A Summer Hike

I really like fun fold cards, but I rarely make them. They really aren't difficult to make. The thing that normally makes me shy away from them is the fact that I never seem to be happy with the pictures I take of them.


Take this picture, for instance. It just looks... I don't know... kind of like a normal card. Can you even tell it is a fun fold type of card? I'm not sure?





But... PDE Linky Party has a special optional challenge this week, so I decided to give it a try.

Theme: Summer Fun

Optional Theme: Fun Fold Cards

Day 7 of my personal challenge

Stamps (Previously Uninked) CC Designs Say Cheese Sugar Plums

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamps: CC Designs Say Cheese Sugar Plums stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Marina Mist CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishment: K & Co. Felt Flower

Sipping Coffee

Want to join me for a cup of coffee? We can chat while we sip the delicious brew.

It's time for the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop so that's a good reason to make a coffee-loving card.

Day 6 of my personal challenge

Stamps (Previously Uninked) Stampin' UP! Sip by Sip and 

Queen Kat Stamps Coffee Stain

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamps: Stampin' UP! Sip by Sip and Queen Kat Stamps Coffee Stain
Ink: Gina K Onyx Black, Memento Desert Sand, and Tim Holtz Antique Linen
Papers: Recollections Black, Kraft, and White CS and DP from my scrap file
Embellishments: Simple Stories Say Cheese II Enamel Dots

Mid-Week Joy Report & a Three-Fer

Today's card is a Three-Fer. What is a three-fer? It's a card that fits three purposes.

First, today's card is the 5th card in my 7-Day Personal Challenge. I'm using previously uninked stamps from my collection for this challenge.

Second, it's the card for the Challenge Your Stash Group. Suzy is the hostess this month and she has challenged us to make a card showing off our favorite beverage. Iced tea is my favorite beverage. I drink it year round. And I drink a lot of it each and every day. That being said, I do not like hot tea... not at all. AND I don't have many tea stamps, so this was definitely a challenge. But being a somewhat resourceful person, I didn't let that stop me. I used TEA - yes real tea - to create my designer paper.

Third, this card is the card for my 50 Truths Challenge. Each week I read a chapter in the book 50 Truths Worth Knowing and I create a card based on that story. Before you read further, let me warn you... I really stretched my interpretation this week.

Take Time to Stop and

Taste the Chocolate

Chapter 26

Hugh was a young boy in 1961 and that was the year that his dad taught him a valuable lesson.

His dad was reading the newspaper one Saturday morning when Hugh and his brother ran into the kitchen - he used the word "raced". They were on a mission. One gathered the spoons from the drawer and the glasses from the cupboard while the other one got the milk and syrup out of the refrigerator. They quickly prepared their glasses of chocolate milk and downed them in "mere seconds."

Unbeknownst to the boys, their dad was watching all of this.

Then dad - quietly, calmly said, "Cn I ask you guys something?" When they nodded their heads yes, he asked, "Did you guys even taste the milk?"

What followed was the valuable lesson. "Always remember to taste the chocolate milk." What dad was really telling them was to savor life. To experience the present and not just rush through it. To learn to enjoy what they have. Savor the sweetness of the world. Taste the chocolate milk.

Now, I know my card doesn't feature chocolate milk. Truthfully, I don't have any stamps that depict that. But it does show my favorite beverage - iced tea. And too often I'm guzzling my tea and not even taking time to taste it. So, I too, can learn from Hugh's dad. To paraphrase his words, I should remind myself to taste the iced tea.

Day 5 of my personal challenge

Stamps (Previously Uninked) Unity Cup of Tea and Elzy Bell Cool Beans

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Oh, and if you're one of those who like to help me track how many cards I'm making, this week I made 18.


Supplies Used

Image: Unity Cup of Tea
Sentiment: Elzy Bell Cool Beans
Ink: Gina K Onyx Black
Papers: Recollections Black and Ivory and Stampin' UP! Rose Red CS, Stampin' UP! DP from my scrap file, and Watercolor Paper from an unknown vendor
Embellishments: Michael's Pearls, Nuvo Crystal Drops (for the staple), and Stampin' UP! Ribbon

Try Something New with Splatters

This is the fourth day of my personal "Previously Uninked" Challenge so I've used a stamp set I've had a while, but have never used before. It is also Tuesday, which means I tried something new on this card. Every Tuesday I try to do that. Sometimes I think it was a success story; other times, not so much. LOL!

For the most part I like how this one turned out...

Day 4 of my personal challenge

Stamps (Previously Uninked) Tonic Bunched Bouquet

& My Favorite Things Spring Tulips

You may be wondering what is "new". See the splatters. I saw a video where someone had taken the lid off of their colored misters and splattered them the card she was creating. I decided to give it a try. I actually used three different colors of misters - AMuse Studio Gold Dust and Marshmallow and Tulip Glitter Spray.

The mistake I made was I didn't realize I had so little control over those splatters went... so I didn't think to cover/mask the sentiment. And unfortunately a couple of splatters ended up on it. I blotted them immediately, so you can still read the sentiment, but here is a bit of discoloration/sharpness on it.

Live and learn.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Images: Tonic Bunched Bouquet stamped with Altenew Inks (Blush, Crimson, Evergreen, Forest Glades, and Velvet)

Sentiment: MFT Spring Tulips stamped with Gina K Black Onyx

Sprays: AMuse Studio (Gold Dust & Marshmallow) and Tulip Glitter Spray

Card Stock: Stampin' UP! Blushing Bride and Wild Wasabi and Staples #110 Ivory

Embellishment: Recollections Rhinestones

Ducks in a Row

I mentioned on my blog this morning that I would be back this afternoon with my 7-Day Personal Challenge card. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I have challenged myself to create with one of my previously uninked stamps every day for a week.

Day 3 of my personal challenge

Stamp (Previously Uninked) Taylored Expressions Ducks in a Row

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Image/Sentiments: Taylored Expressions Ducks in a Row stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Pumpkin Pie CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Washi Tape and one other Washi Tape from an unknown vendor

Carnival Fun

Spoiler Alert - My Personal Challenge card will be on my blog this afternoon, in order to give morning coverage to my Frantic Stamper cards. Please stop back by later. ;)



I'm not one who likes thriller types of rides, but I sure do like creating cards with them. This month I've had a few to show you - all from the June "Summer Fun Times" release at Frantic Stamper. Today I'll show you the last two I made for the release.

Card #1

Frantic Stamper Loop Roller Coaster Die #FRA-DIE-10210

Frantic Stamper Circus Clear Stamp Set #FRA-CL-074

Card #2

Frantic Stamper Carnival Skyline Die #FRA-DIE-10209

Frantic Stamper Circus Clear Stamp Set #FRA-CL-074

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Frantic Stamper Die: Loop Roller Coaster 
Frantic Stamper Stamp Set: Circus stamped with Dew Drops Rocket Red Ink
Papers: Recollections CS and DP from my scrap file (and corrugated cardboard distressed with Tim Holtz Salty Ocean Ink)
Embellishments: Brads from an unknown vendor

Frantic Stamper Die: Carnival Skyline
Frantic Stamper Stamp Set: Circus stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Papers: Stampin UP! Marina Mist CS dan DP from my scrap file
Embellishments: Star Brads from an unknown vendor
SaveSave

Flowers for the Picking

Were you here yesterday? If so, you know I started a 7-day Personal Challenge where I'm committed to using previously uninked stamped to create with.

Day 2 of my personal challenge

Stamp (Previously Uninked) Deep Red Stitched Flowers

This card also features the requirements for the International Art & Soul Challenge that starts today...

June 25 - July 8

Theme: Flowers

I hope you'll participate!

Thank you for stopping by my blog today!

Image: Deep Red Stitched Flowers stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Calypso Coral CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: Stampin' UP! Brads


SaveSave

Summer Sunshine

If you come to my blog often, you might have noticed that in March I took the 30-Day Coloring Challenge, which kind of got me started. Each month since then I've developed a "personal" challenge on one sort or another.

March 1-30... 30 Day Coloring Challenge

April 3-23... Bible Journaling Challenge

May 1-7... A Week of SCS Challenges

Now, it's June and today I'm starting a 7-day Previously Uninked Challenge. Each day during this week, I will create a card/etc using a stamp from my collection that up until this point has not been inked. Sadly, I have a lot of stamps to choose from.

Day 1 of my personal challenge
Stamp Set (Previously Uninked) CC Designs "Sunshine"

This card also features the requirements for the new Sweet Stampin' Challenge...

June 24 - 30 

Theme: Lots of Layers

I hope you'll participate!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Image/Sentiment: CC Designs Sunshine stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Daffodil Delight CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Ribbon and Buttons from an unknown vendor

Joy in the Morning

PDE Linky Party has a new challenge today - Anything But a Card (with the optional challenge of doing a Planner Page.)

I didn't do a planner page... I know they are quite popular right now, but I'm just not into doing them. I have a planner that I used to keep my DT and Blog on target, but I do not decorate it. So instead, I did a Bible Journaling page with a "To Do" feature.

Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!

     Praise his holy name.

For his anger lasts only a moment,

     but his favor lasts a lifetime!

Weeping may last through the night,

     but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 30:1-5

This verse reminds me of the FIRST thing that should be on my To Do list... each and every morning I should seek God, sing to Him and find joy!

I hope you'll participate at PDE Linky Party this week.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Image: Unity Dream of Being stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers
Saying: Unity Brystl Girl stamped with Brilliance Mediterranean Blue
Ink for Distressing: Tim Holtz Antique Linen
Paper: Stampin' UP! DP and Recollections CS
Embellishment: Michael's Washi Tape

Beach Babes

The Creative Card Chicks are headed to the beach! Okay, not all of us... but this month's hostess Debby is... so she chose beach-themed items for us to create its this month. THANK YOU, Debby!

She included the following items...

Image/Sentiments: Art Impressions Beach Babes, Deadbeat Designs I'm so Glad and Whatcha Been Up To, and Print Works You Are Simply Amazing
Paper: American Crafts (flip flops), Paper Pizazz (sun border), and some others
Embellishments: K & Co. flip flops, Paper Studio enamel dots, and twine and buttons

I've entered this card in the Do-Al (1) Creative "Beginning of Summer" Challenge.


Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

The only thing of my own that I used was yardstick for the card base and layering - Recollections Yellow and SU Tempting Turquoise.

Mid-Week Joy Report & RSG

I've had a fabulous week. Our daughter is here from Alaska, so there's been lots of time spent with her, which of course I love!

We've had fun meals and even went to the local coffeeshop in a nearby town for a girl's outing. We've talked and talked. We've gone geocaching (see her photo ---->).

I've also made 6 cards this week. The one I'm going to show you today is actually a 2-fer. It's the card for the Ready, Set, Go challenge. If you don't know what that is, you can go HERE to read about it.

This month, Barb chose our theme. She asked us to put something that starts with a "R" (Ready), a "S" (Set), and a "G" (Go) on our card. I'll explain what I did a bit later in this post.

This being Wednesday, I also needed to create a card based on a chapter int he book 50 Truths Worth Knowing. I decided to make one card that works for both of these items.

* * * * *

Chapter 25

It's Not the Size of the Gift that Counts

Rob dated the woman who would become his wife for 4 years. During all the time, her guitar remained unused. He often wondered about that, but she said that while she used to play along with a Neil Young recording when she was in college, she now had let the rigors of a budding career get in the way of her hobby.

That being said, she longed for that CD but it was unavailable. She was saddened to read that there was no plan for a remastered release.

Rob didn't give up. He kept watching.

Years passed. They married. Then one day he found out the Neil Young CD had been released. He bought it for his wife and hid it under her pillow.

She came home from a late night of work and found the treasured gift. She immediately pulled out her guitar and played along. When Rob went into the bedroom, he found her truly beaming. She was delighted that he had found the CD and given it to her.

The Letter "R" - Ribbon and the color Red

The Letter "S" - Staples and the color Silver

The Letter "G" - Guitar and Grunge

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamps: Stampin' UP! Gorgeous Grunge and Jazzed Up

Ink: Encore Silver, Gina K Black Onyx, and Tim Holtz Distressed Antique Linen

Papers: Recollections Black, Red and White and Stampin' UP! Silver CS

Embellishment: Ribbon from an unknown vendor (attached with staples)

Try Something New with Distress Inks

I decided to play around with my Tim Holtz Distress Inks. I tend to have a love/hate relationship with them, so I wanted to embrace them and try to love them more. LOL!

I taped a stencil on top of a piece of watercolor paper and then used a fluffy paint brush to spread three colors of Distress Ink randomly all over the stencil. To make it even more mottled, I sprayed water on the piece after I'd removed the stencil.

This technique gave the paper a dirty smudgy look, which i thought worked well for this card.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamps: Recollections Anchor, Stampendous Better Travel, and Travel the World from an unknown vendor

Inks: Gina K Onyx Black and Tim Holtz Distress Antique Linen, Barn Door, Peeled Paint, and Salty Ocean

Papers: Recollections Black, Kraft, and White CS and Watercolor Paper from an unknown vendor

Stencil: Tim Holtz

Embellishments: Brads from an unknown vendor

Admit It, You Love Popcorn

My son absolutely loves to go to the movies - he seems approximately 50 every year. My other son - Brock - loves to go to the movies, too, but for him, it's all about the POPCORN!

That's one of the reasons why I love the Frantic Stamper die that I used on today's card.

Frantic Stamper Dies:

Popcorn #FRA-DIE-10224

Striped Frame & Insert #FRA-DIE-10230

Tickets #FRA-DIE-10223

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Frantic Stamper Dies: Popcorn #FRA-DIE-10224, Striped Frame & Insert #FRA-DIE-10230, and Tickets #FRA-DIE-10223

Papers: Recollections CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishment: Brad from an unknown vendor