Simply Soft Thank You

I had some time after finishing my Christmas card project for this year to make a couple of other cards.  This one is to replenish my thank you card stash.  I love the color combo of the ocean-like tones of Island Indigo, Pool Party, and Soft Sky.  I used SU markers to color in the image.  This card fits with this week's Flutterby Wednesday 218.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Simply Soft, Beautiful Borders
Paper:  WW, Soft Sky, Island Indigo, DP
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Old Olive, Island Indigo and Soft Sky
Accessories:  Punches, Sizzix Die, Cuttlebug, Ribbon, Stick on Gems

Waiting for Snow

This card was actually made last month but I didn't get to photograph it until now.  Winter is here but where is my snow?  The weather in my neck of the woods has been very mild; some days I can go outside without a jacket.  I am hoping for a white Christmas this year, even if it is only just a dusting of snow.  I have to work Christmas night so if we get a nice storm of several inches after I get home in the morning I would be very happy!  This card fits with the Freshly Made Sketch challenge 65.

Speaking of Christmas, all of my cards for this year are stamped, assembled, stuffed in envelopes, addressed, and packed up to go out to the post office tomorrow morning.  I will post the photos next week.

Recipe:

Stamps:  Bold Snowflake, One of a Kind, In the Spotlight - SU

Paper:  Crumb Cake, WW

Ink:  WW Craft, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Punches, White EP, Heat Tool, Ribbon, Stick on Gems, Glimmer Mist

Praying Tree

This card was made for the family of a dear man who went home to the Lord recently.  At his memorial service it was so wonderful to hear numerous people speak of his encouraging faith and his long service history.  This man left quite a legacy that impacted many people for Christ.  I am glad to have known him, even though it was only for a short time.

Going back to school has kept me away from my craft room.  I have made a few cards over the weeks, including a large batch of Christmas cards, that I will post later.  The service I use for photo editing has been giving me problems so that has added to my posting delays.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Thoughts and Prayers
Paper:  WW, Really Rust, Soft Suede, DP
Ink:  Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Really Rust, Cherry Cobbler - SU Markers, Antique Linen - TH
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Ribbon

You're So Sweet

I knew I needed a little break from studying and writing all these essays when I ended up with a tension headache.  The sketch for this card just came to me; and before I took a nap, I scribbled on a piece of paper.  I had looked at so many cards on Pinterest and SCS that it is probably inspired by a combination of designs but I can't think anyone in particular right now.  The colors are from SCS Color Challenge 393.  This card represents 2 of my favorite things:  coffee and butterflies.  The background DP has little butterflies fluttering by, which makes this card qualify for the Flutter By Wednesday #207 challenge.  I colored the gems with my alcohol markers to get exact matching shades of Lucky Limeade and Primrose Petals.  I used my piercing tool around the edges of the DP.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Delightful & Delicious - Verve
Paper:  Kraft, Pink Pirouette, Lucky Limeade, DP - SU & SEI
Ink:  Primrose Petals
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Piercing Tool, Stick on Gems, Alchohol Markers, SU Punches, Ribbon, Buttons

Psalm 130:5

This is a card I made as a sample for my card-making class last month.  I am just now getting to post it because much of my free time has been taken up by online BSN classes.  I apologize for the poor photo quality.  I used a different lighting and placement in my home and it doesn't work as well as my bathroom.  This card uses a really neat (and easy) layering technique that I know I will be using again.  This technique is known by a few names but I think Seamless Tiers describes it best.  SCS Technique Lover's Challenge 388 showcased this style a couple months ago.

Recipe:
Stamps:  New Mercies - Verve, Psalm 130:5 from Scripture Collection 7- ODBD
Paper:  Old Olive, WW
Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, Old Olive

Grace and Mercy

This card is the same design as this one except I changed the colors and the verse.  What gleen from Hebrews 4:16 is that God wants us to call out to Him at all times with all our needs.  Even when we feel like we may have let Him down or like we are the worst of sinners, He is still there with open arms to ready and willing to receive us.  It is because of the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, we can come to the Father without fear or hesitancy to receive His mercy and grace.  This gives me hope especially in times when I feel like I have really messed up.  I am always loved and cared for by God!

Recipe:
Stamps:  Triple Treat Flower - SU, New Mercies - Verve
Paper:  Kraft, VV, Old Olive
Ink:  Gumball Green, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Pretty In Pink
Accessories:  SU Flower Punches, Twine, Cuttlebug, Stick on Pearls

Just Because You're You

My Water Lilyz table has been very blessed to meet at the same restaurant since we started almost 3 years ago.  The managers and the wait staff have always been so kind and attentive to us.  The staff always have our favorite table ready and waiting for us each Wednesday evening.  They even bring us our favorite beverages when they see us come in.  We regularly pray for the staff and ask them if they have any needs that we can help with or pray with them about.  So the sad news we got last week is that one of the managers is moving on to another job.  We are all so happy for her but we will definately miss her and her warm smile and greeting. 

This card is made for the manager whom we will dearly miss.  I used this stamp because of the waterlily and chose the DPs for the purple which is the Water Lilyz official color.  I used SCS Sketch Challenge 244 which was originally posted about 3 years ago.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Waterlily - My Favorite Things, Circular Sayings - Verve
Paper:  WW, Early Espresso, DP
Ink Memento Tuxedo Black, Calypso Coral
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Markers, Nestabilities

Perfect Peace Comes From Above

I have been reading Isaiah 26:3-4  a lot lately and was happily surprised that I have this verse in my stash of stamps.  The lesson for me is that God is my steadfast rock no matter what circumstances I am in.  I will be starting school again to advance my nursing career and I am nervous about it.  I have prayed about it much and I believe the Lord is leading me in this direction to take my classes online.  With my learning style I would rather go to an actual classroom to hear lectures but my work schedule would make it difficult to attend every class.  I believe that by focusing on the Lord and His goodness first I can have peace in all the other situations in life.  This doesn't mean that life will be always rosy but that even in the tough trials of life I am deeply loved and cared for by my Heavenly Father.  The challenge for me is remembering to keep the Lord first and avoid distractions.

The colors for this card came from SCS Color Challenge 389 and also qualifies for SCS Clean and Simple Challenge 185.  I used the retired SU Triple Treat Flower and the verse is from ODBD.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Triple Treat Flower - SU, Isaiah 26:3 from Scripture Collection 7 - ODBD
Paper:  WW, Summer Starfruit
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy, Summer Starfruit, Regal Rose
Accessories:  SU Flower Punches, Twine, Cuttlebug, Stick on Pearls

A Snowy Hello

In my part of the world, this summer has been a real scorcher.  I originally colored this image in early July when the temps were over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and many people had power outages from a record breaking electrical storm.  I was fortunate enough that I never lost power but I empathized with all those that had.

I had been searching for a sketch for this image and I found this weeks Freshly Made Sketches 48.   I die cut the image to make it a little more interesting than a plain rectangle.  The image is colored with alcohol markers and I used long retired SU DP for accent.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Snow Much Fun, Elementary Elegance
Paper:  Real Red, WW, SU DP
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Markers, Nestabilities, Ribbon, Buttons

Ornamental Christmas Tree

I got a chance to play around with the new SU Merry Minis bundle and this is the result.  I don't like the traditional red and green pairing for Christmas decorations so I being me, I used blue, pink and green.  I may use this as one of the projects for an upcoming beginner's card class as it was rather simple and quick to create especially since I used punches for everything.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Merry Minis, Come to Bethlehem
Paper:  WW, Marina Mist, Gumball Green
Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Primrose Petals, Marina Mist
Accessories:  Corner Rounder Punch, Merry Minis Punches, SU Dotted Ribbon Punch, 3/4 inch square punch, Rhinestone gems, Bic Permanent Mark - to color rhinestone

Flutter-By Birthday

These colors have been staring at me from the scrap file for over a week.  It is like they were just pleading with me to use them together to make something.  So this is the card I came up with.  I think these colors go very well together especially with this design.  I made it a birthday card as my stash is getting low.  This card also qualifies for the Flutter By Wednesday #201 Challenge.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes
Paper:  WW, Calypso Coral, Riding Hood Red, Concord Crush, Lovely Lilac
Ink:  Wisteria Wonder
Accessories:  Beautiful Wings Embossilit, Cuttlebug

Blue Essence

The colors of this card are from SCS Color Challenge 388.  I dusted off my retired SU Essence of Love set which I haven't used in probably 3 or 4 years.  The sketch is one I came up with on my own.  I left the sentiment off so I could use the card for whatever occasion comes up.

This card also qualifies for the Flutter By Wednesday #201 challenge.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Essence of Love
Ink:  Night of Navy
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Night of Navy
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, MS Punch, Twine, Paper Piercer

Gingy's Christmas Joy

I really like this little gingerbread man from SU's Scentsational Season stamp set.  I've decided his name is Gingy.  In this card Gingy is jumping for joy for he has learned the true meaning of Christmas which can be summed up in John 3:16 - 18

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.  He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  

So even though it is really August, it is like December to Gingy because he has now received the greatest gift all.

When I make "Christmas" cards, I want them to reflect the true mean of Christmas; that is the advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   This is a conviction that I have.  I am not trying to judge those who make Christmas holiday cards with trees, snowmen, or just say "season's greetings".  For me to make a Christmas card, it must have the message of Christ's advent in the image or sentiment.  Cards that I make without that message I categorize as "winter" cards.

I was inspired to make this card after viewing Ceal Pritchett's gallery and seeing her Sweet Christmas card plus dozens of her faith-based and Bible verse cards.  Ceal is this week's SCS Featured Stamper #287.  I was reminded of my new little friend Gingy but also inspired to make a card that reflects my faith, so here it is.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Scentsational Season, Come to Bethlehem
Paper:  VV, Soft Suede, Real Red DP
Ink:  Real Red, Soft Suede Craft Ink
Accessories:  Clear EP, Heat Tool, Bakers Twine, Button, SU Border Punch, Brads, Holiday Collection Framelits

Elegant Artichoke Vines

I know what you are thinking, "I think I've seen this card before."  Well sort of.  This card is a masculine version of my Praying for You CAS, which was CASE'd from another card.  I wanted an easy and flexible masculine styled card for the class I am teaching later this month and this is what I came up with. I did a shadow technique where I stamped the image again with a lighter color slightly off the darker impression.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Elegant Vine - Fiskars, Beautiful Borders - SU
Paper:  WW, Always Artichoke, River Rock
Ink:  Always Artichoke, River Rock
Accessories:  Word Window Punch, SU Label Punches, Antique Brass Brads

Simply Preserved Flowers

I'm still on a card making roll from participating in the SCS Dare To Get Dirty 2012 Challenges.  However, this card is not for any particular challenge; it is just a quick sample card for a class I am holding at the end of the month.  There is no sentiment on it so it can be generic for my students to use for whatever they want.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Perfectly Preserved
Paper:  WW, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise DP
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Gumball Green, Basic Black
Accessories:  Circle Punch, Bakers Twine

Bridal Congrats

So, I had a little bit of time to make yet another card for the SCS Dare To Get Dirty 2012 Challenges.  To get all the info on the challenges, SCS Fan Club members may click on the codes below.
DTGD12cookiestamper
DTGD12Vdutchr
DTGD12jmasse

Recipe:
Stamps:  All Year Cheer I
Paper:  WW, Almost Amethyst, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, DP
Ink:  Almost Amethyst
Accessories:  Heart Punch, Ribbon

Preserved Apples

This is the 5th card I have made for the SCS Dare To Get Dirty 2012 challenges.  I had a blast playing along and wish I could have done all 37 challenges but work and real life get in the way of my creativity =-)  The colors are from the Color Throw Down 161 challenge.  I used the new Perfectly Preserved stamps and matching Cannery Framelits from the current SU mini catalog.  The pearls are colored with Sharpie markers to coordinate with the colors in the card.  For details on the DTGD12 challenges this card is for SCS Fan Club members may click on the codes below.
DTGD12rainy
DTGD12stampertammy

Recipe:
Stamps:  Perfectly Preserved
Paper:  WW, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, DP
Ink:  Early Espresso, Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade
Accessories:  Boho Blossoms Punch, Cannery Framelits, Twine, Paper Piercer, Pearls, Sharpies

Punch Bunch Posies

This is another card for the Split Coast Stampers Dare To Get Dirty 2012 challenges.  It also qualifies for SCS Color Challenge 386 using Primrose Petals, Baja Breeze and Summer Starfruit, and the SCS Clean and Simple 180 challenge.  SCS Fan Club members may click on the codes below to see the details for the DTGD12 challenge details.
DTGD12lisalara
dtgd12texasgrammy

Recipe:
Stamps:  Posy Punch, Punch Bunch
Paper:  VV, Summer Starfruit, Baja Breeze
Ink:  Baja Breeze, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals
Accessories:  SU 5 Petal Punch, Circle Punches, Big Shot, SU Embossing Folder

Dirty Merry Gingy

This is another card for the SCS Dare To Get Dirty 2012 Challenges.  This card is a combination of 4 of the challenges.  SCS Fan Club members can click each of the following links to get info and participate in each challenge.
dtgd12edna15
DTGD12Twinshappy
DTGD12Bar
DTGD12blondie090277

Recipe:
Stamps:  Sensational Season, Warm Words
Paper:  VV, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, DP
Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, SU Punches, Buttons, Stickles, Holiday Collection Framelits

Dirty White Wedding

This card is the mother of all combined challenges for me.  It is the cumulative of 8 Dare to Get Dirty 2012 challenges on Splitcoast Stampers.  If you are a member of the SCS Fan Club you can get all the details on each of the challenges this card represents by clicking on the codes below.

DTGD12cookiestamper
DTGD12Understandblue
DTGD12Kittie747
DTGD12LilLuvsStampin
DTGD12AndreaEwen
dtgd12knightrone
DTGD12Westies
DTGD12va.sunshine

Most of the details for this card are secrets but I can share about some of the personal touches that I have added.  The stamped images on the scalloped hearts are done with Versamark and Biscotti Perfect Pearls.  The background and birds were done with embossing folders then sprayed with a little Shimmer Spritz.  I used Crumb Cake ink for the text in the window.

The challenges and the creation of this card came at the perfect time because some friends of mine just got married and are now off on their honeymoon.  This card is more fussy than what I usually do so now I am ready for a nap.  ;-)

Recipe:
Stamps:  Wedding - Inkadinkado
Paper:  WW
Ink:  Versamark, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, SU Bird Punch, SU Little Leaves Sizzlits, Lace, Shimmer Spritz, Perfect Pearls, Pearls, Heat Tool

Another Masculine Birthday

I have been eyeing this really beautifully designed birthday card by Debbie and have been dying to CASE it.  I need to make a birthday card for a guy and the design works well even with masculine colors.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes
Ink:  Not Quite Navy Craft
Paper:  Kraft, DP
Accessories:  MS Balloon Punch, Twine, Cuttlebug, Ribbon, Button, SU Spiral Punch

Gracias x2 in 5

Weeeee!  I could be hyped up on coffee and endorphins from the aerobic workout I just did, or maybe it is that I also made 2 cards in 5 minutes this morning!  You will notice that these cards are in a much simpler design than I usually make.  I participated in 2 challenges for these cards: SCS Clean and Simple Challenge 180 and SCS Color Challenge 385.

I'm overdue in sending out thank you cards to some people in Honduras that hosted our missionary group in June.  I used one of the new SU sentiment sets in Spanish that I ordered a couple weeks ago.  You will probably see more quick and simple cards like this from me but with a few more artistic details added to them.  I have a card making class for beginners coming up next month and we will make something similar to this as one of the projects.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Deseos Divertidos - SU
Paper:  Very Vanilla, River Rock, DP - SU
Ink:  Island Indigo, Real Red
Accessories:  Window Frame Framelits

Scripted Poppies

I played with my new SU Pleasant Poppies stamp and this is what resulted from it.

It is a very large stamp so I used my Nestabilities to cut out a portion of the image.  I colored the image with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  In the center of the poppies I used a little Perfect Pearls.  To get the image to stand out better from the DP, I used the same Nestabilities to cut pieces in Daffodil Delight and poppy DP then spritzed them with Perfect Pearls mist.  On the Gumball Green cardstock I stamped French Script in Versamark then used a border punch on the edge.  I left the sentiment of to keep it generic for what ever occasion I may need to send out a card in a hurry.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Pleasant Poppies, French Script
Paper:  Crumb Cake, WW, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Gumball Green, DP - SU & DCVW
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Ribbon, Perfect Pearls, Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, MS Punch, Button

Mixed Kindness

My card making mojo has been on fire this month.  I try to make at least one card a week or 4 cards a month however, for this July I made 7!  This card was for no particular reason, just on a whim.  I looked at the paper scraps lying on my craft table and used them to create this card.  This card was very quick and easy to make.  To make the banner stick up in the middle took a small piece of foam from the extra rubber that is around SU stamp sets and stuck it on.  The foam is about twice the thickness of the SU dimensional adhesives.  On the white layer you can see score lines.  That was unintentional as the paper was left over from making rosettes for another project.  Next month I will have a few friends over for a beginners card making class and I think I may use this as one of the designs.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Mixed Bunch, Kindness Matters
Paper:  WW, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, DP
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade
Accessories:  SU Blossom and Boho Blossoms Punches, Corner Rounder Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punches, Stick on Gem

Potted Daffodils

I have many great retired and non-retired stamp sets that I have collected but have not played with much or even at all.  (Yes, I am a stamp hoarder.  There, I admitted it!)  This is one that I have used once, maybe twice before.  I colored the image with my Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and picked the paper colors from that, which are colors in the current ColourQ Challenge #145.  I used last weeks SCS Sketch Challenge 392.  The doily in the background is a Cricut cut out.  The frame for the image was dry embossed and then sponged with matching ink.  I left the sentiment off to keep it generic for whenever I may need a card for any given occasion.  The last generic card I made I used for a sympathy card a few days later.  I hope that will not be this one's fate.

Below is a picture of the SN colors I used.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Always in My Thoughts
Paper:  WW, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, DP
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, Cricut Ornamental Iron II, Cuttlebug, Nestabilites

Praying for You CAS

This card is made using the current SCS Color Challenge 383.  I saw this card SCS and CASEd it using different colors and stamps.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Fresh Vintage, Very Versatile
Paper:  WW, Pink Pirouette, Raspberry Ripple
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple
Accessories:  SU Punches, Stick on Pearls

Hebrews 13:8

It seems like forever since I last participated in Julee Tilman's Mojo Monday sketch challenges.  It has also been a long time since I created a scripture based card.  The sketch is the current Mojo Monday 248 and is also a contest.  The image is Hebrews 13:8 from ODBD Scripture Collection 4.  I love this verse because it reminds me that even though circumstances in life may change Jesus' love, grace and mercy always remain the same and He can always be trusted.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Scripture Collection 4 - ODBD, Punch Potpourri - SU
Paper:  WW, Early Espresso, So Saffron, DP
Ink:  Pacific Point
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Boho Blossoms Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Cuttlebug, Ribbon, Stick on Gems

Butterfly Thankfulness

In my craft room I have a box of images that I stamped, colored, punched, or whatever that I have not mounted on a card or other paper craft.  The butterfly image in this card is one of them.  I colored this image about 4 years ago with water color crayons.  Today I spritz the image with a little Smooch spray.  The sketch is the current Deconstructed Sketch #59.  The flowers I made from punches.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Measure of Life, Pocket Silhouettes
Paper:  WW, Pink Pirouette, Midnight Muse, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, DP
Ink:  Stazon Black, Midnight Muse
Accessories:  Small Flower Punches, Scallop Boarder Punch, SU Watercolor Crayons, Smooch Spray, SU Embossing Folder, Ribbon

No Coffee = Sleep

I love coffee so I am happy to have finally played with this SU stamp set called Morning Cup!  I have posted about my love (okay its an addiction!) of coffee previously.  The sentiment could easily be my motto!

I colored the image with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  The SU DP in the background is partially distressed so I went a little crazy and distressed the rest of it and all the other papers.  I did something whimsical by wrapping bakers twine around the ribbon in an X pattern.  I used Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge #104.  I don't have any WM stamps so I hope that my card will not be disqualified.  It's not that I care if I win the challenge or not, but I love the sketch and it fit well with my image that I had stamped and colored.

Recipe:

Stamps:  Morning Cup

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, WW, DP

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Walnut Stain and Tea Dye Distress Inks, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, Sizzix Embossing Folder, Corner Rounder Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Ribbon, Nestabilities, Bakers Twine, Stick on Gem

Indigo Sympathy

A couple people that I know recently lost a close family member.  This is one of the cards that I made.  The other card below is this one but I just added the sentiment.  The colors from this card are from SCS Color Challenge 381.  I used my Nestabilities to make the card shape and it's layers.  I used both image stamps of the now retired SU Inspired By Nature.  This was a fairly quick card for me to create.  Once I decided on the colors and stamps to use it took me less than a half hour to make.  That is unusual for me.

Recipe:

Stamps:  Inspired By Nature, Warmest Regards

Paper:  WW, Pool Party, DP

Ink:  Pool Party, Island Indigo

Accessories:  Nestabilities, Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Stick on Pearls

Hello Baby

A friend of mine just had a bright and beautiful bouncing baby boy.  I decided to make another baby buggy card for the occasion and SCS Sketch Challenge 391 is just the perfect sketch for the design.  I dipped into my stash of retired SU cardstock colors and DP.  I love the bright colors in the DP and they are just right for a summer baby boy.  I really miss Gable Green, Green Galore and Marigold Morning, but I'm glad Tempting Turquoise is still around.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  WW, Marigold Morning, Green Galore, Gable Green, Tempting Turquoise, DP
Accessories:  Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Nestabilities, Buttons

New Grad Congrats

This card was made for someone who recently graduated from a local community college and is transferring to a university to further his studies.  I chose to CASE this card by NWstamper for the clean and simple style and it works well for a guy.  The layered stars I made using my Cricut.

Recipe:

Stamps:  All Year Cheer I

Paper:  WW, Handsome Hunter

Ink:  Handsome Hunter

Accessories:  Cricut, Brads, Hodgepodge Hardware, Sizzix Embossing Folder

Pearly Posies

I was in a bit of a creative slump after coming home from Honduras.  When I am in a slump I look at other card makers creations for inspiration.  I noticed that this week's SCS Featured Stamper 280 is Emily Keaton.  She has so many beautiful cards in her gallery but this one immediately caught my eye.  I love how Emily used Prisma Pencils on colored cardstock.  I primarily use my Prismas on white cardstock and blend with Goo-Gone but I was encouraged to try a little different technique.  The image I chose is an outline stamp from the retired but favorite SU Soft Summer set.  The colors are  from SCS Color Challenge 377: Certainly Celery, Soft Suede and Blushing Bride.  I used Deconstructed Sketch 46 which fit perfectly.  I left off the sentiment because this card would work for a birthday, sympathy, encouragement, or gratitude.

Recipe:

Stamps:  Soft Summer

Paper:  Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, DP - SU

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Prisma Pencils, Stick on Pearls, Punches, Cuttlebug

Build-A-Bear Birthday

My youngest niece, Little Munchkin, turned 2 early this month and this is the birthday card I made for her.  I'm late posting this because I have not given it to her yet.  I left for a mission trip to Honduras on her birthday and returned last week.  I have not seen Little Munchkin yet so I still have her gifts and card.  I feel like a terrible aunt.  Fortunately because she is 2 she won't understand that I am late.

The background is the negative from hearts that I cut out with my Cricut.  I used my retiring SU Build-A-Bear dies for the main image.  The heart is one from the Cricut that I covered with red stickles.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Occasions Alphabet
Paper:  WW, Bashful Blue, Real Red, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, and Close to Cocoa
Ink:  Real Red, Early Espresso
Accessories:  Big Shot, Build-A-Bear dies, MS Punch, Cricut, Twine, SU Markers, Nestabilities

Happy Mother's Day (a wee bit late)

This is the other card I made for Mother's Day this year.  I'm late posting it (and mailing it) because my camera's battery died.  This one is similar to the previous card I made as I used the same sketch Paper Players 92 and SCS Color Challenge 374.  I used the same retiring stamp from Season of Friendship as shown in this card that is also featured on PP92.  The little green leaves are from the Bird Builder punch, I just trimmed off the stems.  For the little blue flowers I used an old SU punch and added green stick on gems.  I didn't have any pearls in the shade of green I needed so I used an alcohol marker to color the pearl for the bird's eye.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Season of Friendship, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Crumb Cake, VV, Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, DP - SU
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Pacific Point
Accessories:  Scallop Border Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Three Flower Punch, Cuttlebug, Stick on Gems, Pearls, Spectrum Noir Marker, and Ribbon

Inspired Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming this Sunday.  There are a couple mothers in my family to celebrate with so this is one design that I made. This one uses another stamp set that is on SU's retirement list.  The colors are from SCS Color Challenge 374 and the sketch is #92 that I found over at the Paper Players Challenge from last month.

It was a little tricky to color this image because it is a large solid stamp.  I used my Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip SU markers to color the stems, leaves and tops of the flowers.  I don't have a marker in Pacific Point so I used a drop of the re-inker and a blending pen to color the petals.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Inspired by Nature, Teeny Tiny Wishes - SU
Paper:  VV, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Pacific Point, DP
Ink:  Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Word Window Punch, Triple Layer Flower Punch, Border Punch, Corduroy Brad, Re-Inker, Blending Pen, Markers

Cake and a Nap

I'm slowly replacing my stash of birthday cards that is almost empty.  This card features a House Mouse stamp and is colored with my new Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  I so looove these markers!   The colors are deeper and brighter tones of the pink, aqua and neutral shades from the CR84FN52 color challenge.  The sketch is from Merry Monday Challenge 1 that was posted in January.  I turned it on it's side to fit the stamped image.  This is another card that I made the background from DP scraps that I cut in 1/2 inch strips.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Eat Your Cake and Nap Too - House Mouse
Paper:  WW, Bermuda Bay, Regal Rose, DP
Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Markers, Hodge Podge Hardware, Ribbons, Cuttlebug, MS Ribbon Punch, Nestabilities

Cutie Patootie Birthday

This card is a combination of 3 challenges:  SCS Sketch 383, Color Throwdown 187, and SCS Clean & Simple 167.  I am so behind on the list of birthday cards I need to make.  The combination of these 3 challenges instantly formed this card in my mind.  The design of this card is perfect for a little boy, however I don't have any little boys in mind who have birthdays coming up in the next couple of months.  My youngest niece, Little Munchkin, will be turning 2 early next month so I may make a card like this for her using more girly colors.

One note about this sketch, I love it!  It noticed that it is similar to other sketches that I have used and I love all the layering of colors.  

Recipe:

Stamps:  Fox & Friends, Party this Way, Riveting - all SU

Paper:  WW, Chocolate Chip, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, DP

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Creamy Caramel

Accessories:  Twine, Button, SU Markers, Circle Punches, Lacy Ribbon, MS Balloon Punch

Simply In My Thoughts

The SU retirement list is up and I realized that I have some stamps that are retiring that have not seen ink yet.  I wanted to make a card for one of the ladies at my Waterlilyz table who is going through some very difficult trials.  I used the Simply Soft set and a few 2010-2012 In Colors that are retiring.  I used SCS Sketch Challenge 382 and the color combo I came up with on my own.  The flowers were colored with SU markers.  You can find the SU retirement lists here and if you would like to purchase these products before they go you can connect to my online store here.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Simply Soft, Always in My Thoughts
Paper:  WW, Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride, Wild Wasabi, DP
Ink:  Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi
Accessories:  Circle Punches, Ribbon, Cuttlebug, Glimmer Mist, Stickles, SU Markers, Sanding Block

Get Well Wishes

My card making mojo has been in a slump for a few weeks but it did come out to play a little bit last night.  This card is way over due for a Water Lilyz friend who has been suffering from back to back physical ailments including a major surgery requiring a long rehabilitation.  This card is a combination of SCS challenges: Clean and Simple Challenge 165, Sketch Challenge 381 and Color Challenge 368.

Recipe:

Stamps:  Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant, Concord Grape, Garden Green

Paper:  WW,  Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant, Concord Grape 

Accessories:  Border Punch, Nestabilities, Sizzix Folder, Word Window Punch, Ribbon Punch, Stick on Gem, Markers 

Cherish

A friend recently got married and I made this card for her.  I used mostly SU products except that I used Nestabilities for the shape of the card.  It is hard to tell in this picture but I used Shimmer White as the front panel.  It really has a nice subtle glow to it.  I sponged the leaves and the flowers to give a little depth to the die cuts.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Baroque Motifs - SU
Paper:  Shimmer White, Wild Wasabi, Blushing Bride
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Blushing Bride
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Simple Flower Embosselit, Leaf Sizzlet, Cuttlebug, Pearl

Rainy Days

It's another rainy day on my night off so that means I can stay inside and be creative.  I tried something different by coloring on kraft cardstock with Prisma pencils.  I didn't like what I did with the background so I cut out Flopsy and his umbrella.  I'll keep playing around with this technique to see if I can get better at it.  The sketch is from last week's Split Coast Stampers Sketch Challenge 377 and it is entered into the Crafter's Companion Challenge 22

Recipe:
Stamps: Rainfall Flopsy - MFT
Paper:  River Rock, Concord Crush, Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake, DP - SU
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Ribbon, Prisma Pencils

Sweepie's 5th Birthday

So my poor craft room with all of it's paper, stamps, inks and various embellishments has been woefully ignored for a couple of weeks.  I had to wipe away a cobweb from the door handle.  We have had an uncharacteristically warm and beautiful beginning to March and this gorgeous 70+ degree sunshiny weather has lured me outside to play.  There are a couple of people I owe late birthday cards to and several other events coming that I have to make cards for.   One of which is my little niece Sweepie is turning 5!  Her favorite color is pink with a little bit of green.  Most of the cards I have made for her in the past have those colors.  Sweepie also enjoys her dance class that she goes to every week.  When I go to visit her she shows me the new steps she's learned.

I tried the easel technique for this card and I'm surprised at how easy it is.  Because it was my first time trying this technique I followed the instructions and made a 4x4" square card.  I would liked to have made it 5x5" but I don't have envelopes that size.  I colored the image with Sharpie and Bic permanent markers.  I don't have the budget for Copics and I have seen other people on the web use these to color.  The sketch is adapted from this one.  I used scraps of different DPs that I have to make the background.

Recipe:
Stamps:  Ballet Millie - MFT, Birthday Surprise - Verve, Happiest Birthday Wishes - SU
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  WW, Green Galore, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, DP - SU
Accessories:  Ribbon, Stick on Gem, Ribbon Punch, Nestabilities, Flower Bead

I'm a featured stamper!

No card to post today but I wanted to share that this card of mine was recently featured on the Flutter By Wednesday blog.  I'm now eligible to display this badge.

Each Wednesday Danni post a challenge that always includes a butterfly, angel or fairy.  I have participated in a few of her challenges because of my love of butterflies.