Fall Pumpkins

This sketch gave me an idea for using this embossing Folder by Sizzix.  It is about 4x6, so too large for the A2 cards I normally make.  I embossed on Kraft cs, then cut the main panel.  This left a piece on each end - not quite right for the corners that peak out.  I just cut some triangles, making sure that each had a bit of the embossed part that would show - a bit of fence or part of the tree.  It is a technique I will use again - though I need to make sure the triangles lineup a bit better!  Added: Cheery Lynn dragonflies, black gems, bits of gold lace.
Sketch:       http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Pumpkins:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Lace:          http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Fall:            http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/09/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-165.html
Any:           http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/
                   http://www.scrapbookblessingsclub.com/2015/09/september-challenge-anything-goes-with.html

Blessings in your new home

I am not sure I like this result but I had to try!
Image - Unity; gate and key die cut - Marianne; brick embossing - Sizzix (Tim Holtz); sponging - black ink; grosgrain ribbon; Kraft cs.
Sketch:                          http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
New home:                   http://mariannedesign.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home:     http://www.vintagejourney.com/2015/09/home-sweet-home.html
Stamp:                          http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/             
Any:                              http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
                             http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/ag-no-50.html 
Kraft, with embossing, die cut,  ribbon:    http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Ribbon, any image:      http://www.ribbongirls.blogspot.co.uk/                        

September floral

I am still trying to catch up on challenges as well as replenishing my stash.  This card will go out soon - my sister's September birthday is in another week.  This is a bit of nostalgia for me - my father (who passed away over 40 years ago) always gave bronze colored flowers to my mother - her birthday was actually in October.  I used copper Twinkling H2O ink - what a lovely shimmer.  The Kraft bg is embossed with Lifestyle Crafts "Vine".  The Blessings is my Cheery Lynn, and I used a button and ribbon from my stash.
Sketch:        http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Texture:     http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Autumn:      http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
September:  http://dragonflyjourneys.blogspot.com/
Button and Bow:  http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Celebrate (birthday):  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:             http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/

Adrienne #3

We just heard from our Granddaughter, who is in her first year as a cadet at the Air Force Academy.  It is a rigorous life, and we are trying to write often - she does have a phone now (after Basic Training) but is limited.  She enjoys my cards, and I am sure she writes to a lot of her friends.  So I will try to send a card each time that she can in turn send to a friend or relative.  (I just purchased a pack of 4.5x6.5 envelopes, so I can enclose a regular A2 card as well as the envelope.  Maybe I can even get 2 cards for the price of one stamp!  LOL!)  Here I used a clip art logo falcon, with a simple design on Kraft cs.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Bird, with Kraft cs:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any:       http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/

For a new Kathleen

It is not obvious, but this card is a congratulations card for an SCS friend who recently had a double lung transplant and is starting her new life.  The TeaPot Party gang had a celebration for her.  I am very late, but I did bring some music and singers to continue the festivities.  (Maybe she will need earplugs LOL!!!)  This is a fun image from Art Impressions featuring Betty at the keyboard.  I colored with chalk pencils, and added another tiny bird who seems to be escaping.... The sentiment is Recollections.  The mats and bird are Kraft cs.  As I am unpacking all my stuff from the RV I keep finding hidden treasures, including these clips.  Time to use them!
Here is a link to the tea pot party:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt362~july-7-2015~celebrate-dance-music-t601096.html
Sketch:      http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
For the girls:        http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/ 
Wings:       http://lauralcraft.weebly.com/dragonfly-dreams-challenge 
Birds:        http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/ 
Any:          http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2015/08/challenge-166-anything-goes.html
Purple:      http://dragonflyjourneys.blogspot.com/
Sentiment: http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Feminine:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
New Beginnings:    http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/ 

Splatters

I do not really do a good job of keeping up on trends, but from a couple of challenge descriptions, splattering must be in!   When I saw these challenges, I immediately had an idea to combine splatters with using the new die I received as a prize from Classy Cards 'n Such - the Memory Box Excavator.  This die and many others may be purchased there. To create the splatters I used Posh Terra Cotta re-inker (watered down) and a toothbrush.  As you can see, this resulted in uneven spots as I tried to master the correct way to "click" on the brush!  I hope you can figure out what my idea involved.  The diagonal track is Washi tape, and the HI is a scrap of left over layers from the tape strip - cut with a Cuttlebug die.
In case you are wondering what this has to do with summer time - you probaby have not been out on the highways recently LOL!!
Sketch:     http://sweetsundaysketch.blogspot.com/2015/06/sweet-sunday-sketch-challenge-274.html
Splatters:  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
                   http://classycardsnsuch.blogspot.com/
Summer:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any:           http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
                   http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/

Garden statue and gate

Once again, I encourage your help and suggestions.  I recently won the Garden Gate and Statue dies (by Marianne) - from Creative Card Crew.  I will be trying different things to place behind the gate!  This is an old stamp by Endless creations.  I added some leaves from a Sizzix die - using black to stay with the kraft and black theme.  I placed the Our Daily Bread sentiment on a punched border.  I aged the statue with a bit of black sponging.  Oh, yes, I cut an extra outer panel of the gate, spit it in half, and extended the fence on either side in this way.  Since I decided to add the statue I really did not need to do that.
Sketch  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/:
Kraft:   http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.ca/
Sentiment:   http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Flowers:       http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
 Garden:      http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
3 dies (statue, gate, leaves):  http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/
Girl friend w/ Kraft:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any:              http://www.scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
                      http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
                      http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/  

Bathing suits, any one?

Inside verse:  .Things could be worse... We could be trying on bathing suits.
Supplies:  AI pop up - this is a pre printed, colored image to punch out.  It can be layered, but this time I used only this image, with the flip flops and sentiment added.
Die-Namics swirls and grass - thought I could get by using it for waves!  Kraft cs for mats; pearls, and a blue gem (ear ring); Sugar Tree bg paper.
Sketch (turned):  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Kraft:     http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
                http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.ca/
Pearls and swirls:    http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Pearls and a gem:    http://digichoosday.blogspot.co.uk/
Any/girlfriends (w/ Kraft):  http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Make me smile:        http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2015/04/challenge-157-make-me-smile-and-new-ai.html
Any:                           http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/
                                   http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-10-30T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1

For a friend

I have several friends in need of a lift -this verse (Our Daily Bread birthday set) is a good encouragement for all of us.  I tend to forget how much I like the effect of sponging with chalk. This DP has been in my collection for a while, and the cover is separated so I am not sure of the origin.  I die cut buttons from one of the matching papers that has dots.  I backed them with Kraft cut from the next larger button - that is about as much sewing as I do!!!  All the mats are Kraft, and I added a bit of lace trim.  The buttons are popped up.  I used some shiny twine - I like it but it does not want to tie as it is quite stiff.  So I distressed it with scissors - just like I would use scissors to curl paper ribbon.  Worked like a charm!
Sketch:   http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Dots:       http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Scripture:   http://www.faithhopelove1cor13-13.blogspot.com/2015/04/monday-scripture-challenge-fhl18.html

Sewing (buttons):  http://www.fashionablestampingchallenges.com/
Choose at least 3 (blue, lace, bow, twine):   http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any (with chalk):  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Any:     http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/
             http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
             http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Earth day recycle

I saved some corrugated dividers from a package of small bowls (a Dollar Tree find!).  I  cut it down with a circle die, and splattered with Walnut ink - this bottle always sprays with blobs!
Supplies:  Kraft cs, Lifestyle embossing folder, dp by We R Memory Keepers, Washi tape, HB die by Sizzix, twine, glitter on and around sentiment
Sketch:   http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
For the boys:        http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
Back to the earth:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any, w/ glitter:     http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/ 
Splatters:   http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.ca/
Any:       http://www.craftindesertdivas.com/search/label/Linky%20Party
               http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
               http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/04/dlart-april-linky-challenge.html

Lady bug and dragonflies

Image- Just Sitting Here by Your Next Stamp - Cheery Lynn dragonflies added - one of them is positioned due to an embellishment opportunity aka boo boo! Coloring is with markers.   The sentiment is by Verve - inside it continues .. a very happy birthday.  The base is a brick embossed piece (Tim Holtz/Sizzix) which I sponged with purple and sepia ink - trying to achieve a bit of the Tim Holtz look.  The strip is woodgrain, also Tim Holtz.  Mats are Kraft cs, and the purple strip is Washi tape.
Sketch:  http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
Colors, with Kraft cs:   http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Tim Holtz style:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/search?updated-max=2015-03-13T00:00:00Z&max-results=7
 Happy Birthday:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Die cut:   http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com.au/
Sentiment:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Spring:     http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Kraft:       http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:        http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/

Little bit o' green

I do not do much for St. Patrick's Day - hope this is close enough!
Unkown image; misc. papers and cs, Sizzix wood grain embossing folder; Prismas and metallic gel pens; twine.
Sketch #3:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Green:        http://www.craftindesertdivas.com/search/label/Linky%20Party
Kraft with green:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Kraft:         http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Spots and stripes:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
For a boy:    http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/

Front and back #2

Here is another of the Art Impressions Pop Up cards.  The challenge is front and back - this is not a front and back stamp, and a different interpretation, but I  want to enter it any way.  This image is the front of the card.  I used pop dots to layer the images on the front, but kept the two guys and a tree branch for the inside.  I added Memory Box fence to both front and back, as well as some "sky" cs and an embossed "road"  (on Kraft cs) to the front.  (See "Back of Card" in the next post.)
Sketch - loosely based on this sketch (5 challenge limit):   http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Front and back:   http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Celebration - birthday:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Birthday:       http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Paradise - for these guys, sitting on a bench is just that! -  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Krafty Thank You

This DP was in a pad, and one I had ignored until now - I thought the colors and style fit several of the following challenges.  It is my newest paper pad, but one I have used several times the past couple of weeks.
The SU image (from Sweet of You) is stamped on Kraft cs, and colored with metallic markers - some of them glittery.  The banner is part of the Teresa Collins DP  I used twin to attach the tag - also from Sweet of you.  For my tip - I used my dedicated dull blade to cut the image layers - for a slightly distressed look.
Teals and browns:   http://liastampz.blogspot.com/
Fav. color combo - any way,  one of mine:   http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/
Three choices - tag, heart, twine, top fold:   http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
New:   http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com.au/
Hearts:   http://www.addalittledazzle.com/dazzling-diva-challenge-62/
Hearts and flowers:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Thank you:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/ 
Any:    http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-02-12T00:00:00-06:00&max-results=1
             http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/

New die and embossing folder

I have been using some new papers for all the "new" challenges the past couple of weeks.  Finally, I got a few more new items.  There is a bit of a story... Not long ago JoAnn.com had a great sale on paper crafting items, including essentials.  I needed glue - but of course had to increase my order to qualify for free shipping.  I'll bet a few of you can relate to that!
New:  Darice "gears" EF, sentiment die by Elizabeth crafts.      Same as new - High Hopes Snoozin Sam - I think he fell asleep and his envelope stuck to another - just located it! 
Need to use up - screw brads, kraft cs!    Other supplies - Prismas, gel pens, white chalk (on embossed piece - hard to see, but it gives dimension IRL), Spellbinder circles.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/
Furry friend:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Pick 3 items - die cut, white, embossing:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Java love:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Humorous:  http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/
KISS - keep it simple, stampers:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
New:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Any, with chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/

Kraft thank you

New - DP by Teresa Collins - memorabilia;   New as in never used - embossing folder by Paper Studio.
Old - Kraft, black, white cs; inkadinkado stamp; Recollection sentiment, black ribbon, button.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Kraft/Thank you:  http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/2015/01/make-it-monday-challenge-205-thank-you.html
Thank you:   http://stampedblessings.com/
Button:  http://bunnyzoescrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/december-challenge-buttons.html
Old/new:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
New:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
           http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/
           http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-10-30T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1
           

Easel #4 - Open

I will be making at least 6 easel cards - similar but not quite the same.  They are for our grandchildren.  (you can see others in previous posts).  The chevron Washi tape marks the top of the inside, and the row of glittery snowflakes provides the "stop" for propping the card open.  Top - Stampabilities;  Kraft cs (mat):  Snowflake EF;  Circle, scallop and flower dies, white lace.
Sketch:  http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
Wings:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
              http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Modern Christmas colors (no red/green):  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
               http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Snow:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Loose glitter:  http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/
White on white, with Kraft:   http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Chevrons:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
More than one fold (easel):  http://scor-pal.blogspot.com/
 Christmas song:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Make embellishments (glitter snowflakes):   http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

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/

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/

Krafty horses

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