SplitCoast Love Fest I - die cuts

I am very late in starting the Love Fest challenges on SplitCoastStampers, but I am going to try to do at least a few.  This is for
Die Crazy:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/simon-says-stamp-f387/love-fest-challenge-simon-says-stamp-t584584.html
I used one of my first Cuttlebug dies (set called Asterisk) to cut a piee of the burlap - layered with white and red.  Stamp by Embossing Arts; Sentiment by Su.  More:  Spellbinder circles, Sizzix embossing folder, burlap; no name DP.
  Other challenges:
Sketch #3  :http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Black, white, red, craft:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Texture:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Punch/die:  http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/2014/02/challenge-86-use-dies-or-punches.html
Any:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/#comment-4305

Monochromatic sympathy

We have been gone for a few days, and now I need to do a lot of catching up.  First of all I need sympathy cards for our son-in-law's family - his dad passed away.  I prefer fairly simple cards, and this sketch and theme were what I needed.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://asimplefive.blogspot.com/search/label/Inspire%20Me%20Fridays
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Sarah's Wedding

We have a wedding in the family in a few days.  Traditionally, I try to incorporate aspects of the invitation as I make the card.  This was more challenging, as Sarah is a bit untraditional!  The lace, brown ribbon, initials, and textured look of the bg as well as the colors are similar to the invitation.  I am not sure how it looks on your screen - mine does not really show the dark cream look of the bk.  I used the LifeStyle weaving EF for that.  Ironically, the G is for both last names!  The sentiment is Great Impressions.    The image came from a Wish RAK member so I do not know the source.  I selected it because she was such an accomplished horsewoman in her teens.  The card is 5x7.
Wedding:  http://acreativeneed.wordpress.com/
http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
New beginnings:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Starting with "G":  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

All white texture

There are so many beautiful white on white cards - a format I need to practice more.
Supplies:  Cuttlibug, Sizzix embossing folders, Spellbinders circle, oval and rectangles; sheer ribbon; tear drop pearl, Cheery Lynn "Little things with Wings" butterfly, computer generated sentiment; glitter
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
 Wedding: http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
All white: http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/
Texture:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/
Embossing: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Teal and burgundy

This has a bg of the Congratulations embossing folder - but I ended up eliminating more of it than I had planned - I hope you can see the word on the left panel.  Another challenge is to use my favorite color combo - I have so many it is a very hard challenge.  I did select burgundy and teal for today.  Marissa is colored with Prismas and metallic gel pens.  I used a variety of bg papers.  The teal cs, Prismas, and gems have been in my collection a long time.  The checked DP is brand new.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Favorite color combo:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Gems with a High Hopes stamp:  http://highhhttp://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/opesstamps.blogspot.com/
Congratulations:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Shades of teal with dots

For me, this sketch was more of a challenge than others have been.  Usually I have images that are too large - this time I think they are a bit small - should have filled more of that middle space.  I am not a designer - what do you think?  The sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers.  I used a scrap of dotted paper - a CB border embossing folder - edging scissors - a strip of gold stickers - teal chalk for sponging.  The DP has been in my stash for a few years, and I have also had the dies and the embossing folders for a long time.
Sketch:  http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Dots:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
DP:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Girlie, with a sentiment:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/

Three circles

This sweet image is a digi (freebie - thank you) from Beccy's place.  They are colored with metallic gel pens for shimmer.  The circles are cut in the brown layer which is placed over the images.  The papers and sentiment are Recollection.
Sketch:  http://www.papersweeties.com/uncategorized/paper-sweeties-sketch-inspiration-10/
Dots:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Any, with an image from Beccy:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2013/08/august-challenge.html

Welcome to college

We just got the address so it is time to send a "Welcome to College" card to our granddaughter.  Since she is very fond of cats, this is perfect - I think she will over look the elementary school look of the yield sign!  This freebie, from Dearie Doll, is precolored - great for a quick card like this.  To complete the theme, the DP is HopScotch, by Basic Grey - with some chipboard stickers also from Basic Grey.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Back to school, w/ chipboard dots & heart - in my stash for over a year:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.ca/2013/08/time-to-get-ready-for-school.html
School:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
              http://www.clearlyistamp.blogspot.com/
              http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
              http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
               http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

For a teacher

This has been one of those days - lots of interruptions and I lose my train of thought!  And now I see a bit of red made its way to the border - LOL!  This uses a cuttlebug die - lots of pieces to create the apple and books.  The greeting is from a neglected Just Rite set - Fancy Tags.  The border is also CB, the dragonflies (??) are Cheery Lynn, and the bg Sizzix vines. All of these Back to School challenges are especially timely - our granddaughter just started her teaching career.
Back to school:  http://dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/
Back to school:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
 Back to school:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
1 decorative edge:  http://drsdesignsblo g.blogspot.com/2013/08/challenge-83-cards-with-1-decorative.html
Just Rite stamp with wings: http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/justrite-friday-challenge/
No DP:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/


 

Blue wildflowers

This image is one of several sent by a friend from Wish RAK on Spkitcoaststampers.  It seems just right for a monochromatic look in a blue that has a teal tinge to it.
Sketch:  http://craftingmusketeers.blogspot.co.uk/
Monochromatic:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

66th Anniversary

Recently I have had a number of friends request cards for very special occasions.  Just adding a number makes it special.  I am limited in what I have available, but the numbers from the Cuttlebug Olivia set work quite well.  My friend requested something in red - I was a bit skeptical, but I do like the result.  It is combined with ivory cs and and ivory flower.  I just received my order for Spellbinders Exquisite Circles - I am going to have to work with them a bit to figure out the best way to use them - the larger (red) circle is more of a cut out than en edge - I cut a larger circle first, then used the new die for the cut out.    Does any one have more ideas - or is there a tutorial some where?  I have not had a chance to look.
Something new -   Spellbinders, see above:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Dry embossing CB machine):  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Die cuts:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
 Tic Tac Toe - across- gems, flower, ivory:  http://creativecraftchallenges2.blogspot.co.uk/

Embossed sympathy card

I really like the simplicity and elegance of dry embossing for sympathy cards.  I added a bit of a border punch (Martha Steward trellis) and  Cuttlebug border die.  The sentiment is Paper Inspirations.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Sentiment (not birthday):  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Die cuts:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Monochromatic

I like the tailored look of blue with a touch of white - but once this was finished, this might appear to be more like Christmas than Anniversary.  Maybe I will have to change the sprigs and branches.   They are Cheery Lynn dies.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Gorgeous

I think this image works well with this fruity bg paper by DCWV.  The little branches are by Cheery Lynn, and the oval die by Spellbinders.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Fruit:  http://acreativeneed.wordpress.com/
Fruit:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Summer food and drink:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

CAS Summer on the beach

Clean and Simple is not easy for me, but I think this vintage look image from my Wish RAK stash - origin unknown - works well.  She is colored with Prismas - including subtle coloring of the beach, water and sky.  The mat is a blue grey cs.
Inspiration, CAS:  http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any birthday:  http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.ca/
Vintage:  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/frilly-funky-challenge-summertime.html
Sea:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Beach: http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/2013/07/challenge-43-lifes-beach-and-new-dt.html

AP congrats, granddaughter

We have 6 grandchildren and are so proud of all of them (I think that is the grandparents' job, right?)  This is for our youngest, a sophomore, who just heard she earned credit on her AP calculus exam.  Some of you may recall - she is the one who had a broken nose last winter - in a basketball game.
This digi sentiment is from The Alley Way - just right for here.  Other items:  CB "You" folder, Nesties, a scrap of kitty ribbon, for a cat lover; paper clips.
Sketch (embellishment on opposite side):  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Favorites - so many - dry embossing, die cuts, granddaughter:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Inspiration - color, and the pattern reminds me of the pattern on the inspiration piece:  http://www.inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/
Paper Clips:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/
Encouragement - I know this is probably a bit of a stretch, but this and the inside verse are strong support for hard work :  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Summer Time - masculine

Most of the Penny Black I have are pretty girlie looking - this should work for a guy card.  I colored with Chalk pencils - adding a bit of shimmer to the lady bug with a metallic pen.  The DP is all from scrap pieces.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
H for Hedgehog:  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Loving summer:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Masculine, with PB image:  http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/

Fluffles in the garden

Here is Fluffles in the garden, ready to present a bouquet.  The flowers are colored with gel pens. 
DP- Recollections; corners - Spellbinders;  metal brads - Craft Essentials.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Garden:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/
Pastels:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Tic Tac Toe (die: cuts, emboss, metal):  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/

Cherry is a fruit

This set from Ippity (Unity Stamps) always brings a smile - I am sure many of us can relate!  I think cherries are one of the most delicious summer fruits - but the season is SO short!  I used pink and brown - I used a verse inside that says: Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more chocolate, so the color evokes the thought of chocolate cake.  The tag is cut with edging scissors, and the flowers cut from the Olivia alpha set (CB).  I colored the image with Prismas and a gold gel pen.  The icing is Ranger's Enamel accent, for added dimension - highlighted with gold glitter.
Sketch #262 - March:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Dimension :  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Fruit:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/

Vintage for Father

One more with a vintage vehicle!  When I inked up the EF, I made two panels - this is the first, darker one.  I like the other best - it is the previous post.  Just a different look!  The EF is LifeStyle, the image Tim Holtz, the sentiment Just Rite.  Once I figured out what to do, this is a fairly quick card to make.
Father's Day:  http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/
Masc/Father's Day:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/ http://justri
Manly: http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/justrite-friday-challenge/