Happy 50th, Hal and Cheryl

I wanted to make a special card for a special occasion, yet not too frilly - I hope I succeeded.  This 50th anniversary is even more special as the last of 7 siblings in hubby's family are celebrating aI sister-in-law passed away after their 50th.  And we will celebrate #59 in a few months.)
The image is from my stash of ready to go images - colored with shiny metallic pens.  The shiny gems in the flower centers are from my stash.   The bit of ribbon is from a gift basket we just received - full of burgundy and gold packaging - alas, all those pretty boxes and bags have print on most of the surfaces so only the gorgeous ribbon was usable as the strip behind the image. 
I dusted off a Martha Stewart punch for the border, and a fancy corner rounder as well.  I could not make it show up, but there is a gold layer between the burgundy mat and the embossed dot layer.  I also included gold strips with delicate hearts to edge the vertical strip.  More gold was used for the numbers.  (I recycled a very large advertising envelope for those gold pieces.)  The card is 5x7.
Sketch, inspiration:  https://joannamunster.com/2015/12/15/ibsic-101/
Any:                           Allsorts challenge
                                    lil patch of crafty friends
                                    The Paper Nest Doll Challenge
                                   clear it out challenge
                                   crafty friends challenge
                                    http://digichoosday.blogspot.co.uk/
                                    inspiration destination challenge
                                    
                                  

Happy Birthday, Hal

I needed a birthday card for our college age grandson - they live at the edge of the Rockies, so this image (Our Daily Bread)  is a great one for him.  My original plan was to closely follow Chris Olsen's lovely example (ODB), but the card soon took on a life of its own.  I used chalk for the bg; added twine and brads to make it more masculine.  I also thought the snowflakes would be appropriate.  By the way, I made a tiny dent in that big supply of brads ... wonder about those eyelets that are gathering dust...
Sketch:   http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Any:         http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2015 - last of series

You may have seen this before - this is the last of a series of 8 cards using this color combination and image (RAK).  The bg is embossed, and I added a computer sentiment.  I managed to find different sketch challenges for most of them - not easy with a large image!  The cards are all 5x7, rather than my usual A2 size - so it made a serious dent in the dark green and shimmery silver cs I used   I hope the grandkids (all young adults) - and kids, too - like them.  What is my favorite Christmas color?  Frankly, it probably changes with the year or situation, but this year I have used mostly green with cream or silver shimmery cs.  I like reds, blues, and golds, but green for me is especially classy and crisp looking in combination with the cream or silver.
Sketch:                http://yournextstamp.com/blog/category/challenge/   
Fav. color, why:  http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Special card:       http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/monthly-stamp-challenge-64-special.html
Any:                    http://polkadoodle.blogspot.ca/2015/12/week-51-polkadoodles-crafting-challenge.html
                             http://craftyfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas '15 #44

I have nearly finished my series of cards for kids and grandkids - special ones for sure. Family members save my cards and I do try to put a little more effort in them, though this year I pretty much ran out of time and they were not what I had hoped to do.  They are 5x7, to fit in the envelope and gift card from Samaritan's Purse.  I explained on a previous post that in addition to usual gifts we find a special donation to give in honor of each family member.  This year we donated for a fresh water project through Samaritan's purse.  This is a reminder of  how important it is for us to remember others,
The image is from a stash of RAK items; computer generated sentiment;  scraps of DP; snowflake embossing' glitter added to the star.
Sketch:           http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Glitter:            http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/
Special card:   http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/
Pinch of glitter: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Any:                http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2015/12/pile-it-on-98-anything-christmaswinter.html 
                         http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
                         http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2015 #43

(The bottom of the card seems to be absent!  Sorry...)
Another in my series.  The stamped image was an RAK; I added a die cut tag with computer sentiment; strip of ribbon, embossed panels.
By the way - Inspired by stamping team - I have not been able to contact you by e-mail or comment - some kind of computer glitch.
Sketch:         https://joannamunster.com/2015/12/15/ibsic-101/
Die crazy::   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Any:             http://liastampz.blogspot.com/        
                     http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
Stamp and ribbon:    http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/

                     

Christmas '15 #42

Just a couple more to complete in this series!  Nothing like going down to the wire...
The image is from an  RAK gift - still not recognized.  Background:  Dry embossed, scraps of DP.  (I tore the edges of the green piece to create more contrast with the darker green).  I also had some glittery stars and dark green ribbon in my stash.

Sketch:      http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Christmas: http://cardmaniachallenges.blogspot.com/
Any, with stamps:        http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2015 #41

This continues my series of similar yet different cards using an unknown image received as an RAK.  I used shimmery silver cs (Recollection) and added some shine with ribbon, glitter (on branches), and metallic gold on the star.  The sentiment is computer generated matted on a Spellbinders Labels 43.  The DP is from my stash.  I used torn edges to add contrast. The branches are Cheery Lynn dies.
Sketch:                   http://scrappingeverydaymiracles.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-12-09T06:00:00-05:00&max-results=2
Christmas::             http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/Shine and sparkle:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Stamp and ribbon:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:                         http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
                                  http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au/

Christmas 2015 #40

Here is another of a series that uses a RAK image that I cannot identify. The panels are dry embossed, and I added a bit of ribbon and some sequins. The card is 5x7.  Please see my previous post for an explanation.
Sketch:        http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.nl/
Christmas:   http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Scraps (for panels):   http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Any:          http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html   
                  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/ 

Christmas 2015 #39 - Version 2

If you can, please help me identify this RAK image.  I will be using it on a series of cards, each slightly different, on shimmery silver cas with dark green highlights.  I slightly offset the fold on this one and added the die cut (Cuttlebug border die) strip on the inside of the card.
 These cards are about 5x7 and will be sent with gift cards from Samaritan's purse.  Several organizations (World Vision, Mercy Corps, Samaritan's purse, among others) offer "gift" items that help those in need around the world.  We have started the tradition of selecting items in honor of our family members.  We hope this accomplishes a couple of goals - supporting a worthwhile cause and giving to our grandchildren the sense of helping others.  Often we have tried to match the gifts to interests of the recipient.  This year we read that 2,000 children (mostly in Africa) die each day from water borne disease often due to lack of a clean water system.  So our contribution this year goes to providing wells.
OK, off my soap box and back to the card.
Sketch:         http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Christmas:    http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
                      http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/ Any:              http://craftytimechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
                      http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au/

Christmas 2015 - 38

Does any one know this image? It is in my stash of items received through Wish RAK at SplitCoastStampers, and is one of many I have failed to document.  I will try to do better!
For the computerized tag I used Labels 43 for the mat. This is 5x7.
Sketch:        http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/  
                     http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/           
                     http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.com/       

                     http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
 Any:            http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Sparkly Christmas 2015 #37

Image by Stampabilities; snowflakes embossing - Cuttlebiug;  "trees" - Lifestyle Crafts; Nestabilities ovals; Fiskars star punch; glitter (on stars); Celebrate It ribbon; shimmery champagne cs; green cs.
Sketch:           http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Stars:              http://classycardsnsuch.blogspot.com/2015/12/ccns-challenge-115-starry-starry-night.html
Christmas:     http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
                        http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
                        http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Christmas (traditional):  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Brrr...                                http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:                                  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/ 
Any (w/ stamp, ribbon):  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
A favorite from 2015:       http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/ 

Ready for 2016 Resolutions - NOT!

I really don't think these gals are taking the discussion of resolutions seriously - any more than I usually do!  (The inside verse is the AI:  happy 29th birthday from your 110 lb. friend!
The main image is from Art Impressions pop ups- I enhanced some of the color (umbrella, sun, chairs) with chalk pencils.  The saying is also AI.  Papers are from my never ending stash.
Sketch:         http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Resolution:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2015/12/challenge-174-ready-for-resolutions_10.html
Any - twist of 3 - 3 friends:     
  http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.co.za/2015/12/challenge-119-anything-goes-twist-add-3.html 
Any, with chalk pencils:    http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
 Any:              http://craftytimechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
                        http://digichoosday.blogspot.co.uk/

                       

Christmas 2015 #36 - starry

What an adventure ach time I enter two photos here.  I cannot seem to figure out how to do the layout.  Oh, well - variety adds interest, right?
Stamp by Stampabilities; sentiment by Stampourri; dies - Nestabilities.  The blue cs and shiny star cs are new and all the rest (ribbon star, dp) have been around quite a while. (I hope you can see the stars on the larger bg paper.)
Sketch:               http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/    
Old and new:      http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/
Starry night:       http://classycardsnsuch.blogspot.com/
Any Christmas:  http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
                             http://lauralcraft.weebly.com/dragonfly-dreams-challenge 
                             http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
                             http://scrap-craft-inspiration.blogspot.co.uk/
Blue and white:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/12/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-170.html 
A special birthday - Jesus Christ is born!    http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Any:                     http://crafty-girls-creations.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas 2015 #35 - recycled

I need to make a bit of a dent in the large stack of cards I have been saving - my goal is to make simple cards to donate - but I never get started early enough on that project.  Oh, well, maybe next year...
In the meantime, I found one that would work behind the window.  (I hope you can see the wings of these young angels - I had to crop quite a bit to get the faces to show!)  The blue bg is embossed with Tim Holtz' bg folder, and the sentiment is by Stampourri.
Sketch:         http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Angel:          http://classycardsnsuch.blogspot.com/2015/12/ccns-challenge-114-angels.html
Christmas:    http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/  
                     http://craftyfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
                     http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/#
                     http://polkadoodle.blogspot.ca/2015/12/week-49-polkadoodles-crafting-challenge.html
                     http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/
Warm & cozy:  http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/
Non-traditional:        http://morgansartworld.blogspot.com.au/

Christmas 2015 #34

 

Here is another card using a piece of recycled cards - the sentiment portion at the top.  (Several years ago friends of ours routinely used a piece of the card we had sent to them the previous year - I am far from that organized!!!)  I think the image is from SU - it is the end of a WishRAK Christmas stash.  The DO is Paper Studio, and the embossed portions are also scraps.  I used a bit of silver and blue ribbon to divide the two bg sections.  The die cuts are Spellbinder ovals.
Sketch:                              http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Christmas:                        http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/ 
                                           http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Traditional Christmas:    http://polkadoodle.blogspot.ca/2015/12/week-49-polkadoodles-crafting-challenge.html
Blue & white:                    http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-12-10T21:00:00-08:00&max-results=1&start=1&by-date=false
Let it Snow:                       http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/ 

CAS Sympathy

A member of our Bible Study group recently had a fall, striking his head, and he did not survive.  Our pastor will be leading a memorial service for the group, so I will have this card available for members to sign.  It is 4.75x6.5.  I used a Darice embossing folder, and some lace, ribbon and Petaloo flowers - all have been in my stash for a few years!  I hope I did not take too many liberties with the sketch.
Sketch:     http://scrappingeverydaymiracles.blogspot.com/
Stash:        http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
CAS:         http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/  
Words:      http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/ 
Any:          http://craftytimechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ 
                   http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.co.za/2015/12/challenge-119-anything-goes-twist-add-3.html    

Christmas 2015 #33

Here is another card using some bits from saved Christmas cards - the velvety solid panel and the gold and cranberry scroll piece.  I need to work on clearing out that stash!  The stamp is Posh Impressions; a Recollection punched snowflake;  bg DP is from the Faith stack by Paper Studio; embossed snowflakes (Cuttlebug), and cranberry DP from a Recollection pack.
Sketch:           http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Christmas:     http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/
                        http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
                        http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/11/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-169.html 
                         http://digichoosday.blogspot.co.uk/
Snow:              http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
 Any:               http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/2015/12/december-anything-goes.html
Colors - cranberry, gold, black/white:   http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/

Christmas 2015 #32

Most of my 2015 Christmas cards have been green with white or cream, but I decided to try something different.  Over the years I have saved quite a few card fronts, and it is hard for me to figure out how to recycle them and still have  the look of a hand crafted card.  I hope I succeeded with this.  I felt the Mojo sketch lent itself to using a recycled card through the window,  though for the sketch I should have positioned it a bit higher on the base.   I inked the Sizzix Time Holtz brick embossing folder.  The red strip is Washi tape, the window die by Poppystamps,  and the sentiment is computer generated.  I printed a few sheets on different papers - with sentiments in varying shapes - handy to have ready to use as needed.
Sketch:                http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Christmas:         http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/
                             http://craftyfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
                             http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/11/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-169.html 
                             http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/
Tis the Season:   http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/
Traditional:         http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
                            http://digichoosday.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas 2015 #31

I had a bit to complete on this card - today has not gone as planned so I am rushing before leaving for a Christmas concert.  We went for brunch after church and the service was soooo slow... details later!  (Monday a.m....This is much later!)
Stamp - Ann-ticipations; embossing by LifeStyle; Cheery Lynn branch die; Spellbinder circle dies;  red pom=poms;  white crystals.
Sketch:        http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Emboss:      http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas (with die):            http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
Red and green Christmas:   http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/ 
Christmas - simple:               http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.com/
Warm Christmas wishes:      http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/
Christmas - (decorate with greens):    http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:                                         http://yourscrapbookplace.blogspot.com/
                                                 http://lemonshortbreadchallenge.blogspot.nl/
                          

Christmas 2015 #30

It's a good thing there are still a lot of Christmas challenges out there - I can use a few more cards and I need to get the mojo going again.
Stamp by Unity;  Paper Pizazz DP; Offray ribbon;  Cuttlebug Embossing folder;  glitter -from my very old stash - (on snowflakes - hard to see here); unknown holly stickers; unknown glittery star; gold gel pen.
Sketch:      http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Holiday:    http://www.theunitystampco-challenge.blogspot.com/ 
Glitter:      http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Holly:        http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Christmas: http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
                   http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
                   http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/ 
Warm and cozy - under the tree with these warm wishes:  http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/

Cheer for Bensarmom

Sadly, I have neglected the TeaPot Tuesdays at SplitcoastStampers - the group sends uplifting cards to a different recipient each week.  However I am here to send this to Sue, aka bensarmom, who is experiencing some physical challenges.  She is an active participant of SplitcoastStampers, and I am happy to recognize her this week.
For this card I used a freebie from Create with TLC - the verse quoted it "Trust in the Lord with all your heart."- since the image had a logo on part of the border I tore it into an irregular shape, and I think I managed to do the mat in nearly the same shape.    I used several papers from a kit I found at a yard sale - the DCWV project stack.  I added gel pen coloring, hearts cut from a Cuttlebug die; some gold cord; and half pearls.
Sketch and colors (#3):   https://joannamunster.com/2015/11/15/ibsic-100/
Layers:                            http://starstampz.blogspot.com/
Layers,  with a digi:        http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/                                                  
Ribbon; pearls:                http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/ 
Any:                                 http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/