You're My Sunshine

What fun to put on a raincoat and rainboots, grab an umbrella and take a walk in the rain! Especially if a cute little frog accompanies you!

You're My Sunshine on a Cloudy Day!

I designed this card for LJ's Elzybell Swap.






Image and Sentiment: Elzybell Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Brocade Blue Designer Paper: K & Co. Actopus to Zelephant Designer Mat Pack Embellishments: Jolee's Boutique Dimensional Frog Sticker and Studio 18 Rhinestones

Stroking the Ivories

I wish I could play the piano! I can't. The closest I can come is making a card with a keyboard on it. LOL!

Image and Sentiment: My Favorite Things Who's That Musical Girl

I made this card for my friend LJ's MFT swap. I hope she likes it!!!






Image & Sentiment: My Favorite Things Who's That Musical Girl

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Cardstock: Gina K White and Stampin' UP! Black

Designer Paper: Creative Imaginations Mixed Sources

Embellishments: Favorite Findings Button, Stampin' UP! Organdy Ribbon, and Crochet Thread (vendor unknown)

I Have Issues!

LOL! Who doesn't? Right???

When I saw this Bugaboo digital image, I knew I had to have it and I wanted to use an actual magazine cover for the designer paper on the card.

You might not notice it right off, but along the bottom there are three strands of twine holding a single black button onto the card. That's perfect for this week's

Crafty Ho Challenge

May 29 - June 4

Theme: Use twine on your creation.

I hope you'll join us at the Crafty Ho Challenge this week.

Image/Sentiment: Bugaboo

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Blushing Bride and scraps from my scrap file

Designer Paper: All You Magazine

Embellishments: A Button and Twine

Swinging into Shape!

Uh-oh! I think I might have broken the rules with today's post. Truth be known, it's summer vacation, and all I want to do is swing!!!

The rules? Well.......... this is the 28th of May, so that means it's time for the Calendar Girls to post their montly challenge. Barb, Miss May, gave us a most fun challenge. Here are her instructions:

The month of May can bring many things—Mother’s Day, Graduation, Prom, Memorial Day—all are wonderful events. However, May does bring one thing to mind—Skin. You know—like short sleeved tops, capris, shorts, flip flops/sandals, sundresses—all things that bring a frightful thought to our mind as our body is not in shape to show skin. So, let’s Shape Up. No—not running, biking, weights, but cards that have a different shape. So, your May card is to be a Shutter Card, Side Step Card, Gate Fold, Easel Card, Joy Fold, Criss Cross, etc. Any shape works—but to be true to the challenges we have had in the past—try a new shape that you have not used recently or really take a leap and try a design that you have never done before! The theme of the card can be for any event that happens before posting our next Challenge by the Charming Carol on June 28th—a birthday, wedding, shower, etc.

So, are you ready to take the challenge? Are you ready to Shape Up? Are you ready to show some skin--just kidding................

I hope you like this challenge and that you do trying a new shape in your card making or dust off a technique that you have not done in a long time. And, most of all--- Have Fun!!!

Oh, yes! I did have fun!!!

But I'm not sure I followed Barb's guidelines. I didn't do any special fold/shape that you'll find anywhere other than on my card. But it WAS fun! And I think it's quite shapely. (I hope Barb doesn't mind that my card isn't exactly what she said.)

Look at all those green circles. Don't they make a fun SHAPE of a tree???

And what could be more fun than swining on a tire swing?!?!?!?

Image: Whimsie Doodle Swinging Koale digi

I am so excited to see what the other Calendar Girls did with Barb's challenge! Aren't you? You can find the links to their blogs in my left side bar.

Thanks for stopping by!

Image: Whimsie Doodles

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Early Espresso, Garden Green, Marina Mist and lots of green scraps from my scrap file

Designer Paper: I DIDN'T USE ANY (wow! That's rare!!!)

Ice Cream Makes Everything Better

The Chi Chi Challenge continues!

May 19 - June 1


I made another card, using the challenge sketch and a cute Chi Chi Memories image:

Here's the Challenge sketch:

I love decorating the inside of my cards, too.

I hope you'll participate in the Chi Chi Challenge, too.


Image: Chi Chi Memories
Sentiment: Hero Arts
Ink: Copic Markers and Memento Rich Cocoa
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Cool Caribbean and Early Espresso
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishment: Michael's Ribbon

SomeBUNNY is Remembering with Love

It's time for a new Craft Us Crazy Challenge!

May 26 - June 8

Theme: Love and/or Rememberance

Here's a picture of the card I made using an adorable Stamp Fairy image:

Craft Us Crazy has two sponsors for this challenge:

Stamp Fairy Prize Package: $9.00 Gift Certificate

and

Digi's by Phooka Prize Package: $10 Gift Voucher

This week I am featuring the card made with the image provided to me by Stamp Fairy. Next Thursday on my blog, I will show you a card I made using an equally adorable image from Digi's by Phooka, so be sure to come back then to see it.






I love the bunny image; it is so sweet. It's actually one of several freebie image that Stamp Fairy has. Check them out here.

I used lots of layers/depth on my card front, and chose fairly soft colors to give the card a soothing/peaceful feel.

I used layers inside, too, along with a sentiment:

I look forward to seeing you in the Craft Us Crazy Challenge!

Image: Stamp Fairy

Sentiment: Stampabilities

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, and Pink Pirouette

Designer Paper: K & Co. Amy Butler Mat Pad

Embellishments: Button (vendor unknown), Stampin' UP! Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, and Studio 18 Rhinestones

A Sweet Treat Gift Bag

This Week's Fresh Brewed Challenge is an

ANYTHING BUT A CARD challenge!

May 25 - 31

I made a gift bag:

I used the Fresh Brewed Designs Debbie digital image.

The base of the gift bag is a small paper sack (pink) that I got at a yard sale (yep, a TREASURE HUNT) at a cost of 10 cents for the entire package of bags.




What will you create for the Fresh Brewed ABAC Challenge?


Image: Fresh Brewed Designs Debbie
Ink: Copic Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Early Espresso and Melon Mambo
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: Teapot Charm (vendor unknown), Ribbon (from my scrap file), and Stampin' UP! Gold Cord

Italian Treasure

Last weekend I went treasure hunting. The yard sales were scarce, partly due to a rainy forecast, I'm sure... but I found something fun anyway...

A Florence Italy Travel Book

Cost: 10 cents

With a quick perusal of the pages inside, I discovered some gorgeous pictures and decided it had potential for a Treasure Hunt creation, so I dug deep into my pocket and found a dime. I handed it to the lady having the yard sale, knowing it was money well spent.

When I was ready to start creating, I searched for the perfect picture inside the book. I found it. The village scene would make a perfect backdrop for the bicycle image I planned to use.

Awwww... the sights of Italy are gorgeous. I just wish I could smell the tasty aroma of spaghetti simmering on the stove, too.




Image: Stampin' UP! Time for You Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Spica Pens Cardstock: from my scrap file Treasure: a picture from the Florence Travel Book Embellishments: Glittery Brad and Grosgrain Ribbon (vendors unknown)

Sweet and Innocent

Each month, Craft Us Crazy has a Top 3 contest. The top three entrants in the challenge are selected and a prize package is given! It's pretty awesome! Check out all the details on the Craft Us Crazy Challenge Blog!





This month, the Monthly Sponsor is The Cutting Cafe. Thank you, Cutting Cafe!!!

As a Craft Us Crazy design team member, I was given a digital image from The Cutting Cafe to play with. I chose an adorable (sweet and innocent-looking) little girl.

The Cutting Cafe Image

Everyday Mikala Ann

Here's a view of the inside of my card:

Image: The Cutting Cafe Everyday Mikala Ann

Sentiment: Print Works You Add Sunshine

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Melon Mambo and scraps from my scrap file

Designer Paper: K & Co. Tag Pad and scraps from my scrap file

Embellishments: Recollections Paper Flowers, Spare Parts Designer Brads, and WalMart Ribbon

I'm Athletically Challenged

It's sad, but true!

Soooooo... when I saw this photo

and learned that is was the PHOTO INSPIRATION for this week's

Crafty Ho Challenge...

I thought, Me-on-my!!! Whatever will I do?!?!?!

Shhhhhh! Please don't tell, but I didn't even know who "Lance" is. I had to google it.

According to wikipedia (not the most reliable online source, I know), Lance Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist who is best know for wining the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, after having survived cancer. WOW! That's impressive!

I had some ideas of directions to go, but upon searching my stamping stash, I couldn't find a single cycling image, nor did anything else really jump out at me. Then I happened upon a cute little fellow - a Lori Boyd Puddle Jumper - and an idea was born.

For my take on the Photo Inspiration, I chose to color my image with the colors of the clothing Lance is wearing in the picture. It works for me!

I didn't think the card was quite complete, though...

So I put an inspirational quote/sentiment inside:





Crafty Ho Challenge

May 22 - 28

Image: Lisa Boyd Puddle Jumper
Sentiment: PSX Stamp
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, and Copic Markers
Cardstock: from my scrap file
Designer Paper: Paper Studio Yellow with White Polka Dots and Recollections Doodle Black Equilibrium
Embellishment: Hobby Lobby Spring Fever Ribbon

2ir8432y 7a789

No, it isn't a typo. LOL! It's a secret code!

And this is a TREASURE HUNT post. Don't you just love hunting for treasures and seeing what you can make with them? I know I do!

Here's the item I found:

hmmmmmmmmm... what is it???

It's a CODE BREAKING PUZZLE game.

Cost: 25 cents

I thought surely there was some way to use it on a Treasure Hunt Card.

I was right!

Can you figure out the code? Use the number keys on your phone to select letters of the alphabet and decode the message.

2ir8432y 7a789

BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!

Here's a sneak peek at the inside of my card:

Here is the entire inside:

Now, please excuse me as I head out on another Treasure Hunt!

Stamps: D.O.T.S. Birthday and Balloon and Confetti Invitation
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Brilliant Blue, Crushed Curry and Real Red

Designer Paper: Current Gift Wrap (balloons) and stripe paper from my scrap file

Treasure: Game Cards from Talk in Text Game

Embellishments: Wrights Ribbon and Buttons (vendor unknown)

In It for the Long Haul!

My dad restored an antique GMC pickup truck. It was my great-grandfather's truck (on my mom's side of the family). It is gorgeous! It is restored to its original blue color and the truck bed is made from wood that my uncle cut on his farm and smoothed to perfection. It is truly a family heirloom into which my dad lovingly invested countless hours.

When I saw the Cornish Heritage Farms GMC Series stamp set, I quickly purchased it, thinking of making a card for my dad; perhaps even scrapbook pages to include pictures of the restored pickup. Well, let me tell you... that did NOT go as planned. LOL! When I showed the stamp set to my dad, he proceeded to tell me that the truck stamp was not the same as the restored truck, pointing out all of the differences. (Have I mentioned, my dad is a bit of a perfectionist?) Soooooooo... the stamp set sat unused on my stamp shelf.

Until now!

Fay is the May hostess for the monthly Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards swap that I am a member of. Her theme? Men's cards. What a perfect excuse to use my GMC Series stamp set!

Here are some pictures of my card:

I used the blue ribbon look for my card (because my dad has won several blue ribbons for his restored GMC pickup - which you will remember looks NOTHING like this pickup stamp.)

I hope Fay will like my card. (Gee, I wish my dad would like my card... I might just send him one and see what he says. I made a few extras.)

Image & Sentiments: Cornish Heritage Farms GMC Series

Ink: Versamark

Embossing Powders: JudiKins Metallic Silver and Tsukinek Black

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Brilliant Blue, and Brushed Silver

Designer Paper: vendor unknown

Embellishments: Stampin' UP! Silver Ribbon and Brads (vendor unknown)

Call 9 - 1 - 1!

NOTE: I have two blog posts today; this one and the Chi Chi Memories one that follows it.

Pixie Cottage is a sponsor for Craft Us Crazy this month. They have some of the cutest digital images! What fun!!!

As a Craft Us Crazy design team member, I was given a Pixie Cottage image of my choice to create a card for today's blog post. THANK YOU, Pixie Cottage! Since my husband enjoys grilling (and sometimes gets quite a fire going), I couldn't resist choosing the Grillman image.

Here's the inside of my card:

Don't forget to check out the Craft Us Crazy Challenge, too. It's a lot of fun - Participants are challenged to use Something New and/or Favorite Embellishment on their creation. The challenge ends on May 25, so there's still plenty of time to participate!

Image: Pixie Cottage Grillman

Sentiment: Stampin' UP! Backyard BBQ

Ink: Copic Markers and Spica Pens and Versafine Onyx Black

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Crumb Cake and scraps from my scrap file

Designer Paper: Reminisce Camping Cook Out

Embellishments: Stampin' UP! brads and grosgrain ribbon and red office staples

Kite Flying on a Breezy Day

Let's go fly a kite........

I created this card for the newest

Chi Chi Memories Challenge

May 19 - June 1

It's a Sketch Challenge based on this sketch:

I tweaked the sketch a little. In the sketch, the four corners quarters are all the same size; on my card they are not.

I also added three little pieces of ribbon, tied onto the ribbon strip to resemble a kite's tail.

Image is from the Chi Chi Memories Summer Fun set

Image: Chi Chi Memories Summer Fun

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Blue Bayou

All Other Papers: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Stampin' UP! Blue Bayou Stitched Ribbon and brads and ribbon scraps (vendor unknown)