Vintage, in black and cream

Finally!  I got to use a bit of some new Recollections DP (toile) I bought a few days ago. This is a look I really like but struggle to create.  For a touch of spring I used the parasol from Blooming with Happiness (SU), colored with gold and black Spicas for sparkle.  I chalked the edge of this panel as well as the DP strip - to better match the cream bg of the base.  The sentiment is stamped on vanilla cs, and backed with an embossed CB strip.  The circles are Nesties.  They do not show well but there are 3 cream half pearls in the corner, and I tied gold cord through the button.
Layout:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Vintage:  http://bythecuteandgirly.blogspot.com/
Blossoms and bow:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Outside (parasol; scenes) with chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:  http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/sentimental-friday.html

High Hopes Paper Piecing

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to win a challenge at High Hopes, and was asked to be a guest designer.  The challenge this week is Paper Piecing.  I selected Jolie's Little Friend from High Hopes.  I used Recollections DP for the flower, hat and her pants.  The BG paper is from a Debbie Mumm paper pad - the bug theme fit well with the image.   I used Currant cs (AMuse) for the mats. The rest of the coloring is with Prismas, and I added a bit of AMuse twine.  The image and mat are cut with oval dies by Nestabilities.
There is also a tutorial for paper piecing on the High Hopes site.
Paper Piecing:   http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Sketch, with die cuts:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.de/

Fantasy in green and purple

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This week I procrastinated (more than usual) on a couple of challenges because I frankly could not come up with an inspiration.  Finally I recalled this pre-colored digi that has been in my files for a long time.  It is one more image that I saved without crediting the source, and I cannot recall where I got it - most likely a freebie.  Please let me know if you recognize it as I would like to give credit for it.  I used an embossed bg (Sizzix) and a CB border die to create the trellis - there is not much to see but it does kind of make me think of a ladder. 
The DP is Paper Studio, and the sentiment from Riveting by SU - which I cut with deckle scissors.  The stars are very shiny foam chipboard stickers - I got a large package of them on after-Christmas clearance.  I though they were too shiny -yet still worked for a masculine look.  I used a piece of chalk to smear a bit on one - rubbed it in a bit, and got purple stars with a bit of glitter. 
Sketch:   http://sketchyfriday.blogspot.com/
Cuttlebug with green and purple (CB - embossing and trellis strip):  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://www.vssweetideas.blogspot.com/
Fantasy image:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/

Happy Aniversary

This Mo Manning image works well for a humorous anniversary card - they are colored with Prismas.  I used a Sizzix embossing folder which I chalked (I like to use my finger to spread the chalk).  The bg DP is Currant (AMuse) and the chalk matches.
Sketch:  https://www.papersweeties.com/uncategorized/paper-sweeties-sketch-inspiration-6-challenge/
Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:  http://paper-craftingjourney.blogspot.com/

May you be blessed

There are so many people in need of encouragement - this verse does just that.  The stamps are ODB - the sentiment from Happy Birthday and image from Faith.  I colored with Prismas, and trimmed a bit to fit the layout.  I have seen so many gorgeous cards with cut outs - I used a Fiskars punch to achieve this.  The embellishments are negative pieces.  The bg layer was put through the CB twice (different directions) to leave the smooth area for the sentiment.  When ever I do this there seems to be an uneven "seam" - the strips help hide that.
Sketch, with encouraging sentiment:  http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/
Nature, God's creation:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge:
Any:  http://www.craftdoormagazine.com/
Any:  http://www.vssweetideas.blogspot.com/

Gambol Quail

This is a stamp I just purchased at a nearby LSS - which is unfortunately closing.  The maker is Copper Leaf Creations.  The CS is AMuse, and I used SU Always Artichoke ink. I am not sure of the origin of the sentiment - probably an older SU.  I distressed the edges quite a bit to compensate for the simple layout.  This will be a good addition for masculine cards.
Here is the background story:  Last year we had 8-10 quail that visited our back yard on a regular basis.  In late spring we discovered a nest full of eggs (15-20).  My research showed that the mom would lay about an egg a day until she thought there were enough - can't imagine how  she could sit on 20 eggs!  Then she would begin to sit on the nest - while the male paced up and down on our fence, guarding the female.  We left for the season - never saw any chicks.  We are afraid that some predator did get at the nest.  This year we have had just a few visits.
Note:  I am not sure what happened - IRL the image is much darker - not faded as it looks here.  Sorry...
Sketch:  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
Wild life: http://createdwithlovechallenges.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/
Animal catwalk:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/2013/04/challenge-36-animal-catwalk.html

Spring flowers

This image (Natural Beauty by SU) is one I really enjoy coloring.  I used it for a multi-layer challenge - I have lost track of the name of this collection of patterned papers.  The sentiment is from a digi set, and the EF is LifeStyle crafts.  I added a bit of lace and some half pearls.
Sketch:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Pastel with dots (dots on narrow strip):  http://lacysunshinechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers and pearls:  http://www.platypuscreekdigitals.blogspot.com/
Spring:   http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2013/04/april-monthly-challenge-and-design-team.html

Oranges

Sorry for this photo - I use a scanner and today it would not cooperate.  I am amazed at the different results - I am sure I am using the same procedure!  Technology is definitely not my forte!
I used this digi from The Alley Way Stamps - colored with an orange Spica pen and Prismas..  I used lots of items from my stash - this DP was a part of one of the first Stacks I purchased.  The glittery buttons (American Crafts) have also been around a long time.  The twine is AMuse - I like this or a more masculine look.  I used the Argyle EF and Recollection tape to give the impression of walkways. 
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Buttons: http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Buttons from my stash:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.ca/2013/04/its-time-to-button-up.html
Any:  http://cardsformen.blogspot.com/
Inspiration - oranges  (tiles, dots):  http://www.thealleywaystamps.blogspot.com/search/label/BE%20inspired%20Challenge

Humor in Pink

The image and sentiment are from Gina K - the inside says: "Getting lucky means you found your car in the parking lot."  I colored with Prismas, and added a bit of glitter to her pendant and th flower.  The lace is from Pizzazz Aplenty.  I added misc. ribbon and rhinestones.  The embossing is a CB folder.
Sketch:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Bow: http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/challenge-66-bows.htmlhttp://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/challenge-66-bows.html
Sentiment:  http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/sentimental-friday.html
Girly, with pastel colors, a bow lace, flower, and EF available at:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/04/this-weeks-challenge-4-18-13.html

Birthday wishes with ice cream

I like this image so much!  It reminds me of two of our grandchildren - they are young men now, but have always had such joy and companionship with their dogs.  The image is High Hopes, colored With Prismas and pens.  I had to squeeze in the required border (Martha Stewart). I used a bit of the CB Asterisk die cut for some added pieces and also a bit of Recollections tape.
Sketch:  http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/
Border:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Birthday & uplifting:   http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/Any: http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/

Daffodils of Spring

Daffodils, yellow, and butterflies - sure signs of spring!  This precolored digi is from Beccy's Place.  I cannot believe how long it took me to find a piece of DP to go with my colors - I have stacks and stacks - nothing worked, but I finally found a scrap that satisfied me.  I used a Sizzix EF for the bg.
Sentiment & butterfly:  http://flutterbywednesdays.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Spring, with a digi:  http://digitaltuesdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
More spring:    http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
May flowers:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/april-challenge.html

Purple and white floral

The purple, white and flowers were inspired by the lovely vase at the Cheery Lynn challenge.  I used three CB embossing folders and nesties ovals as well as the Cheery Lynn butterfly.  The stamp is Studio G, and the flowers are Petaloo.
Sketch:  http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.ca/
Inspiration:  http://cheerylynndesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Flowers: http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/

May you be blessed

I combined the encouraging verse from Our Daily Bread with the umbrella from SU Blooming with Happiness - the umbrella may not protect much from showers, but certainly brings pretty flowers. They have a shimmery look with metallic gel pens.  I added bits of lace and tear drop half pearls.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Scripture:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Lace and Pearls:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
Showers:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/#comment-4305

Harry the Dog

I keep trying to replenish my stash!  I will probably add a sentiment later when I know the recipient.  This is Harry the Dog, a Whippersnapper image, colored with Prismas.  The DP is from a pack I found at Big Lots - GCD Studio.  (The words say ruff, ruff, and love my dog.)  I added some of my bone punches - that good supply must be why he is wagging his tail so hard!
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
For the boys:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/2013/04/challenge-35-for-boys.html
Masculine:  http://www.gingerloftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Fur or feather:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/

For Maci, a special 8 year old

I saw this information a bit late, but still want to make a card to send to a special girl.  Maci will be 8 on the 20th.  She is the daughter of one of the wounded veterans who was killed in a tragic accident during a
parade last November.  (See the Graphicat link for more details and how to get the address if you want to send a belated card.)
I used this House Mouse image - what 8 year old does not want to play dress up?  The sentiment is part of a freebie from Graphicat.  I cut bits of Debbie Mumm DP - another case of DP I really like that is quite difficult to use.  I chose springy colors, including the purple bg.  The card is 4.5x6, and there will be a birthday sentiment inside.
Sketch:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/
Card for Maci: http://graphicatsketchs.blogspot.com/
 Adorable animals:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Cuddly Critter (OK, this is a stretch - these are cute but maybe not too cuddly LOL!!!):  http://www.cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/

Buggy Birthday

I am trying to catch up on some challenges I have been wanting to do - lots of interruptions today and I feel this got a bit discombobulated!  The image has been in my stash for a long time, and the sentiment is computer generated.  The buggy DP probably came from a DCWV stack.  Also - can you see the lady bug on her hat?
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
"D" (Dorothy) - die cuts and daisies:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Hat:  http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Bugs:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/theme-challenge-at-bugaboo.html

Sweet pink, black and white

When I first saw this image I was not sure how it would work - but I am pleased with this result. 
Image - a freebie from A day for Daisies. colored with Prismas.  The sentiment is SU; DP is Paper Studio;  Die cut a CB border; circles and ovals are Nesties.  Using die cuts and my Cuttlebug is one of my favorite card making techniques.
Sketch:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Favorite technique:  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Pink, black, white:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
Die cuts:  http://foreverfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Masculine Thanks

I need a thank you for a guy who does handyman projects - and found this image I had stamped during a get together with another stamper (and forgot to identify!).  The Ribbon Trends tape measure was great with this sketch!  Dry embossing is one of many favorite techniques - this is the Thank You folder.  The look is completed with Recollections tape and a masculine brad.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
Circle:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com
embossing:  //http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Springtime Special day

This airy, springy card features a Just Rite sentiment with a Spellbinder die.  I used different shades of light aqua and white - including a strip of glitter cs (DCWV).   For me the real challenge was to find 3 different flowers that would work - I used flower brads, a Petaloo sparkly flower, and a Spellbinder flower die cut, lightly highighted with white chal.
 Sketch, with JustRite stamp:  http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/justrite-friday-challenge/
Aqua, white, 3 flowers, 2 butterflies (Cheery Lynn dies, Spellbinder Buckles sold at Joan's):  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/
/Spring Flowers:    http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com

Monochromatic Masculine #2

While I had the stamp and supplies out I decided to make another masculine card - as I mentioned, I never seem to have enough.  I could even use this for a grandson - his birthday is coming very soon.  Image:  Tim Holtz ( Enjoy the Journey); HB folder (CB); LifeStyle Crafts bg embossing. ribbon, Chocolate Chip ink.
Masculine birthday sketch:  http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.ca/
Monochromatic:   http://paper-craftingjourney.blogspot.com/