Woof! Woof!

Let me Whisper a Little Secret in Your Ear

It's time for another

Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge

... an ANYTHING GOES Challenge ...

I gave my card some dimension with a few layers.

Now that the secret is out, why not have some fun... anything goes!



Image: Stamp 'n Doodle Puppy Kisses
Ink: Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Creamy Caramel and Tempting Turquoise
Designer Paper: Pressed Petals Dogs N' Cats
Embellishments: K & Co. rhinestone brads and ribbonFX bones satin ribbon

Ready for a Challenge?

A Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge!

September 29 - October 5

It's a Sketch Challenge this week.

Here's my card:

based on this sketch:

Here's another view of my card:

I'd love to see your creation, too... won't you play along?

Image: Fresh Brewed Designs
Ink: Copic markers and Stampin' UP! Concord Crush
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, and Ruby Red
Designer Paper: vendor unknown
Embellishments: Recollections tiny brads, Stickles Grape glitter glue, and flower (vendor unknown)

If only I Could Post a Picture...

... it would speak a thousand words!



My friends, I really appreciate each of you who regularly visit my blog, as well as those who pop in once in a while to see what I've been creating.

I made a really cute card over the weekend that I was going to post yesterday. Unfortunately, I'm having some camera/computer problems - still not resolved - so that post was not made.

My dear husband is preparing to go talk to our computer geek again today, so hopefully soon I will be able to show you what I've been working on!

Thanks for bearing with me during these pictureless times!

x0x0x0

This week's Crafty Ho Challenge is a Photo Inspiration Challenge!

September 26 - October 2

Be inspired by this photo:

Here's my card:

Here's the inside of my card:

And here's a real artsy photo of the card:

How will the photo inspire you?



Image: Stampin' UP! Lovely As a Tree
Sentiment: Hero Arts
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Black, Condord Crush, and Night of Navy
Embossing Powder: Judi Kin Opaque White
Embellishment: Fibre

Witch Way Should I Go?

It seems I'm always on the go...

and so, apparently, is this witch!

Witch way did I go? Today, I am over 300 miles from home, leading a conference. But I didn't take a broom... I drove my cute little Volkswagon Jetta. (I've had my Jetta for about 3 months now and already have over 6,000 miles on it. See what I mean about always being on the Go??!!?!?!?)

Before I left home, I created this card and set up this blog post. (I hope it posts okay. Sometimes I have challenges with scheduled posting on my blog.)

I love this witch image and the coordinating sentiment, which is hilarious!

Does this broom make me look fat?
Tee Hee!!!

My fold is a little unique. With this treatment, I was able to make a 5 1/2" square card with a piece of cardstock that was 8 1/2" X 4 1/4". Pretty frugal... and cute!

Here's a view of the card when it's closed tightly:

Soooooooooooooo... why don't angry witches ride their brooms? (They're afraid of flying off the handle.)
What did the witch do when her broomstick broke? (She witch-hiked.)
What do you call a witch's garage? (A broom closet)

Image and Sentiment: Starving Artist Stamps Flying Wedgie Witch
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, and Peach Parfait
Designer Paper: DCWV Halloween Print and Paper Pizazz Halloween Stripe
Embellishments: Michael's ribbon and two star brads

A Christmas Gift Tag

Sew Many Cards

presents

Sew Many Challenges

September 24 - 30

Theme: Christmas Project

This week's sponsor is:

Prize Package: $25 Crop Credit

A Word From Our Sponsor:



CropChocolate.com – Sweet Deals for the Scrapbooking Addict!



At CropChocolate.com™, we sell all-things scrapbook. But here's the catch, we only sell one item at a time – at a delicious price. Every day several items will be posted – so act fast – a limited quantity will be sold at deeply discounted prices. No time to let it temper.



Chocolate à la Carte


Chocolate à la Carte or “la Carte” is a 45 day shopping cart, once an item is added you have 45 total days until it expires out of your la carte. Just add all your goodies in “la Carte” and pay shipping only once! Free shipping withcartes over $60 in the USA, over $100 in Canada, and over $300international.



The Chocolatiers


CropChocolate.com was founded by a marketing group with immeasurable experience in one-deal-at-a-time online marketing. No matter what you use – a cup, a gallon, a vat or a tank – you can't contain their experience of successfully taking sites in targeted industries from nuts to soup... in this case molten chocolate. CropChocolate.com is the first scrapbook site to migrate from a one-deal-a-day to a one-deal-at-a-time and they did it in less than 60days.

We are continually looking for sugary brands and delicious deals where everybody wins – the manufacturer, the consumer and CropChocolate.com. Please contact us at sales@cropchocolate.com if you want to participate in the CropChocolate.com sweetness.



Sweet Shopping!

Here's my Christmas Project for this week's challenge:

SMC Hershey in Stocking dresses up my gift tag perfectly!

This project was really simple to make. I used a couple of pre-made tags that I had, colored the image with my Copics, and added some ribbon and buttons for embellishment.

Here's a view that shows some of the dimension of my gift tag:

I'm looking forward to seeing your Christmas project, too.


Image: Sew Many Cards Hershey in Stocking
Sentiment: Stampin' UP! Holiday Hedgehogs
Ink: Copic markers (Copper, Forest Green, Light Suntan, Lipstick Red, Loquat, Reddish Brass, and Redwood) and Versafine Onyx Black
Base: 2 pre-made blank tags
Embellishments: Foof-a-la buttons nd ribbon from my scrap file

Treasure the Moment!

Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge

Recipe: Sentiment • Brads • Flowers

I went with a CAS card:

I love this Stamp 'n Doodle image. It is such a restrul scene, reminiscent of my Grandparents' farm of years-gone-by. How I wish I could go there and enjoy another day in their home and exploring the fields and help my Grandpa feed the animals.
Treasure the moment!


Image: Stamp 'n Doodle Riser
Sentiment: PSX Pixie Affirmation
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Garden Green, and Kraft
Embellishments: Petaloo Tye-dyed Gypsie flower, Studio G Rhinestone, and four brads

Refreshing!

A Peaceful Image

for a

Paper Piecing Challenge

Fresh Brewed Challenges

September 22 - 28

Fresh Brewed Designs Study Time

It's refreshing to study God's Word while enjoying a cup of java.

Image: Fresh Brewed Designs Study Time
Ink: Copic markers and Copic Spica pen
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Regal Rose and True Thyme
Designer Paper: Anna Griffen
Embellishments: gold rick rack and Stampin' UP! Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon

You Are a Treasure!

Treasures take many forms.

My favorite treasures are:

my Lord,

my family, and

my friends!

THANK YOU for being among those I treasure most!!!

Here's a little treasure I found out rummaging last week:

a hand-crocheted flower (it was a pin) - cost 5 cents

I removed the pin back and used it as the focal point of this card:

If out of all mankind one finds a single friend, he has found something more precious than any treasure, since there is nothing in the world so valuable that it can be compared to a real friend. (Andreas Capellanus)



Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Garden Green and Rose Red
Designer Paper: Paper Studio Light Pink with White Polka Dots and Recollections Light Pink Stripe
Treasure Hunt Find: Hand-Crocheted Flower
Embellishments: Recollections Butterfly Brad and Stampin' UP! White Organdy Ribbon

OWL be... it's another Challenge!

It's OWL good!

cuz.... It's a Crafty Ho Sketch Challenge

September 19-25

Here's the Sketch:

My card is very special because I used a stamp set that was given to me by my dear friend Kelly! She knows how much I love creating with owls because my daughter loves owls, so when Kelly saw this stamp set at the store, she said she immediately thought of me and had to get it.

THANK YOU, KELLY! I ♥You!

Image and Sentiment: Studio G i clear plus gems
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, and Daffodil Delight
Designer Paper: K & Company Fall Harvest Mat Pad
Embellishments: Studio G gems/rhinestones and a Dress It Up leaf button

BOO! There's Nothing Scary About This Challenge!

September 17 - 23

Theme: Embossing Wet and/or Dry and Distressing on Your Project

While Sew Many Cards images are not necessary for participation,

you can find many adorable images in the SMC store!

This week's Challenge Sponsor is Stitchy Stamps, owned by Stitch

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

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'teven 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

Now, let's see...

Are We Ready for a Challenge?

SMC - Halen Boo

I used dry embossing (Cuttlebug Snowflakes embossing folder) and ink distressing to fulfill the elements of this week's challenge.

Stitch provided the SMC design team with an image of choice with which to create.

Here's my Sponsor Creation:

Stitchy Stamps - Can I Go Too???

Now it's your turn! I can hardly wait to see your creation!

Sew Many Cards Challenge Card
Image: SMC Halen Boo
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black for distressing and Copic Markers (Amethyst, Apple Green, Cook Gray #1, 2, 4, 7, Golden Yellow, and Sanguine)
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! (Glorious Green, Pumpkin Pie, and Summer Sun)
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: metallic brads, Recollections Witch's Hat, and Stampin' UP! Black Organdy Ribbon
Stitchy Stamps Sponsor Card
Image: Can I Go Too???
Ink: Copic Markers (Burnt Umber, Chrome Orange, Cool Gray #4, 7, Green Gray, Pinkish White, Reddish Brass, Salad, and Sand) and Copic Spica Pens (Lemon, Melon, and Orange)
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! (Black, Green Galore, Only Orane, and Summer Sun)
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: Michael's Celebrate It Ribbon and Studio G Rhinestones

Let's Do Coffee!

Stamp 'n Doodle Challenge

September 16-22

Color Challenge: Brown, Purple, and One Other Color

(Any neutral colors are also allowed)

Stamp 'n Doodle Friends Forever

Doesn't this image make you want to meet a dear friend at your local coffee shop and chat over a nice cup of coffee?

I used my old/retired Stampin' UP! color wheel to choose colors for this card, since I can't remember ever before using the color combination of brown, purple, plus one other color. I was a bit skeptical at first, but really liked the color combination after I started playing with it.

What color will you put with the brown and purple?




Image: Stamp 'n Doodle Friends Forever
Ink: Copic markers and Copic Spica pens
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Creamy Caramel, Lavender Lace, and Not Quite Navy
Designer Papers: from my scrap file
Embellishments: JoAnn Crafts Essentials brads and Stampin' UP! Delphinium grosgrain ribbon

The Fresh Brewed Designs DARE

NOTE: I have two blog posts today... be sure to scroll down to see the Dueling Darlings post, too.

This week's Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge is a DARE

D istress
A utumn
R ibbon
E mbellishment

September 15 - 21


Fresh Brewed Designs images are not required for the challenges, but if you have them, why not use them.


Here's my card:

FBD - Pumpkin Spice Latte

Okay, I DARE you to join this Challenge. It's gonna be fun!



Image: FBD Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (for distressing) and Copic Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, and Daffodil Delight
Designer Papers: from my scrap file
Embellishments: Martha Stewart Persimmon Seam Binding Ribbon, brads, and die cut leaves

Dueling Darlings - Round 2 - Cute and Fluffy

Oh my goodness... I've been so excited... waiting for this day to arrive!

A few weeks ago, the Dueling Darling hostesses for September (Joan and Melina) put their heads together and chose a theme.

CUTE and FLUFFY

Then Melina (the Dazzler hostess) mailed me an incredible kit! Wow!!! This is such fun!

In case you're wondering what Dueling Darlings is, go check out last month's post.

Melina's kit included House Mouse images, wonderful designer papers, and some embellishments (a chipboard cloud, pearls, and rick rack).

Here's the card I created:

The only thing I added to make my card was cardstock and the Stampin' UP! Happy! sentiment.








I hope you will check out all 14 of the Dueling Darling creations. I'll link them as I can, but unfortunately, I'm going to be out-of-town all day, so it may be late before I'm able to do that. I'm sorry!!!

Here's the list:

Dueling Darling Dazzlers

April

Debbie

Melina

Michelle

Paola

Terry

Dueling Darling Divas

Barb

Carol

Jamie

Joan

Judy

Kelly

LJ

Image: House Mouse Make a Wish
Sentiment: Stampin' UP!
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers
Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, and Taken with Teal
Designer Papers: Stampin' UP! polka dot/stripe and DCWV multi-colored polka dot
Embellishments: White Chipbord cloud, Kaiser Pearls, and Wal-Mart Rick Rack

Treasure Hunting + Coloring = Fun Hobbies

Today's Treasure Hunt is Special!

Let me show you what I bought and then I'll explain:

A lot of Embroidery Floss - cost 50 cents

You're probably asking yourself, What's so SPECIAL about embroidery floss? I totally understand, because it really is plentiful... and not really very expensive either.

The thing that makes this treasure hunt special is the reason I made this card.

It's my card for Barb's What's Your Hobby? swap!

Here is my take on my hobbies:

1. I love Love LOVE to color! That's why I've invested in so many Copic markers! (My love of coloring goes way back to my childhood when I'd take out my big box of Crayola crayons and lay down on the floor to color in my coloring books. It was always a lot of fun. Sometimes my mom or my sister would color with me. That made it extra fun!)

2. I also like to sew - hence the button.

3. My previous favorite hobby was counted cross stitch and I still do a little bit of it - hence the embroidery floss. (Granted, paper has now taken over my home and my life and I rarely cross stitch any more.)

4. I LOVE to go on Treasure Hunts! I love the thrill of seeing what I'll find at yard sales, auctions, thrift stores, even bargain aisles at regular stores. It's all about the hunt.

5. And one last thought on hobbies... I think I've made a hobby of finding/purchasing/using designer papers. Isn't this crayon paper perfect!?!?!?

Here's one more picture of the card - taken at a different angle - so you can see the unique-to-me fold. I'd never done one of these before, but my online friend Carol sent me a very special card that had this fold and I had to use the idea. Thanks Carol!

I ♥ my Hobbies!

Image: Susana's Custom Art Little Suzanne
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Brilliant Blue, Cherry Cobbler, and Pumpkin Pie
Designer Paper: Reminisce Making the Grade
Embellishments: embroidery floss (Treasure Hunt bargain) and buttons

Yum! Strawberry Bread!!!

I don't know about you, but as the weather turns colder, one of my favorite ways to warm up the house is to turn on the oven and bake something yummy!

Anybody want some Strawberry Bread?

I created this recipe card for April's Favorite Recipe Swap. I really struggled with this swap. You see, I couldn't decide which recipe to use. My favorite? I don't think I have one... I use lots of recipes. And you all know I'm a pretty lazy cook.... if it can't go in my crockpot or the oven, it doesn't get made very often at my house. So I fretted and stewed over what recipe to use.

I finally decided on Strawberry Bread.

Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Want to know why?

Reason #1 - It is my favorite recipe from my mother-in-law. She has Alzheimer's now and no cooks, but when we used to go visit her she always had this delicious bread. It really is very good. Then, as her health failed, I would go and stay with she and my father-in-law for two weeks at a time. While there, I did all the cooking, but at some point during the visit she and I would make Strawberry Bread together. She'd remember that she wanted to have it because company was there (me!) and she'd fret that she didn't have any made. So we'd pull out her faithful recipe and head to the store to buy the ingredients. Some of my fondest memories of these few years was making bread together with her. And then after it was finished and we were enjoying the yummy bread, she'd tell my father-in-law that she'd made bread again! I ♥ my mother-in-law! So I chose to use her recipe for the Favorite Recipe swap.

Reason #2 - I had this Yummy Strawberry designer paper and wanted to use it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, the house is rather cold this morning... so I think I'll go bake something!



Image: Art Gone Wild What's Cooking
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Crushed Curry, Garden Green, and Real Red
Designer Paper: Paper Pizazz Yummy Strawberries
Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

Halloween In the Neighborhood

It's Friday... time for this week's

Sew Many Challenges

Theme: Halloween Project


September 10 - 16


This week's sponsor is Hope Jacare Doodles




Owner: Claire Phillips
Originally I studied Design at Glasgow School of Art. I have been making cards for almost 20 years on one scale or another. After a break I am now back making cards for pleasure and I love todoodle, and even more I love to see what others create with my doodles.
Cheers Claire x

Prize Package: Cockatoo Rubber Stamp from Hope Jacare Doodles


Here's my project:

An Altered Composition Notebook

Here's a closeup of the adorable SMC image - Miki Pumpkin :

I also had the privilege of creating a card with an image from our sponsor. THANK YOU, Claire, for giving me the Home Is Where the Heart Is image to play with!

Here's my card:

I kept the layout pretty simple to leave the focus on the fun image that features lots and lots of details.
Now it's your turn... I hope you will create a Halloween project and join the fun!



Sew Many Cards Halloween Project
Image: Sew Many Cards Miki Pumpkin
Ink: Copic markers (Apple Green, Blue Violet, Chamois, Chrome Orange, Forest Green, Orange, Orientale, Sand, and Walnut)
Designer Papers: vendor unknown
Embellishments: three brads


Hope Jacare Doodles Card
Image: Hope Jacare Doodles Home Is Where the Heart Is
Ink: colored pencils, Copic markers (Burnt Sienna, Cool Shadow, Deep Orange, Dim Green, Ice Blue, Light Reddish Yellow, Loquat, Sepia, Spring Dim Green, and Warm Gray #3 and #5) and Copic Spica pen (Clear)
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! (Chocolate Chip, Kraft, and Riding Hood Red)
Designer Paper: Fancy Pants Designs Kraft Kuts
Embellishment: Stampin UP! tafetta ribbon (Riding Hood Red)

Is It Nap Time?

Stamp 'n Doodle Sketch Challenge

September 9 - 15

Here's my card:

I wanted to show you the card first, because when you look at the sketch, you will see I took the liberty of flipping it. I wanted a horizontal card rather than a vertical one.

Here's the sketch:

One of the fun things about sketch challenges is the options the creator has to flip, adjust, and tweak the sketch, making it work for her.

I'd love to see your creation based on this sketch!




Image: Stamp n Doodle
Ink: Copic markers and Memento Brown
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Cajun Craze, Marina Mist, Riding Hood Red, and So Saffron
Designer Paper: Pressed Petals Dogs & Cats Collection
Embellishments: three round brads and a paw print brad

I Like Mine Rich!

Good Morning! **YAWN STRETCH** Can you believe a whole month went by already? School is already started for most of our little ones. Moms are all busy and getting up early, always on the go. We know how you are feeling. TRUST US! We know!

It's time for a

Fresh Brewed Designs

Blog Hop

If you got here from Heather's blog, you are at the right spot. If you're here just because you love me and wanted to check out my blog, be sure to go to Heather's blog to start the hop. You won't want to miss any of the fun.

This blog hop/image release was created with you in mind. Ready for a hint about what is in store with this month's blog hop? Here is a little poem for you:

Coffee and spice, Lattes are nice

That's what this girl's made of!

HEHEHE!!! You guessed it, we have some fun coffee images to share with you. LOTS of caffeinated fun... just the boost you need for the mid week slump. You will find some relaxing images, some sassy 'woohoo the kids are gone' (lol) images... but most of all you will find these images are perfect images for someone you love. They are centered around love and romance with a dash of sass. Intrigued?

Wait no longer, here is the card I created using the new image:

Fresh Brewed Designs - Some Things Are Better

♥ ♥ ♥

Here's the inside of my card:

♥ ♥ ♥


Here's a profile picture to show some of the layering:

Now it's time for you to hop on over to Jenn's blog to see what she's created. Be sure to complete the hop in full! The DT has created some lovely cards you will not want to miss! AND One lucky winner will receive two free images of choice just for hopping!

In case you need help finding your way through the hop, here is the entire listing:

Heather

Jeanette - that's me!

Jenn

Kelly

Barb

Scrappy (Guest Designer)

Rhonda

After you hop, be sure to stop by the Freshly Brewed Challenges blog to check out the newest challenge!

Image & Sentiment: Fresh Brewed Designs Some Things Are Better
Ink: Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Brushing Bride, Chocolate Chip, and Creamy Caramel
Designer Paper: a DCWV paper scrap and Paper Pizzazz Yummy Chocolate Chips
Embellishments: Dashes, Dots & Checks ribbon and a coffee cup brad