

For Ernie

I am behind in my cards for the Teapot Tuesday challenge at SplitcoastStampers.  This group has a weekly challenge to send cards to someone with a special need.  A couple of weeks ago cards were sent to Ernie, who recently moved to a nursing home, and is in need of some cheer - and a reminder that there really is much to be thankful for.  I had printed several copies of this verse from Word Art, so it was handy to use again.  I had cut some subtle pattern paper to fit the printer - a good way to use some of that paper that seems to last forever - I often buy"stacks" that I really do not need!  All of these come from a DCWV fall stack.  I added some honeycomb pattern Washi tape, and the negative leftover from a sheet of sticker strips - as well as a small button.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Inspiration - fall scene, and colors:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Thankful:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
                 http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge-2-give-thanks.html
Thankful Thoughts:  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Any uplifting: http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Teapot Tuesday:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt328-~-november-11-2014-~-its-all-our-blessings-i-somehow-forgetting-t593884.html

Congrats, Adrienne

You may have seen a number of cards for our grandkids.  This is a particularly special one.  Our youngest, a HS senior, just heard that she has earned early admission at the Air Force Academy.  Needless to say, we are beyond excited!  A bonus is that they live about 25 miles away!  This is one of the many logos I found on line - I suspect I will be using more in the next few years.  The DP is from a pack I have had for several years - probably DCWV.  The Congrats is from a Cuttlebug sentiment plate. 
I can never think of items for alphabet challenges, but I think I have four of them here:  (4 from Blessings) -
b-blue; l-logo; s-stars; g-glitter (on the word).
4 letters:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
 Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
2 or more DP:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any   http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/

Get Well, Pam

This is to send to Pam, a member at SplitcoastStampers.   She is recovering from surgery and in need of some cheer.  Here is the info:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/20813394-post433.html
I just used these digis (Bugaboo) so I already had some extras printed - handy to use here.  I understand Pam is a nurse, and I hope she will find this humorous - I am sure Pam is the nice nurse!  I used some black and white cs and a white Petaloo flower that have been in my stash for a long time. The bg is from a swirly embossing folder by CB. I used some little gold stickers in the corners - you might be able to see bits of them!
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Pair (the two DP panels):  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Girlie CB EF):  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Use a sentiment:  http://melonheadzfriends.blogspot.com/
From my stash:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any (with a glittery flower):  http://getcreativechallenges.blogspot.com/

Pair of cards

There is a month of Christmas card challenges at Beccy's Place (see link below).  One of the challenges is to be inspired by someone' card - not hard to do!  I thought it would be fitting to use one of the previous entries for this challenge, and I selected this one:

The original is here:  http://sunflowerytale.blogspot.com/2014/11/red-and-green.html?showComment=1416487217210#c250513200047620110  Thank you, Kre.
As usual, mine are not nearly as lovely as the inspiration ones.   The image is by Stampendous, and the small sentiment is an old one from Stampourri.  Blessings is a die from Cheery Lynn.  The gold is my recycling - from a very shiny gift bag, which is embossed with snowflakes (Cuttlebug).
Inspiration #19:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html?showComment=1414839841807#c3699530758315813145
Bright:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
Recycle/repurpose:  http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/
Green:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
A pair:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Die & stamp (green card):  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any Christmas:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
                           http://christmasstampin.blogspot.com/
Colored sentiment (green card):   http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Thank you, Kevin

This card is a thank you for the technology instructor at our local library.  I have taken many classes and also received answers to a number of questions - all at no charge to library patrons.  We are enclosing a small gift card for him.
I do not do well with CAS, but I saw the following CAS challenges and decided to try.  (The black mat is only for  contrast for the photo.)  I left the cream base totally plain - gasp!!!  The image is from my file - unfortunately I neglected to add much of a label, but I think it might be clip art.  The Cuttlebug sentiment, chalking and twine complete the look.  The chalk, twine and the die have been in my supplies for a long time.
Sketch:  http://addictedtocas.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/challenge-52-sketch-and-happy-2nd.html
Thanks:  http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.ca/
               http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
              http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
              http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
             http://cardsbydorothy.blogspot.com/2014/11/thank-you-kevin.html
Any:   http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
           http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
           http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Fall colors:  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge-1-fall-colors.html
CAS with twine:   http://cleanandsimpleonsunday.blogspot.com/

Relaxin' guy

This image (actually, two separate images lus the sentiment) comes from a set I just got - those AI folks are quite a hoot!  We see a lot of guys like this in our RV parks!   The bg is from athe DCWV Heirloom stack, and I used Washi tape for accents.  The tiny sentiment is part of an American Crafts library type stamp.  I used chalk pencils for coloring. 
Sketch & food (there must be a lemon or maybe a cherry in that glass!):  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Animal:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Masculine birthday:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
Black cs:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
Seeing Stars:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/  
Two or more images (the fellow and the dog are separate images):  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com.au/

Christmas 2014 - blue & white

This was also posted on SplitCoastStampers yesterday.  Here is a copy of the entry:
This is entered in the following challenges:
Sketch (rotated): http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Cool colors: http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Christmas #13 - white with one color: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014...30758315813145
Snowflakes: http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Christmas: http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
           http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
Holiday: http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2582876#ixzz3JQDWj1rE

For a friend

It is time for a break from Thanksgiving and Christmas cards.  I wanted a chance to use a stamp from the set I recently won at the Mojo first Monday challenge - this is Faith Medley from Verve.  I stamped the ornate cross in pale blue then added the verse  The DP is double sided paper that has been gathering dust for a while!  I used a Spellbinder butterfly die - cut from glittery cs.  This will go to a friend who needs encouragement.
Sketch #1: http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Cool colors:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/Friendship: http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/
Text:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/

For Brother-in-law

This is for my brother-in-law, DH's twin. He is recovering after problems with an artificial heart valve, and implantation of a pace maker. He has had numerous health problems, and at age 82 we are concerned. Hopefully this will give him a lift! He was a wheat farmer so I thought that bg paper would work for him. The 3 gems and the mesh for the circle have been in my stash for several years, and the DP is at least a year old.
CHALLENGES entered:
Sketch:http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.nl/
Stash (see above): http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any: http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
Black cs (mat): http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
"B" - bling and black: http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any, with digital image: http://aagwat.blogspot.co.uk/

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2582605#ixzz3JQFhurVv

4 legged friend

Last week my neighbor had a yard sale and was getting rid of her stamps.  She had dozens of teddy bears - if my stamp collection were not already way too large I could have added a few dozen more!  I did choose this one - the label is Art Impressions, 1996 - it probably qualifies as a vintage stamp!  I colored him with chalk pencils and glitter pens.  The bg is dp by Recollections, and the herringbone stripe is a double row of washi tape.  The teal strip is dry embossed for texture, and I added some sequins for a bit of bling.  The butterfly is silver - really misleading on this photo!
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
4 legged friends:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
"b" for bear, butterfly:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Animal:   http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2014/11/challenge-148-zoo-or-animal-challenge_13.html
Sequins: http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2014/
Layers:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
 Leaves:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/

Another Thanksgiving

This is another card to add to my stash to send to shut ins and others from church.  Thanksgiving is a special day, but we need to remember to give thanks at al times.  This verse is a freebie from Word Art - check them out if you are not familiar with this blog.  I printed it on subtly patterned paper , and used another plaid from the DCWV Fall stack.  The strips are Washi tape, backed with dark eggplant.  I added ribbon and a couple of pine branches from a Cheery Lynn die.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Fall, with Cheery Lynn die cut:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Give thanks:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Any - uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Special day:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.com/2014/11/anything-goes-challenge-no-7.html
        http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/search?updated-max=2014-11-13T04:00:00-08:00&max-results=3

Leaves and pumpkin?

I got in a hurry - no time to do another - just not real happy with my result here.  I wanted to do a card with leaves and pumpkins - the leaves are here, and the color is pumpkin - now when I look at the DP in the upper square, I always think of slices of pumpkin pie.  Yumm...  I think it is just a pattern but I can imagine, can't I?
Here is a tip I often use - I save a dull blade for my cutter, and use it to create a subtly distressed edge.

3 or more papers (bg, square, and paper used for punched circles and for sentiment layer):  http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/
Sketch, with a twist of leaves and pumpkins:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Inspiration:  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
                   http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/

Symbols of Christmas

I absolutely was not going to get more Christmas stamps - after all, I can so easily use what I have.  Well, our neighbor  had a whole box of stamps at her yard sale, and I found 2 or 3 Christmas sentiments I could use - at $1 for all I could not afford to pass them up.  Then I went to Michael's for a couple of things, and my dear hubby saw a Christmas stamp - and pretty much forced me to buy it LOL!  It is by Stampendous, and is definitely symbolic of Christmas, with the star Bethlehem, and the wise men.  I used a gold gift bag to do the mat and the Cheery Lynn pine branches.  The bg is from the Faith stack by Paper Studio.  A strip of metallic gold ribbon completes the layout.
Sketch (rotated):  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au / 
Symbols of Christmas: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Any: http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas :   http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/chnc-challenge-extra-for-november-2014.html
Holiday:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge

Giving Thanks 2014

Yes, we should give thanks at all times, but it is good to have the annual Thanksgiving Day reminder.  This will go to the 97 year old shut in (from our church) whom we occasionally visit.  He is so sharp - and fun to visit.  I am thinking the wheat will count as food...!  The verse is from Word Art - if you are not familiar with the blog, check out the weekly freebies!  The sentiment is JustRite, and the papers are DCWV.
Sketch (with food):  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/
        http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Thankful:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.com/2014/10/fussy-and-fancy-challenge-126-thankful.html
Autumn inspiration:  http://www.peachykeenstamps.com/forums/topic/peachy-keen-challenge-14-14-photo-inspiration-thankful-theme/

Ribbon, lace and pearls

The inside verse makes this suitable for a sympathy or thinking of you card.  The lace is from Wang.  THe image is SU Herb Expressions, and the EF is Victoria by Cuttlebug.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Ribbon and lace: http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
                         http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
Lace and pearls: http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Any: http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
"B" for Bow:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

Christmas White

Look closely and maybe you can see:   Snowflake bg Embossing folder (Cuttlebug); Martha Stewart border punch (leaves); Cheery Lynn pine branches (also a border die); circle from Nellie Snellen Christmas embossing folder; computer verse.  From the Nellie Snellen EF I tried something way outside the box for me - just used a circle from the center - showing  a lamppost, houses, and clouds (or are they huge snowflakes?) in the sky.  Now that I broke the ice, so to speak, I know that I do not HAVE to use that entire folder!  (The black mat is only for the photo.)
Sketch #1: http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
White on white Christmas:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014/11/day-12-white-on-white.html#comment-form
 Christmas:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
                   http://creativecornerchallenges.blogspot.de/\
                   http://christmasstampin.blogspot.co.uk/

Chalked Thanksgiving card

This Sizzix EF is great for Thanksgiving/fall cards.  I cut the embossed piece a bit to fit an A2 card.  Since I wanted to try coloring in more detail than I usually do, I decided not to add embellishments, and I stamped the JustRIte sentiment (in rust) directly on the main layer.   I sponged a number of different colors of chalk (SU)  - blues and browns for the sky and edges, various fall colors for the leaves, and of course orange for the pumpkins. 

 Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChalkNStock+%28Chalk+N+Stock%29
Vintage harvest:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/
CAS:  http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/#
Inspiration (leaves and pumpkins/fall):  http://www.peachykeenstamps.com/forums/topic/peachy-keen-challenge-14-14-photo-inspiration-thankful-theme/


Thanksgiving/thankful/fall:  
   http://www.blogquickquotes.com/ 
   http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/
    http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
   http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/

For Jayden - MMTPT327

This card is for two challenges at SplitCoastStampers - I used to be a regular but have been MIA for a while.  I want to go back to honor some past queens, and try to do better to keep up with Teapot Tuesdays.
I want to go back to honor some past queens, and try to do better to keep up with Teapot Tuesdays.
At any rate, this is to honor Queen TrishG. Trish was the long time moderator of the Queen for the day challenge, and recently stepped down from that post. Thank you, Trish, for all the time and effort you contributed.  This is the card I selected from her great gallery:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...&ppuser=132695
I liked that splash of color - then, did not attempt the same look! I still have a vehicle, and some woodgrain - not much else.
The TeaPot destination for last week is Jayden, age 6. His mother was seriously injured, and little sister was killed in an accident - troubling issues for a 6 year old. Read more information from SCSer Louse DuMont: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/fo...800564-post430.

The truck image was a gift from a WishRAK member at SplitCoastStampers.  I used the alphabet stamps I have had for years.  I have not used them much lately, and do not recall what they are called - they are the kind that hook together (like Legos) - work well for an informal look.  The buttons are from a die, and I also used a tiny flower punch.

Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2014 - embossed

Image by Santa Rosa; computer sentiment; chevron Washi tape; Cuttlebug Distressed Stripes EF.  I really like white on white cards so I am trying cream on cream (the black mat is for photo contrast only).  Oh yes, I could mass produce this one!
Sketch, with chevron:  http://poppysketches.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
 Good ol' days/vintage look:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Spiritual:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
Any:  http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/2014/10/challenge-103-anything-goes.html
         http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
         http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Stripes:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/

Traditional Christmas

Creating a traditional Christmas card is second nature - nearly all of mine are traditional with a message reminding us of the importance of the first Christmas.  I think this stamp is by Santa Rosa, and the sentiment is a yard sale find from today - by Stampoori (dated 1995!).  I used the last scrap of this ribbon (it has a metallic edge), some pearls,  and the Cuttlebug snowflake EF.  The star is enhanced with glitter.
Sketch:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Any:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
Any, with sparkle:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Song:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Glitter/sparkle:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html?showComment=1414839841807#c3699530758315813145
Add a sentiment:   http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Let's see some blue (Christmas):   http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/   (completely Christmas)

Thanksgiving Blessings

We are so blessed and need to express this every day!
 This image is from my wish RAK (Splitcoaststampers) echange stash - don't know the origin.  The ribbon is from Pizzazz Aplenty, DP is a gift, the black stripe is a Dazzles sticker.  The Thankful sticker (epoxy?) is also from my stash.  I used two of my go-to dies from Cheery Lynn - leaves from Leafy Border, and Blessings.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
          http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/ 
           http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com
 Circles/dots:  http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Thanksgiving:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
                     http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/
                     http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/ 
                     http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Fall colors:   http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/
Count your blessings:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/ 

Spencer's BD

This is a companion card for one I posted a couple of days ago.  I did not realize what a terrible image I have - but it is already in the mail so not much I can do!  This is a reminder of his recent honeymoon trip to Italy,  I used a DCWV  heirloom DP featuring a world map.  I cut the piece so that the "boot" of Italy is in the lower right corner.  If you squint a bit you might just be able to see it!  The stamp is SU Provencal - an oldie that I still like a lot - just not many occasions to use it. The arrow is a Basic Grey acrilic sticker, and the Grandson is a Dazzle sticker.  It all has kind of an old fashioned look.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Good ol' days:    http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/ days:  
Any:  http://avenue613.blogspot.com/
          http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
          http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
For a man in my life:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/

Guest Designer

What a pleasure to be able to be the guest designer this week at Anonymous Stamps (at One and Only Design).  Actually, I was asked to do this a few weeks ago, but we were ready to take off on our month long cruise to western Europe and transAtlantic, so the appearance was deferred a few weeks.  On this site (http://anonymousstamps.blogspot.com/) you will find quite a selection of digis - for free!  What an opportunity to add to your collection!  Check them out.
This week the challenge is "Baby it's cold outside - seems like cold loving penguins are perfect for this one!  Thanks, Anonymous Stamps, for this opportunity.
Baby, it's cold outside:  http://anonymousstamps.blogspot.com/
Feeling cool:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Sketch (flipped) Stash  - snowflake EF; ribbon:   http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Inspiration - my inspiration was a row of critters):  http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
          http://www.vssweetideas.blogspot.com/
Good ol' Days (I think the patterns give this an ol fashioned feel):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Black & white with one other color:   http://liastampz.blogspot.ro/2014/10/challenge-76-black-white-1-other-color.htmlhttp://liastampz.blogspot.ro/2014/10/challenge-76-black-white-1-other-color.html

Blessings

I need to add to my stash of cards to send for encouragement.  I used DP from the Paper Studio Faith stack - lots of wonderful papers that are lasting forever!  The scroll is a Spellbinders die, and the sentiment is half of a JustRite sentiment.
Sketch #5:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
Die cut:  http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2014

DP from the Faith stack by Paper Studio, image from Santa Rosa, sentiment from SU.  There is a bit of glitter on the star and sentiment.  The twine is a metallic gold and brown.
Sketch #2:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Uplifting sentiment:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Christmas, with pattern paper:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/
Song:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Tic tac toe (twine, die cut, sentiment): http://showcasechallenge.blogspot.com/
Glitter:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

HB Hanna

Our new granddaughter-in-law shares a birthday with our granddaughter and it is time to get the cards in the mail.  The newlyweds took a belated honeymoon to the Cinque Terre in Italy - I used one of the stamps from an old SU set called Provencal, and I will use a companion stamp for our grandson's birthday next week.  I sort of fingerpainted chalk on the image and behind the main layer of pattern paper.  I have a box of chalk sticks - there is absolutely no info on the package I have (yard sale find, I believe) - kind of messy but it worked for me.  The DP is from a DCWV pad called Heirloom.  Lace and washi tape complete the card - the bottom strip of tape is an unplanned last minute addition - I have no idea how an ink smudge got on that lace!!!  Verve ladies - I really know how to "read" a sketch!!
Sketch #4:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Chalk (see above):  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
           http://www.vssweetideas.blogspot.com/

Easel card - my first

I have seen many examples of easel cards - including the beautiful example on Beccy's Blog (see link below).  My desk is littered with discarded attempts, and I finally settled for a fairly simple version.  I need to have better ideas for the inside.  My goal is to make one for each of the grandchildren - who are growing up and ready to establish homes of their own - and will hopefully use these as a part of their Christmas decor.
The first photo is the closed card - a Santa Rosa image stamped in Memento black on SU confetti (?) - an ivory cs but that does not really show here.  Inside I used "Joy" by Art Impressions, with a CB embossed frame.  I added cream colored gems and  scattered ivory stars at the bottom - the gems provide an anchor for the open easel.      

Christmas:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
                 http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Any: http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
        http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Neutrals:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Inspired by a song:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Holiday Joy:   http://papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Black & White:  http://craftingwhenwecanchallenges.blogspot.com/

                                                 

 

Christmas:  

HB Adrienne

It is becoming more and more difficult for me to come up with ideas for cards for grandkids - not sure how many years I have been making them but it is at least 10.  This is for our youngest and I especially like to do one for her as she really notices!  She is a HS Senior and this is probably her last season - she will most likely be a starter.  She could probably play in a small college but has her goals set higher!  I used this digi from QKR because she also enjoys visiting us in AZ - and she has a sense of humor!  Most of the DP is from Paper Studio.  Coloring is with Prismas, and green glitter highlights the cactus.  I used a strip of Washi tape and a button to complete the card.
Sketch:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Button and bling (glitter, glittery button, metallic cord): http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Any: http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
      http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
      http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Christmas 2014- What's Ugly?

The Kraft Journal challenge is to use ugly DP.  Beauty - and ugly - is certainly in the eye of the beholder.  I have SO much paper - I will look at some of it and say it is ugly - but the next time it looks pretty good.  I am sure much depends on what I am working on at the moment.  This DP is a stack by Paper Studio - I have used a lot, and there is a lot left!  I decided this piece must be ugly as I have never used any of the 4 sheets.  The image is from Beccy's place - a precolored digi.  I think the Kraft CS and ugly" paper go with the Hobo look!
Sketch, with chevron (Washi tape):  http://poppysketches.blogspot.com/  
"ugly" dp, Kraft CS:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
         http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Christmas:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html?showComment=1414839841807#c3699530758315813145
                   http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Feeling Cool:   http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/