Eureka Challenge #182 - CAS

Here is my design team card for Eureka Stamps challenge #182, which is open through Sunday, March 6.
I will be the first to admit that CAS cards are not my first choice - I really like CAS cards done by others, but struggle with my own - I tend to want to fill up all that space, or add embellishments.  However, this cute Digi by Eureka Stamps - Cool Cat with Shades - worked well for me.  I edged the image layer with a bit of ColorBox Marigold ink.  (Tip - I did not tear the edges of that layer.  I did use my trimmer with a very dull blade I keep for that purpose - it is dull enough to give what I call a controlled ragged edge!)  The ink was applied directly from the mini ink pad, to add a hint of color and some dimension.  Another tip - the sentiment is also a digi by Eureka.  I printed it separately, hand cut it in a bubble shape, and photo copied it unto the cool cat image.  This process left a look of an edge around the sentiment - which I enhanced a bit using a grey chalk pencil.  It looks like a layer but is not.  I used a metallic pen to draw the line to "attach" the bubble, and also to add some specks to the background.  The cat was colored by mixing orange and beige chalk pencils. Thanks for looking.
CAS #182:  Eureka Stamps
CHALLENGES ENTERED:         
Animal:      Mod Squad Challenge
                    The Paper Shelter
                    Wags n Whiskers
                    Fan-tastic Tuesday
Cats:           Show us your Pussies 
CAS:           Clean and Simple on Sunday
Cute:           Aud Sentiments Challengeblog
Any:            Crafting-with-Friends
                     Crafty Gals Corner
                     Creative Fingers Challenge
                     Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
                      Our Crafty Corner
                     Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday     

New DP

I just received my prize from Classy Cards n Such - a pack of lovely watercolor papers by Ken Oliver.  Thank you!  I tend to make A2 size cards, so I minimized the layering - I wanted to show the pretty floral bg.  I used up some scraps of items from my stash of odds and ends.  The fabric strip and the mesh piece were there - I think they came from a grab bag at a yard sale.  I added 3 shiny gems and tied a bow with DMC metallic 6 strand thread.  The verse is from Our Daily Bread.  I used a different sponging technique:  Sponging inside the die is not new, but using twinkling H20 is. I mixed a bit of the pigment with water, and used my aqua pen to sponge - I like the shimmery effect.
CHALLENGES ENTERED:  
Sketch:                  Our Daily Bread
Coral and teal:     Classy Cards n Such
3 of a kind:    
Nature (Flowers): Craftin Desert Divas
Stamp and die:    Penny Black Allsorts 
Devotion:             Words 2 Craft by
Any:                     Simon says Stamp-Wednesday Challenge
                             Paper Nest Dolls
                              Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Leaping ladies

I think this Art Impressions (pre-colored)  pop-up set, Enjoy the Ride, works well for challenges that include "leaping" - it is leap year, after all.  I just have no idea why they are running, leaping and jumping - just havin' fun!  (Actually, though, most folks of this generation probably ache too much to leap very high!!!)  The three gals and the purse are popped up on pop dots.  The sketch also gave me a chance to use some underutilized Washi tape!

CHALLENGES ENTERED: 
Sketch:                     Sweet Sketch Wednesday2
Shake, rattle, roll:    Art Impressions Stamps
Birthday:                  Di's digi Designs
Hop, skip, jump:      DRS Designs      
"Pop":                       Inkspirational Challenges
Girly:                         Fresh Brewed Designs
Color (blue, green):  Cupcake Inspirations
Any:                          One Crazy Stamper
                                  Craft Your Passion 
                                  The Paper Nest Dolls

Springtime

Pre colored digi by Beccy; misc. blue, green and white cs;  sheer ).white ribbon; Embosalicious embossing folder (sponged with green ink).
CHALLENGES ENTERED: 
Sketch:       Paper Play Sketches
Colors:       Cupcake Inspirations
Birthday:    Allsorts Challenge
                   Di's Digi Designs Challenge

Black, white, red

Recipe:   Various DP & CS;  Spellbinders Majestic elements (oval dies); unknown digi; Petaloo glittery flowers, shiny gems; Marvy Butterfly punch; gel pens, Pizzazz Aplenty dragonfly brad;  glitter.  Note - I added a bit of glitter for each leaf/flower I colored - before the ink dried.  Just enough glitter adhered to add a bit of shimmer. Sorry, I know it does not show on the screen.
CHALLENGES ENTERED
Sketch:                                          VLV Sketches #2
Black, white, red, flower, heart:  Fussy and Fancy
Use red:                                          Dies r us Challenge
Butterfly and g for glitter:           Butterfly Spot Challenge
Sparkle and bling:                        Dream Valley Challenges
Any:                                               The Sisters of Craft
                                                        Lemon Shortbread

Practicing CAS

I still struggle with CAS cards, and will readily admit that this is an attempt for me to improve in that style.  I wanted to see if I could use my Cuttlebug embossing frame and I think it works.  My computer skills (especially relating to graphics) are also lacking - I have not been able to figure out if I have a program that will allow me to reposition the digital image.  I printed this in a 4x6 layout and it is satisfactory.   I edged the layer with ColorBox Marigold ink.  The image itself is colored with chalk pencils and glittery metallic markers.  For the larger leaves I colored first with a regular green marker, and over colored with the glittery marker - this looks nice and sparkly IRL.
CHALLENGES:
A Day for Daisies image; use wood:    A Day for Daisies
One layer wonder:                                Clean and Simple on Sunday
No DP:                                                    Crafty Catz  
CASing Anita:                                       Stamplorations     
Inspiration colors, shape):                    Pinspirationa Cchallenges
Nature's Wonders:                                 Craftin Desert Divas
 CAS:                                                       Hiding in my Craftroom

Don't spill the coffee

The verse inside reads: " I don't do exercise...it makes my coffee spill."
Edna, by Rubbernecker; DP by Beau Papier; Petaloo flowers, shiny gems; Prisma colors; glitter; Fiskars scallop punch.
CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Sketch:           Stella Says Sketch
Coral, aqua:  Classy Cards n Such
                        DRS Designs
Coffee:            Creative Corner
                         Crafty Creations 
Glitter:            Sparkle n Sprinkle
Celebrate:       Great Impressions
Birthday:        Allsorts 
Any:                Whimsy Inspires
                         Crafty-Girls-Creations

Eureka Tic-Tac-Toe

This week the challenge at Eureka Stamps is Tic Tac Toe.  I selected the middle row - using twine, embossing, and Washi Tape.  I used the Happy Birthday embossing folder by Embossalicious.  I chose this birthday sentiment, Most Special Day, by Eureka - what a nice birthday sentiment.  The designer paper featuring some tiny hearts is from a pad by Beau Papier.  I selected twine and Washi tape to match the hearts. Hint - I cut tiny notches on the edges of the bg mat to anchor the twine so it will stay in place. The shimmery dark burgundy mat cs is from Clear Bags.  I hope you will check out this challenge at  Eureka - you have until Sunday afternoon to enter.
CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Sketch:        Try Stampin on Tuesday
Pink, red, hearts: DL Art
Hearts:        Cuttlebug Mania
Sentiment:  Crafty Sentiments   
Layer it up: Tuesday Throwdown
Birthday:     Allsorts Challenge
                      Double Click Connections 
Any:             Whimsy Inspires
                      Word Art Wednesday  
                      Crafty-girls-creations
                      The Sisters of Craft
                       

TeaPot Tuesday #395

I got a large pack of items from Kanban not long ago - lots of great black, cream and gold.  I have had little chance to use them, but decided the look would work with this rooster (Stampin' Up Provencal) - a suggested theme for our TeaPot Tuesday challenge at SplitcoastStampers (Splitcoaststampers - Teapot-Tuesdays-mmtpt395.  The card will go as an RAK to someone who suddenly developed some mysterious, serious health issues.  I doodled some faux stitches on the circle, and added a gold strip and gold ribbon.  The DP is lightly embossed, and I also embossed the black mat layer.
CHALLENGES ENTERED:  
Sketch:      Share Joy
Layers:      Tuesday Throwdown 
Any:           Addicted to Stamps
                    Crafty-girls-creations
                    Crafting-with-friends
                    Through the Craft Room Door
                    One Crazy Stamper
                    The Paper Nest Dolls 
                     

Cast your cares on Him

Verse by Verve: DP in circle by Beau Papier; other misc. papers; stitched ribbon - Bobbin Ribbon; Cuttlebug circle dies.
Sketch:       Verve Sketches
Die cuts:      Addicted-to-Stamps 
Patterns,, stitches and colors:  Classy Cards n Such

Congrats, Hanna

This is not typical of a Verve entry - but I found this sketch fit the image and theme I wanted to use.  Our granddaughter-in-law just got results for her pre-nursing exam - and she did very well.  She has been studying for some time, and is so excited.  Our grandson just started med school so the next few years will not be easy for them.  I wanted a fun card to congratulate her - and a quick card I could get in the mail this morning!   The image is from Dearie Dolls, and I used a school themed paper from Studio 18 - thought it reflected the studying she will be doing.  I used my red gel pen to put her name on the cap - had to make it tiny! Circle dies  cut an open circle that would not cover too much of the patterns.
Sketch:     Verve Sketches #1
Color, pattern and stitches:   Classy Cards n Such
Stitches:    Creative Knockouts
Red:          Dies r Us

Stitched doggie

I don't sew, but I added some faux stitching to this image (sorry - I did not record the source).  I used the stitches to highlight the patchwork.  If you-  are looking at the sketch - I do have a panel under the oval image.  I used a piece that I have been saving for a long time.  It is beige, and looks a little like the mesh bags used for produce - maybe you can see the little knots.  These items add interest and texture without hiding the DP pattern - and do not make it look too busy.  The strip is Washi tape - as usual, I mounted it on cs - burgundy, this time.  The image is precolored - the blue is inspired by the Classy Cards inspiration.  I fussy cut the ears before using the oval die, and added a stack of punched bones.
Challenges:       
Sketch:     Tuesday Morning Sketches
Color, pattern and stitches:   Classy Cards n Such
Recycle (mesh bag):                Simon Says Stamp - Monday   
Kids:         Die Cuttin Divas 
Cute:         Fan-Tastic Tuesday
Any:          Addicted to Stamps

Love in the RV park

For some of you this may seem a rather unusual card for the "love" themes.  However, we know several couple who have found love the second time around, after losing a spouse.  Many of these "more mature" couples have known each other for some time through associations in their RV travels.  This scene (Art Impressions pre colored and die cut pop-up) is realistic, but I must say our friends are better looking!  I added some of the layers from the set, but not all.  BG pieces are from a Martha Stewart collection, and one corner features embossed hearts from Darice.
Sketch:                    Sweet Sketch Wednesday2
Sunshine:                The Paper Girls
Hearts:                    Fresh Brewed Designs
Embossed hearts:   Cuttlebug Mania
Love is in the air:   Crafting for all Seasons
Love, love, love:     Art Impressions Stamps
Love:                       Frilly and Funkie  (funky)
                                 Lunagirl Moonbeams

Eureka Challenge #180

I am quite excited about this post.  It marks my debut as a design team member for Eureka stamps.  In fact, it marks my debut as a design team member - period.  I am happy and excited as well as a bit nervous.  Thank you, Karal, for selecting me and showing this confidence.  I hope I will not let you down.  Please visit the Eureka blog to see what the other talented designers have created for you.
Now, on to today's Eureka Stamps Challenge - Fur and Feather.  I selected  these digis:  Rainy Day Duck and Under the Weather.  The duck is colored with Prismacolor pencils.  The mat cs is a dark teal.  To create the background I inked the D'Vine Swirl (Cuttlebug) embossing folder with a dark teal marker, then embossed. The light blue panel is from SugarTree; the strips are formed with a double row of Washi tape.  I used a flower and a shiny gem from my collection.
This will be a good card to add to my stash - handy to have available.

CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Sketch:            Cheerful Sketches Challenge
Digital image: Digital Delights by Louby Loo
Any:                2 Crafty Girls Challenges
                        Crafting-with-Friends
                        DL. ART
                        Doodle Pantry
                        Inspiration Destination
                        The Sisters of Craft

For a Friend

 I used my new Hearts embossing folder (Darice) and reds and pinks to make a card for a friend who is hospitalized. (Then I covered most of the hearts!)   The verse comes from Word Art.  I used Washi tape for the strips, and added shiny gems and a sheer pink bow. I used shimmery silver cs for the sentiment and the embossing.
Sketch:                     Sketch Saturday
Warm colors:           DRS Designs
Pink, red, hearts:     DLArt         
Color Inspiration:   Your Next Stamp
Hearts:                     Whimsie Doodles
Scripture:                 Scrapping Everyday Miracles   
Any:                          Word Art Wednesda
:         

An Elegant Dog

This dog, from the Rubber Cafe, looks like he (she?) is posing for a formal portrait!  I scored lines at the top of the card to form a border to balance with the die cut border and Cheery Lynn flowers at the bottom.
CHALLENGES ENTERED
Sketch:    Tuesday Morning Sketches
1 layer:     Simon says Stampblog Wednesday Challenge
Animal:    Creative Knockouts
Any:        Inspiration Destination

Hearts and a rose for DH

I hope this is masculine enough.  Hubby is always so thoughtful - he wrote a poem and brought a rose for me (yes, already) - he always says he'd buy a million if he could.....awwwww...!1 After 58 1/2 years we just don't come up with much of anything new!
Enough of that...
I lucked out the other day as I popped in to JoAnn's - they had Darice folders at 6/$10 - this is one  that I came home with.   I had to use it.  The image came from A Day for Daisies, several weeks ago.  I colored with Brilliance ink and an aqua pen.  The tiny heart is part of the image but I cut it out and popped it up a little.  Die cuts by Spellbinders, and the heart ribbon from my stash.  I did the sentiment on the computer.
CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Sketch:      Sketch Saturday
Hearts:      Craftin Desert Divas
                   Deep Ocean Challenge
                   Whimsie Doodles
                   Double Click Connections  
                   Fresh Brewed Designs
                   The House that Stamps Built  
                   Mod Squad Challenge
Love:          Dies r us
                    Polkadoodle
                    Whimsy Inspires 
Use red:      Di's Digi Designs

Valentine:   The Paper Girls
                     The Paper Shelter
Any:            CCCdigicreations

New to my stash

I waited a while to get an order of new "stuff" - then have been busy with Valentines and a special order - no time to play with that order!  So I tried here - using a Kanban kid for the butterfly and gold scroll border.  The image is Unity, and I followed their Facebook sketch challenge - though I have not yet figured out exactly how to participate, since I am pretty new to that platform.  I used a dark brown cs, embossed with the Embossalicious happy birthday folder, for the background. 
Challenges entered:  
Animal/bird:     ABC-challenge  (A)
                          Crafty Friends
Any:                  Digi Stamps4joy
                          Through the Craft Room Door

Tea Pot Tuesday for Carolyn

teapot-tuesdays--butterflies-#394 - for Carolyn
This is the link for this week's Teapot Party challenge over at Splitcoaststampers.  Looking for a place to send your cards?  Join this weekly challenge - the mods select some one in need of cheer, or who deserves a special recognition.  This card will go to Carolyn who has had many health problems and could use a little cheer.  Butterflies were included in the suggested themes.
1-2-3 challenge:  Image by Stampemdous; I used shimmery silver cs to emboss the butterflies (Darice) - my favorite cs for embossing.  The second cs is poppy red. There are 3 shiny gems in a color close to the strawberry milkshake of the color challenge. The sentiment is from Inspired by Stamping.
Sketch/color:   Share Joy Challenge
1,2,3:               Come and get it
Embossing:     Frilly and Funkie
Any:                Inspiration Destination
                         Simply Papercrafts for all Occasions
                         One Crazy Stamper  
                         The Sisters of Craft

Blue & white thank you

I will have several versions of favorite blue and white cards - for a neighbor.  They are thank you's for kindness shown at the death of her father.  I feel that a more tailored card is suitable for that occasion - I like the white embossing with the blue.  This one has Cuttlebug Swiss dots and Darice butterflies teamed with Stampin Up Reverse prints. 
Sketch:                  Cheerful Sketches
Fav. color combo: Aloha Kitty Bee Challenges
Monochrome:        Fussy and Fancy
                                Crafters Cafe
Embossing:            Frilly and Funkie 
Any:                        Inspiration Destination

Simple Blue

This blog has been pink and red for several days, but it will be turning blue this week.  A neighbor asked me to make several thank you cards (thanking for friendship at the time of her father's death).  She asked me to use blue.  Although it is a favorite color of mine, I do not use it a lot as I find blue difficult to work with.  I welcome any comments and suggestions!   I will probably add a thank you sentiment when I figure out which one to use!   The image is Reverse Prints by Stampin' Up, and this embossing folder is Victoria.
Sketch:            Sketch Saturday
Monochrome:  Fussy and Fancy
                         Crafters Cafe
A fave color - blue/white:   Aloha Friday - Kitty Bee Challenges
Any:                DLArt
                        Inspiration Destination

Masculine Valentine - for Hal

One more valentine for a guy - using the "gears" folder from Darice, and the Cuttlebug
"You".  For the you folder, I selected certain lines to place at the top and the bottom.  (If you adjust your screen just right, you can actually see the embossing!  The sentiment is JustRite, and I got to use up some scraps of dp, some red and white cs,  and a bit of Washi tape.
Sketch:                   Jo's Scrapshack
Black, white, red:  The House that Stamps Built
Use red:                  Di's Digi Designs
Valentine/love:       Brown Sugar Challenge
                                Creative Corner Challenges 
                                Polkadoodle
                                QKR 
                                Fan-tastic Tuesday
                                Amusing-challenge
Steampunk (gears):  Sandee-and-Amelie 
                               
                                
                                
                  

To Ethan

Here is my second grandson card - another dog lover in his mid 20's - no frills for him!  I do really like making cards for these grandkids, as they appreciate my work and save their cards!  (If you have good ideas for 20 something males - all ideas are welcome!)  DP is from my Martha Stewart Valentine pack; I replaced the shamrock with a heart on the Dearie Doll image; finished with a bit of Washi tape and dog bone punches - might as well have a Valentine treat for Fido!
Sketch (turned):          Die Cuttin Divas
Valentine/heart/love:   DLArt
                                       Dream Valley Challenges
                                       Incy Wincy
                                       The Paper Girls
                                       Craftin Desert Divas
Animal:                         Crafty Friends
                                   

For Spencer and Hanna

It is so difficult to make cards, especially Valentines, for 20-something guys!  This grandson and his wife both love dogs - I found a Dearie Doll image for St Pats, and I covered the shamrock with a heart.    The DP is from a Martha Stewart pad - lots of cs but most of it more frilly!  I added a bit of Washi tape, and a circle die cut.
Sketch:   Tuesday Morning Sketches
Valentines/hearts/love:  Fan-tastic Tuesday
                                         DLART 
                                         Dream Valley
                                         Incy Wincy Designs
                                         The Paper Girls
                                         Craftin Desert Divas
                                         Die-cut-divas
Animal:                           Crafty Friends
                                      

Wishing you many more anniversaries

This pre-coilored digi by Dearie Dolls is perfect for a quick ansiversary card. Items used:  New DP by Beau Papier; blue cs from my stash; new sentiment from Inspired by Stamping; washi tape, rhinestone gems, Congrats embossing folder - all from my stash.  The edge of the circle uses direct to paper inking.
Sketch:               Come and Get It
Sweetheart:        Fan-tastic Tuesday
Animal:               Suzy Bee
Love in the air:   Incy Wincy Designs
Love, Marriage, Anniversary:  Die-cut-divas
Any:                     Inspiration Destination

Teapot Party for Bob

I often do the weekly Teapot Party challenge at Splitcoaststampers.  This week we are making cards for Bob, who had hip replacement and is recovering very slowly - he is in need of cheer.  I don't have any blue tractors as suggested, but I did dig this out of my WishRAK stash.  The wheat image is a new RAK gift, and the sentiment a new item received as a prize from Inspired by Stamping. (The stamped sentiment was cut to create 2 lines so it would fit!)  I added some checked DP and twine from my endless stash.
Here is the link for the information:   Teapot Tuesdays-mmtpt393
Sketch:         Your Next Stamp
B&W with a bit of color:  Pile it on Challenge
Any:              Stamped Blessings
                      Jo's Scrapshack
                      Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
                      Simply Papercrafts

Another one for Saidey

I was not satisfied with the first card I made for this little girl - I like this better.
Image - Dearie Doll (pre-colored digi, highlighted with a shiny red gel pen); glitter on her name; die cuts for the letters and ovals; DP from a Martha Stewart pack; brad hearts; computer generated sentiment; new red cs.
Sketch:       Come and Get It
Hearts:       Crafting Desert Divas
Valentine:   DLArt
                    C.R.A.F.T.
Love:          Classy Cards n Such
Bling:         Allsorts  
Kids:          Cuttlebug Mania
Any:           Jo's Scrapshack
                    Simply Papercrafts
                    Simon says Stampblog Wednesday 

For Evelyn"s partner

Here is another card for a church friend to give to her pre-school prayer partner. 
Image- Dearie Dolls' misc. DP, die cut letters and circles. sentiment on my computer; heart brad; misc. papers.  I printed the image on shimmery silver cs - what a nice soft shimmer IRL.
Sketch:      Your Next Stamp
Love:          Wags n Whiskers
                    C.R.A.F.T.
Pink:           Pink Gem Challenge
Kids:          Crafty Catz
                    QKR
Bling           Allsorts Challenge
Die cuts:     The Stamping Boutique
Any:            Inspiration Destination
                     Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
 

to Maddison from Barb

A friend from church asked me to make valentines for her pre-school prayer partners.  I soon realized I have enough paper to run my own store, but almost nothing for kids, and especially not for Valentines.  (My stuff tends to be for more mature recipients LOL!)  At any rate, I hope these elements work together to make something cute for these little ones.  I used a pre colored Dearie Doll digi, but changed the hair color.  The DP is Paper Studio; the dies are Spellbinder - including one from the Banner Basics set which is new to me.  The letters are die cuts, and the sentiment from my computer.  I highlighted the cute gal's shoes with a metallic pen.
Inspiration - inspired by the  "little girl" appearance as well as all the red hearts:     Pinspirational Challenges
Sketch:    Die Cuttin Divas
Love:       Cut It Up
                 Wags n Whiskers 
Kids:        Crafty Catz
                 QKR
Lots of red:  Di's Digi Designs
Any:          Jo's Scrapshack
                  DLArt

Glittery Agnes

Image:  Art Impressions;  New DP (Lily of the Valley) for piecing;  New red cs from a pack of Recollections cs; (glitter for flowers) -  the red glitter could just as well be new - it is in my stash but I don't think I have ever used it!;  gold glitter, bling; Majestic Elements die with a fancy border (Spellbinders); shiny metallic pens; chalk pencils; corner rounder.
Sketch:            The House that Stamps Built
Border:             Inky Impressions 
For the girls:     Penny Black at Allsorts
Sparkle:             DRS Designs blog
Glitter:               Sparkle n Sprinkle Creative Challenges.
Any:                   Lemon Shortbread
                           Inspiration Destination

Pink and flowers

 

This image is from my files - from Broken Box.   The border is embossed with the "You" folder by Cuttlebug; the new DP from Lily of the Valley.  I added pink rhinestones and ribbon from my stash.

Sketch:      Sweet Sketch Wednesday2

Border:      Inky Impressions
Flowers:     Fan-tastic Tuesday.blogspot.com/

Any:           Diana m Larson (DLArt)

                   Southern Girls 

                   Aud sentiments Challenge

                   Crafty Sentiments