Christmas in August!

hmmmmmmm... still a bit warm to be thinking of snowmen, perhaps, but Carol is this month's hostess of the Sisterhood and she challenged us to make Christmas cards. How fun! I do love Love LOVE Christmas!

Here's my card:

This is the first time I've used this stamp set. It's created by Darcie's and I absolutely love it! I'm certainly going to want to add some more Darcie's stamps to my ever-growing collection of rubber. ;)

The sentiment inside reads:

Hope your holidays are filled with all your favorite treats!

Let me be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas! (giggles!)

Carol, I hope you like my card! Thanks for giving us an awesome theme with which to work! Hugs!!!

Image: Darcie's Cling Mount Christmas set
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' UP! Rose Red, VersaMark, Copic markers, and Copic Spica pen
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Blushing Bride, Garden Green, and Rose Red
Designer Paper: Daisy Bucket Wrapped Wishes Mistletoe Kisses and glitter paper from Target
Embellishments: KaiserCraft pearl

School Days Are Here Again!

School days, school days,
Dear old golden rule days.
Readin' and 'writin' and 'rithmetic,
Taught to the tune of a hick'ry stick.

(Music by Gus Edwards; Lyrics by Will D. Cobb, 1907)

This week's Crafty Ho Challenge is a Recipe Challenge

Recipe: Use school supplies on your cards ( ex. crayons, staples, paper clips etc. )

August 29 - September 4

I colored my image with Starlitz Glitter Gel Pens (found in the school supply aisle) and used notebook paper, a paper clip, and staples on my card.

School Days stamp by Fiskars

Twas the Night Before School Started
(Author Unknown)

Twas the night before school started

when all through the town

the parents were cheering

it was a riotous sound.

By eight the kids were washed

and tucked into bed

when memories of homework

filled them with dread.

New pencils, new folders,

new notebooks too,

new teachers, new friends,

the anxiety grew.

The parents just giggled

when they heard of this fright

and shouted upstairs-

GO TO BED-IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT!

Image: Fiskars School Days
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black and Starlitz Glitter Gel Pens
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Crushed Curry, and Pacific Point
School Supplies: notebook paper, paper clip, and staples
Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

♪ ♫ Happy Birthday ♪ ♫ ♫

Sew Many Cards

presents another INCREDIBLE Challenge this week

August 27 - September 2

This week's sponsor is Simon Says Stamps

THANK YOU, SIMON SAYS STAMPS!!!

The theme of this week's challenge is BIRTHDAY!

I created this Birthday card:

SMC Miki Hanging from Balloon

I think this is an adorable image; perfect for a birthday card. Miki is holding a yummy cupcake - a birthday cake!

To give Miki some dimension, I printed two identical images and layered Miki's head and torso.

Here's a closeup view:

Now, let's all sing a round of

♫ ♫ ♪Happy Birthday! ♪♫ ♫ ♫ ♪

and don't forget to participate in this week's Sew Many Challenges!

Image: SMC Miki Hanging from Balloon
Ink: Copic markers (Amethyst, Canary Yellow, Forest Green, Light Prawn, and Lipstick Red) and Prisma markers (Light Tan, Mediterranian Blue, and Sand)
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! (Daffodil Delight and Pacific Point)
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: Around the Block Birthday brad, Sheer Creations organdy ribbon, and four small red brads

A By-Gone Era Captured in Ink

It's time for another Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge

This week's challenge is a Recipe Challenge

The recipe: include the color green, glitter, and stitching (faux or real) on your creation

Image: Stamp 'n Doodle Lost in Time

I wanted the image to be the focal point of my card, it is a beautifully detailed scene from years-gone-by. Therefore I sized it pretty large to take up most of the card space. I printed it and left it natural - no coloring.

I added a large yellow button to resemble the sun in the sky, which I stitched onto the card.

One of the papers I used is a gorgeous green metallic/glittery paper. I also faux stitched around the edge of the image with a yellow glitter gel pen.


Be sure to join in on the fun with this week's Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge.



Image: Stamp 'n Doodle Lost in Time
Ink: Yellow Gel Pen
Cardstock: Paper Co. Cool Metallic and Stampin' UP! Black and White
Embellishments: black cording, a Foof-a-La Hall Pass Collection button, and Stampin' UP! black Organdy ribbon

TRSR HNT

No, the Title is not a special code...

it's TREASURE HUNT without any vowels.

Here's what I found on my most recent Treasure Hunt:

A Packet of Badlands Postcards - Yard Sale price of 10 cents



Hmmmm... what to do with those???

Of course! I'll make a travel-theme card!

(You can't tell in the picture, but the license plate reads TRSR HNT)

Here's a close up so you can see some of the beautiful scenery of the South Dakota Badlands. (BTW, I've been there many times - even lived nearby for a while - and they are gorgeous!)

This card will be entered in the Lollipop Crafts Challenge.
I hope you enjoyed my Treasure Hunt.
Hugs!



Image: Stampendous Changito Driver
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, and Copic Spica pen
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Close to Cocoa, Garden Green, and Turquoise
Embellishments: MOD Autumn Leaves buttons and Offray ribbon

I Love Lollipops!

Not too long ago, Heather of Fresh Brewed Designs emailed me (and the other Design Team members) and passed on an invitation to participate in the Lollipop Crafts Challenge that begins today.) Wow! How fun!

Fresh Brewed Designs is sponsoring

this week's

Lollipop Crafts Challenge

August 23 - 28


Theme: Ribbons and Buttons



I used an adorable Fresh Brewed Designs image for my card

Fresh Brewed Designs - Grace with Lollipop

While my card doesn't fit the challenge - I didn't realize there needed to be a button on the creation, I had a lot of fun!

I hope you'll take the Lollipop Crafts Challenge this week!



Image: Fresh Brewed Designs Grace with Lollipop
Sentiment: Studio G
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Green Galore and Pale Plum
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: scraps of ribbon and two brads

Apple for the Teacher

It's time for another Challenge...

a Crafty Ho Challenge

August 22 - 28

Here's my card:

This week's challenge is a Photo Inspiration Challenge.

This is the photo:

My card is all about Apples!

An APPLE for the Teacher image (I used the cute Teacher Anya from TGF)

APPLE designer paper

APPLE bulletin board border (yes, you read that right! I got it at the dollar aisle at Target)

Image: TGF Teacher Anya
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, and Garden Green
Designer Paper: Paper Studio Apples and Learning Lessons Deco Trim by PMG
Embellishments: Imaginisce Cha Ching Brands (Hollywood)

Thoughts for the Day

I had a thought yesterday!

Surprised?

It actually began when I was blurfing. Really Reasonable Ribbon Ramblings is one of my Check This Out blogs.... I have to see what creativity is going on there. Well, check this out! I just loved Susan's ruffled ribbon, and her tutorial looked easy enough, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Here's my first attempt at Ruffled Ribbon:

It won't be my last!

This was so much fun - and easy! I will definitely be ruffling ribbon again!

By the way, in case you haven't noticed, Stampin' UP! Cherry Cobbler is quickly becoming one of my MOST favorite colors!



Sentiment: Stampin' UP! Whimsical Words
Ink: Versafine Black
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Cherry Cobbler, Handsome Hunger, and Metallic Gold
Embellishments: Cuttlebug Embossing Plate (Swiss Dots), WFR fabric ribbon, and two black brads

SMC - We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Sew Many Cards presents

Sew Many Challenges


August 20 - 26



Theme: Christmas Project



Sponsored by:

Stitchy Stamps

Owner: Stitch

PRIZE PACKAGE:

3 DIGI STAMPS of WINNER'S CHOICE (STITCHY STAMPS ONLY)

Here's a word from our sponsor...

Hi Everyone, my name is Stitchy and I create under the name Stitchy Stamps...I have been creating digital images for designers for almost a year now and try to learn something new everyday...I started out in paint shop pro about 8 years ago and started making digital scrap kits...then I was introduced to the wonderful world of paper crafts and card designing...like I said, learning new everyday, the rest is history...I can't draw enough to keep me satisfied anymore lol...Living in a small town in upstate New York, tucked away where cable doesn't even go...friends are far and few between...But being on the internet for the past 10 years, I have gathered quite a few from around the world...Just like I learn something new everyday, I also try to meet someone new every day too...Thank you Angela and Company for allowing me to sponsor for you...I am truly honored.

Hugz

stitchy xx

Here's my Christmas project:

For my Christmas project, I decided to make a recipe layout. I used the Sew Many Cards Miki Christmas Pocket image on my layout.

Here's a closeup of the adorable image:

I also had the honor of creating a card using a Stitchy Stamps image of my choice. Stitch gifted me with the Splash image. She is so cute, playing in the rain puddles.

Here's is my sponsor card:

Okay, now it's your turn.... turn on some Christmas music and start creating your own Christmas project for this week's Sew Many Challenges.

Merry Christmas!!!


SMC Recipe Layout

Image: SMC Miki Christmas Pocket
Ink: Copic markers (Blush, Dark Brown, Forest Green, Light Grayish Cobalt, Lipstick Red, Night Blue, Pearl White, and Prawn), Copic Spica pen (clear), and Prisma markers (Light Tan and Sand)
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Chocolate Chip and Real Red
Designer Paper: Creative Imaginations (Mixed Sources)
Embellishments: plastic dots and Creative Impressions metallic heart brad


Splash Card

Image: Stitchy Stamps Splash
Ink: Copic markers (Buttercup Yellow, Coral, Light Walnut, and Pinkish White) and Copic Spica pens (Baby Blue, Red, and Sky Blue)
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! (Ballet Blue, Black, and So Saffron)
Designer Paper: Sweetwater Bloom
Embellishments: black brads and American Crafts Glitter Umbrellas ribbon

Show Your School Colors

What are your favorite School Colors?



That's the special element in this week's Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge.

August 19 - 25


I decided to use the colors of my own alma mater - Sherwood High School.

Our mascot was the Marksmen and our school colors were
RED, WHITE, and BLACK

Stamp 'n Doodle Hopscotch

Image: Stamp 'n Doodle Hopscotch
Ink: Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Red Riding Hood
Designer Papers: from my scrap file
Embellishments: five red brads

Whoooooo Knows What That Stuff Is?

I ♥ Treasure Hunts!

I find some awesome things!

Sometimes I have NO CLUE what some of the things are.

Like this...

The price was right - 50 cents for the entire box

and I thought it had potential

so I bought it!

But WHAT is that stuff???

Here's the card I made:

I used my new Stampin' UP! Owl punch...isn't it cute?

Here's a closeup to show the detail of that white STUFF and the cute little owls, too:

This has been a HOOT!

Papers: Stampin' UP! Chocolate Chip and Peach Parfait and scraps from my scrap file
Tools: Stampin' UP! Owl punch
Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon

My Favorite Teacher

I have a new stamp set!

I bought it so I could make a card for someone special.

It's funny... when most people see this cute MFT Pure Innocence Make the Grade stamp set, they think of students. I think of my favorite teacher.


Here are TEN interesting facts about my FAVORITE TEACHER:

1.) My favorite teacher is now an experienced teacher - this is her second year.

2.) While she's never been my teacher in a classroom, I've learned many things from my favorite teacher.

3.) My favorite teacher is creative, fun, and has a serious side, too.

4.) My favorite teacher is not afraid to try new things; to step out of her comfort zone.

5.) My favorite teacher is pretty and kind, too.

6.) My favorite teacher has had multiple articles published. She's an excellent writer.

7.) Never having had a four-legged pet, my favorite teacher longs to own a dog.

8.) My favorite teacher loves to drive around, camp, shop, and chat with friends.

9.) My favorite teacher makes her own sushi. She's a developing cook and does a great job!

10.) I've known my favorite teacher all of her life... she's also my FAVORITE DAUGHTER! She definitely MAKES THE GRADE in my book!


I love you, Brittney!

Hugs and prayers as you embark on this second year of teaching!!!








Image: MFT Pure Innocence You Make the Grade
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' UP! Cherry Cobbler, and Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Cherry Cobbler, and Marina Mist
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: blue staples

I Scream for Ice Cream

Something New

- Something SPECIAL -

is happening!

Today is an exciting day in blogland!!! I have been anticipating this day for several weeks now and have tried not to let the cat out of the bag. That being said, you may have noticed a badge in my right-side column... it's been there for a few weeks. It says I am a Dueling Darling.

Hmmmmmm... wonder what that means?

Actually, there are 14 Dueling Darlings. We are a bunch of friends from Splitcoast Stampers, mostly friends from the forest swaps that I host. We have formed two teams, the Divas and the Dazzlers and to have fun dueling it out once a month.


This month the hosts of the two groups are Kelly (Divas) and myself (Dazzlers). That means we sent kits to the others in our group - identical kits - with the common theme of I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream. Today is the day each Dueling Darling reveals her creation made with the kit she received.


The Dazzlers received kits with the CC Designs Sweet Ki Ki La Rue image, a piece of Doodle Design Inc. You Scream Ice Cream designer paper, a piece of Colorbok Vellum, two pieces of Dashes, Dots, and Checks ribbon, some Paper Studio buttons, and a fancy paper clip. Just for fun, I also sent each Dazzler a K & Co. Glitter Chipboard Letter (her own initial).

Dueling Darlings are asked to create a card (or project) with the kit items. The idea is to see what different crafters create with the same products. Of course, no one must use everything in the kit. Also, they are free to use their own cardstock and other things as needed to complete their project.

Here's the card I created with the kit:

I used everything in the kit. LOL! Kind of an over-achiever here, aren't I?

Here's a closeup of the image (colored with my Copics):

The striped circle on the left side is actually the fancy paper clip that was in the kit. I removed the paper clip and used just the striped circle on my card. Pretty easy to do.

My card has quite a bit of dimension, as seen in this picture:

One last picture of my card:

Now, if you're like me, I'm just as excited as I can be to find out what the other Dazzlers did with the same kit.... let's go see!

April

Debbie

Melina

Michelle

Paola (and the inside of her card)

Terry

As I mentioned earlier, the Dueling Darlings are made up of two groups. The other Group - the Divas - also created with the I Scream for Ice Cream theme, but I have no idea what was in the kits Kelly put together for them. Let's go check that out, too!

Barb

Carol

Jamie

Joan

Judy

Kelly

Laura Jean

I hope you've had fun with the Dueling Darlings in this first round of monthly creativity! Now, let's all go get some ice cream!

Hugs!

Sparkle

It's time for a Challenge

a Crafty Ho SKETCH Challenge!

August 15 - 21

Here's the card I made:

I used a the Patriotic Bear stamp from Whipper Snapper for my card. I paired it with some amazing designer paper that had a border of red with stars in a bold row. For embellishment, I used a piece of metallic silver ribbon.

Oh, and this is the sketch for this week's challenge:

Now it's your turn!


Image: Whipper Snapper Patriotic Bear
Ink: Memento Lady Bug and Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, and Copic Spica pens
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Night of Navy, Riding Hood Red, and Silver
Designer Paper: vendor unknown
Embellishments: Offray Metallic Silver ribbon

Balloons and Birthday Wishes

I love the little Pure Innocence stamps by My Favorite Things. (I have a growing collection of them.)

BUT I don't have this one:

Instead, I was gifted with a few images.

Woo Hoo!

I had the perfect designer paper to go with it - in my scrap file, of course. So I started playing. And I didn't pop a single balloon in the process.

Oh, and in case you're wondering... inside the card I stamped the sentiment "Happy Birthday."




Image: My Favorite Things, Pure Innocence
Ink: Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and a rose colored piece from my scrap file
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: American Crafts ribbon and two green brads

Stitching with Sew Many Challenges

I am thrilled to be part of the Sew Many Cards design team again. After a short break (did you notice SMC hasn't had a challenge the past few weeks?), things are getting started again. How fun!




August 13 - 19



The Challenge: SEW STITCH!
Let's see some stitching on your project - real or faux.



The sponsor for this week's challenge is



Owned by Tiffany Richards

PRIZE PACKAGE: 5 Stamps of Winner's Choice

Here's a word from our sponsor:

Hi! I’m Tiffany Richards, owner of TiffanyDoodles. I’m having the time of my life doing what I was born to do! My background is in Wed Design and Photography. I have been self employed for eight years and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my work! Since childhood, I’ve always been creative and taken great pleasure in drawing and painting. About a year ago, I discovered the stamping and paper crafting world and just fell in love!! In a very short order, I began transforming some of my drawings and doodles into “digis”. It has truly been a joy to share them with folks. I get so thrilled every time I see something new that someone has created with one of my stamps!! Each design is like a child of mine and it’s really neat to see it all grown up and out in the world being all it can be…LOL!

All of my digital stamps are originally created by me and of the multiple styles I offer, most are hand-drawn images. Some are brushed up in Photoshop using the pen tool to produce very clean lines and others are left with a sketchy, rustic, hand-drawn look. An additional digi-style is one that I’ve dubbed as PhotoSketches and these are images from my own photographs which I transformed into sketches with a little help from Photoshop. These beauties make splendid realistic images for stamping!
One of the ways that I wish to say “thank you” to all of the folks that followTiffany Doodles is by offering a brand new Freebie every Thursday. I’ve received a hefty response from this which has encouraged me to continue creating even more!!
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to make these daily artsy expressions that others enjoy. It is a ton of fun to have this creative outlet where I also get to meet other crafty people like myself.

Are you ready for a fun STITCHY Challenge???

Here's my card:

Sew Many Cards Eris with Flower

I used my Tim Holtz ruler with the awesome row of holes (perfect for piercing) to create the stitching line around the outside perimeter of my designer paper. I then stitched it by hand with black embroidery floss. I also stitched four little buttons to the flower centers.


As a special treat, Tiffany gave the SMC design team members an image of our choice with which to create. I selected Owl and Branch. It is an amazing image... actually a set of images. The branch is a separate piece from the owl and there are multiple owls.

Here's the card I created:

Tiffany Doodles Owl and Branch

I colored the images with my Copic markers, then cut them out, leaving a slight white border.
I used a Tim Holtz Woodgrain embossing folder to create the tree trunk. The simplicity of this layout allows the owl and branch to be the focal part of the card.

Whooooo should join Sew Many Challenges this week?

YOU!

Sew Many Cards

Image: SMC Eris with Flower
Ink: Copic Markers ( Blush, Cool Gray #4 and #9, Green Bice, Sanguine, Ultramarine, and Warm Gray #1) and Copic Opaque White
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! (Black, Green Galore, and Tangerine Tango)
Designer Paper: Paper Studio (Blue Green Flowers with White Swirls)
Embellishments: stitching with black embroidery floss and four vintage white buttons


Tiffany Doodles

Image: Tiffany Doodles Owl and Branch
Ink: Copic markers (Baked Clay, Burnt Umber, Chrome Orange, Maize, and Ocean Green)
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! (Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip,a nd Summer Sun)
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: embossing with Tim Holtz Woodgrain embossing folder

Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge - PRIDE

Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge

August 12 - 18

The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to create a card based on this sketch:

Here's my card:

Stamp 'n Doodle Pride

You will notice that I slightly adapted the sketch (I left our one element). I didn't want to block the top of the circle, since I wanted the circle to represent the rising sun.

I used a piece of cork automobile gasket material for the rectangle in the upper left corner. It shows in better detail in the following picture.


Three brads were used for the three circles in the upper right corner. A piece of floss is located along the bottom.

This is a fun sketch that provides lots of creative license. I hope you will take the challenge and create a card of your own. I'd love to see what you come up with.




Image: Stamp 'n Doodle Pride
Ink: Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Garden Green, Summer Sun, and True Thyme
Designer Paper: Reminisce Blizzard Blue
Embellishments: automobile cork gasket material, three brads, and Making Memories tan floss

Treasure Hunt Goes to the Local Diner!

Yum! Yum!

I love a good ice cream Sundae!

(My favorite is hot fudge... what's yours?)

Oh, but first, I must tell you about my Treasure Hunt!

Then maybe we can have a Sundae! ;)

Here's what I found:

American Girl Book - cost 25 cents

Woo Hoo!!! What a treasure it is! It's filled with lots of creative ideas that can be used in card-making. I had such a difficult time choosing just one thing to use.

My card:

I used part of one of the pages for the designer paper on my card. The design area wasn't large enough to fill the entire card, so I filled in the space with a piece of ribbon. I think that worked well!

The Sundae I created doesn't really show up well in the picture (I'm sorry!)

Here's a view of the instructions I adapted to create the Sundae.

Of course, in the Doodle Art book, it suggested drawing - or doodling - these shapes... but being the paper-crafter I am, I looked to my vast assortment of punches to create my Sundae


This was a fun Treasure Hunt..... now who will meet me at the local diner for a...... drats! No Sundaes for me (see my profile)... but I'll meet you there anyway and we can chat! How's that sound?

Hugs!




Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Chocolate Chip and So Saffron and scraps from my scrap file
Designer Paper: a page from the American Girl Doodle Studio book
Embellishments: Karen Foster Desert mini brads and Wright's grosgrain ribbon