Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Inkspirational #22 - Anything Goes

The fifth Wednesday of the month means that it's "Anything Goes" at
 
This past Saturday our oldest son got married.  I was asked to make the Thank You cards.  I knew immediately what stamp I wanted to use.  I've used this rose stamp a few months ago and loved it then.  This time I wanted to the card to be very simple...just a single rose and the sentiment.  I colored the rose with Spectrum Noir markers and stamped the image/sentiment in Versafine ink. 
 
 
I was really happy with how it turned out and I hope they liked them too.  So what are you creating these days?


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

{PIN}spirational #59

It's Tuesday and what does that mean?  Time to get inspired by another great picture at {PIN}spirational Challenges!  So what do you think about this:
 
 
Isn't he cute???!!!  I love that little guy!  I've always been a big fan of stuffed animals.  However as a kid - I was a bit sad about them.  See, I thought they all had feelings and when I would be in the store and see them all...and they were all left in the store...I thought they were all sad because no one was taking them home.  Silly huh?  Yeah, I know it is.  But as a kid, I would almost be in tears walking through the store seeing all their faces.  I'm such a sap.  So gee, now I don't feel that way about stuffed animals...but maybe that is why there are 8 cats who show up on our porch every morning to be fed...because I'm such sap and feel bad that they don't have homes.
 
So this week we have two great sponsors again:
 
 
....and....
 
 
I was able to work with an image from Milk Coffee Stamps.  Since the image I chose wasn't an animal, I decided to use the colors as my inspiration as well as the stripes and polka dots.  I had a double sided sheet of paper that had stripes on one side and dots on the other - it was perfect!  I kept with the black/white/grey color scheme and this is what I created:
 
 
Now it's your turn!  How are you inspired by the image?  The stuffed animal?  The colors?  The patterns?  Or maybe even the white steer head on the wall?  I can't wait to see how you're inspired!  Good luck!!!!
 
Thank you for stopping by.  Until next time....be a blessing today!!!!!
 
 


Twist of Faith: Clean & Simple


What does "Clean & Simple" - or CAS - mean to you?  I never really thought of myself as a Clean & Simple card maker but I knew I wasn't someone who piled lots of stuff on my cards.  But to me, CAS cards were always one layer and looked so neat!  But I have recently discovered that CAS isn't just a one layer card.  I've discovered that I am more of a CAS type person....and since the theme this week at Twist of Faith Card Challenges, I felt right at home. 
 
Our sponsor this week is Milk Coffee Stamps.  The random winner will be able to select 5 Milk Coffee images!  And let me tell you, it's going to be a struggle because they have fabulous images!!!!  I would never be able to narrow it down to just five....I would want one of everything!!!! 
 
 
I was able to work with an image titled "Charlotte At The Cloud".  She's so sweet!  As soon as I saw her, I fell in love with the image!  Since she as a harp, I decided to use a music theme embossed sheet as the background.  I think it's a Cuttlebug embossing folder but I'm not sure - I received it in an embossed sheet swap over at SCS about a year ago.  The verse is actually a sticker that I've had for several years.  Love when I  can use something that's been in my stash for a while. 
 
 
I'm also submitting this card for Use It Tuesday since the theme this week is "Anything Goes" and using something from your stash (for me it is that sticker).  The last submission is for Tuesday Throwdown which the theme is a card inspired by your favorite book.  Since there is a Bible verse on the card that shows my favorite book - The Bible.
 
So now is your turn.  Remember that in order to be included for a chance at the prize, your card must include a scripture, uplifting verse/quote, or positive words of healing, encouragement, or support.  So why not join in the fun and also be an encouragement to someone today.
 
Thanks for stopping by.  Blessings to you today!!!


Monday, May 27, 2013

Inkspirational - A Sketch - Challenge #21

Nothing like waiting until the last minute huh?  I waited to create a card for the Inkspirational Challenge this week because I found it difficult.  The challenge is to create a card using this sketch:
 
 
Now don't get me wrong - I think the sketch is really neat!  But my MOJO seemed to have decided to take a week long vacation because I just could not come up with an idea at all!  So today was the day - If I was going to participate in this week's challenge, I needed to come up with something.  I decided to go a pit patriotic.  The first card I made I didn't like.  I liked the idea of it - but part of the "image" had an American flag and silly me - tried to color it with markers....and the little flag looked horrible after I was done.  So then I went to run some errands and came home and changed the image to just a sentiment.  I'm still not sure I really like it - but I like the idea behind it....red, white, and blue...and I love the sentiment.  But the picture didn't turn out great.  The blue base is actually a very dark navy blue.  The gems glisten too much because of the camera flash.  But when I took the picture it was raining so I couldn't take it outside and there was no way to take it inside without the flash going off - I tried all the settings.  Oh well. 
 
 
 
So did you get inky this weekend?  What did you create?
 
Thanks for stopping by!  Blessings to you today!!!!!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Twisted Tuesday #50 - A Girls Best Friend

The gals over at Twisted Tuesday Challenges have been busy!  Not only are they making lovely cards as always, but they have been busy making new friends!  The Design Team has grown by leaps and bounds!!  I was excited to see he new members....because not only are some of existing members my friends....but even some of the new members are friends!  And what a great theme this round being "A Girls Best Friend".  Even the Sassy - the Guest Designer this round - is a good friend! 
 
The card I made is one that I plan on sending to a friend I haven't seen in a while and miss so much.  The image speaks to the theme of friendship and I can't wait to rekindle that friendship.  The neat thing about it is that even though we haven't spoken in quite some time, it will be like we just talked yesterday!  Don't you just love friends like that?
 
The image is one from my stash and I believe it's an image from Eureka StampsI colored it with colored pencils and didn't blend the colors because I wanted that "little girl" feel to it.
 
 
Why not take some time this week and contact one of your friends - either current or from the past.  Let them know how much they mean to you.  Remember that this hobby we share is more than just a creative outlet - it can be a way to encourage others too.
 
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a very blessed day!
 
 


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Twist of Faith - SQUARE

I'm usually not one to venture far off from the typical A2 size card.  But lately I've done a few square cards and really liked how they looked!  So when I saw that this week at Twist of Faith Card Challenges our theme was "SQUARE" - I was excited! 
 
We have another great sponsor for this challenge:
 


I was able to use the image called "Katie Reading".  It's so sweet and simple so I wanted to keep my card very simple....without using any extra papers or lots of embellishments.  The image, verse, and a few buttons....I really liked the way it turned out. 
 
 
 
So now it's your turn.  Are you feeling "SQUARE"?  Your card can be square or you can use squares in your design.  Don't forge that your project must include a scripture, uplifting verse, or positive words/quote.  I can't wait to see what you create!
 
Blessings to you today!!!

{PIN}spirational #58

It's Tuesday and that means that it's {PIN}spirational Challenge time! 
 
The picture for this week is one that is full of Summer Fun!
 
 
 
We have two great sponsors this week:
 
 
 
 
 
and....
 
 
 
I used an image from The Stamping Chef.  I had this surfboard paper that I have never used.  Oh, you know you have some paper laying around that you never have used because you just don't know what to do with it....we all do.  Even though the image has a skateboard, I thought the surfboards work.  The sentiment is a fabric sticker that I've had - again, for quite some time and have never found a use for it.  So this card helped me use some of my stash and that's what I'm trying to do this year.
 
 
 
Now it's your turn.  Are you inspired by the picture?  Is it the sports equipment?  Or the thought of a picnic playing games with family?  Or your son/daughter playing sports....or your grandson/granddaughter?  I can't wait to see how you're inspired!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

May Flowers

Have you ever looked through your stamps and realized you have a ton of flower stamps?  I certainly do.  But not only do I have many flower stamps, I also have some flower images that have been sent to me.  I'm trying to work through the box of images I have, so when several challenges this week were about flowers, I went to that stash once again.  Of course I have no idea who the image belongs to....and I also used other items from my stash including ribbon, papers, and buttons. 
 
 
I'm submitting this card for the following challenges:
 
Celebrate the Occasion - #112 May Flowers - 3 flowers, 2 buttons, 1 ribbon
Loves Rubberstamps - #52 May Flowers
Shopping Our Stash - #101 Scrap Attack (using scraps only)
Tuesday Throwdown - Smell the Roses
 


Saturday, May 18, 2013

Inkspirational - CASE Study

One of my favorite challenges to participate in every week is Inkspirational ChallengesThe third week of the month is always a CASE and this one was so pretty:
 


While my goal this year is to use what I have instead of buying anything new...I now want a corner rounder!  LOL!!!  I see all these lovely cards with those rounded corners and I love that effect.  There is no way I would be able to do that by hand - so I'm going to have to buy a handy dandy tool.  Any suggestions?
 
Since I don't have a corner rounder, obviously my corners aren't rounded.  I've been in a "blue" mood lately - not "blue" as in bumming, but "blue" as in wanting to use blues.  So instead of using red, I used blue.  I wish I could tie a bow as pretty as the one in that picture but alas, not one of my skills.  Usually I don't even tie a bow - I just do a knot and leave it at that.  And I didn't include a sentiment at the bottom because of the image itself having words.  The image is one that was sent to me in a swap so I don't know what stamp company it is - but I love it.  So here is my take on the card above:
 
 
Believe it or not, I have a couple more cards to post...but that will have to wait until tomorrow.  It's about time to start getting ready for our last "Seven at 7" evening - Seven Saturdays at 7pm - meeting for prayer at church.
 
Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!



Babies, Babies, Babies

I love making baby cards!  I make a lot of baby cards because I make cards for my local pregnancy center.  This week the theme at Eureka Stamps is Babies or Pregnancy.  I had several quotes on vellum regarding babies, so this was the perfect time to use one of them.  The image is a baby carriage - it's stamped in light pink....doesn't show very well in the picture.  Oh well.  I'm also submitting this to Word Art Wednesday since it has such a sweet sentiment.
 
 
This card will be going into the box for the Community Pregnancy Center.  Here's my shameless plug:  if you happen to have an abundance of Baby cards...or Birthday...or Thank You...or even Praying For You cards - and would like to donate them to the center, they would love to have them!  Honestly, I can't keep up with the need.  You could send them 1 or 2 or 20 or 200!  If you would like to send them cards, you can mail them to:
 
Community Pregnancy Center
Att: Dianne
1058 Wooster Road W
Barberton, OH  44203

A very Blingy Birthday!

It seems like I'm always running out of Birthday cards anymore.  Ok, I'll be honest, I'm running out of all cards at the moment!  But then send a lot of cards every week so it's no wonder my stash gets depleted so quickly. 
 
This week at Created With Love Challenges the theme is "Birthday - Bling It Up"...and boy, did I BLING IT UP!  LOL!!!  I think I got carried away.  I used a stamp that was sent to me by a secret sister along the way.  I believe it's a Bugaboo Stamps image.  I colored it with Spectrum Noir markers and then I started adding bling.  The picture doesn't show it very well, but there is bling on the top layer of the cake (the circles), in the red stripes of the bottom layer, the chocolate frosting sparkles, and there are other various bling items along the way.  This thing definitely glows!  LOL!! 
 
 
I think I should have made more of these...but alas, I didn't have any more of that image.  UGH!  Looks like I'll be shopping soon at Bugaboo!  LOL!!!


Wedding Wishes

This time next Saturday I will be at a wedding!  Our oldest son is getting married!  It's hard to believe that it's come so fast.  It seems like just a month ago he told us he was getting married.  So the challenge this week at 'ABC' Challenges was perfect timing for me - the theme this week is "Wedding & Anniversary".  I needed a wedding card for next weekend so I decided to do wedding instead of anniversary. 
 
The sentiment stamp is from Eureka Stamps.  I loved the sentiment and wanted it to be the focal point of the whole card so I didn't include an image.  The papers are self stick papers...and I have to admit that I struggle every time trying to get the back peeled off of those things!  Is there any easy way?  If so, I haven't found it.  LOL!!  Add a little piece of organza ribbon and a few pearls - and presto card!   Since this is such a lovely sentiment, I'm also submitting this card at Word Art Wednesday.



As it seems to be my Saturday routine anymore, it was a marathon card-making morning for me so stay tuned....more posts to come!  Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Twist of Faith Challenge #37 - The Ties That Bind

Tuesday is also a new challenge day at Twist of Faith Card Challenges.  Our theme this week is "The Ties That Bind".  Yep, that means that your creation must include string or twine...and as always it must also include a scripture, uplifting verse, or positive words/quote in order to be considered for the prize from our sponsor.  And who might that be this week?  Well, it's Meljn's Designs!  And the prize:  4 uncolored images!  WOW!!!
 
 
I selected the image named "Seafaring Seagull Frame" for my card this week.  I wanted a more masculine type image since we are heading to Father's Day now.  The image is colored with Spectrum Noir markers.  The verse is from a Sweet n' Sassy stamp set.  And of course - bakers twine. 
 
 
Now it's your turn.  What can you create that has string or twine somewhere on your project?  I'll be looking for you over at Twist of Faith Chard Challenges.  Enjoy your day!!!
 

{PIN}spirational Challenge #57

It's Tuesday and that means it's new challenge day at {PIN}spirational Challenges!  Another very cute picture was chosen as your inspiration this week:
 

Isn't that sweet? 
 
 Need some more inspiration?  How about prizes?  This week we have two great sponsors:
 
Bugaboo Stamps - prize: 7 digi's
 
and
 
Flat Friends - prize: 4 digi's
 
Now how can you not be inspired but a great picture and super prizes? 
 
 I was able to work with an image from Bugaboo StampsI had some paper that was dog theme and thought it was time to use it since there is a little puppy in the image.  I really wanted the image to the focus so I printed it a little larger than I usually do images and then cut it out.  It's colored with Spectrum Noir markers and then a few buttons finish it off.
 
 
Now it's your turn!  I can't wait to see what you create!!!  Blessings today to you.
 



Sunday, May 12, 2013

Yellow & Purple balloons

 
This has been a crazy weekend...seemed like the more I tried to get done, the less it happened.  Ever have days like that?  Or weekends?  I sure hope the week isn't like that this week because there's a long list of things to do on my To-Do list this week.
 
Today I was able to spend a few minutes in my craft room and knew exactly what I wanted to make - a card for this weeks challenge at Inkspirational Challenges.  This week was an inspiration picture:
 
 
I like the pretty purple an gold color.  I'm trying to get some cards together for our local Pregnancy Center so I decided to go with a baby theme and I had the perfect digi image.  
 
 
Isn't that little bear cute?  I just love him!!  I colored him with Spectrum Noir markers.  The paper is from Papertrey Ink.
 
Thanks for stopping by.  Want to make someone's week?  Why not send them a card and tell them how much you appreciate them.  You never know - it might just arrive on the perfect day when they needed a lift.  You can be a blessing today!!!!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Tea Time!

I don't know why, but I'm starting to play around with the font and stuff on this blog so bear with me......LOL!!!!
 
So tonight I wasn't feeling that great so I stayed home from church and watched online.  While I was watching I decided to play with an envie of goodies that were sent to me last week.  The envie I received included:  the embossed cardstock, paper, punched white border, sentiment, and embossed tea cup.  The only thing I had to supply to create this card was the card base and the flowers.  Since the border punch and embossed card stock already fulfilled 2 squares in the Tic Tac Toe challenge at 'ABC' Challenges this week - so I just added some flowers and there you have it - tic tac toe! 
 
 
Thanks for stopping by!  Have a very blessed day!!!!
 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Tuesday is also the day for the new {PIN}spirational Challenges!  Do we have the most adorable image for your inspiration (I'm such an animal lover)...

Isn't he sooo cute!!!!

There are two sponors for this challenge:

 
...and....


I was able to use an image from Melonheadz....and of course it's a little mouse!  This is the card I came up with:

 

Now how can you be inspired by that little mouse....or even that little teddy bear.....I can't wait to see your creation over at {PIN}spirational Challenges. 

Twist of Faith - #36 - Mother's Day

One of the things that makes Tuesday such a wonderful day is that it's time for a new challenge at Twist of Faith Card Challenges!
This week our sponsor is:

Lacy Sunshine Stamps
The prize will be 4 uncolored images.  WOW!  And Lacy has some great images!!
 
So what is the theme this week you may be asking?  Well - Mothers of course!  It's our Mother's Day Challenge.  Everyone knows someone who is a mom and what mom doesn't need some encouragement.  This is a perfect time to make a card for your own mom or someone who is like a mother to you...or your daughter...or even a neighbor.  Don't forget that your card must include a scripture, uplifting quote or verse to be considered for the prize.
 
I had an embossing folder that I have never used and when I saw this Oriental digi set from Lacy Sunshine, I knew I had to use it!  This is my creation:
 
Now, create a card for a Mom and link it up so we can see your creation...and you never know - you just might be the winner! 
 
Thanks for stopping by!  Blessings to you today!
 

 
 
 

 

 
 

Monday, May 6, 2013

Numbers Found in the Stash...

Have you ever had paper in your stash that you just didn't know what to do with and figured you would never use?  I have tons of that it seems.  One design was a bunch of numbers....I mean gee, what do you do with that?  When I saw the theme at Shopping Our Stash was numbers, well gee, I knew immediately what paper I had to use!  LOL!!!  Then I remembered a Riley stamped image I had from a swap and thought he would be perfect to use with the number paper....
 
 
Thanks for stopping by!!  Have a very blessed day!!!


Sunday, May 5, 2013

Happy "TRACIE DAY"!!!!!

I told you yesterday it was a holiday today - it's TRACIE DAY!  Today is May 5th which means it's time to post a creation inspired by one of our Crafty Gal's.  This month we were CASEing Tracie.  Her blog is full of great things:  The Crafty Touch.  Yes, her blog title fits her perfectly!  I think the favorite item Tracie has is her Cricut - which is something I don't have.  But gee, after looking through her blog - I may just have to get one of those!  (Just what I need - more crafting stuff - LOL!)
 
While looking through Tracie's blog I found a card she made using the SU stamp set called Lexicon of Love.  Well gee, I just happen to have that one - so I used her stamp choice to inspire my creation.  Here's the neat though - not only is this card made in honor of Tracie in the Crafty Gal's blog group....but Monday morning it's heading out in the mail to another Crafty Gal...who sent me a little package for my markers....THANK YOU!! 
 
 
So Tracie, I hope I did you justice and that you enjoy cruising around the blogs today and seeing how you have inspired us all!!  For those of you who are not part of the Crafty Gals blog group, you can find the blog roll list to the left if you would like to check them out.
 
Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by!!!
 


Saturday, May 4, 2013

Saturday morning in the craft room...part 3 (and last)

Last post for the day - I promise.  LOL!!!  I have several cards to share in this last post.  I would make the separate as well, but it's almost time to get ready to head to "Seven at Seven" (Saturday night prayer at church - this is the 5th week of 7 weeks).
 
First up is the color challenge at Inkspirational Challenges - Olive, Grape, and peach.  The image is one that had from a swap.  I colored it using Spectrum Noir markers.  The peach paper is embossed with Swiss Dots embossing folder.  I used sketch #15 from Freshly Made Sketches
 
 
Speaking of Freshly Made Sketches, I made this card for their current challenge #84.  I flipped it so I could use the stamp -it wouldn't fit if I didn't flip the sketch. 
 
 
I just loved this cow from Bugaboo Stamps and when I saw that there were some "Anything Goes" challenges this week - I had to use her!!!!  She's being submitted for:
 

 
Last, but certainly not least, is this card being submitted for Mojo Monday.
 
 
I did make a couple more cards today...but you'll have to wait for those...come back tomorrow....it's a holiday again but I bet you don't know what holiday it is???  Come back tomorrow to celebrate with us....the Crafty Gals will be celebrating! 


Saturday morning in the craft room....part 2

The next card I made was using "Let It Rain" from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  I colored the image using Spectrum Noir markers.  The background paper is from Papertrey Ink.  The ribbon I received in a swap and the other paper (peach with white polka dots) is a sheet that I had on hand - not sure where it came from.  I like the color combo of orange and purple....it's one of those that I wasn't sure it would work but once it was done I liked it.  I chose purple because the background paper has peach, purple, and green polka dots.
 
 
I'm submitting this card for the following challenges:
 
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes
Perfect Sentiments Challenge - Make it Feminine
Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch #204
 
and going on to part 3.......


Saturday morning in the craft room....part 1

This morning I woke up way too early for a Saturday!  I watched a couple episodes of I Love Lucy and then headed to the craft room to see what I could ink up today....
 
I can't believe that next Sunday is Mother's Day.  Of course I need several Mother's Day cards - not only for my own mom and my mother-in-law, but also for secret sisters at church.  This card was made with random papers I had and a stamp that was given to me by my dear friend!  The flowers are a combo of several different packs and then a white brad in the center.  The sketch is from Freshly Made Sketches - #7

 
I'm submitting this card for the following challenges:
 
'ABC' Challenges - Mother's Day
Get Inky! Challenge - Fabulous Floral Fun
Inky Impressions - Spots and/or Stripes
Cuttlebug Mania - One for Mum
 
Now on to post #2....