House of Cards August Challenge

Hola!!

Wow, look at me!  Posting on time this month. lol  I have scaled back some of my hours at the part time job, and I've rearranged my priorities.  I'm thankful for the Lord, and his guidance.  This has allowed me to take a step back, and look at the "big picture".  I now see that I was wasting valuable time, doing unnecessary things, and stressing myself out.  So glad, and relieved, to be back on track with how I'm supposed to be doing things.  Funny how He has a way of reminding us that he's in control, huh? :)

It's the first of the month (can you believe it's AUGUST already?!), which means there is a new House of Cards challenge posted.  This month we are challenged to use at least three of the colors below, and/or include twine.

And here is my card.

I really struggled with the colors this month.  I know I've said this before, but I'm not a huge fan of pink.  There wasn't enough purple to go that route, so I did some digging and found these beautiful My Mind's Eye papers, in my neglected stash.  They coordinate beautifully.  I have a friend who absolutely loves pink, so I'm sure she'll love this card.  I was excited to get to join a few challenges this time.  It's been a while since I've participated in any of them.  I'm going to submit this card for the following ones:

Alphabet Challenge:  K is for Kindness
Freshly Made Sketches #247:  Sketch
Simon's Wednesday Challenge:  Anything Goes
Just Us Girls Challenge #354: Girly

I'm off to get ready and head out, for another crazy work week.  Fortunately, we are done with all of our month end closing stuff, so this week should be less hectic, and calm.  Fingers crossed anyway. lol  I hope you'll head over to the HOC blog and check out the other beautiful cards that are posted.  The girls never cease to amaze me at their gorgeous submissions each month.  *happy sigh*

Stay crafty my friends!

Just Us Girls Challenge #336: Photo Week

Hiya!

How's your weekend, so far?  I hope everyone had a great week, and were able to get crafty.  I am thankful that the craziness is over, and I got to relax a bit this week.  Unfortunately, my R&R will be short lived.  I have been given several work projects, and will be mostly MIA for a while.  I will try to get some stuff made, as time allows though.  Fortunately, as you read this, I am out and about having a great wonderful time exploring with a friend who is visiting for the weekend.  I'm going to take advantage of every opportunity I get, to do fun things. :-)

So there is another Just Us Girls challenge posted today.  This week's challenge is: Photo Week.  The photo inspiration this week is beach themed, and so lovely.  It's a little bittersweet for me.  I've had a great time guesting, but this is my last week to be featured.  Here is the beautiful photo we got to work with.

And here is the card I created.

I was hoping to create something more "beach" looking, but for the life of me, I couldn't find any stamps or embellishments that were beach themed.  I then decided to pick a few colors and elements from the photo, and created a nautical, masculine card.  I love how this turned out.  I love the white on kraft, and will be using this again, with other stamps.  I'm excited to have another card to add to my stash.  Never know when someone will need it.

That's all for me today.  I hope you'll head over to the Just Us Girls blog to see what beautiful cards are posted.  They're nothing short of awesome, as always!  Hoping you'll get a chance to join in the fun this week too.

Have a great weekend!

 

House of Cards March Challenge

Welcome!

How are y'all doing?  It's been a crazy week for me at work, and it's only Tuesday. lol  Since I was in training all last week, this week is catch up and month end.  I'm sure it'll all get taken care of, but until the weekend, it's going to be very busy.  As I'm typing this post, I'm finding it hard to believe we're in March already.  Wasn't it Christmas just yesterday? lol  Time continues to fly by, and all we can do is watch. 

Since it is March 1st, it's time for a new House of Cards challenge.  This month's challenge is Silhouette. 

Here is the card I made.

I was aiming for a CAS look, again, and think it worked out pretty well.  I love how these inks from Avery Elle blended together.  I used Pixie and Mint To Be.  Once I was done blending the inks, I added my silhouette flowers and the sentiment.  I splattered on some white Mister Huey's and a few Pretty Pink Posh sequins, and I was done.   I'm excited to combine the following challenges in my card:

Addicted To Stamps & More #182:  Make Your Mark
Color Throwdown #381:  Pink, Light Green & Kraft (this challenge is now closed, but I still loved the color combo)
Freshly Made Sketches #225:  Sketch (my loose interpretation)
Simon's Wednesday Challenge:  Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday #414:  Florals
Crazy 4 Challenges #325:  Spring

I hope you'll head over to the HOC blog to see what the other DT members have created for you.  As always, they're pretty fantastic.  And don't forget, you have a whole month to join us!

Stay crafty my friends!

Pile It On Challenge #99

Hey ya'll!

It's been a chilly, rainy weekend here in East Texas, which made it perfect for staying indoors.  I had to work for a bit yesterday, but afterwards, I cleaned my place up and then got my craft on.  I have to admit, I did have issues trying to figure out what to make.  I've been on hiatus for long enough that my mojo was missing for a bit.  Since I had been itching to make something, I was disappointed that my card didn't come together that easily.  Hopefully, I'll get to make stuff more often, so that I get back into the swing of things.  I'm sure it's just like riding a bike, right? :-)

Since today is Sunday, there is a new Pile It On challenge posted.  There is a slight change this year, as we will now be posting every two weeks, instead of every week.  We're hoping that gives people more time to join us.  The challenge this week is to use something on your card that begins with the first letter of your first name.  I chose sequins.  Here is my card.

I am trying to tap into more of my CAS side this year.  Lots of white space with small pops of color seem to appeal to me more and more these days.  I'm hoping that with practice, I'll be able to get better at it.  I'm sure the recipient of this card will be thrilled, as one of her favorite colors is red.  I'm going to submit my card for the following challenges...

Inkspirational Challenge #99:  Thank you & Use Something New (the thanks die and hearts die are new)
Simon's Monday Challenge: Something New
The ABC Challenge: Y Is For Your Choice (anything goes) 
The Card Concept #46: Inspiration Photo
Fab & Funky Challenge #286: Something New
Simon's Wednesday Challenge: Something New
Aud Sentiments Challenge #146: Thank You
CAS(E) This Sketch #154: Sketch
Just Us Girls Challenge #325: Metallics (the silver panel and my red hearts are metallic)

I do hope you'll head over to see the other cards that are posted.  They're fantastic!  Since our challenge is now two weeks, I'm also hopeful you'll be able to join us.

That's all for me.  I'm off to church, then lunch with friends, before I come home to make more stuff.  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Hugs!

What's In It?
Paper: SU! Whisper White Cardstock, DCWV Red Foil Cardstock, DCWV Silver Shimmer Cardstock, Simple Stories Snap Color Vibe Patterned Paper
Accessories: MFT Blueprints 20 Dies, Memory Box Thanks Word Die, Memory Box Mini Heart Collection Dies, Avery Elle Winter Collection Sequins

XOXO

Greetings!

How's your weekend going, so far?  Ours has been nice, and relaxing.  My daughter was very sweet, and woke up early this morning, to cook me breakfast.  She said that even though I'm physically her mom, I'm her mom and dad in most ways, so she wanted to do something nice for me on Father's Day.  What a sweet girl I have!  Our movie theater marathon was fantastic yesterday, although, I don't think we'll do that often.  By the middle of the third movie, we were kind of tired of sitting in the same chairs.  They're comfortable, but you know. lol 

I feel like I'm on a crafty roll this weekend.  I have another card.  Three days in a row is almost unheard of for me these days.  Here is the next card I have to share with you.

I have these gorgeous MFT Cover Ups sitting in my stash, and I had been wanting to use them.  So, I decided last night was time to do just that.  I love how this turned out, and again, decided that less is more.  For a bit of added interest, I touched up the petals of my flower with my clear Wink of Stella pen.  It's so pretty in real life.  I can't wait to send this to my friend.  I know she'll love it.  I'm going to submit this for the following challenges.

Papertake Weekly: Oh So Pretty
The Card Concept #37: Butterfly Effect (Inspiration Photo)
Fusion Challenge: Sketch & Inspiration Photo

I'm off to make more stuff.  I hope you have a wonderful day, celebrating the fathers in your lives. 

Hugs!

What's In It:
Paper: SU Whisper White Cardstock, MME Collectable: Notable Patterned Paper
Stamps: Art-C Butterflies, Our Daily Bread Designs Be Mine
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, Salty Ocean Distress Ink, Clear Wink of Stella
Accessories:  MFT Jumbo Dot Cover Up, Art-C Butterfly Dies, Recollections Mulberry Paper Mini Roses, Avery Elle Caribbean Blend Sequins

Word Art Wednesday #169 - 1 Corinthians 16:14

Hi ya'll!

I'm SO excited to have you visit me today!  I know that I've been talking about something very exciting for me, that starts this month, and I'm happy that I can finally share.  This month I am the guest designer over on the Word Art Wednesday blog.  I am so thrilled to be joining these amazing women for the month of February!  I've loved their weekly challenges, and have made it a goal to join them more often this year.  I think this is a fantastic way to start!  I'd like to send a huge Thank You to Karen, for allowing me to be a part of these challenges.

As always, these challenges are Anything Goes, with the option to use their word art files.  This weeks sponsors are:  Verses Rubber Stamps ($20 in product), My Craft Spot (free stamp set), Imagine That Digital Sponsor (3 images of choice). 

The verse chosen for this week is 1 Corinthians 16:14.  I love this verse, as it's very near to my heart.  I try to do as He would, by giving and helping others.  I'm kind, and caring, and I give unconditionally.  Not just to people I know, but to everyone.  I want to lead by example, so that my daughter will also live her life in this manner.  I feel as if doing for others is becoming less and less popular, unfortunately.  I'm hoping that as long as she and I can continue to show kindness to others, I will have accomplished one of my goals, and other people's lives will have been touched.


Here is what I created for this weeks challenge.

I really liked THIS sketch from Cardabilities, and wanted to use it, even though it's from weeks ago.  I seldom use circles on my cards, and I rarely use orange, so I wanted to challenge myself use both.  I love the contrast of the light blue against the bold orange background paper.  I also love those delicate Memory Box dies.  They're beautiful.  I think I have just about every die they make on my wish list these days. lol   

I do hope you'll head over to the Word Art Wednesday blog, and see what everyone else has created for you today.  I can't wait to see what you create! 

Blessings!

What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Carstock, SU! Whisper White Cardstock, Papertrey Ink Kraft Cardstock, Bazzill Peach Textured Cardstock, Orange Polka Dot Patterned Paper (old paper from my stash), Light Blue Graph Patterned Paper (also from my stash)
Stamps: 1 Corinthians 16:14 Word Art File
Ink: Mister Huey's Opaque White, Sakura Clear Stardust Pen
Accessories: Simon Says Stamp Stitched Circles & Stitched Rectangles Dies, Memory Box Whimsy Circle & Lorelai Leaf Outline Dies, Avery Elle Dotted Banner Die, Martha Stewart Small Butterfly Punch, Freckled Fawn Aqua Glitter Dew Drops

Thanks For Being Awesome!

Hi y'all!

It's a gloomy, foggy, rainy Thursday here and I've got one of the worst sinus infections I think I've ever had.  I'm working from home today, but did get time to snap a quick pick of a card I made last night.  Here is what I created.

My friend Rochelle and I had been talking about all of the crafty stuff we own, but weren't using.  So, we decided we were going to challenge ourselves to make something last night, no matter what (operation #getchacrafton).  I have to say that even though this is simple, I love how it turned out.  I can't remember the last time I wet embossed anything, or if I've ever embossed on black cardstock. lol  I really think it looks pretty cool, as the white pops against the black.  I hope to try this again.  I will be entering this into the following challenges.

Cardabilities #109: Sketch (my loose interpretation)
Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge: Burlap Banner
Simon's Wednesday Challenge: Use Kraft

I'm off to do some more work, and hopefully rest a bit.  I hope everyone is having a great week, so far, and will get lots of crafty time to make stuff this weekend.

Hugs!

What's In It?
Paper: Papertrey Inc Kraft Cardstock, SU Basic Black Cardstock, MME Cut & Paste Flair Patterned Paper, MME Lost & Found Heirloom Patterned Paper
Stamps: Verve "Being Awesome"
Ink: Avery Elle Pure White Pigment Ink
Accessories:  SU White Embossing Powder, Simon Says Stamp String of Hearts Die, Freckled Fawn Blue Glitter Enamel Dew Drops

You Color My World

Happy weekend ya'll!

I hope everyone is off to a great start to their weekend.  I am SO thankful to be done with my week of SQF/HACCP training, and think I absorbed enough to pass my test this coming Wednesday.  Crossing my fingers! 

We had tons of reading to do to keep up with the class, that I barely got time to make anything last week.  I was super exhausted last night, so I was in bed by 10pm.  At 2am, I was wide awake with an idea, and so I got up and made the following card.  I really love how it turned out.

It turned out exactly how I pictured it in my head.  Sometimes you just have to go with those random ideas when they hit, huh? lol  After looking at this photo, I think that I may add a couple of sequins.  It would add just a little bit of something.  I used the colors from this weeks Pals Paper Arts challenge (#215), and think they look fabulous together.

I'm off to Google bakeries in the Dallas area, so that I can schedule an appointment to try to get our wedding cake picked out.  If anyone knows of a good one in that area, please let me know!  I lived there for years, but I never had a reason to order a cake before, and could use the help. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: SU Whisper White, Basic Black & Strawberry Slush cardstock, SU Vellum cardstock, Green Polka Dot patterned paper, Black Chevron patterned paper,
Stamps: Reverse Confetti Dream In Color
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, Avery Elle Lemon Grass pigment ink, SU Strawberry Slush Stampin Write marker
Accessories: May Arts Natural Twine, Hero Arts Hues Black Gems, Labels 10 Nestabilities, Simon Says Stamp Full Card Hexagons die, Memory Box Lorelai Leaf Outline die

Guidance

Hi!

Today's post is going to be short and sweet.  I am running a bit behind, because I overslept, and I forgot to schedule this post. lol  I'm becoming more and more content with my CAS cards lately.  Here is another I made to share with all of you.

I really wanted the sentiment to stand out, and be the focal point on my card.  I do believe I have achieved what I was attempting.  I love this sentiment, and I remind myself everyday that I need to continue to do this.  I'm entering this card in the following challenges.

Word Art Wednesday #143: Anything Goes
Case This Sketch #87: Sketch (w/additional challenge to add a tag)
Just Us Girls #252: Ribbon
Cupcake Inspirations #272: Mint, White & Gold

I hope everyone has a great week.  I'll be back soon, hopefully, with another card to share.

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: Papertrey Ink Kraft cardstock, SU Whisper White & So Saffron cardstock
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Sentiment Collection 3, Hero Arts Graph & Large Canvas Stripes background stamps, 7 Gypsies NottingHill
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, VersaMark, Scattered Straw Distress ink, Simon Says Stamp Mint dye ink, Sakura Stardust Pen
Accessories: Avery Elle Gift Tags die, SU Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Martha Stewart White Lace

Just For You

Hi!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend, so far.  The day started off with my daughter and I joining my coworkers, in the local Tall Corn Days parade, representing my company.  Tall Corn Days is a festival held each year, in celebration of the town's history.  There is tons of fresh sweet corn, and lots of activities for both adults and children.  We had a blast handing out candy, t-shirts and other items with my company's logo on them.  It was a nice morning also, so we didn't mind the 5 mile walk.  After the parade though, it got gray and overcast, and sprinkled for a bit.  Perfect time to make a card, right?  I thought so too.  Here is what I made.

I saw the most beautiful sunset not too long ago, and tried to recreate it on my card.  I just got some new Avery Elle stamps that were perfect for my idea.  The embossed cardstock is a very pale blue, although it looks almost white.  I randomly placed some sequins and gems, although I have the most difficult time making them look "random".  Anyone else have that issue? lol  I'm going to add this to my stash, and send it to someone special, when they need a pick me up.  I'm excited to participate in the newest Fusion Card challenge.  You can see the beautiful inspiration photo and sketch I used for this card, HERE.  I love it when ideas turn out almost exactly how you picture them in your head.

I'm off to use my time wisely, and try to get a couple more cards done before the concert tonight.  I hope everyone has a wonderful afternoon!

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: SU Whisper White cardstock, SU Very Vanilla cardstock, Bazzill Light Blue cardstock
Stamps: Avery Elle Bright Days, WPlus9 Damask Frames
Ink: Avery Elle Orchid & Pixie pigment ink, Tumbled Glass distress ink, Simon Says Stamp Smoke dye ink
Accessories: Smooth Circle Nestabilities, Musical Flourish embossing folder, Prima Laraine flowers, Simon Says Stamp Chantilly Crème sequins, Zva Creative Gems, Scalloped Heart Lace, Maya Road Twine

You Are My Anchor

Happy Humpday everyone!

I'm SO excited that today is Wednesday.  That means in just three days I get to sleep in.  As I mentioned before, we have a newly remodeled upstairs in our house, and with the new remodeled rooms, we all got new bedroom and landing furniture.  I didn't even realize how much I needed a new bed, until I got one.  OMG, do I love my new bed!!  I'm sure you can tell that if it were up to me, I would spend as much time as I could in my new bed.  Do any of ya'll feel the same about sleeping and new beds?  I love to sleep. lol

Anyway, onto today's card.

I needed a card for my best friend.  He's been my friend for many years, and he has always been there for me, unconditionally.  Since I hadn't made him a card in a while, I thought this was a perfect time to do so.  I think he'll love it, as he has a sailboat, and loves to be out on the water.  I tried to use the stencil to create a somewhat looking net.  I sponged on some distress ink and then added Mr. Huey's in dark brown to try to represent the dark specs in the sand and white for the surf.  Not sure I achieved what I was going for, but it still looks decent.  There are lots of new Simon Says Stamp and Avery Elle goodies on this card.  I {heart} new goodies!  I was excited to combine the following challenges in my card.

Wanna Sketch #18: Sketch
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge (7/21): A Mid-Summer's challenge (I chose nautical)
Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge #210: Sponging or Stencils (I have both)

Just an update, we have chosen a wedding date...12-31-15.  It was mostly his idea, and because this is the first time he's ever been married, I wasn't going to rain on his parade.  New Year's Eve is pretty cool for a wedding though, and we'll have more than one reason to celebrate each year.  Now, if we could just agree on the guest list and colors (yes, he's involved in everything!!). lol  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: Blue Shimmer cardstock, Bazzil Red cardstock, SU Whisper White cardstock, Fancy Pants "Nautical" patterned paper
Stamps: Avery Elle "Knotty"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, Copic Y28, Silver Uniball Signo pen, Ranger Scattered Straw & Old Paper distress ink
Accessories: Tim Holtz Honeycomb stencil, Studio Calico Wood Veneer Stars, Nestabilities