Welcome Baby for SIP Challenge 45

I had been wanting to create a card using a newsprint pattern paper, and while a baby card didn't seem appropriate, I decided to give it a shot.  So I created this card for SIP Challenge #45.

 I stamped my images onto the pattern paper, and I was careful to lightly watercolor with distress markers so the paper wouldn't pill. 

Now I know that ribbon is a bit on the outs these days, but I love a touch of ribbon on a card.  I do find that I use it less, but I can't give it up completely. 

I hope you find some time to create today! 

Supplies Used - Sweet Baby

Cardstock:  Close To My Heart

Pattern Paper:  Heartstrings from Close To My Heart

Stamps:  Cute Koalas from Close To My Heart

Dies:  Sizzix Framelits Fancy #4 Dies

Ink:  Close To My Heart, Versamark, Ranger White Embossing Powder, and Ranger Distress Markers

Ribbon:  Stampin' Up

Other:  Pretty Pink Posh Sequins

Muse Challenge #162 - Lucky Me

It's interesting to think about the elements of a card and how it inspires another card. 

Today I played around with the Muse Challenge - #162 to be specific.  Here is the Muse's card . . .

 

Now admittedly, my card is a bit different.  I was inspired by the flowers that were stamped and die cut with their white outline.  So I thought I would stamp my flowers with a white embossed outline, and instead popping my flowers with dimension, I would pop the entire panel. 

I used Inktense pencils to color my flowers.  I was also inspired by the script sentiment and was sure to include one of those.  

Always fun to play along.  I hope you can find some time to stamp. 

Supplies Used - Lucky Me

Cardstock:  Neenah

Stamps:  Bold Blooms from Essentials by Ellen

Dies:  Stitched Circle from Simon Says Stamp

Ink:  Versamark, Versafine, Ranger White Embossing Powder, Inktense Pencils (Derwent)

Ribbon: Stampin' Up

Other:  Sequins from Pretty Pink Posh

Curtain Call - Mr. and Mrs.

I was reminded by a friend that I was abusing my blog, as I hadn't posted anything new in a couple of weeks.  Indeed she was right . . . I have been super busy at work, and I had switched gears for a bit to work on some scrapbook pages that needed to go from my brain to a page protector.  I'll have to share a few of those down the road. 

So today I'm sharing a card that I created for Curtain Call's challenge, which was to keep it simple!  And man, was this card simple. 

I let the pattern paper do the work for me here.  The pattern paper had those awesome blocks of color separated by that shiny bold line.  So I just stamped my sentiments in Versamark, added some gold embossing powder . . . a few sequins . . . SIMPLE! 

I hope you find some time to create today! 

Cardstock:  Simon Says Stamp*

Pattern Paper:  My Mind's Eye Fancy That*

Stamps:  Congratulations from Simon Says Stamp*

Ink:  Versamark and Ranger Gold Embossing Powder

Other:  Sequins from Pretty Pink Posh

*from Simon Says Stamp May Card Kit

Year of Card Techniques Blog Hop - April - Shaker Cards

Welcome to. . .

It's month three of our year-long adventure into different card-making techniques, folds and paper crafting products. We hope you got the chance to hop with us in January for the emboss resist technique, in February for ink layering and in March for inlaid dies.  It's not too late to hop and comment.

If you missed January's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE.

February's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE.

March's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE.

This month we will be creating shaker cards and you won't want to miss the amazing and fun cards we have for you today.  We really love feedback, so please leave a comment on each of the blogs in today's hop. Each comment on the 12 hops throughout the year will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Blitsy.com gift certificate.

Now on with the projects.

My projects each have a little twist that is different.  I'll start with a shaker that I made using the same supplies as my Merry Monday card from last week, which you can check out here.   And here is the shaker using the same supplies . . . 

For this card I used a combination of confetti and some little die cut snow hats, one for each critter.  The nice part about these hats . . . they're too large to flip over and have the back side show, so they're a great option for shakers.  Just be sure they can't flip.   And keep an eye on that window size, because it is the negative image of a die that I'll be using in my fourth card. 

For my second card, I created both of my backgrounds, and used a sentiment within a die cut shape for my shaker window. 

I also used a combination of flower sequins, regular cupped sequins and beads.   

Card # 3 was similar . . . a die cut shape as my shaker . . . and this one is pretty tiny.

I used a mix of confetti and different sized cupped sequins to create this card.  I imagine that this is an irish mocha iced latte.   In the background . . . pattern paper. 

This next card  uses the die that was cut from the negative space of card #1.  I use all pieces . . . negative and positive.  For this ccard, the shaker is the popped window. 

And for this one . . . micro-beads.   The slide back and forth super fast and they remind me of an ice winter storm or a rainy day. 

And my final card . . . a see-through shaker card where the sentiment shows through . . .

So this one has a window sheet on both sides, so the sentiment that is on the inside of the card is showing through.  Here is the inside of the card . . . it's like a floating window. 

Just in case you get lost along the way, here's today's line-up. 

Theresa  -  http://scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com/

Sharon  - http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com/

Lisa  - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/

Jearise  -http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

Kim  - http://katydidcards.com/

Claudia  - http://www.claudiahenderson.blogspot.com/

Denise  - http://www.craftconfectionery.com/

Debbie  - http://pawstoscrap.blogspot.com/

I am the last stop on the hop, so on behalf of the entire Technique Team, I hope you were inspired to make a shaker card of your own. 

Happy crafting.  

Supplies Used -  We Wish You a Merry Christmas Shaker

Stamps:  Yuletide Birdies (Poppystamps)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), R39 Garnet (Copic)

Paper:  Solar White (Neenah)

Accessories:  Stitched Film Strip die (Pretty Pink Posh); Raspberry Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh); White Wink of Stella (Zig); Musical Note Sequins; Window Sheet (Graffix)

Supplies Used -  Happy Easter Shaker

Stamps:  Easter Hodge Podge Stamps (Lil' Inkers)

Ink:  Canary, Cotton Candy, Gypsy, Lagoon, Pear, Sorbet (Close To My Heart); Tuxedo Black (Memento), Versamark

Paper:  Solar White (Neenah); Daffodil Delight (Stampin' Up)

Accessories:  Springtime Mix and Summer Flower Mix Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh); White Embossing Powder (Ranger)

 

Supplies Used - Let's Venti

Stamps:  Oh Frappe (Essentials by Ellen)

Ink:  Cup O'Joe (Hero Arts)

Paper:  Solar White (Neenah); Switchboard (Pink Paislee)

Accessories:  Oh Frappe Dies (Essentials by Ellen); Window Sheet (Graffix); Copper, Sparkling Clear, Espresso, Sand Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh);

Supplies Used - Thanks Friend Shaker

Stamps:  Natural Beauties (Paper Smooches)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento); E18 Copper, YR68 Orange, R24 Prawn, R27 Cadmium Red, 0 Colorless Blender (Copic)

Paper:  Solar White (Neenah) and Licorice (The Stamps of Life)

Accessories:  Sparking Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh); Nail Art Beads

Supplies Used - Birthday Wishes Shaker

Stamps:  Birthday Flowers (Simon Says Stamp)

Ink:  Black Onyx (Versafine)

Paper:  Schoolhouse Red (Simon Says Stamp); Life in Color (Simple Stories); Solar White (Neenah)

Accessories:  Sequins (Studio Calico); Clear Embossing Powder (Ranger); Life in Color Stickers (Simple Stories); Window Sheet (Graffix); Postage Dies (Simon Says Stamp)

Christmas Carol for Merry Monday

This week's challenge at Merry Monday was to create a card using a Christmas Carol for inspiration. I needed some carolers to get the job done, so I found some feathered critters to help me out. 

My song was "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and I went with neutral colors for this card and only added a pop of red with those little, popped stocking caps and my red sequins.  I had lots of fun creating this card.  

Later this week I will be participating in a hop on shaker cards, and I will be creating a shaker card using this same  stamp set and these same little critters.  So stop by on Saturday for . . .

 I hope you find some time to create today. 



 

Supplies Used -  We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Stamps:  Yuletide Birdies (Poppystamps)

Ink:  Black Onyx (Versafine), Antique White and Poppy Red (Derwent Inktense Pencils)

Paper:  Desert Storm (Neenah) Licorice (The Stamps of Life)

Accessories:  Raspberry Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh); Clear Embossing Powder (Ranger); White Pen (Signo Uniball)

Hint of Spring at StampNation

It's hard to believe that my guest design spot at StampNation has come to my final card!

Wait . . . strike that . . . final guest design creation, but not my final card ever, and certainly not my last challenge card at StampNation, because I'll get to participate along with the membership again, which is just as fun.  And I can't wait to see who will be guest designing for the upcoming couple of months.

Here is a sneak peek of my card for this week.

Did you guess that the challenge theme has something to do with this new season that we've just entered into? Indeed it does.

I hope you will check out StampNation.  It's my favorite place for inspiration and craftiness.

It's been a fun and challenging time guest designing.

I hope you find to get all inky!  Cheers.  

Stencil It . . . CAS on Sunday

The challenge at CAS on Sunday was to use a stencil on your project.  I recently learned a lot about stencils in a class that we had a StampNation, so I was up for the challenge. 

I'm a big fan of black and white with a splash of color, and why not include a splash of three colors!  I love clean look of black and white.  And oh . . . that sparkle!

I hope you find some time to create today!  

Stamps:  Whole Shebang (Cas-ual Fridays)

Ink: Black Onyx (Versafine)

Paper:  Basic Black (Stampin' Up), Solar White (Neenah)

Accessories:  Friend Die (CAS-ual Fridays), Stitched Slopes and Hills (Simon Says Stamp), Embossing Paste and Stencil (Dreamweaver), American Crafts Pow Silver Paper; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (Stampin' Up); Peridot, Fairytale Fuchsia, Blue Lagoon, Sunshine Glow Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

Happy Easter - StampNation Challenge Day

Happy Wednesday!

Happy StampNation Challenge Day!

I created this card for StampNation's challenge this week, which was a photo challenge.  Here is a sneak peek of my creation . . .

And yes . . . it's a shaker card.  And if you want to see the full card, along with loads of craftiness, you'll have to check out StampNation.

You know I highly recommend it!  Check it out, because we would love for you to join us.
 

Legendary Card for Challenge Day at StampNation

It is challenge day again at StampNation . . .

 

And this week's challenge was related to Gone With the Wind.  A couple of members were apparently talking about the movie . . . some have seen it and some have not. 

And yes . . . not only did I see it, but I was obsessed with it.  Most inspiring was that green dress that Scarlet created from the draperies!  That was my inspiration for my card, and here is a little sneak peek. 

Click on the link above to check out StampNation.  I promise you will be glad that you did. 

I hope you find some time to create.  


Cheers!

MIX IT UP with Essentials by Ellen and Pretty Pink Posh

This month's Mix it Up Challenge was to mix Essentials by Ellen with Pretty Pink Posh . . . what an awesome combination. 

 I created my card with stamps and dies from Essentials by Ellen and with dies and sequins from Pretty Pink Posh.  And there are lots of layers . . .

Sometimes I make a card that I struggle with, and in the end I just fall in love.  This was one of them.  I love how this one came out.

Supplies Used -  Many Thanks

Stamps:  Bohemian Garden (Essentials by Ellen)

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Real Red, Tangerine Tango (Stampin' Up)

Paper:  Marina Mist (Stampin' Up), Solar White (Neenah), Vellum (Bazzill)

Accessories:  Many Thanks (Essentials by Ellen), Scallop Frame Dies (Pretty Pink Posh); Pumpkin, Marigold, Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

You Crushed This

I combined two challenges to create today's card . . . .

This is the sketch from My Favorite Things . . .

And it's the color combination from Color Throwdown . . . 

I just love my soda pop bottle!  

I hope you find some time to create today!
 

Supplies Used - You Crushed This

Stamps:  Soda Pop (My Favorite Things)

Ink:  Celery, Papaya, Mimosa (Avery Elle) and Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Paper:  Solar White (Neenah), Tangerine Tango (Stampin' Up), POW Silver (American Crafts), Clear Plastic Sheet (Graffix)

Accessories:  Double Dot Border, Bottlecaps, Soda Pop Bottles (Die-namics from My Favorite Things)

Technique Blog Hop - Inlaid Dies

It is already month three of our year long adventure into different card-making techniques,
folds and paper crafting products. We hope you got the chance to hop with us in January for the emboss resist technique and in February for ink layering. It's not too late to hop and comment. 

If you missed January's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE. 

If you missed February's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE.

This month we will be focusing on inlaid die-cutting and you won't want to miss the awesome cards we've got for you today. We really love feedback so please leave a comment on each of the
blogs in today's hop. Each comment on the 12 hops throughout the year will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Blitsy gift certificate.

Now on with my creations for this hop.  I started out slow and worked up to the more difficult of my four creations.  First up is this easy card that just had an inlaid sentiment in some silver POW paper from American Crafts.  

I will admit there is ease in using Sizzix adhesive sheets, but this was an easy card.  The sentiment on this is "Together, always by your side." 

My second creation looks a little easy, but I struggled a bit.

The inlaid pieces were the panels up top, but also the bottom panels with some space between for the sentiment.  Where did I struggle?  In placing my dies with the correct pattern papers so I got the right sides of those double-sided patterns.  Sounds simple, but I was at a crop with friends, and on Day 3 of the crop, I might have been a little exhausted. 

My third card started out one way, and ended up another.  I had intended to inlay the cage, but I felt it was important to keep dimension with the cage over the birds and the swing. 

So the birds were inlaid using pattern paper . . . the swing with Silver POW paper from American crafts, and than the cage was put over the top of the inlaid pieces.  Decisions, decisions!  But I do love the result on this one.  Those pattern paper bird were adorable. 

And then finally, the toughest of them all.  This one took me two tries.  I'm honest.  

The trouble was in lots and lots of little tiny pieces.  I literally had to throw the whole thing away and start from scratch.  The key for me was to cut from small to large - or at least that worked for me.  This one required some play . . . three dies . . . three colors of paper.  Triumph in the end. 

Have some fun with that one.  You'll ace it!  

Up next is Sharon!  


I most definitely hope you find some time to create today.  And I hope you create using some inlaid dies.  Here is today's line-up in case you get lost along the way

    Theresa  -  http://scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com/

    Lisa  - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/

    Jearise  -http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

    Kim  - http://katydidcards.com/

    Claudia  - http://www.claudiahenderson.blogspot.com/

    Denise  - http://www.craftconfectionery.com/

    Debbie  - http://pawstoscrap.blogspot.com/

    Sharon  - http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com/

Supplies Used - Together

Stamps:  February Card Kit Stamp Set (The Stamps of Life)

Ink:  Storm (The Stamps of Life)

Paper:  Marshmallow, Pattern Paper from February Card Kit (The Stamps of Life), and POW Silver (American Crafts)

Accessories:  Ribbon and Flower Jewels (The Stamps of Life February Card Kit)

Supplies Used - Congrats on Your Achievement

Stamps:  Springtime Wishes (Close To My Heart)

Ink:  Hero Arts Black

Paper:  Charlotte (Close To My Heart), Solar White (Neenah)

Accessories:  More Stitched Edges (My Creative Time), Springtime Wishes Dies and Bitty Sparkles (Close To My Heart)

Supplies Used - You Are My Sunshine

Stamps:  birdcage2stamp and February Card Kit Stamp Set (The Stamps of Life)

Ink:  Hero Arts Black

Paper:  February Card Kit Stamp Set. POW Silver (American Crafts) and Marshmallow Cardstock (The Stamps of Life)

Accessories:  Birdcage Dies, Ribbon, Twine, and Flower Jewels (all from The Stamps of Life)

  

Supplies Used - Be Merry

Paper:  Desert Storm (Neenah), White Pines Paper Kit (Close To My Heart)

Accessories:  Holly Jolly Greetings (Stampin' Up), Bitty Sparkles and Stickers (Close To My Heart), Pretty Bold Letter (My Creative Time)

House Mouse for StampNation Challenge

It is challenge day again at StampNation, and if last week's creations were any indication, we are going to see some amazing creations this week too.

So here is a sneak peek of my card for the challenge . . .

I am a huge fan of the "house mouse", and this one is just adorable.  That poor little guy getting a big bandage on what would appear to be a tummy ache.

If you want to see the full card, I highly recommend you check out StampNation.  It is my favorite crafty place.  There's forums, learning, videos, a gallery of member creations, challenges, lessons, events . . . and did I mention the awesome friendship and camaraderie?  AMAZING!

 

Cheers . . . and I hope you find some time to create.  

 

Challenge Day at StampNation

It is challenge day at StampNation . . . my most favorite crafty place ever.

 

And yes, I will repeat myself and say that is the most amazing community of crafty people ever.  Let me give you an example, or two . . .

• When members have personal challenges, such as difficult times or have ill family members, our prayers are abundant for one and other.  This community of crafty people is so truly caring.  

• When I posted recently about how I went out on a limb and went for a job opportunity that was a true long shot and succeeded in getting the job, my "secret sistah" (a group of us all have secret sistah's that we send special cards to throughout the year) didn't skip a beat in noticing and sending a congratulatory card my way.  And it was a beauty!  I have no idea who she is, but her talent is astounding. 

And that's over and above the tutorials, challenges, gallery, lessons, etc.

And here is a sneak peek of my challenge card for this week.  The challenge was black or white.  Man was this a tough one for me.  I typically use both, so I struggled.

I hope you find some time to create, and if you get a chance, check out StampNation.

Cheers!