Dew on the Roses

I was so busy with my Stamp Camp yesterday that I didn't get a chance to make anything or post to my blog. I'm relaxing today! I have been looking for more color challenges rather than sketches so that I can get more creative in the layouts I use. I found a color challenge on a blog called My Favorite Things. On that same blog, I found a card made with a yellow and brown 3-D flower. I just had to try my luck at making one of those, too!! What talent that young lady has! The color challenge was to use: Raspberry (Pink Passion), Artichoke (Almost Artichoke), and Celery (Certainly Celery). She called out Paper Tray colors but, of course, I used Stampin' Up! colors. This is also for Stampin' B's Challenge this week which was hosted by NANDYRUTH. The challenge was to use a flower on your card, and I did! For the rose, I cut or punched three different sizes of circles, distressed the edges and curled them toward the center. I cut out leaf shapes, folded them, and crimped them to make the leaves. I used Crystal Effects to make "dew drops" here and there. All products used to create this card are from Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by!!

• Stamps: Three for You (Punch Box) (retired)
• Papers: Certainly Celery, Almost Artichoke, Pink Passion, Celery Prints DSP (retired)
• Ink: Pink Passion
• Accessories: Big Shot, Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plate (Flourish), Corner Rounder, Crimper, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Circle Scissors, Crystal Effects, Celery 5/8" GG Ribbon

Colorful Three-fer

I was so busy yesterday that I didn't do any card making. Here's a Three-fer challenge combo, though. This is yesterday's Sketch Challenge and today's Ways To Use It Challenge (use buttons) on SCS. This is also a Color Challenge posted by Ashley Bowen over at Paper Craft Planet. The Color Challenge was to use any or all of the following colors: Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose, Riding Hood Red, Rose Red, and/or Pumpkin Pie. I used them all! I guess I'm into matting in black lately. I see I've recently done three cards with all black mats! Everything here is from Stampin' Up! except for the buttons. Thanks for stopping by!!

• Stamps: Puns From the Past
• Papers: Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose, Prints Packs DSP (Reds), Pumpkin Pie Patterns DSP
• Ink: Basic Black Marker
• Accessories: Small & Large Oval Punches, Buttons, Embroidery Floss

Eagle Lake Trip

I finished editing the articles for the magazine, so I decided to celebrate and scrap a couple of pages. This is page one of a double page spread (DPS).

This is the second page of the DPS.

Here are both of the pages together. I used DP from DCWV as well as the Rose TCS. The photos are matted on Whisper White. The Circle Scissors was used to make the rings, and Circle Punches were used for the stamped circles at the lower left of the 1st page and lower right of the 2nd page. The pics are of some of my church family who drove three hours to get to Eagle Lake to help pack and load the stuff from my cabin. Thanks for looking!!

• Stamps: Seeing Spots
• Papers: DCWV DP, DCWV TCS, Whisper White, Baja Breeze
• Ink: Whisper White Craft
• Accessories: Big Shot, Sizzix Night and Day Alpha Set, Circle Scissors, Circle Punches

For My Friend (CC220)

Today's Color Challenge on SCS was to use So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Pumpkin Pie. I can't say I was crazy about this combo at first, but I think the card came out kind of cheerful looking. I'm in a bit of a hurry today because I'm editing for my daughter's E-Magazine, and then I have to cut up card stock and get things ready for this Friday's Stamp Camp...Busy day!!! Thanks for stopping by!

• Stamps: Elegant Cheer
• Papers: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Delicate Dots DSP (2009 SAB)
• Ink: Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron Marker
• Accessories: Big Shot, Labels II Nesties, Flower Trio Punch, Mat Pack, Stylus, Piercer, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Mojo Thank You (Mojo88)

This card is for the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge. I did check out the Clean and Simple Challenge on SCS, but it was to take one of your old cards and redo it. Well, most of my older cards just deserve to be deleted! That made me a bit depressed, so I went back to the sketches! LOL! The base card here is Certainly Celery with a layer of Basic Black. The plain designer paper on the top (Yes, that's DP!) and the flowered paper on the bottom are from My Mind's Eye (Wild Asparagus, I think). The striped paper is SU!'s Porcelain Prints (retired). I punched the black circle mat with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch and cut the Whisper White circle with Circle Scissors. I used eyelets instead of brads for embellishments and Basic Black grosgrain ribbon finishes it off. Thanks for stopping by!!!

• Stamps: Sweet Stems, Short & Sweet
• Papers: Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Whisper White, MME DP, Porcelain Prints DSP
• Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery (sponging), SU! Markers (Celery & Saffron)
• Accessories: Metallic Eyelets, Basic Black GG Ribbon, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Circle Scissors, Dimensional, Sponge

CASEing Mercy (FS120)

Today's Featured Stamper was Mercy Kerin, so I just had to CASE one of her cards! I subscribe to her blog! She designs the sketches for the Thursday Stamps and Smiles Sketch Challenge! Wow! She has so much talent!

Here's her card that I chose to CASE. I flipped the sketch, changed the colors a bit, used a different stamp, repositioned the sentiment panel, and I used a rhinestone on the sentiment panel instead of a brad. Thanks for stopping by! Now I need to get ready to go to church!

• Stamps: If The Halo Fits
• Papers: So Saffron, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Delicate Dots DSP (2009 SAB)
• Ink: Black Stazon
• Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Water Color Pencils, Blender Pen, Baby Oil, 1/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Brads, Rhinestone, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Mat Pack, Piercer

Stampin' B's Challenge

This is a new challenge for me. It's from Stampin' B's Design Team and it comes out each Friday. This challenge was to use all of the following: Border Punch, Circle, Leaf/Leaves/Branch Punch, and two or more brads. I'm trying to do more challenges that are not sketches so that I can force myself to design my own layouts more. This challenge was perfect for me! I used the Scallop Edge Border Punch (four times), the Little Leaves Sizzlit (I think dies count as punches too), my main image panel is a circle with a scallop circle mat, and I used three brads in the flower centers. Thanks for visiting my blog today!

• Stamps: Short & Sweet
• Papers: Close To Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate (retired), Whisper White, Berry Bliss DSP (retired)
• Ink: Purely Pomegranate (retired)
• Accessories: Big Shot, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Spring Bouquet Punch (retired), Organza Ribbon, Brads

Feelin' Grrreat! (IC181)

Today's Inspiration Challenge was to find inspiration from one of the handbags on the Little Odd Forest web site. I was inspired by this little wristlit purse. The base card is Garden Green and is embossed with the Cuttlebug Floral Screen embossing folder. I used a strip of Creamy Caramel to make the faux wood (tree). The branches were made with the "Little Leaves" Sizzlit. Now, I recently received an email from my oldest daughter which was called, "Pole Dance." You can imagine what a person might think it was by that title! LOL! It turned out to be a bear scratching against a tree (seemed to be really enjoying it, too!), and it was set to stripper music! It was funny! That's what I thought of when I made this card! Thanks for stopping by!!!

• Stamps: Under the Stars
• Papers: Garden Green, Creamy Caramel, Close To Cocoa, Whisper White
• Ink: Chocolate Chip, Basic Black; Markers: Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray
• Accessories: Big Shot, CB Floral Screen EF, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches, Snips, Sponge, Dimensionals

May '09 Stamp Camp Projects

Project #1 is this simple "Wanted" card. The horses are stamped three times without re-inking. Everyone can put as many stamps in the background as they like. The Chocolate Chip mat is distressed. The chocolate chip band at the top is embossed with Fiskars "Leather" Texture Plate. The buckle is a die cut from Sizzix and is cut from Brushed Gold card stock. I left room for a sentiment if desired.

• Stamps: Wanted
• Papers: Naturals Ivory, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White
• Ink: Chocolate Chip
• Accessories: Big Shot, Sizzix Buckles Die, Fiskars Leather Texture Plate, Distressing Tool

Project #2 would be a great card for a baby (boy) shower or just to add to a baby (boy) gift. This card is 4-1/4" square. This was done with the Stamps and Smiles Thursday Sketch Challenge.

• Stamps: Animal Crackers
• Papers: Naturals White, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Whisper White, Delicate Dots (SAB) DSP
• Ink: Black Stazon, Barely Banana, and Bashful Blue Markers

Accessories: Sponge, WW GG Ribbon

Project #3 was posted before because it was a sketch challenge card. It's a great masculine card. The bear's head, skeeter spray, and the mosquito are colored, cut out and popped up.

• Stamps: Under the Stars
• Papers: Kraft, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
• Ink: Close to Cocoa, Basic Black, Close to Cocoa Marker
• Accessories: WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Snips, Dimensionals

Project #4 would be perfect for a little boy. The rocket was colored with SU! Markers. This is almost the color challenge for this past week, except that I used Tempting Turquoise instead of Brilliant Blue. We will use both of those Bold Brights Blues since I have two groups coming to stamps camp.

• Stamps: Pun Fun
• Papers: Naturals White, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise Prints DSP (retired)
• Ink: Black Stazon, Basic Black, SU! Markers
• Accessories: 3/16" Corner Rounder, Word Window Punch, Real Red 5/8" GG Ribbon

Finally, Project #5 is this Popsicle card. I'm going to add a place for a gift card and send this to my grand daughter for her birthday. I'm sure she'll love it! I don't think you can see in this photo, but the envelope was stamped with Popsicles! Thanks for stopping by today!!

• Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Just Beachy (Popsicles on envie)
• Papers: Real Red, WW, Kiwi Kiss, MME DP (envie)
• Ink: Garden Green and Real Red Markers
• Accessories: Corner Rounder, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Popsicle Stick, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, 5-in-1 Envelope Template

Lavender Rose (SC229)

This is for today's Sketch Challenge on SCS. I like this style of sketch with matted layers placed vertically and horizontally. I started with a Basic Black base card. There's a layer of Whisper White that has been sponged with Almost Amethyst ink. Next, there's a layer of Orchid Opulence that was embossed with Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plate and matted on Basic Black. Next, there's a layer of Tea Party Designer Series Paper which is also matted on black. The main image was colored with SU!'s Water Color Pencils and baby oil. The panel is sponged with Almost Amethyst and matted on Orchid Opulence and then black. Finally, the sentiment was stamped with Basic Black, the panel was sponged with Almost Amethyst, and it was matted on Basic Black. This was done by using the 1-1/4" Square Punch and the 1-3/8" Square Punch. All products used to make this card are from Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by!!

• Stamps: Eastern Influence
• Papers: Basic Black, Whisper White, Orchid Opulence, Tea Party DSP
• Ink: Black Stazon, Basic Black, Almost Amethyst (sponging)
• Accessories: Water Color Pencils, Baby Oil, Sponge, Square Ice Rhinestone Brads

S'more? (Mojo87)

This is for yesterday's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge. Now, I got the sketch yesterday morning, printed it out, and had it on my craft table ever since then. Do you think I would LOOK at it before commencing to make the card? Of course not! I committed ALL the details to memory. NOT!! I blew it! The circle is supposed to be OVER the large square, and the small square should be more to the left, but it's OK I guess. Who would know? LOL! I'm having a stamp camp soon, and it's called, "Mostly Male." I guess you'll see a lot of masculine cards from me for a while!!! I drew fur on the bear and the raccoon and popped up the bear's head as well as the s'more. Everything is from Stampin' Up! except for the designer paper. Thanks for visiting my blog today!!!

• Stamps: Under the Stars
• Papers: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, DCWV DP (Fall Pack)
• Ink: Close to Cocoa, Basic Black, Mustard Stazon, SU! Markers
• Accessories: Circle Scissors, Crimper, Dimensionals

Blast Off! (CC219, FTTC16)

This is a challenge combo card. First, it's for the Color Challenge at SCS to use Purely Pomegranate (or Rose Red), Brilliant Blue, and Only Orange. The other challenge is the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge which is hosted this week by Sparklegirl. Her challenge was to make a square card. This card is 5-3/8" square and fits into SU!'s Medium Square Envelopes. The base card is Confetti White. The designer paper is embossed only on the top half and sanded a bit. I used a different pattern of the same designer paper for the horizontal strip and matted it with Only Orange. The main image was water colored and there are Dimensionals between the blue and orange mats. The sentiment panel is popped up as well. Everything except for the Cuttlebug embossing folder is from Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by today!!!

• Stamps: Pun Fun
• Papers: Confetti White, Only Orange, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, Brilliant Blue Prints DSP (retired)
• Ink: Black Stazon, Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate
• Accessories: Big Shot, CB Spots n' Dots EF, Large Corner Rounder Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch, Word Window Punch, Bold Brights Brads, Dimensionals, Rose Red GG Ribbon, WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter

Cool Cat (TECC68, CI#52)

First of all, the image here was a digital download which was free at Hambo Stamps . They are offering this one image free so that you can try one before you purchase any. There are several cute images available to download. I would caution anyone who wants to use digital downloads to try to set the ink with a heat tool or use a lazer printer so that it won't smear when coloring, or use pencils and a Blender Pen rather than water coloring or using markers. I water colored mine, but I really had a time trying to avoid smearing. This card is a challenge combo. I used the sketch from Taylored Expressions and flipped it to accommodate my image. I also used the Color Inspiration Challenge from kwernerdesignblog which was to use Baja Breeze, So Saffron, More Mustard, Sahara Sand, and White. Now, I made a mistake on the colors. I used Summer Sun instead of So Saffron. It's close, so I don't think the challenge police will have to take me in! LOL! Everything here is from Stampin' Up! except for the Nestabilities used to cut the circle and, of course, the main image. Thanks for visiting my blog today!!

• Stamps: Hambo Stamps Digital Download, Just Beachy (sun), Heard from the Heart
• Papers: Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Whisper White, Baja Breeze TCS, Summer Sun
• Ink: Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Sahara Sand Marker, Printer ink
• Accessories: Big Shot, Circle Nestie, Snips, WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Blender Pen, More Mustard GG Ribbon, Dimensional, Scallop Edge Border Punch

Silly Birthday (CAS15)

Today's Clean and Simple Challenge over at SCS was to use black and white and only one Bold Bright color. I chose to use Only Orange as my color. Actually, I was going to use a flower as my splash of color, but while I was looking through my Sizzlits, I came across this little penguin die. I thought, "There's my black and white, and I'll just use orange for his beak and feet!" Since yesterday was my birthday, I guess I'm still in a birthday mode, so I used this sentiment from the "Smarty Pants" set and just put "Happy Birthday" on the inside (from the "On Your Birthday" set). After assembling the penguin and popping him up, I decided to add the tiny google eyes. Everything used on this card except for the die and google eyes is from Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by!!

• Stamps: Smarty Pants, On Your Birthday (inside)
• Papers: Whisper White, Only Orange, Basic Black
• Ink: Basic Black
• Accessories: Big Shot, Sizzlit (Bird, Penguin), Google Eyes, Dimensional

Springtime (SASSC15, OCCC)

This is for the Stamps and Smiles Thursday Sketch Challenge and for the Color Challenge from Our Creative Corner. The Color Challenge was to use Regal Rose, Bashful Blue, and Certainly Celery. I think it's a lovely combo! It's my birthday and relatives are coming, so I can't go into too much description here. You'll know what I used where just by looking at the ingredients! Everything except for the Cuttlebug embossing folder is from Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by!!!

• Stamps: A Kind Word
• Papers: Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
• Ink: Black Stazon, White Gel Pen
• Accessories: Big Shot, CB Floral Screen EF, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Flower Trio Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Mat Pack, Stylus

Simple Thank You (FTW#42)

This is a "Fall To Layout" sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping. Usually their sketches are a bit more simple, but I wanted to used this one because of the ribbon placement. Tomorrow is my birthday, and one of my dearest friends stopped by today to give me a little gift and a handmade card. She's also one of my club members, so I really encourage the card making and really appreciate it when they make their own cards for any reason. The reason the ribbon was important to me was because this ribbon came off of the gift package I got today! I put punched hearts for the flower centers to match the ribbon! Everything on this card EXCEPT the ribbon is from Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by!

• Stamps: Short & Sweet
• Papers: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery
• Ink: Riding Hood Red
• Accessories: Big Shot, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Dasies #2 Bigz Die, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Recycled Ribbon

To the beach!!! (LSC220)

Today's Limited Supplies Challenge was to use only "beachy" images, only one sentiment, and only one embellishment. I'm thinking my one embellishment could the the handmade sign with the stamped letters and punched arrow. The base card is Baja Breeze, the sand was made with torn strips of Naturals Ivory that were sponged with Close to Cocoa. The "woody" was stamped on Summer Sun with black Stazon and then colored a bit with SU! Markers. The same goes for the sun which was popped up. The sentiment was from "Life' A Breeze". The sign was made with Creamy Caramel, the fine tip of a Chocolate Chip Marker, sponged with Close to Cocoa, and stamped with Simple Serif Alphabet & Numbers. The arrow was punched out with the My Way Punch. In an older post, I made a tutorial for the faux wood which is how I did the sign. By the way, the letters on the sign are kind of jumbled on purpose! All products used to make this card are from Stampin' Up! Thanks for visiting my blog today!!

• Stamps: Just Beachy, Life's A Breeze, Simple Serif Alphabet & Numbers
• Papers: Baja Breeze, Naturals Ivory, Summer Sun, Creamy Caramel
• Ink: Black Stazon, Basic Black, SU! Markers
• Accessories: My Way Punch, Snips, Sponge, Dimensionals

A whole week late... (WSC80)

Well, I'm a whole week behind now!! This was the Weekend Sketch Challenge from LAST Friday. Cambria Turnbow at Stamp a Little Love, Baby was the hostess. I made my main image a sentiment on this one, so I didn't make it quite as large as the sketch might show. I started with a Naturals White base card with a layer of Kiwi Kiss that has been embossed only on the top half. The Raspberry Tart designer paper panels are matted on Cameo Coral. The sentiment was stamped with Basic Black and punched out with the 1-3/4" Punch. The Kiwi and Coral mats were cut with Nestabilities. The ribbon is Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon (My favorite, and I only have about a month and a half to use it!). Everything is from Stampin' Up! except for the Nestabilities. Thanks for stopping by!!

• Stamps: Elegant Cheer
• Papers: Naturals White, Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral, Whisper White, Raspberry Tart DSP
• Ink: Basic Black
• Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle Nesties, Dimensional, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, CB Stylized Flower EF

Silhouettes (Mojo86)

This card is for the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge for this week. I'm only a few days late!! The base card is Cameo Coral. The designer paper is Raspberry Tart. Everything is matted with Basic Black, and I used Basic Black for the die cuts, too. Thanks so much for stopping by!!

• Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, God's Blessings
• Papers: Cameo Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White, Raspberry Tart DSP
• Ink: Basic Black
• Accessories: Big Shot, CB Vintage Corner Die, Scallop Edge Border Punch

Blingy Wishes! (SC228)

This is for this week's Sketch Challenge on SCS. You can find out all the details including the original layout for this challenge here. I used designer paper for most of the layers on this one. The base card is Cameo Coral. There's three layers of Raspberry Tart designer series paper of various sizes on top of the base card. The main image was stamped on Shimmery White (scrap) and matted on Kiwi Kiss and then Cameo Coral. I stamped the image with Black Cherry Stazon and colored with SU! markers. There's plenty of bling here!!! Thanks for stopping by!!

• Stamps: Sweet Stems, Short & Sweet
• Papers: Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, Raspberry Tart DSP
• Ink: Black Cherry Stazon, Real Rose and Cameo Coral Markers
• Accessories: Small and Large Oval Punches, Rhinestones, Quick Dry Adhesive

Cheers to You! (CC218)

The Color Challenge on SCS was to use Only Orange, Summer Sun, and Kiwi Kiss. The base card here is Naturals White. The Summer Sun piece was embossed and the Kiwi Kiss piece was crimped. I used Only Orange ink to create the orange slices and added Crystal Effects for that wet look. The main image was stamped, water colored, and then punched with the Curly Label Punch; then, it was matted on the Summer Sun piece that was cut out using a label Nestabilities die. The sentiment was stamped directly. Thanks for visiting my blog today!

• Stamps: Cheers To You, Tart and Tangy
• Papers: Naturals White, Summer Sun, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
• Ink: Black Stazon, Only Orange
• Accessories: Big Shot, CB Tiny Bubbles EF, Nestabilities label die, Snips, Crystal Effects, Crimper, Curly Label Punch, WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Dimensionals

Rockin' Daisies (CAS14)

The Clean and Simple Challenge at SCS was to make a CAS card using the Rock n' Roll technique. The stamp I used doesn't work that well for this technique, but I made it work out by using my marker to touch up some of the lower flowers. I used my Crop-A-Dile to set the eyelets and stamped the sentiment directly. Thanks for visiting my blog today!

• Stamps: Upsy Daisy
• Papers: Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Naturals White
• Ink: Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie
• Accessories: Crop-A-Dile, Eyelets, Sponge, Dimensionals

Moving? (HMC37)

This is for the House Mouse Monday Challenge which was to make a card for someone who's moving (home/job) or just interpret the moving theme as you wish. I have friends who are moving soon to their new home, so this card is for them. The sentiment on the outside is handwritten. "Congratulations" is stamped on the inside with, "on your new home," handwritten underneath. These little mice look like they're moving, strawberries and all! Thanks for stopping by!

• Stamps: House Mouse, Congrats (2009 SAB) (inside)
• Papers: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
• Ink: Black Stazon, Black Journaling Marker
• Accessories: WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Word Window Punch, Cropodile, Eyelets, Black Gingham Ribbon, Dots Brass Template, Light Table, Stylus

Almost Done!

These are the last two pages that I did with my Christmas photos. I'm ahead of the game this year; it's only May and my 2008 Christmas scrapping is done! LOL!

This is page 1 of my two page spread. The top photo of my daughter and me is 4" X 6". The other three are 3" X 3". All photos are matted on Green Galore. I used Sizzix "Curlz" alphabet set and made journaling strips from Bravo Burgundy. The die cut is called, "Girl with Presents". It's a Sizzix Single Sizzlet. You have to run it through the Big Shot machine several times to get all the different colors.

This is the last page! My grand daughter was helping her mommy open the last present. The last photo shows all of us at my daughter's In-laws' for a turkey dinner. The alphabet set and card stock are the same as the other page. The patterned paper came from DCWV's Christmas Stack. They have the same colors but two different designs. Thanks for stopping by! I may post a card later!!

American Bike Month (LSC219)

In the month of May, there are so many "Holidays!" There's National this and American that. No one seems to know who thinks these things up. PLUS, we have Mother's Day and Memorial Day in May. For the Limited Supplies Challenge, we were to choose a "holiday" and make a card commemorating it. I chose American Bike Month. The base card is Naturals White with a layer of Real Red Prints Pack DSP (retired). The main image was stamped with Stazon Black on Whisper White. That piece was matted on Real Red and then an extended mat of Whisper White which allowed room for the sentiment. The flowers were punched out of Yoyo Yellow and embossed. All products used to make this card are from Stampin' Up! Thanks for visiting today!!

• Stamps: Time for You (2008 Occasions Mini), Fundamental Phrases
• Papers: Naturals White, Whisper White, Real Red, Yoyo Yellow, Real Red Prints Pack DSP (retired level 1 hostess)
• Ink: Black Stazon, Real Red, Only Orange Marker
• Accessories: WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Flower Trio Punch, Mat Pack, Stylus, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch

Butterfly Thanks (SC227)

This is for yesterday's Sketch Challenge on SCS. I don't have time to upload the layout, but I stayed pretty true to the original except that the original layout was for a square card. Thanks for stopping by!

• Stamps: Dream a Little (Level 3 Hostess), Oval All (Ocassions Mini)
• Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise Prints (retired)
• Ink: Black Stazon
• Accessories: WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Scallop Edge Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, MS Butterfly Punch, Dimensionals

Stamps and Smiles Sketches (SASMR3, SASMR4, WT217)

This is for the third sketch challenge for the week (release week) over at Stamps and Smiles. This is also for this week's Ways To Use It Challenge on SCS. The Ways To Use It Challenge was to use Kraft card stock. The base card here is Kraft. I water colored, cut out, and popped up the Skeeter Spray, the mosquito, and the bear's head. I think this would make a great "guy" card! All products used to make this card are from Stampin' Up!

• Stamps: Under The Stars
• Papers: Kraft, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
• Ink: Black Stazon, Close to Cocoa, Close to Cocoa Marker
• Accessories: WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Photo Corner Punch, Snips, Dimensionals

This is for the last sketch challenge for this week over at Stamps and Smiles. Just like they did a while back, they are releasing five new stamp sets and making sketch challenges for four days. Tomorrow they will release the stamp sets for sale and they will be judging the entries for the challenges. They will give one set to a winner for each day and a grand prize of all five sets will be given to the overall winner. I won that last time! Not only did she send me the five sets, but she included some polka ribbon in pink and brown. I used some of that ribbon on this card. The base card here is Whisper White with a layer of designer paper from a Prints Pack (retired Level 1) in Pretty In Pink. I cut the circle with my new Circle Scissor Plus out of Chocolate Chip Textured card stock. I used mainly scraps on this card. The main image is stamped on Shimmery White and matted on Pretty In Pink Textured card stock. I water colored the Hedgie. I had this dark brown button, so I threw that on there, too!! Everything used to make this card was from Stampin' Up! except for the ribbon and button. Thanks for visiting my blog today!!!

• Stamps: Hedgehog Happiness (retired in 2005)
• Papers: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip TCS, Pretty In Pink TCS Shimmery White, Pretty In Pink Prints Pack DSP (retired Level 1)
• Ink: Black Stazon
• Accessories: WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter, Stamps and Smiles Ribbon, Button, Dimensionals, Circle Scissors Plus

Hoppin' All Is Well (CC217, SASMR2)

This is the second of four sketch challenges this week from Stamps and Smiles. This one coincides with the release of the second of five new stamp sets. This is also for the Color Challenge on SCS which was to use Garden Green, Ballet Blue, and Cameo Coral. I finally found tiny googly eyes at our local dollar store, so I just had to make a card with this frog!! Thanks for stopping by today!!!

• Stamps: Hoppy for You
• Papers: Garden Green, White, Ballet Blue, Cameo Coral
• Ink: Garden Green, Ballet Blue, White Gel Pen
• Accessories: Big Shot, CB Tiny Bubbles EF, Oval and Scallop Oval Nesties, Sponge, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Little Leaves Sizzlet, Flower Trio Punch, Mat Pack, Embossing Stylus, Googley Eyes, Satin Ribbon

Hedgie Thank You (SASMR1)

It looks like lots of activity going on over at Stamps and Smiles! They are releasing some new stamp sets and they are having a Sketch Challenge every day through Thursday. It's also another contest where the daily winners will win one of the new sets. I'm not sure if they'll have an over-all winner like they did last time or not. Now, I might have called this one, "Retired," because I used a long retired stamp set as well as retired In-Color card stock. This is the perfect sketch for that stamp, don't you think?!! The base card and scalloped circle are Soft Sky, the mat behind the designer paper and the main image circle are Whisper White. The designer paper is Ginger Blossom (mainly River Rock), and the main image circle was sponged with River Rock Ink. I'm not sure about the white satin ribbon; it might be from SU! too. Thanks for stopping by (again)!

• Stamps: Hedgehog Happiness (retired in 2005)
• Papers: Soft Sky (retired), Whisper White, Ginger Blossom DSP (retired)
• Ink: Black Stazon, River Rock (for sponging)
• Accessories: Big Shot, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Sponge, Dimensionals, Wide Satin Ribbon

Happy Spring (Mojo85)

This is for the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #85. I didn't get a chance to post anything yesterday because I got involved in scrap booking again. I might post two cards today though. My main image panel wound up a bit larger than the sketch but it still worked out. I borrowed the "Hedgehog Happiness" set (retired 2005) from a friend to stamp off some images, but now I'm hoping she'll trade with me! The sentiment is from one of the Stamps & Smiles sets that I won. I love this blue and yellow color combo for spring! Everything except the sentiment stamp is from Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by!!!

• Stamps: Hedgehog Happiness, Stamps & Smiles sentiment
• Papers: Naturals White, Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla, Water Color Paper, Delicate Dots DSP (2009 SAB)
• Ink: Black Stazon, Basic Black, White Gel Pen
• Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Flower Trio Punch, Mat Pack, Embossing Stylus, Dimensionals, Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon, WCW Crayons, Aqua Painter

Major Bling! (WSC79, IC178)

Well, here's another challenge combo. First, I used Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge which is hosted this week by Jenn Balcer. The layout is on her blog. This is also for the Inspiration Challenge which was to get inspiration from prom dresses by Faviana. I was inspired by design #5926. The dress has a bit of bling on it and it's mostly white with red with sparkles at the top. The design in the "Friends 24-7" set reminded me of the dress. The base card is Shimmery White. The center piece is also Shimmery White that has been embossed using SU!'S Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plate. Then, it was matted on Real Red. The horizontal strip is Real Red that's been punched with the Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch. The stamped panel is also Shimmery White stamped with Real Red and matted on Real Red. I used the 3/16" Corner Rounder on the corners. The bling is Brushed Silver card stock punched with the 5-Petal Punch and 3 sizes of rhinestones were added. Thanks for stopping by!

• Stamps: Friends 24-7
• Papers: Shimmery White, Real Red, Brushed Silver
• Ink: Real Red
• Accessories: Big Shot, Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plate, MS Doily Lace Border Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder, 5-Petal Punch, Rhinestones, Quick Dry Adhesive

Sympathy Card (Cheerful) (SASSC13)

This is for the Stamps and Smiles Thursday Sketch Challenge. The last one I uploaded was #10 which means I've missed TWO weeks! I don't know how that happened! I got too busy I guess. This might look a bit too cheerful for a sympathy card, but that's what I had intended. I know this wonderful couple from church, and he lost his mother this past week. The sentiment is inside and it says, "Praying for you...Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to heal your heart." All products used to make this card are from Stampin' Up! Thanks for visiting today!

• Stamps: Echoes of Kindness (Level 2 Hostess), Thoughts & Prayers (Inside)
• Papers: Naturals White, Barely Banana, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Bashful Blue Patterns DSP
• Ink: More Mustard, Certainly Celery Marker (Inside sentiment: Not Quite Navy)
• Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Pretties Kit, Flower Trio Punch, Soft Subtles Brads, Pop-up Glue Dots

My Crafting Space

I hate to bore you to death, but I've had friends ask me to upload photos of my crafting area, so here goes. I use an "Over the Door" shoe storage organizer for my punches. It's on the outside of the door since I leave the door open when I'm crafting.

My 8-1/2" X 11" card stock is in files. My most recent cards are on top of a case that contains stamps and ink pads that I got as a gift.

This shows all the storage for 8-1/2" X 11" and 12" X 12" card stock and patterned papers. The world map behind the file box is because this used to be my classroom where I taught up to seven students at a time. Those little desks still come in handy for storage.

The cutting table is on a slant which comes in handy. It used to be my teacher's podium. I still have some pre-school curriculum in there. The big drawer has non-SU! card stock and papers. The book case holds only current stamp sets. I sell the retired sets. I only have 15 left!

On top of the book case with stamp sets are my SU! Ribbon Keepers. Above that is a shelf with empty clam shells, baskets for stamp camps, boxes of envelopes, containers to alter, and games left over from my class room days. There's another small shelf with Sizzix Dies, many of which are SU! exclusives. There's a close up pic of the shelf later. The yellow bin below the shelf has Sizzlits, Embosslits, Cuttlebug Dies, etc.

This is just another view of all my stamp sets with the SU! ribbons on top.

That chair is where I sit when crafting with my Big Shot at my right hand. More storage behind that and another little desk with the Light Table and Canon Photo Printer. The blue and green bins in the middle contain flowers, lots of them!

The pink 3-drawer organizer has Jumbo Wheels, Standard Wheels, Wheel Handles, and Ink Cartridges. The basket has unused stamp sets that I use for prizes and for charity. On the left, you can see two black baskets or bins. Those are meat containers from WalMart! They have ready-to-go projects for my next club. I had to get TWO Color Caddys for ink pads. They are on top of yet another little desk in which there are some scrap booking supplies.

This is a close-up of my scrap basket. There are several baggies which contain scraps in certain color ranges. You can see lavender and purple scraps in the front. The bins on the right have flowers in them except for the top one which has Sizzlits, Embosslits, and Cuttlebug Dies.

This is a close-up of the shelf with my Originalz and Bigz Dies. One of my kids made that CD holder which works perfectly for the dies. I need another one of those!!

This shows my messy desk! I put my lap top there, a CD player, lots of other "Stuff".

This is storage inside what used to be a closet. On the right is a small book case with project samples and other things. On top of that is a rack my friend's husband made for ribbons. On top of that are the SU! caddies for brads, buttons, eyelets, etc. To the left are plastic storage containers which hold mostly scrap booking supplies. In the middle is a tall, narrow cabinet. On its shelves are my Cricut Machine, containers with embellishments including a Pretties Kit, Cricut cartridges, Sizzix Alphabet Sets, a box of stencils, paper cutters, and boxes of cards that I made. To the left of that are more plastic storage containers with Texturz Plates, small punches, Cuttlebug folders, adhesives, more ribbons, more envelopes, markers, hand held punches, and boxes of embellishments some of which I pulled off of cards I was sent.

This shows the cabinet doors open revealing catalogs, project supplies, Stampin' Scrubs, HPH, WCW Crayons, baskets with glitter and beads, and large spools of ribbons.

This shows my bulletin board with some of my cards and my dry erase board which comes in handy for writing dimensions for cutting. Remember, this WAS a classroom.

This is my crafting table. This view is from my end with my handy Big Shot Machine. I use address label sheets to glue on because the glue doesn't stick. I use the other side for stamping. The little nut cans are for trash. The white binder is book 2 of sketches (cards). More nut cans hold tools I use often. Further down, there are 3 black baskets or bins (more meat containers). These have tools in one (sanding blocks, piercers, embossing styluses, hand held punches, etc.), scissors in the next one, and adhesives in the last one (glue runners, quick dry adhesive, Dimensionals, etc.). I take these to the dining table when I have clubs and stamp camps. Behind those is a basket of markers and a scrap book I'm working on with a binder of page maps on top of it.

This view shows my craft table from the other end. The markers are in individual baskets with one color family in each plus a basket for neutrals, journaling markers, Zig Paintys, etc.

Finally, this shows my Decor Elements definition of "create". It's above my book case with all the stamp sets. Thanks for browsing through my craft room today!!! I'll probably post a card later.