Christmas 2015 #20

Supplies:  Unity sentiment (from "Lying in a Manger");  LifeStyle Crafts embossed tree; Cuttlbug Snowflakes; Cleo metallic red and green ribbon; Pizazz Aplenty half pearls; corner rounder;  green cs; shimmery cream cs by Recollections
Sketch:        http://www.theunitystampco-challenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:   http://asnowflakespromise.blogspot.co.uk/
                      http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
                      http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
                      http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
                      http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/ 
                      http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/
                      http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
Silent night:  http://inkychicks.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas tree:                            http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.com/ 
Ribbon & Pearls (Christmas):   http://hjcchallenge.blogspot.ca/ 
Inspiration (tree):                        http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/ 
Christmas w/ red & green:         http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/

Dearie Doll Christmas

My Christmas cards  have a spiritual theme, but I could not resist this Dearie Dolls image - so I made a card to send to our granddaughter - you see her included in my photo at the right.  (She is in her first year at the Air Force Academy - she is fortunate to be able to go home from time to time, but she misses her cat!)  This will be unsigned so she can send it to a friend.   I used the Dearie Dolls image (thank you for sharing your talent, Mary Ellen).  Where are you in CO?  The image is new, but the DP has been in my stash for a long time - have no idea of the origin!
Sketch:      http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Critter:      http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
                   http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/
Be merry:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2015/11/challenge-172-be-merry-plus-new-2015.html
Any:           http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/  
                   http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/11/dlart-november-linky-challenge.html
In with the old (DP):  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (oh, my - what happened to that tree???)   
                   http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
      

Birthday, not Christmas

I did not intend for this to look so much like Christmas.  I had hoped I would have some cs that is less red - a deep pink, coral or salmon - none to be found - so I used this for the inspiration challenge.  And you need green leaves with flowers, right?  I used gel pens, Twinkling H2O and Brilliance ink to color the image.
Image - ODB; shimmery cream cs;  leafy die by Sizzix, flower - Blooms Two by Spellbinder  (first time I used this one);   Cuttlebug HB folder;  butterfly folder by Darice;
Sketch:           http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Inspiration:     http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
                         http://stampingwithdragon.blogspot.co.uk/
Die cuts:         http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Celebrate:       http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
 Any:                http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

For fall

Apples always remind me of fall - when we lived in Omaha there were so many apples available in September and October!  This got darker than I had anticipated - trying to use the apples as a guide for the colors.  I used red, dark brown and dark gold from the color challenge; sentiment from ODB; red rain drops from the Freedom set available at Classy cards; and a bit of ribbon from my stash.  The DVine Swirl embossed piece (Cuttlebug) is sponged for added depth; some edges are distressed.
Sketch:    http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Apples:    http://classycardsnsuch.blogspot.com/
Colors:      http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (colors):  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Fall:         http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Any:         http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/ 
                 http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-10-30T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1

CASEing

I need to replenish my supply of sympathy cards. 
Supplies:  Swiss dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug); Cheery Lynn butterfly die; various DP scraps.  This may seem like an unusual choice, but this stamp is a favorite for the front of sympathy cards (Paper Inspirations).  I used Tenia Nelson's card as inspiration for my case - primarily for the layout.
CASE:         http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/search/label/July%20CASEplorations
Butterfly:     http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Fav. stamp:  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Embossing:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.ca/
 Inspiration (flowers and color):    http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Any:            http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/challenge-14.html
                    http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/ 
                     http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/

29th birthday

Sentiment- Art Impressions; Coloring - Prismas; brad; DP by Teresa Collins; Washi tape; distressing; chalking
Sketch:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Color:   http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Color inspiration   http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Touch of vintage:   http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/

Lovely in Lace

I belatedly set a goal of having 50 cards in my April gallery.  I am going to make it, but only by resorting to some super simple cards!  Not long ago I  purchased a kit of various card toppers, back grounds, inserts, etc., by Kanban.  This series is called Lovely in Lace, and will make a lot of cards.  This is actually a punched piece that I did not separate. The main color is a deep sage.  I used one of the tags for the sentiment, with a bit of silver sticker for embellishment.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Inspiration:   http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/

Critters and wings in pastels

This Inkadinkado stamp is a nice one, but it is one I am not sure what to do with.  There are so many elements to color - I ended up leaving some with no coloring and then had a chance to use lots of colors - mostly pastels and a few brighter ones.  I used some metallic gel pens for finer details, and watercolor pencils with an aqua pen for some of the larger items.  Your ideas are most welcome.
I used a couple of pieces of DP from my scrap stash.  The gold embossed "corner" is also a scrap that was just the right shape and size.  The card is finished with a strip of Washi tape and punched butterfly.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Colorful:  http://livelaughstamp.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-04-02T09:45:00-05:00&max-results=7
Rainbow of colors:   http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Stripes:    http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Pastels:    http://thepapergirlschallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Middle (image in the middle of the card):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Colors of spring:    http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.co.at/2015/04/color-your-world.html
Scraps:      http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
 


 

Chalked floral

My Card

Cornelia's inspiration card

My card (top) is inspired by a couple of Cornelia's cards for this month - at Stamplorations.  If you look through my blog you will see several versions of this embossed floral card.  This time, I printed the sentiment on my computer - positioning it so that I could cut a panel the right size to emboss.  The font I used is called Jokerman.  It is probably the first time I used it - but I liked the unusual look.
I used powdered chalk to sponge the embossing as well as the edges of the panel. TIP:   I used another favorite technique - I cut the embossed panel with a very dull blade I keep for this purpose - it gives just a bit of distress to the edges and is easy-peasy!  Oops - the smudge above the sentiment is NOT on the card!
CASE:    http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2015/03/inspiration-post-march-9.html
Chalk:     http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Pastel:     http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Spring:    http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Any:        http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
                http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
Sentiment:   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Yellow & tip:   http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/
Floral inspiration:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/

B&W for Hal

This is a bit late for Hal's birthday celebration - so I used the Blessings by Cheery Lynn instead of a Happy Birthday.  Image by TLC;  gears embossing folder from Darice; misc papers.  I used a double row of Washi tape for the long strip.  I have learned that it works better for me to adhere the tape to a strip of white cs- the pattern is clearer that way.
Sketch:       http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Celebrate:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Animal:     http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Vintage:     http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
                  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Inspiration:          http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Any:      http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.ca/
               http://notjustcardschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Golden butterfly

Pruducts used:   Unity stamps, markers, misc. papers, glittery gold cs for the butterfly; Cheery Lynn butterfly, lace, Tattered lace die (panel bg for the main image).
Sketch:    http://www.theunitystampco-challenge.blogspot.com/
Gold and pink:  http://www.addalittledazzle.com/dazzling-diva-challenge-65/
Gold:       http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/
Pop of pink:   http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:     http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com.au/
Any:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
            http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/

Marsala

Items from Lovely in Lace set by Kanban.  I was particularly intrigued by the current challenge at The Paper Girls.  Apparently, a hot new color is Marsala - a new term for me.  I know that color on the screen is not always true - but it certainly looks like the base color I used.  Since I (inadvertently) recently purchased a couple of packs of cs this color - now I can use it confidently, knowing I am in style LOL!!!  It goes well with these Lovely in Lace items.  the focal point is a punch out spray of flowers, with the floral bg.  I trimmed a bit around each piece, to allow the solid base to show through.  You may notice that the inner section has intentionally uneven edges - hard to cut, so I roughed them a bit for contrast.  I added a tiny button brad.
Sketch:   http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Marsala (color):  http://thepapergirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Button:   http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%97%8B%20Challenges
Color inspiration:   http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/ 
Any:         http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/03/dlart-thankful-thursday-march-linky.html

Springtime birthday

I usually color the watering can a silver or grey - I kind of like the yellow!  The image (Our Daily Bread) is colored with a variety of inks, pens and pencils, to get the desired colors - which do not display well on the screen.  The flowers that look shades of lilac are really shades of pink.   Blessings die is by Cheery Lynn.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Pastels (blue, pink, yellow):http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Colored image: http://www.fashionablestampingchallenges.com/?p=9345
Sentiment:    http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Layers:        http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.ca/
Spring:        http://2cuteinkchallenges.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (many pink flowers):  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Inspiration with yellow/green and blue:  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Doily, with Cheery Lynn die:   http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/

New Baby

I need to replenish my stash - no baby cards there right now!  So these colors are great - could be a boy or girl, I think.  I do not have much in the way of images - hope this works.
Old:  Provo DP, CB congrats, ribbon, Penny Black image
New:  glitter (on sentiment), aqua cs.
Sketch - I had to do one more - this is the last challenge (sigh):  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Color (Pink, aqua, ivory, glitter):  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Baby:  http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
Fave challenge - to die for:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
New:  http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
           http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/ 
New, with a die cut:  http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
Old/New: http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
 Any:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
           http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/

Easel card - my first

I have seen many examples of easel cards - including the beautiful example on Beccy's Blog (see link below).  My desk is littered with discarded attempts, and I finally settled for a fairly simple version.  I need to have better ideas for the inside.  My goal is to make one for each of the grandchildren - who are growing up and ready to establish homes of their own - and will hopefully use these as a part of their Christmas decor.
The first photo is the closed card - a Santa Rosa image stamped in Memento black on SU confetti (?) - an ivory cs but that does not really show here.  Inside I used "Joy" by Art Impressions, with a CB embossed frame.  I added cream colored gems and  scattered ivory stars at the bottom - the gems provide an anchor for the open easel.      

Christmas:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
                 http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Any: http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
        http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Neutrals:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Inspired by a song:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Holiday Joy:   http://papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Black & White:  http://craftingwhenwecanchallenges.blogspot.com/

                                                 

 

Christmas:  

Christmas 2014 #1

I have decided that I will not make many Christmas cards this year - I think I made about 50 last year.  For one thing, II need a little less stress!  I am not sure non-card makers realize the time involved (at least, for me!).  I know that appreciation of our cards is not the primary goal of card making - on the other hand, it is nice to receive some comments!
That being said, I will be making some cards and you will see most of them as challenge entries!  This sentiment is an unmarked unmounted rubber stamp from m collection - if you recognize it, please let me know.  I used DP and solid paper from the Faith sta  I hack (Paper Studio).  It does not show, but I enhanced the W with a gold Spica pen,  Glittery gold ribbon and a shiny star add more bling.  Blessings is a Cheery Lynn die cut.
One more question - I adhered the ribbon strip with double stick tape.  It works here as it is camouflaged with the Die cut.  What do you use to adhere strips of ribbon?  I know - Washi tape is a good replacement.
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-10-10T05:00:00-06:00&max-results=7
Christmas:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html?showComment=1414839841807#c3699530758315813145
Border (On DP); Cheery Lynn Blessings die:   http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
"time-season":  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Inspiration - the gold ribbon:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Anything uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Peeking over the chair

To be completed later...
Sketch, with Cuttlebug flower die cuts:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.ca/
Inspiration (polka dots and teal):  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/

for a golfer

As previously mentioned, I am trying to use some of the many stash items I have - including Golf a Fella.  A friend sent the image as well as stamped items for paper piecing.  I colored the rest with chalk pencils.
I used Swiss dots for the extra golf balls!!
Sketch:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/

For Mother in pastel

(I keep hoping some techie will visit this site and help me with the uploading problems - my image looks fine in my computer file, and when I upload here it gets all blotchy - especially the edges, and white spaces.)
The verse is from Our Daily Bread Happy Birthday set.  I added some die cut letters, Cheery Lynn branches, flowers from a SandyLion sticker set.  I sponged the Swiss Dot piece -IRL it is lighter toward the center - a result I like with this sponging. 

Sketch, with ODB stamp:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Pastels and polka dots:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Purple and white, nature (snowflakes, leaves, flowers), items from Joan's Gardens (EF, vagabond machine, and I bought the leaf die a while ago):  http://www.joanstouch.com/
embossing and texture:  http://www.theartisticstampercreativeteam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/april-challenge-embossing-and-texture.html 
Mother, with Cheery Lynn die:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Pretty Pastels:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
White plus one color:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/ 
                                        http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
No DP:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

 

Here I used a new image sent to me by a member of Wish RAK, at Splitcoaststampers.  I added a Spellbinder die cut/embossed border, with a Swiss Dot background.
Sketch:   http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Flowers:   http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/
Color inspiration:  http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
Pastels:   http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Ribbons and bows:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/