House of Cards September Challenge

Hey y'all!

I'm late posting this, but am happy to have even gotten a card made.  The challenge this month at House of Cards is to use a bird and/or the colors below.

I don't have any bird images, so I went with the colors.  Here is how my card turned out.

I really dig the simplicity of this card with the ombre colored background, and pop of color from the flower.  I also love the silver embossing.  I know exactly who will get this card.  I hope they like it.

That's all for me.  I'm off to make dinner, and get things ready for my work week.  I hope everyone had a safe, and relaxing holiday weekend.  If you get the chance, I hope you'll check out what my friends at HOC have created this week.

Have a wonderful day!

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!

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!

 

Pile It On Challenge #103

Hello my friends!

It's another gorgeous weekend here in East Texas.  I am headed out on an early morning hike with my friends again, before we go to church.  I love being able to get out and do stuff, before the heat sets in this spring and summer.  Fortunately, I got some time to make some stuff during the week, after work.  It was a crazy, busy week for me, so I needed that crafty time to unwind.

There is a new challenge posted over on the Pile It On blog today.  This weeks challenge is to use the color green, with two other colors.  Here is the card I made.

     
I actually watercolored with distress inks for this card.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like the outcome, but in the end, it's really pretty.  I chose to use Squeezed Lemonade, Tumbled Glass and Mowed Lawn.  I blended them onto my panel, and then spritzed with it with lots of water so that the colors would blend more, and pool up a bit.  Once it was dry, I cut it down with the largest Simon Says Stamp stitched rectangles die.  I popped it up with some fun foam, and added some  Tumbled Glass splatters, before adding it to my card base.  This is such a cool card, and it was so easy to put together.  I'm glad I finally dove into trying the watercoloring thing.  Now I'm going to try my other watercolors I have on hand, that have never been used.  Wish me luck! :-)

I'm going to submit my card for the following challenges:
Cardz 4 Guyz #109: Create your own background
Star Stampz Challenge: Embossing
Crafty Creations #310: Sentiment As Focal Point
AAA Cards #59: Embossing
Less Is More: Color Week - Citrus
Hiding In My Craft Room #241: Spring Colors

So that's all for me.  I do hope you'll head over to see what my friends have also created for you today.  They're always so beautiful.  Hopefully, you'll get the chance to join us for this challenge.  You have two weeks to play along.  We enjoy visiting your blogs to see your creations and leave bits of love.  I hope ya'll have a great day, and an even better week!

Hugs!

 

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 #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 #100

Hello!

I apologize for the lack of content today, but I overslept and just realized I had forgotten to create my posting for today's challenge.

There's a new Pile It On challenge posted.  This weeks challenge is black and white with a pop of color.  Here is the card I made.

I stenciled the white pigment ink onto the black cardstock, for the striped layer, and then added the rest of my layers on top.  I heat embossed the sentiment, and popped it up for more dimension.  I have a friend who will enjoy this card.

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

Die Cut Divas:  Something New (the circle dies are new, to me)
Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media Challenge:  Stencil
Aud Sentiments Challenge #147:  Anything Goes
Seize The Birthday:  Birthday
Crazy 4 Challenges #320: Add a "pop" of something to your project.

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

Have a wonderful day!

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

CASE-ing Christmas October Challenge

Greetings!

How's it going?  Did you have a good weekend?  I'm hoping you were able to spend some time getting crafty.  The temps have been crisp and cool, and downright chilly around here lately.  I love it, but don't like being out in it. lol  Instead, I stayed in and played with all of my crafty supplies.  I also did laundry, and made a huge pot of veggie beef soup.  Yum!  Since my daughter worked all weekend, it kept me occupied.  I decided I needed to get everything done this weekend as I have a busy week ahead, and we'll be in Kansas City for Wicked next week.  So excited!!  I can't wait to see how my daughter enjoys her first Broadway play. :-)

It's the 5th of the month, which brings us to our next CASE-ing Christmas challenge.  This month we're CASEing Asha.  Here is her beautiful card.

 And here is the card I made.

I stuck to the colors and layout, almost identically.  I've had these dies for a while, and this is the first time I've used them.  I sponged the background with distress inks, added the snow with a stencil and embossing paste and added the tree.  I cut the sentiment out three times, and layered them on top of one another, then embossed them with gold embossing powder.  I totally love how this turned out! It's a bit busy, but in real life, it's got gorgeous shine from the embossing powder and the beautiful Pretty Pink Posh sequins.  Now I've got another card to add to my stash.  Yes!

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

Sparkle & Shine Challenge #15:  Inspiration Poto (I was inspired by the grouping of blues)
ABC Challenge:  S is for Sprinkles (I used gold embossing powder)
Christmas Cards All Year 'Round October Challenge: No Stamping
CASual Chic Challenge #4: Tic Tac Toe'ing (I chose stenciling, die cutting & embossing)
Glitter & Sparkle Challenge #157:  Anything Goes (my sequins and gold embossing sparkle)

 I do hope you head over to see what my friends have created for you this month.  With CASE-ing Christmas being a monthly challenge now, that gives you plenty of time to play along with us.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper:  SU! Whisper White & Gumball Green Cardstock
Ink:  VersaMark, Distress Inks: Weathered Wood, Faded Jeans & Chipped Sapphire
Accessories:  Ranger Princess Gold Embossing Powder, Wendy Vecchi White Embossing Paste, Simon Says Stamp Falling Snow Stencil, Simon Says Stamp Christmas Blessings & Stitched Rectangles Dies, Memory Box Flowering Christmas Tree Die, Pretty Pink Posh Gold 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

MHK Designs August Release: Serene Seaside

Hiya!

Welcome to day two of the MHK Designs August release.  To visit Mynnette's Etsy store, click HERE.  I have no doubt there is something for everyone.

The next set that I got to work with, was Serene Seaside.

 Here is the card I made.

The nautical theme is popular these days.  I wanted to create something with this awesome anchor, so I enlarged it and paper pieced it with some light aqua patterned paper.  You can't see it that well, but in real life, it adds a little bit more interest.  I masked it, so I could stencil the background, to look a bit like netting.  I then added a bit of sea green colored splatters to the top left and bottom right.  I didn't want to hide the anchor, so I printed the sentiment on vellum, and added it over the anchor.  I like how it turned out.  This sentiment is perfect for a special someone I'm going to send it to, who just happens to live on the East Coast.  I hope he likes it.  I'm going to submit this card for the following challenges.

Crafty Cardmakers #145: Warm Summer Colors (The nautical theme reminds me of summer, hope this counts)
Love To Scrap #60:  Anything Goes
Ooh La La #187: For The Boys

We would love it if you helped us celebrate Mynn's new crafty endeavor.  We hope you'll be inspired, and will join us for this months release.  I can't wait to see what you come up with, using these gorgeous new digi's.

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Cardstock, Taupe Cardstock
Stamps: MKH Designs Serene Seaside
Ink: Copics: Y32, Y35 & B12, Tumbled Glass Distressed Ink
Accessories: SSS Stitched Rectangles Dies, Faber Castel Mixed Media Stencils, MFT Stitched Rectangle Frames, MFT Stitched Fishtail Flags

Pile It On Challenge #82 - Bright Colors

Hello again!

This is my second post of the day.  Please scroll down to view my MHK Designs release post.

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I am sporting a cool new DT member logo.  As of this month, I joined the Pile It On design team.  I'm super excited to join this awesome group of crafty women, and I can't wait to share my projects with you.

The challenge this week is Bright Colors.  We are sponsored by Sweet Pea Stamps this week.  Each of us got to use one of their sweet images, and I love mine.   This weeks winner will receive 4 digi stamps of their choice.

Here is the card I created for this weeks challenge.

Isn't this little angle just darling?!  I really do love her.  As mentioned, the challenge this week is bright colors and I really wanted to have bright, cheerful colors on my card.  I LOVE how this background turned out.  I sponged on several colors of Distress Ink, using one of my new MFT stencils, and then I stamped over it in gray, with one of my flourish background stamps.  These colors are so gorgeous together, and who doesn't love a rainbow, right?  You can't tell from this photo, but her wings are extra sparkly, thanks to my Wink of Stella clear brush pen.  Here is a close up of her lovely wings.

Such a pretty card, in real life.  I intentionally left this card without a sentiment, because I wasn't sure how I wanted to use it just yet.  I will add it, when the time comes.  I hope the recipient enjoys receiving this card, as much as I enjoyed making it.  I am going to enter this for the following challenges.

House of Cards: Metallics (my sequins are silver)
Our Creative Corner: Mexico Moods Part 2 (I was inspired by the colors and circles in the photo)
Mojo Monday #410: Sketch
Try It On Tuesday: Use Stencils
Addicted To Stamps & More #157: Make Your Mark (I used Distress Inks & Copic Markers)
Crafting For All Seasons #107: Bright & Beautiful
Fab & Funky #270: Things With Wings
Cute Card Thursday #386: Anything Goes
CAS-ual Chic #2: Pretty Patterns
Frosted Designs: Metal/Metallics (my sequins are silver)


I do hope you'll head over to the PIO blog to see what other wonderful cards are posted today.  They're nothing short of beautiful!

Have a wonderful week!

What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Cardstock, SU! Daffodil Delight Cardstock, Doodlebug Design Take Note Patterned Paper
Stamps: Sweet Pea Stamps Little Summer Angel (by Molly Harrison), Hero Arts Design Block Flourish
Ink: Simon Says Stamp Fog Dye Ink, Distress Inks: Picked Raspberry, Ripe Persimmon, Squeezed Lemonade, Twisted Citron & Peacock Feathers, Copics: E000, E42, E47, E74, B000, BG01, BG07, R43, R85, Y35 & YG06, Wink of Stella Clear Brush Pen
Accessories: Spellbinders Small & Large Smooth Circles Dies, MFT Stitched Fishtail Flags Dies, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles Dies, MFT Staggered Hearts Stencil, Pretty Pink Posh Silver Sequins

MHK Designs August Release: Lift Me Higher

Good day!

I have some exciting news!  My beautiful friend Mynnette has been creating all kinds of digital stamps, and has decided to open her own Etsy store to feature them.  I'm honored to have been asked to be on her design team.  It's so much fun, getting to use these never been seen before sets.  You can visit her store HERE.  There are so many wonderful sets, I'm sure you'll be able to find something you like. :-) 

Here's how things will work.  There will be five new sets released every two months, with the exception of this month, which has ten sets being released.  Each designer will be featuring two to three sets for each release, and will post their cards during release week, which starts the 16th of each month.

The first set I got to work with, was Lift Me Higher.

And here is the card I made.

  
I chose to focus on the sentiment, but wanted to include a way to feature the image in the set, so I made a shaker card.  I kept the card completely clean, so that the image and sentiment were the only thing to focus on.  I love the white on white look.  Here is a close up of the shaker.

I colored the image with my Copics, then added stickles to create snow capped mountains.  I added some Pretty Pink Posh seed beads, and some star confetti from Butterfly Reflections, Ink to create this fun shaker part.  I think it turned out pretty great.  I love the sparkle from the shaker elements and the stickles.

Please help us in celebrating the grand opening of Mynn's Etsy store, by checking out what everyone else has created for you today.  There is tons of inspiration posted today, and there will be even more posted over the next few days.  I've seen all of the sets she's created, and honestly think you won't be disappointed.

Have a wonderful day!

    





What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Cardstock
Stamps: MHK Designs Lift Me Higher
Ink: Copics: Y00, Y13, Y18, B000, B12, G43, G46, E74, C3
Accessories: Spellbinders Small & Large Smooth Circle Dies, SSS Stitched Rectangles Dies, Star Dust Stickles, Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling Clear & Marshmallow Seed Beads, Butterfly Relfections, Ink. Irridescent Star Confetti

Hello

Good day to all!

I hope you've had a wonderful weekend, filled with all kinds of good stuff.  I had great intentions of hanging out at the pool, but that didn't happen.  Instead, I've been dealing with a work issue, since about 6:30 this morning.  No worries though.  Things always wind up working out.  And, I got the chance to make this card. :)

I absolutely adore the way this background turned out!  There's just something about a rainbow that makes me smile, every time I see one.  This is no exception.  I mentioned that I wanted to use my stencils more often, so last night I got them all inky.  I should have more for you to see over the next few days, using stencils, hopefully.  I'm excited to have another card for my stash, and I was excited to be able to participate in the following challenges.

Cardabilities #126:  Sketch
Alphabet Challenge:  K is for Kind Thoughts
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #13:  Anything Goes
We Love 2 Create #14:  Anything Goes

That's all for me.  I'm off to start dinner, and then maybe watch a movie with my daughter.  I hope you have a wonderful afternoon!

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Cardstock, PTI Kraft Cardstock, American Crafts DIY Shop Patterned Paper, DCWV Glitzy Glitter Paper, Vellum
Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Stripe Greetings
Ink: VersaMark, Mister Huey's Opaque White, Distress Inks: Abandoned Coral, Fossilized Amber, Twisted Citron & Mermaid Lagoon
Accessories: White Paper Flowers, Maya Road Natural Twine, SSS Stitched Rectangles Dies, Reverse Confetti Circles & Scallops Dies, MFT Stitched Fishtail Flags & Layered Heart Border Dies

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