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

You Make Me Happy

Yola!

The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous the last couple days.  Highs only reaching the mid to upper 70's with a nice breeze.  It almost feels like fall already.  Unfortunately, I've heard many people say that this winter is going to be brutal in this area.  I'm hoping they're wrong. lol  For now I'll just enjoy the sunshine and warm weather hoping it continues for a while.  Because of the beautiful weekend, I was inspired to make something "summery".  Here is what I wound up with.

 
I adore this stamp set.  When I was a child we lived in Brownsville, TX, for about two years.  Back in the summer of 1980, hurricane Allen hit the coast.  It was recommended that we evacuate the area, so we headed to San Antonio, to stay with my grandparents.  On the drive up, my mom taught me the song "You Are My Sunshine".  Since then, it has always been our thing.  When I was young, she used to leave me notes in my lunchbox with the lyrics to the song, and as I got older, she'd email me or text me the lyrics to let me know she was thinking about me.  When I saw this set from CAS-ual Fridays, I knew it had to be mine.  Now she'll get a few cards and notes randomly tucked into things, to surprise her.  For this card, I was excited to combine the following challenges.

Just Us Girls Challenge #251: Summer BBQ Photo Inspiration
Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #29: Sketch
The Pink Elephant Challenge #26: Anything Goes

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day, and that you have someone who makes you happy, when skies are gray.

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: Orange Shimmer cardstock, Teal cardstock, SU Whisper White cardstock, Simple Stories Snap Life patterned paper
Stamps: CAS-ual Fridays Sunbeams
Ink: Hero Arts Neon Pink & Neon Sunshine dye ink
Accessories: Smooth Circle Nestabilities, Stitched Olive Grosgrain ribbon

You Are My Sunshine

Hello, hello!

I'm home today with a broken big toe and cellulitis (infection).  I can't get a shoe on, or put any kind of pressure on it, so I can't drive.  I decided to make a card to distract myself from the pain, and so that I don't feel like I've wasted a whole day, doing nothing.  The doctor says I should feel better, and see a significant improvement by tomorrow, and I can go back to work then.  I sure hope so!!

I recently got some new Lawn Fawn goodies, and decided I needed to ink them up.  Here is what I created.

The sweet Lawn Fawn group were very nice, and sent me some really pretty papers, as a thank you for my order.  I've used some of them in this card.  I think they go perfectly together.  The colors are nice and cheerful, and you can tell that Kelly Marie definitely chose the design elements for them.  I made this card, along with a few others, that I will be hiding in my daughters stuff, before she leaves on vacation with her best friend next week.  This is our first week apart, for longer than a day or two, in years.  I'm glad she's going, but am already starting to feel a little stressed out by the separation anxiety. lol  With everything that's happened recently, legal wise, she's been stuck to me like glue.  We'll see how we survive...

I've combined the following challenges in my card today:

Our Creative Corner June Challenge - Recipe (Ribbon (twine), Wood, Inks)
Sweet Sunday Sketch #87 - Sketch
Use It Tuesday #58 - Bring on the Sunshine (I've had the twine, and bracket die in my stash for months)

I found out yesterday that I was chosen at a Top 2 at Use It Tuesday, for THIS card.  Thanks ladies!

I'll be back soon with another card.  I've received a lot of new goodies that need to be used soon.  Have a great day!
Hugs!

Just For Fun Take 2!

Hi y'all!

I hope you had a good weekend.  The weather here was beautiful on Saturday, and then it rained Sunday.  Either way, I thought it was fantastic.  I was able to get into storage and get out more of my crafty stuff.  I'm a happy girl.  Now I can actually create with most of my stuff again.

So, my friend Rochelle and I have decided to do another just for fun challenge.  I chose the photo below, and she chose music and flowers as our elements. 

I used THIS sketch, and created the card below.

At first, I wasn't excited about my results but after looking at it more, I think I like it.  The colors are bold and bright, and it's perfect to cheer up a friend.  I'm sure Rochelle has come up with something amazing.  I do hope you'll head over to her blog and check out what she's made.  Also, if you'd like to play along with us, you're more than welcome to.  All you need to do is leave the link to your card in the comments.

I hope you have a good day.  I'll be back soon with another something crafty.
Hugs!

Use It Tuesdays Challenge #30

Greetings!!

I have another UIT challenge for you.  This challenge is: April showers bring May flowers.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I've had the embossed cardstock from Core'dinations in my stash for at least two years now.  All of the patterned paper has been in my possession for at least a year, and the stamps are over six months old.  It's nice to use up more of my stash that's been slightly hoarded.  I created this card with the idea that I wanted a different shape, that I hadn't ever used before.  I like how it turned out.  I've combined the following challenges in my card today.

Sweet Sunday Sketch #157 - Sketch
Card Caravan #17 - Spring
Stampin Sisters In Christ #136 - Soft Pastels

The other lovely designers have created some fabulous projects today.  Hopefully, you'll get to check them out and maybe play along with us this time. :)

Hugs!

Use It Tuesday Challenge #26

Hi ya'll!

I hope your week is going well, so far.  It's been crazy, go figure, around here and we were closed at work for inventory yesterday and today.  I've got some catching up to do on Wednesday now for sure. 

I have another Use It Tuesday project for you today.  My fellow UIT DT member, Heather, has just welcomed her beautiful baby girl, Claire, into the world.  Thanks to this wonderful event, we're celebrating with this challenge, which is, All About Baby.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I always struggle with masculine cards, but this weekend made me realize that I struggle with baby cards as well.  I had NO clue what to do for this challenge. lol  Then I broke out the distress inks, like I always do when I can't figure out what else to do, and this is the result.  I dig it.  I used an older striped background stamp to add some dimension, and i used up some hoarded patterned papers and a stamp set I've had since last year but had yet to ink it up.  I think this will go to my best friend Drew and his wife, who are expecting their first baby...a boy.

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

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #153 - Sketch
Paper Sundaes #109 - Circles
Scrappy Frogs - Die Cuts
Play Date Cafe #120 - Baby Blue, Orangecicle, Basil

I hope you'll head over to the Use It Tuesday to see what my friends have created for you today.  They're wonderful!

Hugs!

Drunken Stampers #80

Hi ya'll!

Welcome to the next Drunken Stampers challenge!  This is the last challenge of the year so you've got plenty of time to play along.  We'll return after the holidays with more fun challenges. 

So, this challenge is: Glittery Holiday.  I'm not sure if Peg knew this when she chose this challenge, but I'm phobic to glitter.  Well, loose glitter anyway.  I don't know what it is about it, but I don't own ANY.  lol  Thank goodness for Stickles!  Anyway, for this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I do hope that I was able to pull it off enough to everyone's liking.  I added some bling, and some Stickles to the snowflake.  It's definitely glittery.  I'm quite pleased with how this turned out.  The color combo is yummy and the embossing adds just the right touch for me.  Since I work late during the week, I've lost the ability to take my photos in my regular spot outside.  I'm having to now get my photos at work, wherever I can find a spot.  I'm hoping to find a new "home" for my picture taking soon.  I've combined the following challenges into my card as well.

Sweet Sunday Sketch #146 - Sketch

Paper Sundaes #98 - Recipe: Red, Stripes, Die Cuts, Stitching. (I used die cuts and stripes)

Pile It On #49 - Bling It Up

Stamptacular Sunday #141 - Christmas Color Combo (Baja Breeze, Black/Chocolate, Sahara Sand)

Card Caravan #7 - Make It Sparkle

I do hope you'll head over to the Drunken Stampers blog to see what everyone has created today.  They're wonderful!

Have a great day!

Hugs!

FYI Challenge #19

Hello everyone!

How's it going?  Can you believe it's December 1st already?!  Goodness gracious!  No wonder I'm walking around feeling lost these days.  It's because time is going by way too fast for me, and I can't seem to figure out where it goes.  I guess that's just how it goes sometimes.

I'm excited!  I have a new card for you today, for the next FYI challenge.  This challenge we're being sponsored by the wonderful and adorable Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. 

SCRS has some absolutely adorable images!  If you haven't checked them out before, you must go see what I'm talking about.  You can visit them HERE.

Now, onto the inspiration photo. 

I love the deep, rich, vibrant colors in this photo.  The contrast between the soft sky and water and the bridge and buildings is fabulous.  I also love the reflection on the water from the lit buildings.  I'm told, by my Lovely Lotus Michelle, that this is a photo of Brisbane.  I might have to make a trip to see it myself sometime.  It looks beautiful.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

Here is the card I put together for this challenge.

I tried to get as close as I could to the colors in the photo, but in my picture, they don't look as similar.  I think the sun washed the colors out a bit.  Either way, I like my card.  Again, when I'm struggling with what to do, my Distress Inks always save the day.  I used THIS sketch, loosly, for the format of my card.  Loving the look of the lace with the seam binding bow.  I feel like I've added that type of layering to all of my cards as of late, but I can't get enough of it. lol  Anyone else have a technique they use ALL the time, no matter what? 

Anyway, the projects posted by my Lovely Lotuses are absolutely fantastic, as usual.  I do hope you'll head over to check them out, and to see the new announcement posted. 

Have a great day!

Hugs!


What's in it?
Paper:  SU! Crumb Cake & Whisper White cardstock, Fancy Pants Oct 31st Patterned Paper, Little Yellow Bicycle Paper Doily
Stamps:  SU! Bliss & Heart/Swirl Background, Verve Dream Big
Ink:  Spun Sugar, Milled Lavender & Dusty Concord Distress Inks, SU! So Saffron Dye Ink, Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Smooth Circles & Lacy Circles Nestabilities, Deep Purple Felt, Pretty In Pink Pearls, White Seam Binding, Ivory Lace

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!

Live In The Moment

Howdy!

How is everyone today?  Are you having a good week?  I certainly am.  It's been busy at work, but not too crazy, like normal.  The time passes quickly and I have been able to get out at a decent time, which makes for a better evening. :)

I have another card to share with you.  Check it!

I love this color combo as well!  The pink and blue are a great contrast to the kraft, and the butterfly with the rosette?  LOVE!  This will be a short post as I need to get ready for work.  I've combined the following challenges in my card:

Sweet Sunday Sketch #130 - Sketch (my loose interpretation of)
The Pink Elephant #112 - Stitching (real or faux)
SPCC #113 - Pink Pirouette, Wisteria Wonder, Baja Breeze (I think my patterned paper is actually Pretty in Pink)
The Shabby Tea Room #75 - Polka Dots (I hope mine qualify)

I'll be back tomorrow with this months second FYI photo.  I hope you'll check back to see it.  It's one of my favorites!

Hugs!

Thinking of You

Hello!

I hope all of you are having a restful Sunday, enjoying whatever you're doing.  I have been very low key this weekend, only making a venture out to the grocery store, and only because I HAD to.  Needless to say, my creative mojo has been a bit MIA, but here is what I made for Ben's parents.

With some help and support from a new, special someone in my life, I was able to put everything aside to make this card.  I'm hoping they will find it helpful, and somewhat comforting in their time of loss and grief.  I love this card, and I love that it will go to them.  Below are a few challenges that I've included.

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #122 - Sketch (my loose interpretation)

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge #60 - Buttons

Crazy 4 Challenges #92 - Floss or String

Stamp Something - Something with Pretty Papers

Creative Inspirations #62 - Stitching (real, faux, etc.)

I'm going to try to put together another masculine birthday card for a co-worker.  I'm not sure it will go as planned, but at least I'm going to do something else that's crafty.  I think it will be good to do that.

Hugs!