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!

House of Cards July Challenge

Hello everyone!

How have y'all been?  It seems like it has been FOREVER since I've made anything crafty.  It also seems like I haven't been online much either.  I guess working two jobs, volunteering with my church group, helping with Sunday school and getting my daughter ready to go to college will do that. lol  I feel awful that this post is so late.  It was supposed to go live on July 1st, and here I am on the 17th, finally posting it.  I'm thankful and blessed to be part of such a wonderful group over at HOC.  They're kind, and patient, and very understanding.  I'm hoping to back off of so many hours at the second job, so that I can have more crafty time.  I feel the need to do that.

Anyway, onto this months challenge over at House of Cards.  This month you're challenged to create a card using food and/or drink, or the colors in this photo.

I couldn't find anything with food or drink, so I went with the colors.  I also decided to go with darker versions of these colors, so that I could use some patterned papers I've had in my stash that I really love, but haven't used yet.  Here is my card.

I love how this turned out, considering it's been ages since I've made anything.  For some added interest, I did some multi media stuff on the background panel with some embossing paste, silver ink splatters and white text stamping.  I also have more layers and "stuff" on this card than is normal for me.  I'm not sure where I was going when I first started this card, but this is where it ended up.  I'm going to send this to a great friend, who is always so amazing.  Hope she likes it.

Well, that's all for me.  I do hope you'll head over to the HOC blog to see all of the lovely creations everyone has made this month.  As always, they're absolutely beautiful!  If I don't make it back before August 1st, I hope you'll stop by then, to see what fun challenge will be posted next month. :)

Take care my friends!

House of Cards June Challenge & Blog Hop

Hi everyone!  

Can you believe we are at the end of our fifth term at House of Cards?!  Unfortunately we are saying a fond farewell to some of our DT members and fortunately we are so happy to have those staying on.  To say goodbye and thank you, we're celebrating with a blog hop! 

This hop will run FROM June 1ST AT 6:00 AM CST THROUGH June 15TH AT NOON CST,  ANY CARD STYLE is welcome and we've got a gorgeous photo inspiration for your crafting enjoyment!

***PRIZE WINNERS FROM THE BLOG HOP WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE 20TH OF JUNE.***

***CARD WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT MONTH ON THE 15TH, AS PER THE USUAL HERE AT HOC.  THANK YOU!***

Please email Mynn at onastampageATgmailDOTcom if you have any other questions!  And now...

Here is the photo inspiration~

And here is my card.

So, are you ready to get hopping?!  We've got some fabulous sponsors to share with you!  Make sure you leave a comment at each person's blog along the way because the prizes are hidden and we'll be doing random drawings from the blogs where they are hiding!  After you're done, make a creation to share with us here, too, for another chance to win!

Here's the hop order, in case you didn't get to start at the beginning.

HOC Blog | Mynn | Sue T. | Cohenna | Donna | Dotty Jo | Em | Emily 
Heather | Jane | Judy | Karen | Katarzyna Ewa  | Katy | Leslie | Linda

Merethe | Merlina | Michele | Paula | Rocky | Rosi | Ruza

Shawna | Shirley | Steph | Sue N. | Susan | Tina | Toni

Now get to hoppin'!  Your next stop is Sue's blog!  Don't forget to link up a project with us after completing the hop for an extra chance to win a mystery prize from one of our fabulous sponsors, too!  

Stay crafty my friends!

House of Cards May Challenge

Hello!

I'm so late getting this posted.  By the time I got my card finished yesterday, it was too dark to get a photo.  I volunteered to babysit for a couple at church, and didn't get home until late, and then had to be up early to help with the two year olds at Sunday school this morning.  A nap sounds great, right about now. lol

This months challenge at House of Cards is clear papers.  You can use vellum or acetate, or anything that is transparent.

 
Here is the card I made.

I waited until the last minute possible to get my mom's card made for Mother's Day this year.  I've been so busy, that I actually had to schedule it into my week this week. lol  The weather has been awful, so I wouldn't have been able to get a good picture anyway.  I've kept this one simple too.  You can see the beautiful chevron patterned paper underneath the vellum, and I wanted to keep it that way.  I love this patterned paper!  I'm sure my mom will be happy with it also. She's my biggest fan.  

Anyway, sorry this post is so short.  I have things to do, and need to get them done before tomorrow, because my supervisor will be out all week.  I hope you'll head over to the HOC blog to see what gorgeous cards my friends have made for you this month.  Hopefully, you'll get the chance to join us for this months challenge. :-)

Take care!

House of Cards April Challenge

Greetings y'all!

Happy Friday!  How has your week been?  I'm so glad the weekend is here.  I sort of get to sleep in tomorrow, and Sunday, and will try to relax as much as possible.  I'm volunteering at our local food bank tomorrow morning, and doing some house work, but that's pretty much it.  The weather has been a bit rainy this week, but this weekend is supposed to be awesome.  Maybe I'll see if a friend wants to go for a walk at Tyler State Park.  I should try to take advantage of the great weather, before it gets too hot and humid.

I can't believe it's the first of April already.  This year is going by so quickly, youch!  Since it is the first of the month, the next challenge at House of Cards has been posted.  This months challenge is to incorporate script and/or the colors in the inspiration photo below.  It's such a pretty picture, and the colors are so very spring.

Here is the card I created.

I tried everything, but couldn't get a picture where the script stood out any more than it does.  I think the ink I chose was a bit too light, to get a good picture.  There really is script on this card though.  The cover up and the sentiment panel both have script on them.  I love the gradient of colors these two distress inks created when I blended them together.  I can't say it enough, but I think distress inks are my favorite.  They always look amazing!  I added a small bow and popped everything up on foam tape for added dimension, then called it done.  I'm going to send this to my mother.  She's awesome.

That's all for me today.  I'm off to start my chores, and hopefully make it outside for something fun.  I do hope you'll head over to the HOC blog to see the cards that are posted for you.  As always, they're pretty spectacular.  Since this challenge is a month long, hopefully you'll get to play along.  I'd love to see what you create.

Stay crafty my friends!

   

Just Us Girls Challenge #334: Trend Week

Hello hello!

How was your week?  Were you able to get crafty?  It's been pouring like crazy here, all week.  We've had several flash flood warnings, and I feel like I should be taking a boat to work, rather than driving. lol  The nasty weather outside though, has made it easy to stay inside and make pretty stuff.  It looks like I'll get caught up on lots of stuff indoors this weekend.

It's Saturday, which means there is a new Just Us Girls challenge posted.  How exciting!  I love their challenges, and am still shocked to be their guest designer this month.  This week is a trend week: Shaker Card.

And here is the card I made.

I've really been trying to step outside my comfort zone this year, to try things that I wouldn't normally try.  I believe my style is considered clean, classy and elegant, but for this card I went with cute.  I LOVE how Nichol McGourick creates all of those adorable cards, and I was hoping to try my luck at one of them.  In all, it turned out pretty adorable.  I think I'm going to put my clouds on the inside of the frame next time though, to add different layers of dimension.  I added a bit of foam tape behind my clouds also, so that some of the sequins would "land" in those areas and stay there.  Looking at the picture, I think you get what I'm talking about.  I've had this beautiful WPlus9 stamp and die set in my possession for over a year, but this is the first time I'm using it.  *sigh*  I feel like I have tons of stuff that never gets used.  I think it may be time to challenge myself to use anything that hasn't ever been used or purge it. lol  I'm going to send this card to one of my best friends who is in need of some cheering up.  I think she'll like it. :-)

So that's all for me today.  I'm going to clean my place, do laundry, and work on prepping meals for the week.  I will also probably catch up on a few shows on Netflix and watch a couple movies.  It's going to be a great, relaxing weekend for me.  I do hope you'll head over to the Just Us Girls blog to see all of the amazing projects posted today.  Oh my gosh are they wonderful!!

Have a great weekend!

Just Us Girls Challenge #333: Word Week

Hiya!

Thanks for stopping by today.  How's your weekend going?  Are you able to get some crafty time in?  I have plans to head out on a hike with some friends from work, since it's going to be a gorgeous day today.  I'm LOVING the warm Texas weather!  Fortunately, I got some time to play with my crafty stuff during the week, after work.  

I have some exciting news to share with y'all.  Last month I was chosen as Chic of the Week #328, at the Just Us Girls challenge blog, and I was invited to be their guest designer for the month of March.  I was completely shocked, but I'm super excited!  I hope you'll join me for this month's challenges.  This week is a word week: Flowers.

 Here is the card I made.

I've had this Vintage Roses stamp set from Altenew forever, but this is the first time I've used it.  I love the definition of the flowers, and I am going to have to play around with them more often.  I used my Wink of Stella clear glitter pen on the flower, and it's so sparkly and pretty in real life.  I stamped my sentiment in VersaFine Onyx Black and embossed it with clear embossing powder, to add a bit of texture.  Once I was done, I used my Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles dies to cut it out and add it to the stamped background panel, also cut out with one of the stitched rectangle dies.  Once I had my card put together, I added a couple of Pretty Pink Posh sparkling clear sequins, and called it done.  I love all of the white space, and the pop of color.  I'm hoping the recipient of this card enjoys it.  I'm excited to combine the following challenges into my card too.

Curtain Call Challenge: Key Lime (I was inspired by the colors)
Sparkle & Shine Challenge #25: Inspiration Photo
Simon's Monday Challenge: Take A Leap Into The Unknown (I used a new, to me, layered stamp set/technique)
Try It On Tuesday Challenge: Feminine & Fancy
Time Out Challenge #51: Easter and/or Spring

That's all for me today.  I am hoping you'll get a chance to check out the other cards that are posted today.  They're absolutely gorgeous!!  I'm also hoping you'll get the chance to join us for this weeks challenge.  You have until 9pm on Thursday, March 10th to join us.  I cannot wait to see what you create with all of those gorgeous floral stamps that you have, itching to be inked up! :-)  

Have a wonderful day!

What's In It?
Paper:  Neenah Solar White
Stamps:  Altenew Vintage Roses, WPlus9 Pretty Peonies, MFT Garden Flourish Background, Verve Beautiful
Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black, Studio Calico Lemon Zest & Going Green Dye Ink, MFT Lemon Chiffon, Orange Fizz & Gumdrop Green Dye Ink, Simon Says Stamp Green Leaf Dye Ink
Accessories:  Simon Says Stamp Detail Clear Embossing Powder, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles Dies, Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling Clear Sequins

Pile It On Challenge #102

Greetings!

How are y'all doing this weekend?  Have you gotten the chance to get crafty?  I have to admit that I haven't stayed indoors much lately.  The weather in East Texas this week has been absolutely gorgeous!  We've been in the 70's, with lots of sunshine and the perfect amount of breeze. *happy sigh*  I am trying to enjoy every minute of it, as I'm headed back to Michigan on Monday, for more work training.  I see the highs there next week are only going to be in the 30's, with more snow on Thursday and Friday.  Bleh.  I will be happy to return, after my training is done. lol

It's time for another Pile It On challenge.  Our challenge this week is to use paint.  We also have a lovely sponsor, Doodle Pantry.  The winner will get to pick 3 digi's of their choice, from the shop.

 Doodle Pantry is honoured and excited to be sponsoring Pile It On!  We have a nice variety of all styles of digital images at the shop  from the whimsical to realistic. If you've never worked with digital images before we also have a full freebies page! We look forward to seeing what everyone creates this week. We also invite you to join our Challenges.

Here is the card I made.

I needed a masculine birthday card for a friend, so I wanted to challenge myself to create one for this challenge.  And who says you can't send a guy a shaker birthday card? lol  I stenciled the stars onto the base panel, with white paint.  I then created my shaker part, and glued it on.  I finished with a couple of stars and a vellum sentiment.  Easy peasy, and I like how it turned out.  I hope he enjoys it. :-)

I'm going to submit my card for the following challenges:

Seize The Birthday:  Birthday
Stamp, Ink, Paper Challenge# 35:  Sketch
Addicted To Stamps & More Challenge #181:  Anything Goes
Fab & Funky Challenge #292:  Male Birthday
Simon's Wednesday Challenge:  Shake It Up
The Male Room Challenge #29:  Monochromatic
Time Out Challenge #50:  Photo Inspiration (I loved the text and colors in this photo)
Friday Mashup Challenge #243:  Birthday & Use Stencils

So that's all for me!  I'm off to church, then going to this cute little fruit and vegetable market with one of my friends.  I'm excited to get some fresh fruit before I head off on my Michigan adventure.  I hope you'll get the chance to play along with this challenge.  Don't forget, you now have two weeks to join us.  I hope y'all have a great week!

Hugs!

Pile It On Challenge #101

Hello friends!

I hope you've had a great weekend, filled with crafty goodness.  It was another beautiful weekend here in East Texas, so I took full advantage to do as much as I could outdoors.  I went for a walk with a friend, checked out the local farmers market, and spent some time exploring downtown Tyler.  It was a great time, and now I'm ready to watch the Super Bowl this evening.  Go Broncos! :-)

There is a new Pile It On challenge posted for you today.  The new challenge is to create your own, handmade, embellishments.  Here is the card I made.

I'm trying to keep it within the CAS style again.  I like how this turned out, but feel like it's missing something.  I may add to it later, but for now, I'm ok with it.  I made my butterfly for this card.  I started by embossing on some watercolor paper, and then using distress inks to add the colors I wanted.  I cut them out with these beautiful butterfly dies from MFT, and layered them together.  I popped up the wings a bit for more dimension, and added a pearl to finish it off.  I will add this to my stash of Valentine's I'll be sending out this year.  I dig it!  I was excited to combine the following challenges in my card too.

Retro Rubber Challenge #131: Feel The Love (Red, White & Pink)
Try It On Tuesday Challenge:  A Fine Romance
Card Concept Challenge #48:  Sweet Hearts (Photo Inspiration)
Simon's Wednesday Challenge:  Have A Heart
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #284:  Love
Aud Sentiments Challenge #148:  Use A Love Sentiment
Cute Card Thursday Challenge #411:  In The Pink
Time Out Challenge #49:  Inspired By The Lyrics
Alphabet Challenge:  Y Is For You Choose
Fab Friday Challenge #80:  Real Red, Watermelon Wonder, Blushing Bride (I tried to get as close as I could, with what I have)
Friday Mashup Challenge #242:  Valentine
Just Us Girls Challenge #329:  Valentine

That's all for me today.  I hope you'll head over to the PIO blog to see what the other designers have created for you.  I love everyone's cards.  They're all beautiful!

Have a great week!

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

Pile It On #96 - Fancy Folds

Hi ya'll!

I hope you're having a great weekend, filled with lots of indoor crafty time.  It snowed here on Friday, and we got about 10 inches.  What a great time to stay indoors! lol  My mom made a huge pot of veggie beef soup, and some homemade apple dumplings, while I put together a couple of crafty projects.  My daughter had to work yesterday, but the snow was already melting, and the roads were pretty clear.  She made it with no issue.  I'm glad to be moving back to Texas, before this stuff becomes more frequent, and permanent.  Whataburger, here I come too! lol

Since it's Sunday, there is a new Pile It On challenge posted.  This challenge is to create a project with fancy folds.  Our sponsor this week is Fresh Brewed Designs, and the winner will receive 3 digi stamps of their choice. 

To be honest, I struggled a lot with this challenge.  None of the previous cards I created turned out well, at all.  After three attempts, here is the most decent of them all. 

And here are a couple more pics, so you can see the folds.

 

I know that the recipient of this card will enjoy it, but I think I need to create more cards with different folds, so that I'm more educated on making them.  I don't think I've ever made a card that wasn't traditional.  The addition of this adorable Fresh Brewed Designs digi, and those gorgeous Pretty Pink Posh gold sequins were perfect.  I also added some clear Wink of Stella to my pumpkin, for some additional sparkle.  In all, I think I did ok.  I'd like to submit my card for the following challenges.

Simon's Monday Challenge:  Thanks/Thanksgiving 

Addicted To Stamps #171:  Anything Goes

Color Throwdown #369:  Rusty Orange, Warm Burgundy & Pear-like Green (I tried to get as close as I could)

Aud Sentiments Challenge #145:  Anything Goes With A Sentiment

CAS-Ual Chic #5:  Precious Metals (I have gold sequins on my card)

The Friday Mashup #235:  Let's Be Thankful & Sketch (my loose interpretation)

I do hope you'll head over to the PIO blog, to see the other beautiful cards that are posted for you.  As always, they're pretty amazing!

Have a wonderful day!

 





What's In It?
Paper:  SU! Whisper White Cardstock, Green, Kraft & Orange Cardstock, Bo Bunny Apple Cider Patterned Paper
Stamps:  Fresh Brewed Designs The Great Pumpkin, Simon Says Stamp Handwritten Greetings
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Old Paper Distress Ink, Clear Wink of Stella, Copics: YR12, YR15, G40, G43 & E74
Accessories:  Pretty Pink Posh Gold Sequins, Spellbinders Large Smooth Circles & Large Big Scalloped Circles Dies, MFT Stitched Scalloped Edges Dies

CASE-ing Christmas November Challenge

Good day!

How's everyone doing?  I created this post a few days ago but rather than hit publish, I must have just saved it.  On top of that, I've been out of town, and didn't realize it until it was brought to my attention.  Sorry to my friends at CASE-ing Christmas for being late this time! 

This month we are CASE-ing a beautiful card made by Donna.  Check it out!

And here is the card I made.

I chose to keep the layout the same, but went with a different color combo.  And yep, you're seeing things correctly, I went with traditional red and green this time.  I love the simplicity of this design, and how the snow sparkles a bit, thanks to the Stickles I added to each snow drift.  It had been a LONG time since I'd added a bow to any of my cards.  I struggled a bit to get it perfect, but love how it turned out.

I do hope you'll head over to the challenge blog to see what my friends have created for you this month.  As always, they're all pretty fantastic.  Don't forget, you have until the 30th to play along, and there is a prize to be given away to one lucky participant.  Christmas is not that far away, so hopefully you'll get the chance to play along, and add another card to your stash.

Have a wonderful day!

 





What's In It:
Paper:  SU! Whisper White Cardstock, Dark & Light Green Cardstock (sorry I don't remember by who)
Stamps:  Verve Holiday Phrases
Ink:  MFT Wild Cherry Hybrid Ink
Accessories:  Simon Says Stamp Stitched Slopes and Hills Dies, MFT In & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangles Dies, MFT Tree Lines Dies, Stardust Stickles, Pretty Pink Posh Red Chevron Twill Ribbon

House of Cards November Challenge: Stamped & Cut Window Technique

Good day!

How has your weekend been?  I hope you've been able to get some crafting done.  This weekend has been another crazy one around here.  Today my daughter turns 19, so we've been celebrating all weekend with a house full of teenage girls, tons of movies, a trip to the haunted house, and cupcakes (along with lot of other food). lol  I'm going to sleep SO well tonight!

I'm a bit late today.  I can't lie, I forgot to create my posting for today.  There's a new House of Cards challenge posted.  This month our challenge is a technique challenge called the stamped and cut window technique.

Here is the card I made for this challenge.

I wanted to keep this simple.  I stamped my focal panel and then die cute out the parts that would be added after I popped it up with dimensionals.  I added some twine and some gorgeous Pretty Pink Posh sequins, and called it done.  I think I did ok with this technique.  I like how it turned out.  I think I'll try it again, to see if I can do a better job with it though.

I'm going to submit my card for the following challenges:

Color Throwdown #366:  Rust, Aqua & Gray
Simon's Wednesday Challenge:  Anything Goes
Freshly Made Sketches #210:  Sketch
4 Crafty Chicks #270:  Anything Goes
Can You Case It #93:  Fall Edition (I chose fall colors)

So, that's all for me today.  I'm off to make waffles, which is what the birthday girl asked for, and then we're starting another movie marathon.  I do hope you'll head over to see what my friends have created for you this month.  As always, they're pretty fantastic.  You have until the 30th to play along.  That's a whole month to get your craft on! :)

Have a wonderful day!

What's In It?
Paper:  Neenah Solar White Cardstock, MFT Sno Cone Cardstock
Stamps:  CAS-ual Friday's Loving Thoughts, Hero Arts Graph Background Stamp
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, MFT Sno Cone Hybrid Ink, Simon Says Stamp Fog Dye Ink, Wild Honey Distress Ink
Accessories:  Spellbinders Small Smooth Squares Dies, Jillibean Soup Twine, Pretty Pink Posh Aquamarine Sequins

Pile It On #92 - Cute or Spooky

Hello!

It's been a while since I've posted anything crafty, so I'm excited to do so today.  It's been a CRAZY month, to say the least.  We've wrapped up all of our college visits, visited Kansas City to see the Broadway play Wicked, went to the zoo in Omaha, and had senior pictures taken yesterday.  Whew!  I'll be excited to have some down time.  That won't come for another couple weeks, as her birthday is next weekend and then mine is the following, but I'm trying to enjoy every last minute that I can with my girl.  I'm happy, and excited, and sad and much more emotional than I thought I'd be.  How is it that I'm almost an empty nester, when just yesterday I brought her home from the hospital?!  Goodness, how time flies!  *sigh*

With today being Sunday, the new Pile It On challenge has been posted.  This week's challenge is Cute or Spooky.  We're sponsored by Sami Stamps, and the winner will get a digi of their choice.  Here is my card.

I think it's cute and a little spooky.  You can ask anyone who knows me, I dislike spiders, with a passion.  I though this flower image was perfect for the challenge this week.  I colored it with my Copics and SU! Blendabilities, and added some sparkle with my Wink of Stella clear glitter pen.  Here is a close up, so you can kinda see it.

I think it's lovely, in real life.  It's very sparkly, and I didn't have to worry about using glitter, which I also dislike with a passion. lol  Once I was done coloring, I chose some Halloween themed papers and used some of my favorite dies.  This card came together quite quickly, and turned out exactly how I had pictured it in my head.  Love it when that happens! I'm going to submit my card for the following challenges:

Sami Stamps #30: Anything Goes
Mojo Monday #420: Sketch
The Challenge #47: Inspiration Photo
Stamp, Ink, Paper #19: Tic Tac Toe (I chose sequins, Halloween & patterned paper)
Addicted To Stamps #167: Make Your Mark
4 Crafty Chicks #269: Happy Halloween
Cute Card Thursday #369: Anything Goes
Fusion Challenge: All Hallow's Eve
Time Out Challenge #42: Inspiration Photo
Card Mania #73: 1 digi, 2 patterned papers, 3 embellishments

I do hope you'll head over to the PIO blog to see what my friends have put together for you this week.  They're all pretty awesome.  Maybe your schedule will allow you to join us for this weeks challenge too.


Have a wonderful day!

What's In It?
Paper:  MFT Black Licorice Cardstock, Neenah Solar White Cardstock, SU! Pumpkin Pie Cardstock, Pebbles Tricks and Treats Patterned Paper
Stamps: Sami Stamps Spooky Flower 2, Winnie & Walter Moonlight
Ink:  Mister Huey's Tannenbaum, SU! Blendabilities Pumpkin Pie & Old Olive, Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen, Copics: YR12, YR15 & G43
Accessories:  Maya Road Natural Twine, Recollections Orange Paper Flowers, Pretty Pink Posh Silver Sequins, MFT Stitched Jumbo Fishtail Banners Dies, MFT Blueprints 20 & Blueprints 21 Dies

MHK Designs October Release: Pumpkin Jack

Greetings friends!

I am back with another MHK Designs release project.  It's been so much fun seeing what's posted, using this months sets, and I have a feeling I'm going to be purchasing quite a few more now. lol  To visit the MHK Designs Etsy shop, click HERE.

The last set I got to work with this month was Pumpkin Jack.  Here is my card.

I think Jack is really adorable.  He's got kind of a rustic/vintage look and was very easy to color.  I paired him with some of the MHK Designs digital papers, and think he looks pretty darn cute.  For added interest, I embossed the flourish over the digital background paper.  I love the touch of gloss this gives the background, and it also adds just a bit of something to the whole card.  In all, I'm digging this card.  I think this set will be great for creating my Halloween cards I'll be sending out this month.

You should check out the MHK Designs Facebook page, and also stop by Mynn's blog for a chance to win something fun.  There is tons of inspiration posted this month, and I'm sure you'll have fun visiting everyone, to see what they've created.

Have a wonderful day!

   





What's In It?
Paper: Gray, Purple & White Cardstock, MHK Designs You've Been Spotted: Rustics & Well Suited Digital Papers
Stamps: MHK Designs Pumpkin Jack, Hero Arts Design Block Flourish Background Stamp
Ink: VersaMark, Copic Markers: YR12, YR15, YR68
Accessories: MFT Zig Zag Stitched Circles Dies, Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangles Dies, Pretty Pink Posh Mossy Green Sequins

MHK Designs October Release: Butterfly Wisdom

Hello everyone!

This is my second post today.  To view my House of Cards post, please scroll down.

Welcome to the October release at MHK Designs!  There will be lots of beautiful projects posted, so we hope you'll be inspired.  Mynn has really put together some wonderful digi stamp sets for this month, which I wasn't surprised about.  Her stamps are really beautiful.  To visit her Etsy store, click HERE.

The first set I got to work with this month is Butterfly Wisdom.

Mynn sure knows me well, huh? lol  Here's what I created with this set.

 
When I first saw this set, I knew I wanted to use this butterfly.  I also knew that I wanted to keep the card somewhat simple, so that the image and sentiment were front and center.  I embossed the main panel with white embossing powder, and then added the main focal panel on top of that.  I printed the butterfly twice, so that I could do this...

I cut out the top wing, and added it to the main image, so that I could pop it up a bit.  This gives my one flat image more dimension.  In real life, it looks beautiful.  I love how this turned out!  Once my card was put together, I added some Pretty Pink Posh sequins, and was done.

We now have an MHK Designs Facebook page.  There will be lots more inspiration posted there, throughout the month.  You can visit our group HERE.  And one more thing.  Mynn will be giving away one of the sets from this months release, to one lucky person.  All you have to do is comment on any of the release posts on her blog.  You can visit by clicking HERE. 

I'm hoping you'll head over to Mynn's Etsy shop to see everything.  She's also got many beautiful digital papers you can choose from.  I will be back soon with my next project for this month's release.

Have a wonderful day!

 





What's In It?
Paper: SU! Whisper White Cardstock, Neenah Desert Storm Cardstock
Stamps: MHK Designs Butterfly Wisdom, SU! En Francais Background Stamp
Ink: VersaMark, Mr. Huey's Opaque White, Copics: B000, BG01, BG07, E74, E79
Accessories: MFT Zig Zag Stitched Ovals Dies, Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangles Dies, White Embossing Powder, Pretty Pink Posh Aquamarine Sequins

House of Cards October Challenge: Add Texture and/or Color

Yola!

How was your weekend?  Were you able to get lots of crafty time in?  How's the start to our week?  My weekend was pretty great.  The temps have cooled off significantly, and I feel like I've got lots of energy and creative mojo working.  This was my last weekend to work the part time job, for a few weeks.  We've got lots of stuff planned this month, starting this coming weekend.  My daughters birthday gift this year is tickets to see the Broadway play Wicked, in Kansas City.  We're super excited!  The weekend after that we're on our last college visit, the University of Nebraska, and then the weekend after that we have senior pictures and the Art Club sponsored Haunted House at school.  My daughter is the President of the Art Club, so this mama gets to spend all weekend helping at school.  I love it though.  Halloween is one of my favorite times of year, and I love seeing all of those cute, adorable kids in their costumes.  Whew!  Talk about a lot of activity!  I will be taking a much needed nap the final weekend of the month. lol

Anyway, onto why you're visiting today.  There is a new challenge posted at House of Cards.  This month the challenge is to use colors and/or texture from the inspiration photo.

Such a great fall inspired photo.  I love the texture from the gourds too.  Here is what I created for this months challenge.

I wanted lots of white space, so I could add pops of color from the inspiration photo.  I also used a stencil and embossing paste, to create my textured background.  I die cut the word Hello from Simon Says Stamp, five times, and layered them on top of each other for more dimension.  For a bit more added interest, I added some silver twine under the sentiment, and called it done.  I love how this turned out!  It was almost exactly how I pictured it in my head, and I know the recipient will love it.  She loves lots of texture.

I'm going to submit my card for the following challenges:

CAS Colours & Sketches:  Sketch #143 (my loose interpretation)
Inkspirational Challenge #92:  Fall Themed Inspiration Photo
Less Is More #243:  Something Shiny (my twine is metallic and is shiny)
Addicted To Stamps And More #164:  CAS
Simon's Wednesday Challenge:  Anything Goes

I'll be back soon with another something crafty.  I hope you'll head over to the House of Cards blog to see what my friends have created for you this month.  Don't forget, you have until the end of October to join us, so hopefully you'll get to play along.  I'd love to see what you do with this months inspiration photo, and visit your blogs to leave some love.

Have a wonderful week!

What's In It?
Paper:  Neenah Solar White Cardstock, SU! Pumpkin Pie Cardstock, Hunter Green Textured Cardstock
Ink:  Fossilized Amber Distress Ink
Accessories:  Embossing Paste, Silver Twine, MFT Blueprints 20 & 21 Dies, Simon Says Stamp Painted Hello Die, Simon Says Stamp Circle Dots Stencil

Pile It On #86 - Birthday

Hola amigas!

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend, filled with crafty goodness.  I have been pretty busy, but I managed to get some time to myself and catch up on a few cards, and bible journaling pages.  My daughter had things to do, and and it was chilly outside, so that made perfect conditions to stay in my craft room.

Since today is Sunday, there is a new Pile It On challenge posted.  This week's theme is Birthday.  We are sponsored by Craftin' Desert Divas this week, and the prize they're offering is 4 bags of CDD sequins.  Who doesn't love sequins?!  Here is the card I made for this weeks challenge.

 
I really dig how this card turned out.  At first I wasn't too sure about the flourish, but as I look at it now, I like it.  I was hoping to create somewhat of a sunset over the beach kind of background, and think it turned out pretty close.  It's almost like looking out of a window, now that I think about it.  Either way, I love it, and will be sending this to a dear friend who lives on the West Coast.  I hope she likes it.

I'm going to enter this for the following challenges.

Virginia's View #18: Geometric Patterns
Happy Little Stampers CAS September Challenge: Colouring (I hope coloring with water colors counts)
Sunday Stamps #109: Inspiration Photo (Teal, Yellows, Orange & White)
Addicted To Stamps #161: Anything Goes
Freshly Made Sketches #203: Sketch (My interpretation)
Card Concept #39: Inspiration Photo (I was inspired by the colors)
Pals Paper Arts #267: Crushed Curry, Pool Party & Tangerine Tango (I tried to get as close as I could, with what I had)
Seize The Birthday: Anything Goes

That's all for me today.  I'm off to spend time in my craft room again, and hopefully get more stuff done.  I hope you'll head over to see what my friends have created for you over at the PIO blog.  As usual, they're all pretty awesome.

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: SU! Whisper White & Daffodil Delight Cardstock, Neenah Silver Cardstock, Tim Holtz Watercolor Paper, Vellum
Stamps: SSS Happy, MFT Grid Background Stamp
Ink: VersaMark, Staz On Teal Blue & Jet Black, Distress Inks: Scattered Straw, Spiced Marmalade, Peacock Feathers & Mermaid Lagoon
Accessories: Detail White Embossing Powder, Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Rectangles Dies, Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Banner Duo 2 Dies, MFT Stacking Stars & Simple Leaf Flourish Dies