FYI Challenge #46

Hello peeps!

It's the second Thursday of the month, which brings us our next FYI challenge.  This weeks photo are lovely Aspen trees.  Check it out!

I love Aspen trees!  They make me long for Colorado.  I was first introduced to them when I lived there years ago.  So, how are you inspired by the photo?  Here is what I came up with.

This card is also different than normal for me.  I wasn't really sure where I was going with, so I just gathered some supplies I wanted to use, and winged it.  I am happy with the result, but am not sure I like winging it. lol  I've also combined the following challenges in my card.

Kaboodle Doodles Challenge #171 - Use ribbon and at least one button. (I hope they don't mind I chose twine instead of ribbon this time)
Papertake Weekly - The Sound of Music
Use It Tuesday Challenge #55 - You Can't Touch This (I broke out the musical washi tape, and the blue and yellow patterned paper I had been hoarding.)

I do hope you'll stopy by and check out what my Lovelies have created for you today.  They're beautiful, as always!

Have a great day!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #45

Greetings y'all!

It seems like forever since I posted something crafty.  I guess it has been about 4 months, huh?  I haven't created anything, at all, in the past few months.  I'm still shocked that I have a card for you today. lol  Rather than rambling on about everything else, lets get to my card for today.

Here is the inspiration photo posted over on the FYI challenge blog.

Isn't it beautiful?!  I LOVE lighthouses!  I've never actually been to one, but I still think they're lovely.  And knowing why they were built in the first place is quite fantastic.  Below is the card I made, based on the photo.

I got out my distress inks again, and they worked wonders, as usual!  This is my first time using washi tape, and I'm quite happy with how it all turned out.  The colors in the photo I found to be quite masculine, so I rolled with it!  Unfortunately, my mother used up all of the sympathy cards I had in my stash, and she needed another.  Lots of people around here being called by the Lord recently.  May they rest in peace. 

I've combined the following challenges in my card as well.

The Pink Elephant #197 - Washi Tape
Kaboodle Doodles Challenge #169 - Brown & Tan
Craft Your Passion #160 - Well Read (use text)
The Paper Shelter Challenge #110 - Music
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Anything Goes

I hope that you'll head over to see what my Lovelies have created for you today.  They're more than fantastic!  This challenge is open until Wednesday, May 15th, so that gives you two weeks to join us.  We hope you'll give it a go!

On a side note, I leave you with a picture of my landscape as of yesterday afternoon.  It's May, why is there snow??!!!  *sigh*  I am seriously ready for the warm Texas weather I'm missing!

I'll be back soon with another something crafty.  I'm starting to feel that itch to create more. :-)
Hugs!

For Your Inspiration Challenge #37

Hola!

I can't belive how quickly time has passed since I last posted an FYI project.  We took a break for the last few months so that my designers could get their kiddos ready to go back to school, and so they could enjoy the holidays with their families.  It's the beginning of the year, and things are back on schedule with our challenges being posted on the first and third Thursday's of the month.  We will still be picking a favorite for each challenge, and showcasing their projects on the FYI blog.  Not too much has changed.  So, are you ready to play along with us again?  :)

Here is the inspiration photo for our first challenge of the year.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE. 

And here is my card, based on the photo.

This is the first card I made, after being on hiatus from crafting, for so long.  I'm not sure I totally dig it, but I do like it a little.  Unfortunately, with starting my new job, I wasn't able to pull together another card before today.  I guess it is kinda cute. lol  I'm going to enter this into the following challenges.

Kaboodle Doodles #152 - Anything Goes
Mojo Monday #264 - Sketch (my loose interpretation of it)
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Use It Tuesday #46 - 2013 (I need tons of Thank You's, the stamps and border punch on this card are at least six months old)
Heck of a Challenge January Challenge - Thank You
Natalie & Amy's January Challenge - Your Favorite Things (Nesties, Distress Inks, Paper Flowers)

Anyway, I do hope you'll head over to see what my Lovelies have created for you today.  Their projects are always so beautiful.  I'm sure you'll love my two new designers as well!

Have a great day!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #34

Hola!

It's been an interesting week, after being on vacation, and I'm glad it's almost over.  I almost feel like I need another week to catch up. lol 

I'm excited to bring you another FYI project.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I LOVE this photo!  The colors are gorgeous together, and I think the light and dark contrast are super fantastic.  It reminds me of an enchanted forest, although, I don't think I've ever really seen one on TV or anything. lol  Here is what I came up with for my card today.

Yep, those distress inks, love them.  I can't help but use them every chance I get.  I kept my card simple, as I didn't want to interfere with the background I created.  I love the way the red looks on the orange.  The pop of dark brown from the bow was just the right touch to include some contrast, like in the photo.  I needed a thank you for someone, and this is definitley going to do the trick.  I hope she likes it.

My Lovely Lotuses have posted some fabulous projects, as always.  I do hope you'll head over to check them out.  Maybe you'll get the chance to play along with us too!

Hugs! 

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #166

Hi there!

As you read this, I am headed to Austin with my mother and daughter.  We'll be there for the week, on vacation.  I can't tell you how excited I am that we all get to spend the week together.  I'm looking forward to lots of quality family time, hanging out by the pool, and eating lots of food.  I won't have my work cell phone with me, so I won't have to bother with anything work related for an entire week.  I love being on vacation!

I do have another Unscripted Sketches project for you today.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I stayed really true to the sketch this week, and opted not to add too much to it.  This is also for this weeks FYI challenge.  The colors and layers work well together, in my opinion, and I'm happy with my CAS results.

I do hope you'll head over to see what the other lovely women have created for you today.  They're pretty fantastic, as usual. 

Have a wonderful week!
Hugs,

FYI Challenge #31

Hello!

I hope everyone is doing well!  It's the first Thursday of the month, which brings us our next For Your Inspiration challenge.  For all of the details, click HERE.

This photo is one of my favorites.  I love the color blue.  Paired with this evening photo of the Coliseum, it's absolutely wonderful!  I love the architecture and the contrast of the bold colors, all together.  I'm wishing I were there to see it for myself.

I love how my card turned out.  This color combo is one of my favorites.  I used the Love Conquers silhouette digi from Bugaboo Stamps, colored with my distress inks and with a couple of pearls added.  I used some polka dot patterned paper, a doily and a bow and called it done.  I used THIS sketch, flipped on its side. 

Don't forget to stop over and see what my Lovely Lotuses have created for you today.  We're sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps, and there are some digis up for grabs too.

Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #159

Happy Saturday everyone!!

I'm so excited that today is Saturday!  It's been a rough week, and I'm super glad that I got to sleep in a bit today, and that I get to sleep in again tomorrow.  *happy sigh*  What are all of you up to this weekend?  Anything new and exciting?

Since it is Saturday, I have another Unscripted Sketches project for you.  There's a piggyback challenge this week, to use ink.  For this weeks sketch challenge, click HERE.

So, I definitely used ink on this card.  Tons of ink, to be exact. lol  I love the graduated colors on the main/sentiment panel.  This card also doubles as my FYI challenge card from this week.  For the details on that, click HERE.  I needed some thank you's for my coworker, so this will go into the basket for her.  :) 

I do hope you'll head over to see what the other US designers have created for you today.  They're very cool!

Stay crafty my friends! 

FYI Challenge #29

Hey ya'll!

I hope the week has been good to you.  I'm happy to say that it has been quite nice for me this week.  The first week of the month is usually nice and quiet.  Thank goodness!

I have another FYI project for you today.  Since it's the first challenge of the month, we have a new sponsor as well.  For all of the details, click HERE.

Here is the new inspiration photo.

I loved the contrast between the colors.  The different shades of greens and browns are fabulous.  I also like the sharp peaks in the back, set against the cloudy sky.  How awesome to be living on the plane, like those who've built houses there.  The waterfall is the perfect touch to a gorgeous photo.  Below is the card I created based on the photo.

I tried to include the textures as well as the greens and browns.  I paper pieced the digi image from Fresh Brewed Designs, and cut it out so that I could pop it up on dimensionals.  I wasn't sure what I was going to use this card for just yet, so I left it without a sentiment.  I dig it.  I have also included the following challenges in my card.

Crazy 4 Challenges #134 - Paper Piecing
Paper Sundaes #118 - Ribbon & Pearls
Stampin Sisters In Christ #137 - Include green
Freshly Brewed Challenge #94 - Tic Tac Toe (I chose buttons, Fresh Brewed image and patterned paper)

I do hope you'll head over to the FYI blog to see what gorgeous creations are posted.  They're all super fab!  As usual. :)

Stay crafty my friends!

FYI Challenge #27

Hey ya'll!

How's your week been?  Aside from some crazy weather here earlier in the week, mine has been pretty cool.  I'm waiting for some exciting news today.  Hopefully, I'll get to share that with ya'll soon. :)

It's the first Thursday of the month, which means I have another FYI challenge for you.  For all of the details, click HERE.  Here is the inspiration photo.

Wouldn't it be cool to be watching the storm roll in from atop that lighthouse??  Oh how I'd love to be there right now.  Such a cool photo.  Here is the card I made based on the photo.

It seems like I am grabbing my Distress Inks more and more nowadays.  They always have such a cool look to them.  They may be one of my favorite things right now.  I wanted a different shaped card, for added interest, this time.  I love how the yellow pops against the blue.  Two of my favorite colors together.  This card was pretty simple, and I love the sentiment.  It all came together quite nicely.

I do hope you'll head over to see what my Lovely Lotuses have put together for you today.  They're pretty wonderful, as usual. :)

Hugs!

FYI Challenge #25

Hello!

I apologize but I don't have a project for my FYI challenge today.  I do, however, have the inspiration photo to share with you.

Isn't it gorgeous?!  I absolutely adore this photo.  *happy sigh*

I hope you'll head over to see what my Lovelies have created for you today.  Maybe you'll be inspired and play along with us this challenge.  You can find all of the details HERE.

Hugs!

FYI Challenge #23

Greetings my friends!

I hope you've had a good week, and are planning on having an even better weekend.  Mine hasn't been too shabby, and tonight I've got something exciting planned.  I hope everything goes well. :)

I have our newest FYI challenge project for you today.  It's a bit out of my norm, but I like it.  We also have a great new sponsor, KennyK.  Here is a bit about them.

Digi and rubber stamps from KennyK are a fun and edgy way to add the perfect dose of attitude and style to all of your creations!

The creator, the artist, the man: KennyK is a NYC-born professional illustrator who has brought his funky-but-slick, urban-influenced look to the cardmaking and papercrafts world.  His signature style can be seen throughout his various collections of sexy pinup babes, sweet 'n sassy girls, cool rockin' dudes, kid’s stuff, retro characters and more at: KennyKDownloads.com. 

Kenny & Elena were gracious enough to allow us to use some of their digi's for our projects.  I do hope you'll head over and check them out.  Here is the inspiration photo.  For more details, click HERE.

Believe it or not, this is a church, somewhere overseas.  The reason I chose this photo is because of the architecture, and because it's a really cool looking church.  Here is what I came up with, based on the photo.

As mentioned, I don't normally do "cutesy", but this image had me swimming (haha, another pun) with ideas.  I'm glad I was able to get them onto my card.  It mostly turned out how I pictured it.  I love the little fish.  He's just the cutest!  I am going to give this to my friends son.  He's kind of having a rough time at school right now, so I hope this cheers him up. 

My Lovely Lotuses have created some fantastic projects for you today.  Of course, they're always fantastic, in my opinion.  You should head over to see which digi's they used, and what they came up with.

Have a great day!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #21

Greetings my friends!

How are ya'll?  Have you gotten the chance to play with some of your new goodies yet?  Slowly, I'm getting around to using some of my new crafty supplies, so I'm a happy girl. :)

I'm excited to bring you the next challenge at For Your Inspiration!  Since it's the first challenge of the month, this challenge is also sponsored.  We're blessed to be sponsored by the wonderful Wax Fruit Company!  If you haven't checked out this cute digi company, you must do so!  They have some beautiful images and papers.

All about me & the Wax Fruit Company...

I'm Arielle, I work full time and design in the wee hours of the morning. I was born in southeast Alabama, moved away to New Orleans a couple years & northern California for 5 & came back 'home' to settle down. I'm married to Jeff, truly the love of my life & we have 2 children - Alex (3.5 yrs) and Maisie Grace (2 yr). Life is so much more interesting and amazing through the eyes of your children!

I love to stamp & paper craft, and began digital scrapping this past year. But before that I was an artist (printmaking/painting/drawing) for fun and digital graphic designer by trade. Now I doodle around and make some digital stamps and sentiments here & there. I've been on a break the last couple months from image designing, but am looking forward to starting the new year with some brand new images!

And, here is the inspiration photo we were to work with.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I really liked the arches in this photo.  The window in the back, letting the light shine in on everything, is also beautiful.  It looks like everything is glowing in that area.  The old architecture of the balcony and archways are just stunning.  What a fabulous photo!

Here is what I came up with.

Arielle was super generous in allowing us girls to use some of her images for this challenge.  I chose Gammaw's Ornaments.  I printed them onto a couple different patterned papers and then pieced them together.  I added a bit of silver and a pearl, and was done.  I really like how this turned out.  I may just have to paper piece more often. lol

I do hope you'll head over to the FYI blog to see what amazing projects have been posted.  They're more than fantastic!

Back soon with another crafty project!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #20

Hello everyone!

I apologize that I am so late in posting this, but it's been crazy, and I totally spaced it off.  I know, bad Steph! lol

Here is this weeks inspiration photo for Challenge #20 at FYI.

I love this photo!  It's hard not to believe He exists with breathtaking sights such as this.  I apologize I don't have a card to share today.  I will get something posted soon though. 

I do hope you'll head over to the FYI blog to see what my Lovely Lotuses have created for you today.  It's the last challenge of 2011.  We will be returning on the 5th of January, which means you have three weeks to play along this time.  We do hope you'll get the chance to join us.

Have a great day!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #18

Hi everyone!

So, in the craziness that is my life these days, I completely spaced it off and forgot to create something for FYI challenge #18.  I will probably post something later, if time allows. 

I may not have a project to share, but I didn't want you to miss out on seeing the inspiration photo.  Check it out!

My gosh, it's absolutely breathtaking!  The magnificent sunrise (or sunset), the texture and sharp edges of the rocks, the brilliant colors, how you can see for miles from this point, all amazing.  After finding this photo, I have come to realize that maybe I need to prioritize some things in my life so that I can see these kinds of places with my own eyes.  Life's short and I don't want to miss anything.

Please, please, please head over to the FYI blog to see what my Lovelies have created for you today.  I must admit, they've outdone themselves.  Absolutely stunning.  Click HERE for this weeks challenge.

Have a great day!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #16

Hello everyone!

It seems as if I just can't get it together this week.  I was late with my CCC post on Sunday and now I'm late with my FYI post today.  I guess that's how life goes sometimes. lol

Here is this weeks inspiration photo.  I love how the colors they added make the forest look magical and almost fairy tale like.  Such bright colors always make me happy.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

Here is the card I created using the photo. 

Sorry for the darker than normal photo.  I was in a rush to get a picture this morning, and this was the best I got. lol  I really like how my card turned out though.  I'm going to add it to the pile of cards I will be taking to my office on Monday.  It's time to sell some of them and make room for more.  I do hope you'll head over to the FYI blog to see what my Lovely Lotuses have created for you today.  They're fabulous, as usual. 

I'm off to Austin for an extended weekend with my sister and brother in law.  I wish everyone a great day!
Hugs! 

FYI Challenge #15

Greetings everyone!

I'm so excited!  We have another amazing inspiration photo this challenge, and another fabulous sponsor.  This challenges sponsor is none other than the adorable and hilarious Bugaboo Stamps. 

You really should head over to check out their online store.  They have so much to choose from, and some absolutely wonderful stamps.  You can visit them HERE.  They were kind enough to provide each of us with some images to use this challenge, and they are offering 7 free digis to one lucky participant.  Talk about generous!

So, here is this weeks inspiration photo.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I love this photo for several reasons.  First, the colors are very eye catching, all of them.  You're not just drawn to one color, but all of them equally in my opinion.  Next, the textures are gorgeous against those colors.  Lastly, it's a cathedral.  I love old cathedrals.  They're always so beautiful and rustic.  I would love to attend services in a place that looked like this.  Wouldn't you? :)

And now, I give you, my card.

I used a Wee One image from Bugaboo stamps and am quite happy with how my card turned out.  I did struggle a bit, trying to figure out how to incorporate such a cute stamp with a photo that's very elegant looking.  I woke up on Sunday morning and had an idea, so I went with it. lol  Once I started gathering what I wanted to include in my card, things just sort of fell into place.  I wound up using last months SFYTT as it fit what I was looking for, design wise.  I know exactly who will be receiving this card. 

The projects my Lovely Lotuses have created for you today are so stinkin adorable!  You should head over and check them out.  I think you'll enjoy them as much as I do.  They are all so inspiring!

Have a great day!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #14

Hello everyone!

I'm so excited to be back with our next For Your Inspiration challenge.  This weeks photo is absolutely breathtaking.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I'm loving this photo.  The contrast of the light and dark colors, the jagged cliffs against the slightly rippled water, the way it looks as if something has been thrown into the water to make it "splash" against the sky.  Just gorgeous!  *happy sigh*

Here is the card I created based on the photo. 

I have to say, this actually turned out much better than I expected.  It's been a while since I've gone, WOW, at something I've created. lol  I hope my sister and brother in law enjoy this card.  It's their non-traditional anniversary card.  I've combined the following challenges into this card as well.

Sweet Sunday Sketch #134 - Sketch
Papertake Weekly 9/13 - Things With Wings
Belli Challenge #126 - String (I used bakers twine)
Flutterby Wednesday #171 - Open (must have a butterfly, angel or fairy)
Pile It On #37 - Layer It

I do hope you'll head over to the challenge blog and see what beautiful inspiration is posted.  I know you'll be as delighted as I am.  Remember you have two weeks to play along, and you can create anything you like. 

Have a great day!
Hugs!