Easel #6 - open view

glit

One of these days I will learn how to do photos!  Please use your imagination... The easel part rests on the stems of the branches (at the top) - this one, to me, looks much better IRL, in the easel position.  Glitter added to the snowflakes.  The image is by Santa Rosa, and the Rejoice by Stampabilities.  The branches are Cheery Lynn dies.  The silvery tabs are a metallic loopy ribbon, and the glittery silver star is from a packet of embellishments.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Glitter:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
 More than one fold:  http://scor-pal.blogspot.com/
Frosty:   http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.ca/2014/12/challenge-149-feeling-frosty-challenge.html
 Any:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
Bling:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Song:   (Vintage)    http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Easel #5

This is another in a series of easel cards I am making for family - similar, but not identical.  Hard to see but I used the shimmery aubergine cs for the base and mat glittered the snowflake embossing and punches that are the "stops" for the open easel.  There are bits of white lace for the tabs at the left of the image - looks like they are not visible here (See sketch).   Stamp by Stampendous.
Sketch: http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Holiday:  http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
                http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Celebration:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Sing it to me:   (We Three Kings):  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/
         http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/ 

 I chose this as my favorite for 2014 - it is really hard to select one, but I made several of the easel cards for family - now I have their reactions and the cards were a hit!  Actually, I think they are a bit impressed that their old grandma can come up with such a thing! LOL!  I did admit that I had a lot of help on line...!!!   Challenge here:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/\   
     
Favorite:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ Non traditional colors:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/

Recycled Christmas

Each year I plan to use cards received in previous years as a recycling project - probably to give to a nursing home, etc.  And each year I put it off.  I did try one today - maybe I will be inspired to start in January!  The "spotlight".
Recipe:  Nestie with embossed edge sponged in Platinum ink; sheer silver ribbon (used for strips on sketch); snowflake brad with added glitter; computer sentiment.
Sketch; Diagonal Bingo - brad, emboss, glitter :  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/
Inspired by the Wise Men:  http://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.ca/Sparkle:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Non traditional colors:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
transport - camels:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Festive Christmas:  http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/

Another easel - closed view

I am making several easel cards - they are similar but usually follow different sketches.  This is a closed view - the row of punched branches (Cheery Lynn) serves as a "stop" for the open card. I added a strip of Washi tape at the bottom of the inside layer. The inside is stamped with a Rejoice stamp - it can be seen in previous posts.   The top layer is bordered in black, and has a layer of Distressed Stripes embossing.  The main image is called a Far Voyage by Stampendous; the sentiment is by SU - not sure what set.
Sketch:  http://joannamunster.com/2014/11/15/ibsic-88/
Free Sketch (any - see line above):   http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Festive:  http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/
Transport (they are riding camels):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Die cut with no red or green:  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Merry Christmas :  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
          http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/

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/

Easel #3

This is an easel card - at the very bottom inside are punched, glittery snowflakes - a double row that provides a bit of a "shelf" to hold the open card.  I am pretty new at easel cards so I keep experimenting.  Each grandchild will get one - I am hoping they will keep them to use as decorations.  A side note - our 24 year  old grandson just told me that he has a stack of previous cards from us - he knows how to make Grandma feel good!
Stamp - Stampabilites; Scroll - DieNamics; Metallic gold mesh; Snowflake embossing and punches; glitter, Paper Studio DP
About my favorite color - it seems to be whatever I am using.  Black and cream has become a favorite card making combination.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Song (the words - a shining star):  http://asonginyourart.blogspot.com/
Fav color:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
Snow:  http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Let it snow:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
"Chunky" snow (embossed and punched):  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Non traditional colors:   http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
                   http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/

Christmas with sparkle

Products used:  Kolette Hall stamp;  Paper Studio DP; snowflake punch, red cs; gift bag for gold to bak image and red dp (it does not look gold here!);  very old gold rick-rack; snowflake punch - clear glitter added; gold gel pen for star; gold glitter on star and sentiment layer; Nestabilities ovals (CB to cut)
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Glitter/sparkle:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
                http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%97%8B%20Challenges
              http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/
             http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
 Dazzle:  http://www.addalittledazzle.com/dazzling-diva-challenge-54/
Bingo (middle row):   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Snow and a die cut:   http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Bright colors:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
Traditional colors:  http://a-crafty-mess.blogspot.co.uk/
                                  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/

Housewarming for John & Rita

This is for friends who recently moved to a new home.  A move like that for a couple who are in their (very young) 80's - this is an event worthy of a celebration!  I wanted to use this image (The Alley Way - digi) but I changed it a bit to fit our southwestern locale.  This is my version of paper piecing.  I cut the branches, trunk, house and roof separately.  The trunk is embossed with an EF called linear (LifeStyle) - the triangle bits look a little like the trunk of a palm tree - with chalk.  I slit the branches to look a bit like a palm tree - colored the base image as well.  I embossed the house with "Woven" (LifeStyle), then chalked it to look like stucco.  I colored the roof with a Prisma - then decided it needed to be shiny, so I used a TwinklingH20 over that.  (Usually my computer ink runs when I use anything with water - maybe I sealed it with the Prismas!)  The windows are colored with a metallic gold.  The papers are Paper Studio; Blessings is Cheery Lynn, and there are a couple of gold sticker strips.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Celebration:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (The touch of red):  http://beinspiredchallenge.blogspot.com/
Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/ 
Cute:  http://www.dreamweaverstencils.blogspot.com/
Any, with embossing:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
          http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html

Shabby Aubergine and Cream

I distressed the edges of the sentiment tag directly from the ink pad - it distressed a bit more than I intended - true to my style, I will do almost anything rather than discard pieces!  So I distressed the other edges, and rolled the top of the tag to make it look a bit like an ancient scroll.  The rest:  strip - Spellbinder die; stars - punch; sentiment - Kolette Hall; DP - Faith by Paper Studio.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Sentiment is focal point:  http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/
Christmas - non traditional colors:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
 Layers and a sentiment:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
God's gift to us (presents):  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/

Cream and Aubergine

I nearly forgot I have quite a few sheets of DP left in a stack called "Faith", by Paper Studio.  The colors will work well with this Aubergine cs - I have a good supply of that as .  The stamp is by Stampendous.  I distressed the edges - the white does not show well here but it provides contrast and dimension.  From my stash:  the dp, the geometric EF, Cheery Lynn pine branch die, and the set of Ribbon Buckle dies by Spellbinder. 
Sketch: http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Presents (from the Wise Men):  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
(Christmas) celebration:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
 Christmas:   http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
                     http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Distress:     http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/2014_11_01_archive.html
Inspired by the Nativity (wise men) and earthtones:  http://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html
          http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Another blue Christmas

We have had a fun couple of days visiting with our oldest grandson, his new wife, and his younger brother.  It is the first time they have visited us in our AZ home.  Now back to crafting!  I really simplified this layout - added LifeStyle crafts die cuts for the corner pieces, and some ivory half pearls in the corners.  I need a different embossing folder for Christmas - here are the snowflakes again!
Sketch:  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Non traditional Christmas colors:  http://deliciousdoodleschallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://www.throughthepurplehazechallenges.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (blue, cream):  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/Freestyle:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
         http://craftcreatoins.blogspot.com/p/new-challenge.html
         http://avenue613.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2014 in blue

Since I do use the same image for most of our cards for the year, I am tiring a bit of the same look!  I did change out the colors here - thanks to the inspiration of this card:  http://www.rosemary-reflections.blogspot.com/2014/12/mojo-monday-374.html    It is one of the DT cards at Mojo Monday.  I added glitter to the snowflakes, and a bit of a metallic sticker strip between the DP panels.  The image is Stampendous, and the sentiment computer generated.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
"s" for snow, star:  http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/
Snowflakes & glitter:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Present - brought by the Magi:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Dec. holiday:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/11/dlart-thankful-thursday-145-any-winter.html
Traditional - the scene:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
Tis the season:  http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/
Anything uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/http:
No red or green:  http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Freestyle:   http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/

Easel card #1 - inside

In hindsight, I should have posted this first - meant to get it on right away but was interrupted by lunch - had a gentle reminder LOL!  The row of pearls supports the open easel.  See previous post for details.  Thanks!

Easel gift #1

 December 1 and time to get serious about the rest of the cards.  A couple of grandsons are visiting this week so there will be a break in card making.  This is the outside of an easel card - only the second I have made.  I plan to make one for each of our grandchildren - to give them a bit of a memento from each Christmas - so they will be quite similar, with different layouts.  Since I do not have the photography mastered, these will be posted in two different posts.  The stamp is Stampendous, and the sentiment is inside the easel.  I used three different embossing folders - snowflake, leaves, and a geometric pattern.  I added some gold metallic mesh for one of the layers, as well as gold ribbon and a gold star.  Inside (next photo) there is the sentiment by Stampabilities, Cheery Lynn pine branch die cuts, half pearls and glitter on the branches.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Seasonal sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/Sparkle:  http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Tree (branches added inside):   http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Tis the season:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Easel:  http://inkychicks.blogspot.co.uk/
Pine (branches):  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Winter:  http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

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/

Stripes, ribbons and faux buttons

These are coordinating and double sided CS - I think the company is Best Creation.  Both the stripes and flowers are glittery.    I used dies for the buttons - flatter to mail!   A narrow ribbon and shiny gold sticker strip complete the look.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/ 
Thanks:   http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Thanks:    http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge-2-give-thanks.html
Thanks:   http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Thank you:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/
Ribbon and bow:  http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Any:  http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/
            http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
           http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/2014/11/final-wonderful-wednesday-of-november.html

snowflakes and metal

Double snowflakes here - embossed on the white layer, and on the DP.  The stamp is Kolette Hall.  I bought a huge roll of this shiny mesh several years ago and the wire edge ribbon is also from my stash.
Sketch #4:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:    http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
 Challenge #4:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
Metallic (mesh and ribbon):  http://liastampz.blogspot.com/ 
                          http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
 Any:  http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
              http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/
          http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
            http://christmasstampin.blogspot.com/
Snow:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/ 
Winter:   http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Better CAS look

This CAS card is at least better than my last!  (Note - the black bg is to enhance the picture and is not a part of the card.)  I  used Distressed stripes, and lightly chalked the edges for a bit of a distressed look.  The image is Stampendous, and the sentiment by my computer. The main color is cream.
Sketch:  http://addictedtocas.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/challenge-52-sketch-and-happy-2nd.html
Distress:   http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com
Shabby chic:    http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Stripes:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
CAS:   http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
Inspiration - cream color and traditional Christmas scene:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Inspired by the mostly cream color:   http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Non-traditional Christmas colors:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
 Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
       http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.com/
Christmas present (brought by the Wise Men):  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/

CAS - an experiment that does not work for me

CAS is definitely not my style - I'll do layers any day!  Thought I would try this - but will do something ese next time!  I used chalk to match the card base, and embossed the LifeStyle Crafts tree.  It does qualify as a card representing the USA - trees all over.  However, I am sure that no matter where you go in the world, there will be trees - maybe just not as many.
Sketch: http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com/
Regional tradition: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
CAS:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
 Add a tree:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/

Aubergine!

A recent commenter reminded me that this eggplant cs could be called aubergine (French for eggplant - I certainly knew that!).  What a difference a word makes - so much more elegant sounding LOL!    I have been working on Beccy's month long Christmas challenge - and the end of the month is soon.  This is for #26 - to use the style of a favorite card maker for inspiration.  Mine goes back a while.  For a long time Roxie Glaza (aka Rox71) was moderator of the sketch challenge at SplitCoastStampers, and I was a faithful participant.  During that time, I learned so much and developed my addiction to card making.  Roxie is such a talented artist - I certainly do not want to claim anything near that talent but my style of layering was influenced by all those sketches!  You can check out her blog here: http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
The colors are aubergine and cream; the stamp is Stampendous, and the sentiment computer generated.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Style:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
 Layers:   http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/
No DP:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
December sentiment:   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/