Circles, circles

  

This has become another favorite color combination - one I will continue to use for fall.  This image is from Our Daily Bread - Birthday set.  I am not sure about the sentiment.  The circles are Spellbinders.
Sketch, with ODB image: http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Lots of Yellow:   http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/

Singing BIrd on Kraft

1. This is a cute Unity image, which I paper pieced. The sentiment is from  $ bin.  
2. Sketch:  http://designed2delight.com/blog/
3.  Sewing, with kraft: http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/2013/08/make-it-monday-challenge-133-sew-so.html
4.  Music:  http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/

Anniversary Hearts

I am running out of ideas for anniversary cards!  This is a favorite color, and I think this is not too feminine.  I got to use some scraps! The  hearts are Spellbinders, EF by Sizzix, the stamp Recollection, twine is AMuse, and  the flowers by Petaloo
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Ribbon/twine:  http://getinkychallenge.blogspot.com/
Dies:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/  
Anniversary:  http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/

A green polka dotted umbrella

 

This is one of the first SU sets I purchased and now rarely use - I need to dust off the rest and get re-acquainted.  The bg DP is Basic Grey, and the pieced umbrella is A Muse dp.  The"corners" are a Spellbinders die cut - embossed, too.  I added some Cheery Lynn raindrops.
 Sketch:  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
Paper Piecing: http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Weather:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

Deja Vu Vintage

This is very much like a card I just made - for two reasons.  First of all, I am using up the very limited supplies in our RV.  Also, I was showing the first card I made to my friend - another friend saw it, and said her mother would also be 90 in a few weeks - could I make the card for her as well.  This Recollection vintage scene, called Toile, is very much a favorite.  The other pieces are scraps.  It is hard to see, but all pieces are ivory and black.  The letters are CB Olivia dies,  I added ivory birds from another favorite - Cheery Lynn Little Wings, available at oan's Gardens shop..
Sketch:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Die cuts:e/http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Numbers: http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Vintage, scenic bg, bird, die cut sentiment:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/08/this-weeks-challenge.html

Happy Birthday, Marilyn

Each year, her husband asks me to make a card for my friend.  She is also a loyal customer, and has told me how much she likes this image.  (Thanks, the Alley Way!)  They are full time RVers- I think it is the homespun look that she likes.  It is colored with Prismas, and the sentiment is computer generated. The die cut strip  and tiny flowers are from Cuttlebug borders.  The cloud is Cheery Lynn.
I used the colors and stripes from the inspiration:  http://www.thealleywaystamps.blogspot.com/search/label/BE%20inspired%20Challenge
The sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/

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/

Unusual shape

;

There must be a lot of anniversaries in August!  The cards have been flying out of my stash.  This is a digi, colored with Prismas.  The mat is a deep burgundy; the ribbon a pale blue -these colors do not look quite true.  The embossing is from a set by Sizzix - there are hearts in the center.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any: http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
No squares:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.com/

Embossed anniversary

The following sketch was more of a challenge for me than usual, but I am happy with the results.  I even got good advice from DH - and followed it LOL!!!  The embossed pieces are from a Sizzix set (I have forgotten the name.)  I used the middle part of the A2 folder.  I divided the "with love" strip. Teal chalk enhances the embossing.   The die cut is from a CB border I have had a long time - the flowers at the bottom are part of the die.  I cut in both teal and white, and layered them - that just gives a bit of an edge IRL, and adds dimension.  Tiny pearls create the center of the flowers  The white flowers are Petaloo.  No name on the dp - it has long been in my stash.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Chalk/any:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
texture:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Favorite technique (one of them, anyway!)  dry embossing, with a sentiment:  http://perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/

Debbie's mom is 90

This summer I have had a large number of requests for cards, especially for special occasions.  I enjoy doing such cards, but also feel some pressure to make sure they are indeed special.  Recently I discovered how much I like the classy look of ivory and black - now I  have a number of such cards to make.  I really like this scenic DP from Recollections - need to shop to find more like it!  The other cs is from my stash.  The only letter dies I have are this set by Olivia - a bit too large so I had to compress them for this layout.  The bird is a Cheery Lynn Little Wild things die, from Joan's Gardens.  The birthday sentiment is a 7Gypsies library stamp. The card is 4 3/4 x 6 1/4.
Sketch:  http://www.papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Ribbon and wings:  http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Vintage, Scenic BG paper, bird, die cut sentiment:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/08/this-weeks-challenge.html

A summer scene

Thanks for a sketch that accommodates a larger image.  This is a High Hopes stamp, Country Garden, colored with Prismas.  The lady bug and bird are die cuts from Cheery Lynn,  Embellishments:  a CB scroll die cut, glitter, ribbon, a jewel eye for the bird - this changes, but right now a favorite is ribbon.  DP is from a very old DCWV stack. 
Sketch, with die cuts:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.de/
Embellishments, with High Hopes stamp:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Inspired by the dots and colors (see the roof of the bird house):  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Use ribbon and something with wings:  http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges

Experiment in ombre

I am not sure this is what was meant by the ombre challenge, but I saw the card by Hazel (http://craftyhazelnut.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/an-argyle-birthday.html)  in the Amusing challenge gallery that inspired me to create this experiment (for me, anyway).  Mine is nothing like hers, but I will experiment more.
Maybe you will get a bit of a smile from my description!  I am still operating on the limited supplies I packed in the RV for the summer.  I do not have any glossy cs, but I had a page of photos that I had ruined (did not click the correct selection on the printer).  There is actually a photo behind this ink, and that is what creates some of the darker spots.  I used several colors of Twinkling H20 inks.  I added a bit of gold after the greens and blue dried - though it does not show much.  When dry (only a couple of minutes) I embossed with the Argyle folder.  I had the image in my collection, and colored with metallic gel pens - the cup is silver and purple but the silver is very dark.   The circles are Nesties.
Please - add any suggestions or ideas you have.
Ombre challenge:   http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge
Texture:   http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Dry embossing:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/

Purple Flowers

I am not sure this color combo works as well as I had hoped - I have another card with this green and lilac that I like much better.  The image is from my stash - using Versamark and chalk.  The DP strip is Costco double sided cs - I bought that box of cs a long time ago. 
Sketch:  http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://scrap-creations1.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Thank you Pastor

This is a card that church goers at our RV park will sign.  The pastor who has been conducting services here for 5 years is leaving to continue his studies.  He is a great pastor in so many ways, and will be missed.  This is 5x7, to allow for signatures.  I found a great inside verse in my files - from one of the great sources at Splitcoaststampers.  (I think it is called "Do you need a poem?")  This stamped verse is from Out Daily Bread, and the sentiment is computer generated.  The die is from Cheery Lynn Tiny Things.  Both of the papers are Paper Studio.
Sketch:  http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Anything masculine:  http://themaleroomchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Challenges
Favorite technique (I have so many - this is to use die cuts):  /http//perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any; encouraging, Scripture:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Humorous masculine birthday

This Gina K image goes well with humorous inside verses.  I used the HB folder as the sentiment.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/

Vanishing pearls

There really are pearls here - 4 on the circle and one in the flower.  I also used lilac to complete the middle column of the tic tac toe challenge.  The DP has been in my stash for a LONG time.  I added embossed strips and a bow.  The image is Fluffles enjoying a summer day in the sun.
Tic Tac Toe:  http://creativecraftchallenges2.blogspot.com/
Any, with a sentiment:  http://avenue613.blogspot.com/
Sunny day: http://papermakeupstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://scrap-creations1.blogspot.com/

Masculine, in Kraft

I always need more masculine cards!  This is layered on Kraft - the image is sponged and "hung" with twine.
Kraft,  with layers;  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any, with an animal:   http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/

Emerald Christmas tree

First of all, I am not sure what has happened to this photo.  The tree and edging are a pale emerald green.  The snowflake layer has no coloring.  The branch and mats are a darker emerald.  When I packed the RV for the summer I did not include any Christmas items - ecept the embossing folders.  So any Christmas items I make will have a tree and snowflakes!  I used the emerald chalk, a piece of DP, cord and a crystal - all items I have had for a long time.  The flower and leaves (Cheery Lynn) are fairly new.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas, using chalk: http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/

Happy 101st birthday

It is not too often that we have a chance to make a card to celebrate 101 years!  This is perhaps the third card I have made for my friend's sister.  It does not seem to show, but this is ivory and black.  I tweaked the sketch a bit in order to show the images on this lovely dp by Recollections.  Other supplies:  Textile and Happy Birthday embossing (CB), Olivia numbers (CB), Spellbinders circles and ovals, ribbon, recollections Washi tape, sheer ribbon,Baic Grey gems,  Martha Stewart border punch.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Girlie theme using Cuttlebug:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Scallops:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://ribbongirls.blogspot.com/
Birthday, with a number:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/

Purple and white anniversary

Hello there!  I have been away from this blog for a few days.  I was concentrating on the Fan Club challenge on Splitcoaststampers - I fell short of my goal of 42 cards in about 9 days - I actually completed most of the challenges but had internet problems and many remained on my desk instead of in my SCS gallery.  I tried a few new to me techniques and had a great time doing all of this.
Nearly always I begin a card with a sketch.  I could not find one that fit with my idea for this card, so I winged it!
This week's challenge at Joan's Gardens is one that I found especially attractive, so I have completed another card - use purple and white, the negative of die cuts (the delicate branches and circle frame), textured bg (Swiss dots and lacy ribbon), and a purchase from her shop - the Cheery Lynn border.  I think I got it all!  I added shiny metallic "ribbon" (Spica pen), shiny flower centers, and sparkly rhinestones.  The sentiment is from my computer and the image from A Day for Daisies (digi).
Challenge - see above:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/08/this-weeks-challege.html
Shiny elements:  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Any:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Anniversary:  http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/

An old Hippy

Another of my humorous cards - not sure where she comes from (the image is a gift from an exchange).  She does appear to be hippy in more than one way!  My really likes this series that I have made for her.

The sketch:  http://tsgclearstamps.blogspot.com/

paper Piecing

I think Maude needs more coffee!!  I used the same plaid DP for her robe and the bg piece.
  The embossing folder is You, by Cuttlebug.
Paper piecing:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/

Soaking in a tub

This is another in my series of humorous cards.  I used the Textile EF (Cuttlebug) on silver metallic CS - it reminds me of old fashioned wall and ceiling decor.  The DP is also DCWV.  I experimented with the bubbles.  Years ago I tried my hand at t-shirt painting - seemingly just before that craft was no longer in style.  I still have lots of the little paint bottles - some have dried up, but surprisingly, some are still ok.  I dabbed the white paint on all the bubbles, then drizzled glitter.  I am happy with how I was able to make use of an otherwise unusable product.  The bathing beauty is colored with chalk pencils and metallic gel pens.  The two die cuts are from Cheery Lynn "Tiny things with Wings", also cut from silver cs.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Silver, with Cheery Lynn dies:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
"Just Because": http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Two dies:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/

Love BIrds anniversary

This is a fun image (by Pollyraft) for a whimsical anniversary card.  I selected the Basic Grey bg paper ("Jade") as it reminds me of an outdoor scene.  The hearts are Spellbinder dies, and the ribbon is woven through pieces of a Martha Stewart border punch.  Flowers are Petaloo.  I have had this scrap of BG DP for about 3 years.  I printed and colored the image a long time ago.  The rust colored mat is a pretty new purchase - first time use for this color.
Sketch - see above for "stash":  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Weaving:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers, with BG dp:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

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/

Anniversary in teal and ivory

I always need several anniversary cards at this time of year.  This image from Kitchen Sink works well - at least I think it is not too fussy.  The DP is a piece from my stash, and I used a bit of it for the butterfly - which is mounted on a solid teal base - IRL a bit of it shows to help highlight the dainty creature.  As for the ribbon - I layered teal satin over sheer pale teal.  I tried tying the bow with the two still layered, but they seemed to have a mind of their own and separated as I made the bow - but I decided that looked fine and was much less work!  Not sure why I even attempted this as I am rather ribbon/bow challenged.
Sketch:  http://cardcrafterscircle.blogspot.com/
Polka dots:  http://annabellestamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenges 
Ink - really the focal point:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas in July

I left nearly all of my Christmas stamps and supplies at our home in an effort to cut back on what I packed in the motor home for this summer.  I do have this Christmas tree embossing folder, and my 7Gypsies stamp that includes the word JOY - tied with a bit of Martha Stewart cord. I know the tree is very hard to see - there is glitter added for the baubles.   Branches from the Cheery Lynn Wreath die are in the corners - also with glitter added.  This die is from Joan's Gardens store - I am so happy to have found it.
Christmas, with red and green, and tree and branches from nature:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/07/this-weeks-challenge_18.html
Christmas in July:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/

Sympathy - in neutrals

Thanks to Inkspirational Challenge for an idea to use this
sentiment.  The bg cs has a bit of texture and  very subtle design - I did use the Victoria embossing folder to add more dimension - all that does not show too well on the screen.  I used the same cs for the butterfly, and lightly sponged the edges with chocolate chalk.  The image is sponged with a mixture of colors (chalk) to match the bg.  I added ribbon and Zingz tear drops from Fiskars.  The mat is a blue grey cs.  This is a color combination I will use again.  The Word Art challenge is for any inspirational verse, with a suggestion of a theme of joy - though this is a sympathy card, we are reminded of the joy of eternal life we anticipate.
Inspiration:  http://www.inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/
Sympathy:   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Sentiment: http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
Chalk:   http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/

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

Sunny summer holiday

I have spent a lot of my stamping time this summer filling orders from friends/customers.  In fact, this is for an order that I have had to set aside, and it is time to get to work.  A friend, close to 90, still travels from place to place according to the season -though no longer in her RV.  She does spend several months each year at an RV resort near Kino Bay, Mexico - with her boy friend!  I have some humorous "inside" verses she likes, and she requested that I make several cards for her girl friends - I think this is a perfect image - they will have a giggle from it.  The image is in my stash of items from friends at Wish RAK (SCS) so I do not know the name.  I used Prismas in colors to match the DCWV Summer DP, and the backing is a deep burgundy.  There is glitter on the hats and glasses (as well as on me), and a sparkly center for each flower.  I used my Cuttlebug to cut the rectangle scalloped die,  My computer has been cropping (on its own) the top - there is also a half sun tucked in the corner - it is from the CB Olivia die set.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Holiday:  http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
Summer:  http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Fun in the sun:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Sparkle:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/:  

Maude in green

Usually I am fairly happy with the results of my card  -  but this is one of the times I am not so pleased.  I tried a "legal sized" card to fit this image by Art Impressions.  Next time I will just try something a bit larger than A2.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Green:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://craftsandmechallenges.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday in Ivory and green

One of my all time favorite color combos is ivory with...  Here I selected green.  (I hope it looks more ivory and green on your screen than on mine!)   I used the Cuttlebug border die and Victoria EF.  The butterfly is Ronna Farrer, and the ink is also green.
Sketch:  http://designed2delight.com/blog/
Ivory and another color:  http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Green:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Gambol Quail

I enjoy this stamp - there is another card here using it-we used to have these quail in our back yard, in AZ. To our regret, they did not return last year.  I used embossing folders and a scallop punch for the background.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Wings:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Outdoors:   http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/

RV'n

These colors do not look right on the screen - sorry!  These adorable papers were sent by a friend, and they are mounted on Kraft cs.  The die cut buttons and tiny medallion punches are also Kraft. 
The camper is colored with water color pencils.
Sketch:  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
Kraft - with pretty papers:  http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Masculine - Bingo (diagonal - punch/die cut, image, twine) :   http://cardsformen.blogspot.com/

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/

Granddaughter's Anniversary

A friend chose this image for an anniversary card -  an idea I had not thought of, but it is certainly appropriate.  The digital image is an adorable one from the Alley Way.  The "sun"  is one of the extras with the Cuttlebug Olivia Alpha set - extras I tend to forget.  The stamp is Just Rite, and the tape is Martha Stewart.
Since this is an anniversary card, I made it more masculine looking  http://herecometheboysblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Inspiration:  http://www.thealleywaystamps.blogspot.com/search/label/BE%20inspired%20Challenge
Two words:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/challenge-85-two-words.html

No stamping - in teal

You can see I had these papers out - teal is a favorite of mine! 
Products:  Cuttlebug Greetings die set;  Nesties ovals, Spellbinders slider, Cuttlebug Asterisk cut from Basic Grey Jade cs; Cheery Lynn wreath border die - from Joan's Gardens; Basic Grey square bling.
Sketch:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.de/
No stamped image, with Basic Grey products:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
Plain bg, double oval, sentiment, Joan's Garden product:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/07/this-weeks-challenge.html

A doily for a birthday card

The doily is the bg for the JustRite Birthday Celebrations circular border and sentiment.  Other items:  Basic Grey paper ribbon, Cheery Lynn butterfly, Petaloo flowers, Cheery Lynn leaf border, blue grey crystals.  To create the correct color, I used an aqua pen and metallic teal reinker to color the smaller flowers.  The larger one has a sparkly finish.  The circles are cut with Nesties.
Sketch (summery colors):  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Use a doily, with Just Rite stamps:  http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/justrite-friday-challenge/

This is the day

This is always a favorite verse, reminding us to be thankful for everything from day to day, and to rejoice in all that the Lord has done for us.  The challenge is to create our own background - I hope this SU embossing folder is suitable.  It i easy to see the dry embossing is one of my favorite backgrounds.  I stamped these images and left the stamps in our home for the summer - I forget where it is from. 
Sketch:  http://annabellestamps.blogspot.com/
Created bag, with uplifting sentiment:  http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/
Any, with praise:  http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Bright Get well

This is a set I really like, and seldom use.  This time, I used Versamark and chalk for the back ground,  The colors and patterns made by the embossing were inspired by the challenge below.  The die cut and floral bg are included in the Cuttlebug set.  I added some orange rain drops for the corners - looks like the computer cut off a bit of the top.
Inspiration:  http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Bright colors:  http://houseofgilli.blogspot.com/
multi-word sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday to some one who loves to grill.

This stampin Fella image fits our son-in-law to a "t" - except, I must admit, the physique!  His birthday is today, and he loved the card.  The coloring is with Prismas, and the "pinwheel" cut with a CB die - for me, this works as an alternative to flowers on a masculine card.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Red, white, blue: http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
And:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/

Simple sympathy card

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/

Happy 4th

I think this is Maude - she is decked out in her blue and red two piecer ready to celebrate on the 4th - though she seems concerned about something!
Sketch:   http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Stars (on some red squares) and stripes:  http://pollycraftchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
All red, white and blue challenges:
http://www.vostamps.blogspot.com/
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/

House Mouse Anniversary Card

For me, creating anniversary cards is a challenge - not too frilly, not too manly!  These house mice sharing a cheesy heart works!  At least, I think that is a piece of cheddar.  The sentiment is Just Rite - the ends are clipped with edging scissors.  The hearts are from a Cuttlebug Die - I think I need something smaller.  The pink and brown papers ( a favorite combo) have been in my stash a LONG time!
Sketch: http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
House Mouse, with food:  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Sympathy, purple and white

If you look through my blog, you will see that this style is one of my favorites, although I seldom seem to stamp with colored ink - though I have a good collection of inks!  This uses a Whiff of Joy sentiment and I think the border is Verve, cut and embossed with Nesties dies.  The punch is EK Success, and the vellum dove is from a Cheery Lynn set purchased at Joan's Gardens.  The bg is CB Swiss Dots.  Embossing and die cuts were done on my Cuttlebug.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Condolence:  http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/
Purple:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
"D" for Dorothy, dots, and die cuts:   http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/

Black and white sympathy

Unfortunately, I frequently need sympathy cards, for myself and for customers.
Right now we are asking for prayers for friends and their family - their son-in-law, Glen (in his 50's), fell down a long cement staircase.  He is in a coma, and the family has been called home as the prognosis is not good.
This is a digital image from TLC Creations.  It is a lovely image, and great to use with the shading and background.  The white layer is CB Victoria.  I clipped the corners to follow the sketch.  A layered Nestie, Martha Stewart punched border, and ribbon complete the card - easy, and in my estimation, elegant.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Condolence:  http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any, with a bird:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Wings:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Digi:   http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/

Summertime Blossoms

For some reason these blossoms (SU Petal Prints) are much less subtle IRL than on the screen - sorry they are so pale.  The sentiment is Recollections.  I used an EK Success punch, and included the punched flowers.  The edges are done with an edging scissors.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
"B" (blossoms):  http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/challenge-76-letter-b.html
Summer blooms:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/http:
Flowers:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Summertime (garden flowers):  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/

Power Napper

This is another Art Impressions girl friend - the Power Napper.  My friends love this series!  I colored with Prismas, and used a shiny metallic gel pen for her shoes. 
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
 3 papers, 2 embellishments (flower, Basic Grey paper tape), 1 image:  http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Colors (raspberry, pink, lilac):  http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/
Stripes:  http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Congratulations on your new home

This cute (freebie) digi from The Alley Way is great for a housewarming card.  I used the Mojo Monday sketch for today - they are celebrating 300 sketches and have lot of prizes this week.  I colored with Prismas and used some scraps for the rest.  The vellum butterfly has glitter to show it off a bit more.  The  cb bg (snowflakes, but I think of them as starbursts!) and Martha Stewart punch are available at Joan's Gardens.

Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Vellum, butterfly, polka dots:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/06/this-weeks-challenge_27.html
Color inspiration:  http://www.thealleywaystamps.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/BE%20inspired%20Challenge