Congratulations

Hey ya'll!

I hope you've had a wonderful holiday weekend.  It's been nice, sleeping in the last three days, and spending time with family and friends.  The weather has been absolutely amazing here too.  So thankful for everything we got to do, and everyone we got to see this weekend. *happy sigh*

I was fortunate enough to get some time in my craft cave today.  Here is what I put together.

I've been hoarding this Lil Inker Designs ombre patterned paper, and was thrilled that it went with a couple of challenges I wanted to join.  I kept it simple, and love how it turned out, although I'm bummed that I got a small ink smudge in the top left corner somehow.  I was able to get most of it off, but it still looks kinda bad.  I was already done with the card when I noticed it, so I just left it.  Ugh.  What do you do when this happens?  

I'm going to submit this card for the following challenges.

City Crafter Week #268:  Nautical
Crazy 4 Challenges #293:  Monochromatic
Just Us Girls #300:  Congratulations
ShowCASe Your Style #18:  Inspiration Photo (Blues)
The Paper Players #252:  The Great Outdoors (sailing is done outdoors, hope this qualifies)
Pile It On #76:  Hot Fun In The Summertime (who doesn't like to go boating in the summer?)
Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #276:  Choose A Past Sketch (I chose sketch #274, my loose interpretation)

That's all for me today!  I'm off to grill some ribs, and finish the potato salad for dinner.  I hope everyone has a wonderful evening, and a great work week.

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper:  Neenah Solar White Cardstock, SU! Baja Breeze Cardstock, SSS July Card Kit Patterned Paper, Lil Inker Designs Ombre Stripes Patterned Paper
Stamps:  Simon Says Stamp Sailing, Mama Elephant Hustle, Clearly Besotted My Hero
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, WPlus9 Lake House Dye Ink, VersaMark
Accessories:  Detail White Embossing Powder, Silver Embossing Powder, SSS Sailboat Die

Thanks

Good day everyone!

I was up before daylight this morning, making sure my girl was fed and taken care of, before she was off to take her ACT's.  As the days go on, the more it's starting to sink in that I'll be an empty nester very soon.  I still stop to wonder where time has gone.  My baby is technically an adult, and headed into her last year of school, before moving on to college. *sigh*  I'm thankful that she's such a great person, with a good head and a big heart.  I know she'll go on to do great things.

Anyway, since I was up, I decided to participate in a few challenges.  I actually made two cards.  Here is the first.

I debated about whether or not to actually post this card.  I had an idea in my head, but it didn't quite turn out how I wanted.  And, I still suck at masculine cards. lol  This paisley stencil from MFT though, is awesome!  I can see many uses for it in the future.  I was excited about using my new Abandoned Coral distress ink too.  That baby had been sitting on my desk, unopened, for months.  I guess this card isn't too terrible.  I think it needs a little "something" though.  Maybe I'll come back to it at a later date and figure it out.  At least I've got another card for my stash.  I'm going to submit this for the following challenges.

The Challenge #38:  Coral, Navy & Kraft
Freshly Made Sketches #190:  Sketch
Bloggers Challenge:  For The Boys
Crazy 4 Challenges #290:  Masculine Cards

Below is the second card I made.

This card was a bit over a week in process.  I colored the image with my Copics (I know, right?! lol) while on layover in Dallas, a bit over a week ago.  This is one of the better coloring jobs I've ever done, so I wanted to use it.  I added a vellum sentiment, embossed in gold and some Pretty Pink Posh sequins, and called it good.  I love how simple it is, and how the image stands out.  These colors together are lovely as well.  I'm going to enter this for the following challenges.

Word Art Wednesday #187:  Anything Goes
Just Add Ink #266:  Pink Pirouette, Night of Navy & Gold
YNS Challenge #16:  Sketch & Color Challenge (I only used the sketch, manipulating it a bit)
 
That's all for me today.  I'm going to attempt to take a nap, and catch up on some crafty YouTube videos.  I wish all of you a great day!

Hugs!

 

You're The Bestest

Hello friends!

Happy Mother's Day!  After a chaotic week at work, I was blessed to be pampered by my lovely daughter, with a pedicure at our favorite spa.  She also cleaned the house all on her own, and made my mother and I breakfast this morning.  Sure do love my girl!  After weeks of long hours, and tons of weekend events, I was happy to finally get some time to be craft today.  Here is the card I made.

I really love the simplicity of this card, even with the layered flower piece.  The distressed cover up, and the ombre ink leaves are gorgeous.  I'm excited to finally use some of the goodies I'd accumulated, but hadn't had the opportunity to use.  If all goes well, I hope to have another something crafty for you this week.  We'll see how things go though.  I'm going to submit my card for the following challenges.

The Pink Elephant #297:  Appreciation/Thank You
City Crafter Challenge #260:  Mood Board/Inspiration Photo (I was inspired by the colors)
Papertake Weekly: Anything Goes
Simon's Wednesday Challenge: Let's Get Sentimental
Can You Case It #69:  Sketch (my loose interpretation)
The Paper Players #244:  Lost Lagoon, Sahara Sand & Pistachio Pudding (I tried to get as close as I could)

Stay crafty my friends!

 




What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White & Desert Sand Cardstock, Becky Higgins Project Life Grid Journaling Cards
Stamps: Reverse Confetti Love Blooms & Fancy Word Coordinates
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, Ranger Distress Ink: Tumbled Glass, Mermaid Lagoon & Cracked Pistachio, Hero Arts Mint to Green Ombre Ink
Accessories: MFT Stripes Cover Up, Clearly Besotted Small Geometric Rose Die, Simple Stories Enamel Dots, DMC Silver Thread

With Gratitude

Hi y'all!

I had some errands to run, so I took this afternoon off.  I'm still technically working from my cell phone, but at least I get to spend a little bit of time at home, so I can post my card. :-)

I wanted to join in on a couple more challenges, so here is what I put together last night.  I like it!

I have to admit, it's hard not to want to put a shaker on everything these days. lol  I think it's fitting for this sketch though.  I love the embossed vellum too.  I think it adds just the right touch.  There are lots of new, to me, goodies on this card.  And I am thrilled that my WPlus9 flowers turned out as well as they did.  Not bad for my first attempt, eh?  I will be dropping this in the mail for a dear friend, who is always there for me.  I hope she likes it.  I will also be entering this for the following challenges.

The Challenge #29:  Sketch
Butterfly Reflections, Ink: April Mood Board (dark blue, light blue, green and gold - inspiration photo)
Papertake Weekly: Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: April Shower and/or Spring Flowers (I went with flowers)

I'm off to get my taxes done (insert unhappy face), and then I'm going to take my daughter to dinner.  I will be back soon with another something crafty.  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Hugs!

What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Cardstock, SU! Baja Breeze, Pacific Point & Wild Wasabi Cardstock, MME Charmed Patterned Paper, Text Patterned Paper (sorry, I can't find who makes this), SSS Vellum
Stamps: WPlus9 Pretty Peonies, Clearly Besotted Say It In Style

Ink: MFT Berrylicious, After Midnight & Daffodil Hybrid Ink, VersaMark
Accessories: SU! Butterfly Punch, Freckled Fawn Blue Pearls, WPlus9 Chevron Texture Plate, Reverse Confetti Wonky Double Edge Scallop Die, SSS Stitched Rectangles Dies, Butterfly Reflections, Ink. Navy Blue & Mint Green Star Sequins, Pretty Pink Posh Marshmallow Seed Beads, Pretty Pink Posh Gold Sequins

Word Art Wednesday #172 - John 15:9

Welcome!

I'm so happy to have you stop by today.  I am always excited when Wednesday comes around.  It means there are only two days until the weekend, and this weekend I am hoping to have tons of fun crafting with some new friends.  When I moved here, I was sad to learn that there aren't very many people in my area, who are into papercrafting.  I haven't been to a crop in over two years, and until recently, didn't have any friends to craft with locally.  I bumped into a woman at our new Hobby Lobby, and we got to talking.  Next thing I knew, I was invited to a crafty gathering at one of her friends' homes.  I'm excited!

 I'm also excited to share another Word Art Wednesday card with you.  Sadly, this is my last card for them, as guest designer.  I had an amazing time, and everyone was so wonderful.  I am truly blessed to have been a part of their group this month.  As always, these challenges are Anything Goes, with the option to use their word art files.  This weeks sponsors are: Heart & Soul Rubber Stamps (2 mounted or 4 unmounted stamps of choice) and Deedee's Digis digital sponsor (3 images of choice).

Here is the card I made for this weeks challenge, with our verse, John 15:9.

I'm so excited to have been able to get a better picture of my card today.  Yay for sun!  I wanted to go CAS with my card, but still have fun with some bright colors.  I kept it as simple as I could, and love how it turned out.  I really wanted this weeks verse to be the key focus on my card again, and think I achieved this pretty well.  I added a bit of embossing, some sparkly butterflies (although you can't tell in the photo) and some beautiful Pretty Pink Posh sequins.  I am going to put this card with a few others, and send them to my sister.  I know she'll love them!

I do hope you'll head over to the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the other gorgeous cards that were created for today.  They're all amazing!

Blessings,

What's In It?
Paper: SU! Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Hello Honey & Coastal Cabana Cardstock, Aqua Polka Dot Patterned Paper
Stamps: Word Art File, Clearly Besotted With A Flourish
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen
Accessories: SU! Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, SU! Beautiful Butterflies Die, Sierra Scroll Embosing Folder (by Anna Griffin), White Pearls, Pretty Pink Posh Lemon Drop Sequins

Monochromatic Birthday

Hiya!

It was another freezing weekend here in NW Iowa, so I was excited that I didn't have any plans or errands to run outdoors.  Instead, I got to spend the weekend in my craft room, making stuff.  Here is the first card I have to share with you.

I absolutely love this card, although this is attempt #4.  I couldn't get the idea in my head, to cooperate with my hands. lol  Finally, I masked the oval and the butterflies in the center, for an easy (almost) one layer card, added some twine and flowers and was done with it.  It's my attempt to get more comfortable, and better, at the CAS type of cards.  I hope the recipient of this card likes it.  I am excited to combine the following challenges in my card.

Seize The Birthday: Birthday w/optional toppings of hearts and/or arrows (there are hearts on my butterfly wings)
Addicted To CAS #57: Mask
Papertake Weekly: Bingo - I chose blooms, free spot & ribbon (I used twine)
CASology #134: Monochrome
CAS(E) This Sketch #111: Sketch
Show CASe Your Style #9: Birthday

I'll be back soon with another something crafty.  I hope you have a wonderful week!

Hugs!

What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Cardstock
Stamps: Clearly Besotted Elegant Butterflies & Clearly Besotted Sweet Little Sentiments
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, Studio Calico Blush Crush Dye Ink, Ranger Spun Sugar Distress Ink, Copics: R46, R59, RV52 & RV55
Accessories: Spellbinders Large Smooth Oval Dies, May Arts Pink Twine, I Am Roses Paper Flowers

Word Art Wednesday #170 - Proverbs 10:12

Hello!

How's your week going?  I'm so excited!  Today is my Friday.  I am headed to Dallas tomorrow, to see R for Valentine's weekend.  I'm beyond happy!  Supposedly he's got something fun planned.   This is the first Valentine's Day we'll actually be together, in years, so it makes it extra special.  Guess we'll see what kinds of fun stuff we're going to do.

Onto today's Word Art Wednesday challenge.  As always, these challenges are Anything Goes, with the option to use their word art files.  This weeks sponsors are:  Mark's Finest Papers (free stamp set) and Crafty Secrets (digital sponsor)  

This week we are being inspired by Proverbs 10:12.  This is a great choice, in my opinion, because Valentine's Day is on Saturday and there is no doubt that love conquers all.  And, there is no deeper love than the love I have for Him.  Here is the card I made.

I printed the word art file on some patterned paper, and then die cut it out, using my SSS Stitched Rectangle dies (I LOVE THESE THINGS!!).  I've had this amazing chocolate striped ribbon in my stash for over a year now, and decided I needed to build a card around it.  This was my result.

I do hope you'll head over to the Word Art Wednesday blog to see what the other designers have created for you today.  They're nothing less than amazing...   

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs!

What's In It?

Paper: SU! Whisper White Cardstock, SU! Chocolate Chip Cardstock, SU! Bella Rose Patterned Paper

Stamps: Proverbs 10:12 Word Art File

Ink: Wink of Stella Clear Pen

Accessories: Simon Says Stamp String of Hearts & Stitched Rectangles Dies, Clearly Besotted Large Geometric Rose Die, Paper Studio Doddle Hearts Embossing Folder, Chocolate & White Striped Satin Ribbon, Doodlebug Design Pearl Bon Bon Assortment

With Sympathy

Hello friends,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  We had an amazing time this year.  R and Hulk surprised me by coming up the week before Christmas, and will be staying until after the New Year.  R never really confirmed he was coming, since he swore he would NEVER visit Iowa in the winter. lol I would have been a bit disappointed, but I would have understood.  The drive from Dallas to where we are is over 14 hours, and the weather in KS is usually quite scary around the end of the year.  He spoils me!  Although I'm sure he was not happy about the drive, he made my Christmas, and I am thankful that they made it safely.  I have been blessed beyond belief this year, and was glad that I was able provide an awesome Christmas for my family.  And even though the gifts aren't what we celebrate, it was cool to see their faces.

Unfortunately, one of my dear crafty friends lost her mother on the 23rd of December.  Her mother was a very strong woman, and won several bouts of cancer, before succumbing to it.  My heart breaks for my friend.  I know she was very close to her mother, and I can't even imagine how she must feel.  I cannot imagine  life without my mother, and am getting teary eyed just thinking about it.  We will keep my friend and her family in our prayers, and I will be here for her, in any way that I can be.

Here is the card I made for her.

 

My friend is a huge fan of the CAS style of cards, so I tried to make something that she would really love.  In this time of grief, I am hoping to send her a smile, even if it's only for a brief moment.  You can't tell in this photo, but the sentiment is embossed in silver.  I love the simple, yet gorgeous effect of embossing these days.  I was happy to find the following challenges, to help me pull my card together.

The Friday Mashup #190: Sketch w/Theme (my loose interpretation)

CASology #127: Light (I created a "sun" with my distress inks)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes

showCASe your style #5: Die Cut (I used my new SSS Stitched Circle dies)

I'm off to have some brunch (R is cooking), with everyone, and spend time with them.  I am hoping that once things calm down a bit, I will get some crafty time this evening.

Have a great Saturday!

What's In It?

Paper: SU Whisper White Cardstock

Stamps: Clearly Besotted Sweet Little Sentiments

Ink: VersaMark, Squeezed Lemonade & Mustard Seed Distress Inks

Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Circles, Pretty Pink Posh Amethyst Sequins

R

Hi ya'll!

For some reason this didn't go live at 7am, like I scheduled it.  I guess Blogger wasn't in the mood to cooperate with me today. lol  I am excited as today is my Friday, and we get Monday off for the holiday.  That's a whole 4 days that I get to sleep in.  I'm also super excited because R and Hulk will be here tomorrow.  I cannot wait to see them.  I have to be honest, even though I'm independent and strong willed, this long distance thing is hard.  I miss him more and more each day.  I'm thankful that we do get to see each other about every other month though.  And fortunately, my daughter keeps me busy.  I am also happy to be creating regularly again.  That's another fantastic distraction.

So here is the next card I have to share with you.

I'm not sure I (personally) could get any more CAS.  Look at all of that crisp, clean, white space.  It was very difficult not to add more stuff to this.  I had to walk away and put my supplies up, before that happened. lol  I know exactly who will be receiving this card, very soon.  I hope they like it as much as I do. :-) 

I'm happy to participate in the following challenges.

The Card Concept #17: Photo Inspiration (Be Inspired)
The Pink Elephant #265: Anything Goes
CASology Week #110: Letter (I chose a monogram as my interpretation)
Pals Paper Arts #217: Sketch

I don't think I'll have much to post over the next few days.  I do hope everyone has a safe, and happy holiday weekend.

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: SU Whisper White cardstock, Bazzil Yellow textured cardstock, SSSCK (August 2014) Yellow Floral patterned paper
Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Sketched Alphabet
Ink: Simon Says Stamp Smoke dye ink
Accessories: Clearly Besotted Small Geometric Rose die, Maya Road Natural Twine