a trio of poinsettias

This is a freebie image from A Day for Daisies, and I was inspired by the photo with challenge #3 at Verve this month.  The challenge at A Day for Daisies calls for herringbone - I know I have something but could not find whatever it is!  So this EF is the best I can do.  I added glitter to the flower centers and the Cheery Lynn Blessings die cut.   The mats for the circles and the ribbon, and the sentiment,  are a shiny eggplant cs. (The black bg is for contrast on the photo and not a part of the card.)
Sketch/inspiration #3:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Non traditional Christmas colors:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
                 http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/
Any:   http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
           http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Something old  (ribbon, EF):   http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/:  
Going in circles:  http://quirkycrafts.blogspot.com/  
A Day for Daisies image/herringbone:  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/
Colored (eggplant) sentiment:  http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas 2014, vintage non traditional colors

This time I embossed some glitter cs strips (the Paper Studio) - the embossing folders and gold cs have been around my stash for quite a while.  I used the snowflake EF for the eggplant base layer, and textile for the gold - to me that is a vintage look - reminds me of some old tin ceilings.  I also sponged the image (Stampendous).  The sentiment is computer generated.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Vintage, non traditional colors (Christmas): http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/
No DP:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
No red or green:  http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Winter:  http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
Christmas:  http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Something old:  http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/
Any Christmas, with embossing:  http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/

Christmas 2014 - Eggplant and Ivory

If you read a previous post you know that I just ordered a whole pack (50 sheets) of eggplant cs. It is not quite as dark as I had anticipated, and has a shiny finish.  I will be using it a lot, but maybe in smaller bits.  It is white on one side, and goes through my printer, so I can use it for the card base, which I did here.  In order to use this image on a circle I did crop the two "ends" of the image, then masked and added more of the distant stars to the sky.  The bg is Cuttlebug's snowflake, and the punch is Martha Stewart.  The image is Stampendous.
These are the challenges met by this card:
Sketch #2:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Christmas with twist of  no red or green:  http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
No pattern paper:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
                   http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/    
Any:            http://avenue613.blogspot.com/
Favorite holiday (no question - Christmas):  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.co.uk/

Masculine birthday

I just ordered envelopes from Clear Bags - and decided to order a few other items.  I think this cs was on clearance - I often want an eggplant cs - this is not quite as deep a color as I had hoped, and it is metallic - kind of limiting the use - the 50 sheet package will last a LONG time!  I decided to try it here.  It is white on the back - so I can run it through the printer with a verse on the (white) inside.  I used a second piece for the birthday layer - there is a touch of white that shows through after embossing - then I distressed the edge to show white for more dimension without adding a layer of white.  I had previously colored the image (with paper piecing) so I found a piece in my stash of  recycled items to use (a tissue box) that I thought would work for the circles.  I doing so I realize I created a kind of gear look - I have no gear dies but maybe this would work!  They are simply Spellbinder circles and scalloped circles.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/2014/11/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-24.html#
Masculine:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Birthday:     http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/                    http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/ 
                    http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com
Any: http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Recycle (circles are tissue box):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Circles:  http://quirkycrafts.blogspot.com/ 

Christmas in Gold and White

This card is layered on a white base.  The gold comes from a large gift bag - I often buy the metallic ones at the Dollar Tree - there is a lot of paper to use!  This one is actually a little too "intense" for my taste - I embossed with the Cuttlebug textile folder, and that tones it down a bit.  I layered some sheer ribbon on the strip.  There are snowflakes at the top and distressed stripes on the bottom, with a computer generated sentiment.  Tip - I created a full page of sentiments with slight variation in wording and shape - so I have a ready choice.  The image is by Stampendous.
Sketch (rotated):  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
White:  http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:  http://melonheadzfriends.blogspot.com/Holiday sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
 Bling:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
Let it snow:   http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
Traditional Christmas:   http://deliciousdoodleschallenge.blogspot.com/

5 Shades of White

spar

I am sure you can't tell on the screen, but there are five shades of white - each layer is different,  The fancy circle is shiny cs (actually, the recycled back of a card I received), and the punched snowflakes are from a scrap of brocade style white cs.  The embossing is a Nellie Snellen folder.  I tried the highlight technique from a video tutorial - see the link to Beccy's site below, and she has links on her blog.  White glitter is sprinkled over all.  The sentiment is computer generated.  THe cs, dies, and glitter have been a part of my supplies for a long time.
Sketch (4 challenges max):  http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com/
Shades of white:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html
Christmas / white:  http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
Any with glitter:  http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/

Cream and Blue Christmas

Today's challenge at Beccy's blog is to use a familiar item in an unusual way.  This card represents a couple of aspects - though they may not be readily visible.  My cards usually open from the top (just habit) and this opens from the left.  Secondly, the die cut is an opening in the blue layer, rather than have the image layer on top.  The edge is embossed.  By the way, I kind of like the way this fits the Labels 4 die.  Not much more to explain - I used a couple of ribbons and a computer sentiment.  The image is Stampendous.
Sketch:  http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/
Do it differently:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/ 
 Inspiration (the tigers became camels!):   http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
 Any Christmas:     http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
                          http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
                         http://christmasstampin.blogspot.com/

For Ernie

I am behind in my cards for the Teapot Tuesday challenge at SplitcoastStampers.  This group has a weekly challenge to send cards to someone with a special need.  A couple of weeks ago cards were sent to Ernie, who recently moved to a nursing home, and is in need of some cheer - and a reminder that there really is much to be thankful for.  I had printed several copies of this verse from Word Art, so it was handy to use again.  I had cut some subtle pattern paper to fit the printer - a good way to use some of that paper that seems to last forever - I often buy"stacks" that I really do not need!  All of these come from a DCWV fall stack.  I added some honeycomb pattern Washi tape, and the negative leftover from a sheet of sticker strips - as well as a small button.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Inspiration - fall scene, and colors:  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Thankful:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
                 http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge-2-give-thanks.html
Thankful Thoughts:  http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Any uplifting: http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Teapot Tuesday:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt328-~-november-11-2014-~-its-all-our-blessings-i-somehow-forgetting-t593884.html

Congrats, Adrienne

You may have seen a number of cards for our grandkids.  This is a particularly special one.  Our youngest, a HS senior, just heard that she has earned early admission at the Air Force Academy.  Needless to say, we are beyond excited!  A bonus is that they live about 25 miles away!  This is one of the many logos I found on line - I suspect I will be using more in the next few years.  The DP is from a pack I have had for several years - probably DCWV.  The Congrats is from a Cuttlebug sentiment plate. 
I can never think of items for alphabet challenges, but I think I have four of them here:  (4 from Blessings) -
b-blue; l-logo; s-stars; g-glitter (on the word).
4 letters:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
 Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
2 or more DP:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any   http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/

Get Well, Pam

This is to send to Pam, a member at SplitcoastStampers.   She is recovering from surgery and in need of some cheer.  Here is the info:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/20813394-post433.html
I just used these digis (Bugaboo) so I already had some extras printed - handy to use here.  I understand Pam is a nurse, and I hope she will find this humorous - I am sure Pam is the nice nurse!  I used some black and white cs and a white Petaloo flower that have been in my stash for a long time. The bg is from a swirly embossing folder by CB. I used some little gold stickers in the corners - you might be able to see bits of them!
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Pair (the two DP panels):  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Girlie CB EF):  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Use a sentiment:  http://melonheadzfriends.blogspot.com/
From my stash:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any (with a glittery flower):  http://getcreativechallenges.blogspot.com/

Pair of cards

There is a month of Christmas card challenges at Beccy's Place (see link below).  One of the challenges is to be inspired by someone' card - not hard to do!  I thought it would be fitting to use one of the previous entries for this challenge, and I selected this one:

The original is here:  http://sunflowerytale.blogspot.com/2014/11/red-and-green.html?showComment=1416487217210#c250513200047620110  Thank you, Kre.
As usual, mine are not nearly as lovely as the inspiration ones.   The image is by Stampendous, and the small sentiment is an old one from Stampourri.  Blessings is a die from Cheery Lynn.  The gold is my recycling - from a very shiny gift bag, which is embossed with snowflakes (Cuttlebug).
Inspiration #19:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html?showComment=1414839841807#c3699530758315813145
Bright:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
Recycle/repurpose:  http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/
Green:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
A pair:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Die & stamp (green card):  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any Christmas:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
                           http://christmasstampin.blogspot.com/
Colored sentiment (green card):   http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Thank you, Kevin

This card is a thank you for the technology instructor at our local library.  I have taken many classes and also received answers to a number of questions - all at no charge to library patrons.  We are enclosing a small gift card for him.
I do not do well with CAS, but I saw the following CAS challenges and decided to try.  (The black mat is only for  contrast for the photo.)  I left the cream base totally plain - gasp!!!  The image is from my file - unfortunately I neglected to add much of a label, but I think it might be clip art.  The Cuttlebug sentiment, chalking and twine complete the look.  The chalk, twine and the die have been in my supplies for a long time.
Sketch:  http://addictedtocas.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/challenge-52-sketch-and-happy-2nd.html
Thanks:  http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.ca/
               http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
              http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
              http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
             http://cardsbydorothy.blogspot.com/2014/11/thank-you-kevin.html
Any:   http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
           http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
           http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Fall colors:  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-challenge-1-fall-colors.html
CAS with twine:   http://cleanandsimpleonsunday.blogspot.com/

Relaxin' guy

This image (actually, two separate images lus the sentiment) comes from a set I just got - those AI folks are quite a hoot!  We see a lot of guys like this in our RV parks!   The bg is from athe DCWV Heirloom stack, and I used Washi tape for accents.  The tiny sentiment is part of an American Crafts library type stamp.  I used chalk pencils for coloring. 
Sketch & food (there must be a lemon or maybe a cherry in that glass!):  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Animal:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Masculine birthday:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
Black cs:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
Seeing Stars:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/  
Two or more images (the fellow and the dog are separate images):  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com.au/

Christmas 2014 - blue & white

This was also posted on SplitCoastStampers yesterday.  Here is a copy of the entry:
This is entered in the following challenges:
Sketch (rotated): http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Cool colors: http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Christmas #13 - white with one color: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014...30758315813145
Snowflakes: http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Christmas: http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
           http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
Holiday: http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2582876#ixzz3JQDWj1rE

For a friend

It is time for a break from Thanksgiving and Christmas cards.  I wanted a chance to use a stamp from the set I recently won at the Mojo first Monday challenge - this is Faith Medley from Verve.  I stamped the ornate cross in pale blue then added the verse  The DP is double sided paper that has been gathering dust for a while!  I used a Spellbinder butterfly die - cut from glittery cs.  This will go to a friend who needs encouragement.
Sketch #1: http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Cool colors:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/Friendship: http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/
Text:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/

For Brother-in-law

This is for my brother-in-law, DH's twin. He is recovering after problems with an artificial heart valve, and implantation of a pace maker. He has had numerous health problems, and at age 82 we are concerned. Hopefully this will give him a lift! He was a wheat farmer so I thought that bg paper would work for him. The 3 gems and the mesh for the circle have been in my stash for several years, and the DP is at least a year old.
CHALLENGES entered:
Sketch:http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.nl/
Stash (see above): http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any: http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
Black cs (mat): http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
"B" - bling and black: http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any, with digital image: http://aagwat.blogspot.co.uk/

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2582605#ixzz3JQFhurVv

4 legged friend

Last week my neighbor had a yard sale and was getting rid of her stamps.  She had dozens of teddy bears - if my stamp collection were not already way too large I could have added a few dozen more!  I did choose this one - the label is Art Impressions, 1996 - it probably qualifies as a vintage stamp!  I colored him with chalk pencils and glitter pens.  The bg is dp by Recollections, and the herringbone stripe is a double row of washi tape.  The teal strip is dry embossed for texture, and I added some sequins for a bit of bling.  The butterfly is silver - really misleading on this photo!
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
4 legged friends:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
"b" for bear, butterfly:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Animal:   http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2014/11/challenge-148-zoo-or-animal-challenge_13.html
Sequins: http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2014/
Layers:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
 Leaves:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/

Another Thanksgiving

This is another card to add to my stash to send to shut ins and others from church.  Thanksgiving is a special day, but we need to remember to give thanks at al times.  This verse is a freebie from Word Art - check them out if you are not familiar with this blog.  I printed it on subtly patterned paper , and used another plaid from the DCWV Fall stack.  The strips are Washi tape, backed with dark eggplant.  I added ribbon and a couple of pine branches from a Cheery Lynn die.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Fall, with Cheery Lynn die cut:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Give thanks:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Any - uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Special day:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.com/2014/11/anything-goes-challenge-no-7.html
        http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/search?updated-max=2014-11-13T04:00:00-08:00&max-results=3

Leaves and pumpkin?

I got in a hurry - no time to do another - just not real happy with my result here.  I wanted to do a card with leaves and pumpkins - the leaves are here, and the color is pumpkin - now when I look at the DP in the upper square, I always think of slices of pumpkin pie.  Yumm...  I think it is just a pattern but I can imagine, can't I?
Here is a tip I often use - I save a dull blade for my cutter, and use it to create a subtly distressed edge.

3 or more papers (bg, square, and paper used for punched circles and for sentiment layer):  http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/
Sketch, with a twist of leaves and pumpkins:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Inspiration:  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
                   http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/

Symbols of Christmas

I absolutely was not going to get more Christmas stamps - after all, I can so easily use what I have.  Well, our neighbor  had a whole box of stamps at her yard sale, and I found 2 or 3 Christmas sentiments I could use - at $1 for all I could not afford to pass them up.  Then I went to Michael's for a couple of things, and my dear hubby saw a Christmas stamp - and pretty much forced me to buy it LOL!  It is by Stampendous, and is definitely symbolic of Christmas, with the star Bethlehem, and the wise men.  I used a gold gift bag to do the mat and the Cheery Lynn pine branches.  The bg is from the Faith stack by Paper Studio.  A strip of metallic gold ribbon completes the layout.
Sketch (rotated):  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au / 
Symbols of Christmas: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Any: http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas :   http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/chnc-challenge-extra-for-november-2014.html
Holiday:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge