Glitzy Thank you

The thank you section of my stash is pretty empty - time to replenish.  Both the image and DP have been in my box for a long time.   I usually make cards  that do not have quite so many different elements - not sure if this one works.  I cut the outer flower, then cut a smaller version (Spellbinder) - backed the image, and placed the points to leave the bg showing (easier done than explained!)The LifeStyle embossing folder is not new but seems like it as I have only used it a couple of times.  The Washi tape is one of my newer purchases - I am still doing the 100 card challenge (at Splitcoaststampers) - no purchases until I have made 100.  Oh yes - the strip is a silver metallic; the flowers have glitter and I added a bit of glitter to the place mat.
Sketch:  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Glitter, bling:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
               http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/2014/01/make-it-glitter.html
              http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Generosity:  http://pathofpositivitychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Real ribbon:  http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/2014/01/challenge-84-add-real-ribbon.html
Ribbon and pearls:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.2creativechicks.com/
New:  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Warm thoughts:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/

Recycled butterflies

I am sure most of you can relate - some cards come together more easily than others - this was one of the easier ones for me. I usually begin with a sketch.  Here, I added my newest pattern paper (from a grab bag).  I scissor-cut the scallops (part of the pattern), and used the plainer part of the paper for the bottom strip.  The  middle strip shows embossed Stylized flowers (Cuttlebug).  I used some of the washi tape I purchased a few weeks ago as well as metallic cord a friend gave me years ago.  The sentiment is Just Rite.  The butterflies are recycled card board - one of my favorite things for die cuts - that I hardly ever use LOL!  This is from a store brand Raisin Bran box - just the right color!  The striped cereal bowl was just right for the smaller butterfly.  The tricky part is to find a spot without too much lettering.  (My all time favorite would be the boxes containing Marie Callender pies - yummy to eat and nice colorful pictures!)  The sentiment is JustRite.
Sketch: http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Celebrate:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
New:  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Bow:  http://craft-deebowz.blogspot.com/2014/01/january-challenge.html
Any:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Bingo - line 2-  (free, embossing, die, flowers):  http://memascrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-2014-challenge.html
Butterflies: http://feelingcraftychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Recycle:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/
twine/cord:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Vintage, in Sympathy

 

I used this pattern paper and the Textile embossing folder (Cuttlebug) to give this card a vintage feel.  (The textile reminds me of the textured tin ceilings - a restaurant we used to frequent had one),  I used a scrap of glossy cream CS for the embossed piece and the sentiment - though the ink does not take well. I added small strips of paper with a hand made look, and placed turquoise ribbon over that.  It has been a long time since I tried the "faux bow" and I am not sure I did it correctly.  (I made two parallel slits, and threaded the ribbon - first down, then up through the opposite slit.)
It is my first time to use this Verve set, New Mercies, my recent prize at Mojo Monday - yeah!
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Sympathy:  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Vintage:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
             http://paper-craftingjourney.blogspot.com/2014/01/vintage-distressed-shabby-chic.html
New:  http://heckofachallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
           http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Ribbon and bow:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
    http://hobbyhousechallenge.blogspot.com/
 Any:   http://flatfriendschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/

Happy Anniversary, DH

It is a while until our anniversary - maybe I will give it to him for Valentine's Day.  Unfortunately, we are getting pretty close to resembling this image - or maybe we are there LOL!!!  As I am looking at it - it is hard to tell that I used various shades of purple for the coloring.  The side strip is the Cuttlebug embossed hearts, and the heart behind the sentiment is a Spellbinder.  I colored with Prismas and gel pens, and added some shiny gems and cord.
Sketch:  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Monochrome:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Monochrome: http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
Humorous (though that may depend on your viewpoint!!):  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
                             http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Heart:   http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/Any:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/

Going Green

(In  a bit of a time crunch this evening - will be back later with more info)
This is  Country Garden by High Hopes, colored with Prismas.  It is to send to a friend who is undergoing chemo - even with the flowers I hope the fibers and plaid make it look masculine.  The cord is almost the same textiure as the burlap.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Green:   http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Fiber and texture: http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/
Use Patterned paper:  http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/
Masculine:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Joshua's graduation

We just heard that the son of friends of ours graduated in December - so this is pretty much a belated congratulations card.  Since it was so late I decided not to make it look so much like graduation.  I saw Erin's sample card at Clear it Out, and used it for a case/inspiration for this masculine look.  (used:  wood grain dp (from my very old stash!); Cuttlebug Congratulations embossing, Washi tape (the design looks like an arrow); a freebie verse from TLC (Thanks so much - perfect for my greeting); button dies tied with cord. For a simple card, I met a lot of challenges!
Sketch:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
      This is a cross challenge!
CASE Erin's card (stash item - DP):  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any (with sentiment):  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Bow and dies:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Wood (DP):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Button and bow :  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
A for arrow:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/ 
Their digi: 
Bingo - row 3 - digi, sentiment, embossing):  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Uplifting sentiment:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Inspired Birthday

The photo at Our Daily Bread this week inspired me to use the blue background - the wood look reminds me of the back of the cupboard.  The embossing is inspired by the wood front, and there are flowers in a container. I also used scallops as a trim.  The image is Our Daily Bread - colored with Prismas -thPetaloo flowers and blue gems for a long time - the Washi tape is fairly new.  I have so many favorite embellishments - here I used gems, flowers and washi tape.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Favorite embellishments:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Flowers:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Celebrate a birthday:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (see above): http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Bingo - metal (flower centers and watering can), circle, embossing:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Wood (CB wood grain EF on blue bg):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Lacy Butterfly

I was inspired by the softness, the scallops, and the tiny pink flowers at the ODB inspiration challenge.  I used a bit of DP from a mega grab bag, and "divided" it with a border using a Martha Stewart border punch.  The sentiment is from ODB's Happy Birthday set and the butterfly is Cheery Lynn.  I backed the We R Memory Keepers washi tape with light color cs - the tape is from a large set I got from Costco a while ago.  It will last me forever, but it was a good deal and gives me a better selection.  I should have added some bling to the butterfly - I can still do that.  I will use this for my Visitation team ministry at church.  If you have ideas of a simple way to keep track of what card (including inside verse) is sent to whom, I would appreciate hearing from you.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Alpha - "B" is for butterfly, border, Blessed:  http://digidarlas.blogspot.com/
Butterfly:  http://feelingcraftychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (scallops, flowers, soft color):  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge

In Memory of Leanne

Each Tuesday a TeaPotters challenge is posted at Splitcoaststampers.  Participants create a card, and if they wish, send it to a deserving recipient.  This week our cards are going to a family whose beloved Leanne recently passed away.  She weighed 2.2 pounds at birth, and suffered frequent infections during her life.  She overcame a lot, but was not able to survive a massive infection at age 27.  This card is in memory of Leanne.  The angel is from a set by SU, and the sentiment is JustRite.  Paper Pizazz DP, a bit of lace and teardrop pearls complete the card.
Sketch:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Blue and white:   http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Use blue:   http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Any  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
          http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
          http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
Lacy ribbon and pearls:  http://craftitudechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Teapot Tuesday: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt286-~january-21-2014~-heroes-angels-t583066.html
Any Sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
"A" - angel:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

For Janet

I am still experimenting with this set of Nesties Opulent Ovals- any help is appreciated.   The sentiment is from JustRite Fancy tags.  I flipped the sketch to showcase the lovely DP - a piece that was in a grab bag.
 The mat under the ovals is a pale peach, and the bg of the paper is more blue than it appears on the screen.  There is sheer,shimmery ribbon under the oval, and glitter on the roses and ovals.
Sketch:  http://www.palspaperarts.com/
Colors (blue, deep rose, peach):  http://justritestampers.typepad.com/
Glitter, bling (on flowers and on ovals; shimmery ribbon):  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
                              http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/
Embossing - probably does not show, but the ovals have delicate embossing:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Any:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Patterned Paper: http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/

Baptism Card

Our church pre-school director asked me to make a card for a baptism - in our church, we have infant baptism, but this is for an 8 year old boy - not as easy for me to do as a baby card.  I hope that I have found something that is suitable.  I am going to add his name at the bottom of the main layer - but I need to verify it before gluing on the letters.
Some information on  making the card:  For the main image layer - I used subtly patterned paper. and stamped (Cross and Blossoms, by Paper Inspirations) in craanberry - I deliberately did not ink evenly. 
 For rhe letters I used LifeStyle Crafts Hello, GoodBye die set.  I cut the letters I needed, then sponged cranberry ink around them - kind of a mask. (At church on Sunday I saw a "slide" that was beautiful, with subtle lettering - that was my inspiration for trying this technique.)
 I will use the same letter style for his name.  The DP layers are from Paper Studio Faith, and the mats are dark cranberry and cream.  The strips are metallic gold stickers.
For an additional distressed look, I am using dull blades in my cutter - just the right amount of rough edges for many of the layers! 
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Cuttlebug (die cuts, distressing):   http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
DP layers ((DP has been in my stash for a couple of years):  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Embellishments (gold strips):  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://myheartpiecesdigitalstampchallenge.blogspot.in/
Shabby:  http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/
New (to me) technique - see above:  http://dreamtimedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/12/challenge-3-at-ddcc.html

Sympathy in white with a bit of blue

Contrary to what the photo looks like, this background is all white - embossed with Cuttlebug's Victoria, which I have had for more than a couple of years..  The butterflies are backed with blue, to give a bit of dimension and to set them off.  I am experimenting with this Spellbinder Opulent Oval set - it is lovely but I am not sure how to but the different layers together - it is rather new to me, and every effort seems like a new beginning!  The lace must be vintage - I got it at a yard sale and it looked aged!  This is probably my favorite sympathy sentiment.
Sketch (Week 1):  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
White with a little color:  http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/
White and Blue:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Butterflies:  http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Any:   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
New beginnings, w/ oldie:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Monochromatic:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
                            http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
   Embossing:   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Silhouette birthday

You may notice that I tend to have several similar cards - if there is something on the corner of my desk, left from a previous card, it is handy to use it again!  This is a silhouette from Antique Images, and the sentiment from Your Next Stamp.  The DP is nearly an antique - I have had that Costco cs for a very long time!  The textile embossing folder was selected  for its vintage look.
Sketch #3:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
New/Vintage (silhouette image)  http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/:  
Any/Girlie:  http://polkadoodle.blogspot.com/
Texture:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Never used - sentiment:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Scripture

This is another addition for my stash of cards for our church Visitation Team card ministry.  The sentiment is one posted at Word Art several months ago, and the (two) DP is from a Paper Studio stack called Faith.  For the sketch, I reversed the position of the elements.
Sketch:  http://kgiron.blogspot.com/
Encouragement: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/sweet-n-sassy-stamps-f329/january-2014-release-challenge-1-a-t582834.html
Any, with trust:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
Layers of DP over a year old:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

Masculine Birthday

I always need more masculine cards for my stash.  The image is by Gina K, and I colored it with Prismas.  The bg. is the Happy Birthday folder by Cuttlebug, and the strips are Washi tape.  The tape is pretty new in my stash.
Sketch:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/
Any, with colored image:  http://www.yumifumihandmadecrafts.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thecraftingcafe.blogspot.co.uk/
New:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Texture:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/

Fluffles in Pink

I have not used a Fluffles for a while - the pink challenge seemed just right for this cute kittie.  The sentiment is Paper Pretties.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Pretty in pink: : http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Bright and beautiful:  http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://liastampz.blogspot.com/
Any   http://lejdesignschallenge blog.blogspot.co.uk/
Cute and sweet:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Pattern Paper  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/

Petey - ice fishing

This is an image that has been in my stash for a long time - sent to me by someone at Wish RAK (Splitcoaststampers).  I did a search of the gallery there - and found cards I made with this image - over 5 years ago!  I think it is made by Inky Antics.  On the other hand, the sentiment is from a set of American glitter CSCraft library stamps I got not long ago.  I used Ranger Enamel Accents on the pompom and ice - I also dotted them around to try to make snowflakes around Petey - with a bit of glitter to give them sparkle IRL.  The snowflake and tiny punches are from glitter CS.  The Paper Pizazz pattern paper is imbossed with the Cuttlebug Snowflake EF.  For the "unexpected" challenge (AI) - I rediscovered the Ranger Enamel Accents buried in my ink pad/reinker drawer.  I HAD to have it but it has hardly been touched.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Bundle Up, it's cold:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Ice:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Snowflakes and sparkle:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Cute:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Texture:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Unexpected:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2014/01/challenge-125-expect-unexpected-use.html

Happy Birthday, Leah

This lovely girl is for our college student granddaughter - hopefully, she is being as studious as the girl in the image LOL!!! This is a new digi image I got from Antique Images.  Kraft and black is a favorite of mine.  I used a cream bg for the image and for the card base  The Kraft is embossed with the Cuttlebug HB folder.
Sketch:  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Kraft CS:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
Girl image:  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Girlie theme - Digi Galore challenge:  http://notrealstamps.blogspot.co.uk/
New item (image):  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

100x100 Girlie celebration

This is such a cute High Hopes stamp - Gertie, Millie and Hattie.  It is hard to choose a favorite, but this is certainly right up at the top!  I colored with Prismas.
 For all the "use something new" challenges - I have put myself on a spending diet (see Splitcoaststampers 100 cards in 100 days - without buying! challenge).  This uses my most recent additions - sentiment from American Crafts, Washi Tape (Belle Blvd) and DP (Paper Wishes). 
Favorite:  /http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Celebrate:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
Wish:  http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/
New:   http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
           http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/
           http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

100 x 100 in Blue

Supplies:  ODB stamps, Victoria embossing folder (Cuttlebug), misc. ribbon, Nesties, chalk sponging, half pearls.
Recipe:  2 - stamps; 0 - Pattern paper;  1 - ribbon;  4 - layers  : http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Sketch:\  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Blue, with bling (metallic ribbon, pearls):  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Blue:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/