Faith Artistry

Blogger Challenge - Texture It

2012-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hello! - Yikes, it's been a couple of weeks since I've posted here. I hope you still want to see my cards. I've decided this year I'm going to look at my Stamping in a different light. Instead of feeling "pressured" to create cards to post every day I'm going to relax and enjoy stamping and just post when I am able to.

Today's Blogger Challenge was to "Texturize" your project. I love texture on cards as it adds so much to the overall design. I may have went a bit over board on mine but I like how it turned out. I had no sketch, color scheme or design in mind when I started working on this card. It just evolved all on it's own.

I started out thinking that I wanted to use a piece of Cork on my card to add some texture. So I used my Butterfly Die (Amuse Studio) and cut out the large cork butterfly and then the smaller butterflies using designer paper. I picked a scrap piece of paper out of my scrap box and decided to use that and matched my colors accordingly. For added texture and visual interest I embossed the white portion of the card, used some textured card stock (green piece), added pearls, a punched border with a bit of scalloped texture and then distressed the sentiment panel.

Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White-SU, Textured Panel, DCWV and Designer Paper, My Minds Eye(Bloom n Grow). Sentiment Stamp-SU Best Yet, Pearls-Zva, Leaf Die-Sizzix, Punch-EK Success(Scalloped Circle) and Swiss Dot Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug.

So now you can join in on the challenge and link up using the Mr. Linky feature on Lisa's Blog.

New Stamps from AnnaBelle!

2012-01-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hey did you hear there are NEW stamps available from AnnaBelle Stamps. It's true and they are awesome. I love the new sets and know you will as well. So check them out HERE:

BC247 Wings and Things

2012-01-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Friday! - Always a pleasure to be able to participate in the Blogger Challenge over on Lisa's Blog (Designs by Lisa). Today the theme is: Things With Wings.

I bought a small stamp set and matching paper, both from WeRMemory Keepers last August and finally decided to use them for this challenge. Guess what? I couldn't find the paper and had to dig through stacks of paper before I found it. That will teach me to either use paper up when I first buy it or keep it organized better. So without further ado here is the card I made:

The sketch is from Sassy Cheryl's Challenge

I was also inspired by Lucy's Inspiration Photo here:

Card Details: Card Stock: Always Artichoke, Whisper White and Cool Caribbean (retired) both from SU. Designer Paper, WeRMemoryKeepers.
Stamps: Butterfly-WRMK, Sentiment-Amuse Studio.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Kaleidacolor-Caribbean Sea
Punch: SU
Lacey Circle Nestabilitie Dies, Brads-JoAnn Essentials.

Now it's your turn to give this challenge a try. You can link back using the Mr. Linky feature.

BC246 - Back In The Saddle (I think)

2012-01-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! - Wow we've almost completed the first week of 2012. So far it's been a pretty good start to the New Year. Weather has been great (odd) but great. I say "odd" because we hit a record high on January 4 with a high of 69 degrees here. Love it but alas it didn't last and we are in for chillier weather this week.

I've been absent a lot since the start of the holiday season and have also taken a bit of a break from stamping. I just couldn't seem to find my "Mojo" and didn't have the desire to do much stamping. I'm hoping that will change with the start of another year.

So I jumped back into the saddle today with a card for the current, Blogger Challenge,

Lisa gave us a Color Inspiration (sent to her by Kim Howard). I was a bit confused by what colors to use so I emailed Lisa and was told the colors were: Black/White, Green, Purple and Blue.

So here is what I came up with:

I'm not entirely sure my "Mojo" has returned in full force but I think the card looks nice. My mom's birthday is coming up on January 18 (she'll be 83) so this may be what I give her for her birthday card unless I change my mind between now and then. Supplies Used: Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White and Lavender Lace-retired from SU. Green textured (which I used the wrong side) is from Bazzil. Patterned Paper, Paper Pizazz. Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black. Stamps: Sentiment is Stampendous, Row of flowers from Fiskars-Border-A-Plenty. Nestability Dies, Circle and Lacey Circles. Pearls, Zva - Punch, Daisy Scallop from EK Sucess and the brad is from Doodlebug Design.

Now if you'd like to join in on the challenge just create a card using any shades of the colors listed, link back to Lisa's blog using the Mr. Linky feature and that's it. Don't forget to pop in an leave some comment love on the other people's enteries. Have a great week.

Christmas...Past

2012-01-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! - Yikes, I haven't posted on here since Christmas Eve 2011. In fact I haven't even picked up a Stamp or stamped in my stamp room yet this year. So I don't have anything new to share. I do have some cards from Christmas "past" - 2011 cards that weren't posted yet.

These are 2 more of my Sticker Creations. I used stickers for the focal points but there was also a little stamping (sentiments). Hope you can gather some inspiration even though you might be tired of Christmas cards. I just hate to not share these.

I hope to be back to stamping again soon. My "Mojo" hasn't been feeling it lately in the stamp room. I think I just need to dig out something and start stamping and see what happens.

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

2011-12-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! - To those of you who may not celebrate Christmas nor the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ I wish you Happy Holidays. May your day be filled with love, joy and peace.

To me Christmas though is a celebration of the birth of my Savior so today I am sharing 2 cards that I made and mailed out for Christmas this year that reflect the birth of the Christ child.

Stamp set (AnnaBelle stamps)

Stamps from (Inkadinkado).

It's Beginning To Look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hi, Remember me? - Yes it's been awhile since I've posted. Oh I've been busy but just have not been able to spend much time blogging. I apologize but life around this time of the year means shopping, decorating, shopping, card making, more shopping, mailing those cards etc...so the blog took a back seat.

Today I'm sharing a couple of the cards I made for Christmas this year. I told myself I was going to only make a few cards and send out store bought cards instead. Well the few turned into more then I had anticipated. I did go a quicker route on some of them and used stickers but I like the way they turned out.

First up:

For this card the "focal" image is actually a piece of Designer paper. The deer is part of the paper and was not stamped on the paper.

The Pine cone and Sentiment are from (Artful Inkables) Peaceful Wishes stamp set.

This next card was one of my "sticker" cards. I had a bunch of dimensional (embossed type) stickers that I purchased 3 years ago and I finally decided to use them!The sentiment is by,

Studio G.

I'm sorry I haven't been by a lot of your blogs lately to leave comments but I hope after the first of the year I'll get back to regular blog viewing and posting.

I'll be back tomorrow with a couple more Christmas cards to share.

Peace and Joy to you from me.

BC242-Frosty and Friends

2011-12-09T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hi! - Well is everyone all ready for Christmas? - If you are, I "hate" you! - Just kidding but seriously I am always behind about this time of year and this year is no exception.

I've been MIA in action for a couple of weeks with the Bloggers Challenge so I thought I'd pop in today with a card so you won't forget about me.

Today Lisa gave us the theme, Frosty and Friends. - I am so not a "winter" person but I do love a cute snowman image. For my card is chose to use a Dimensional Sticker instead of a stamped image. I know that's "cheating" a little but these days I'm pressed for time and I think it works just as well. I did stamp the sentiment though!

Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzaz
Designer Paper:Basic Grey - Jovial line
Punch: SU
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Sentiment Stamp: Studio G
Sticker: K&Company

Come join in on the fun:

I will try my best to pop by and leave comments on your cards. No guarantee's though.
Have a great weekend.

It's Still Autumn

2011-12-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hello - Yes, I've been absent from this blog for a few days. Life has been busy and with the Thanksgiving holiday here in the US and getting prepared for Christmas I haven't had much time for Stamping. Anyway I wanted to share a couple of cards that I made and never got posted (or sent for that matter). Since it's still Autumn until Dec.22nd I'm not to late to share these cards.

I saw this design idea on someone's blog but I'm not sure who's blog it was. I'm thinking Julie Ebersole's.
ETA: Yes here is her card
Stamps: Inkadinkado.
Card Stock-SU
Designer Paper-DCWV

At any rate I liked the layout and did a Fall version.

For this one I used a Stamp Set from There She Goes (Pumpkins on the Vine). Paper is from DCWV.

Lastly I thought I would share Coleen's version of how to prepare a Thanksgiving Turkey:

Just in case you can't figure it out:
First you kill a turkey. Then you put it in the Oven to bake. Next you take it out of the oven and flop it around in a pan. After that you eat it. Last there is no more.

BC239 - For the Boys

2011-11-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! - Hope you've all had a good week. Not to bad here. No (snow) here yet. Shhhh don't tell anyone that I actually mentioned that 4-letter word! So are you ready to be inspired by some great Masculine cards. Then let's get started because that's what Lisa assigned as this weeks Bloggers Challenge theme.

It's good to be back after my break last week.
Here is what I came up with,

You can give this a try yourself by linking up using the Mr. Linky feature.

I also wanted to share Coleen's 1st Grade School picture before I go so here it is:

Details: Card Stock: Basic Black, Basic Gray-SU, Flourishes-White cs., patterned paper by My Minds Eye.

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder-Diamond Plate

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Copic Markers

Silver Spica Glitter Pen (for the Chrome areas)

Antique Brads-SU

Photo Corner Punch - EK Success

Crystal Effects (on windows)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hello, It's Friday and normally I would be posting my card for the Blogger Challenge. However I am taking this week off from the challenge. Our theme this week though is, Veteran's Day so if you want to participate make sure you visit Lisa's blog and link up your card there.

I will leave you with this scripture verse: John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

I believe that is what our "Veteran's" often do so make sure you thank a Veteran today for their service to our country to help keep our Freedoms.

God Bless America!

Mojo Monday 214

2011-11-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've participated in a Mojo Monday sketch so I thought I'd give it a try this week. I really like the sketch and that's always a plus.

Here is what I came up with:

Details:
Card Stock - SU (Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichokes, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Basic Gray
Designer Paper: Authentique - Wonder collection
Sentiment Stamp: Studio G, Itty Bitty BG-SU
Poinsettia-Hero Arts
Holly Leaves Bazzill
Ink: Memento Tuxedo London Fog and SU Cherry Cobbler
Star Brad - Making Memories
Swiss Dot Embossing Folder
Circle and Rectangle Nestability Dies

BC237 - Let's Get Sketchy

2011-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome! - It's Friday and that means it's time for the Bloggers Challenge. Before I get started with that I want to share a couple of pictures of Coleen from Halloween.

Incase you are wondering why she's squatted down on the ground, "Grandma, I'm a ladybug!"
How cute is that! (I know I'm partial but she is just so doggone adorable at times.)

Now on to the BC Challenge. - It's a "Sketch" challenge which seems to be very popular. I know I like it because it gives me a starting point for my card. Here is the sketch Lisa (list mom) gave us.

Here is what I came up with using the sketch. I must say that I "flipped" the sketch to a vertical orientation without realizing it but it still fits the overall sketch idea.

It's also my very 1st Christmas card of the year. Yikes, I'd best get busy!

Here's a Close-Up of my flower embellishment.

It's a combination of a Felt Poinsettia (purchased at JoAnns), Paper Holly Leaves (LSBS), and Baker's Twine.

Now it's your turn: Use the Linky Code to add your creation.

All Card Stock - SU
Designer Paper - Combination of SU and another company which I don't recall where I purchased this from off hand. Sorry.
Sprinkles: AnnaBelle Stamps
Embossing Folder - Swiss Dot

Have a great weekend!

BC236 - Let's Go Haunting

2011-10-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - Today is way better then how last Friday started out. - I want to thank everyone who sent well wishes and prayers for my mom. She is doing much better. Her BP at her doctor's visit on Wednesday was 124/80. Praise God! - Atleast we know the medication is working. The doctor even took her off some of the stuff they gave her at the hospital and that made her feel good as she has never been one to take a lot of medication.

I'm slowly catching up with e-mails, commenting etc...although our Internet was off most of 2 days this week when the Fiber Optic lines were cut at a Construction site 50 miles out of town. Twice! You'd think they would have been more careful after the first time. - Anyway it's time to get down to business, mainly the Bloggers Challenge. This week Lisa gave us the theme: Happy Haunting. - Since I love Halloween this one was easy for me.

I used a similar layout with this same stamp a few weeks ago so if this look familiar that is why. You can check the other card out here:

This time I made a standard sized card, used different DP, Added ribbon, drippy goo punch, Baker's Twine and move the orientation of the Stars a little. I also added gems to the Owls eyes.

So now it's your turn to give this challenge a try. You can link up your creation here:

Happy Halloween!

BC235 - Fall Blooms

2011-10-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hello! - Yes, I am "late" for the Blogger Challenge this week but it was the least thing on my mind this past Friday. My mom ended up in the ER on Friday morning. We thought she might be having a Heart Attack. When she got to the ER her Blood Pressure was 201/97 which was not good at all. They gave her a Nytroglycerin tablet and some BP meds right away. Took an EKG, Blood Tests and a Chest X-Ray. A couple hours later her BP was down considerable and the tests all showed normal readings. They felt she should be admitted though and be monitored for her BP which started to rise again. She spent Friday and most of Saturday at the hospital. They sent her home late yesterday afternoon with a bunch of medication now for her BP and so far she is doing okay. It was pretty scary and I spent as much time as I could at the hospital both days while still trying to look after Coleen.

So here is the card I managed to finish on Thursday before all this happened. It's a card that uses a Sticker that I've had for a very long time. I like the Pumpkins/Flowers in the sticker and built my card around it.

I did stamp and emboss the sentiment with Copper EP, added a punched/distressed flower and a punched border as well.

Here is a close-up of the flower.

You can join in on the fun by linking below:

Have a great week.

BC234

2011-10-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - It's time for this weeks, Blogger Challenge.
Lisa gave us the challenge to use "Cardboard" on our projects.
Now I must admit that I wanted to do something different then a card but I ended up taking the "easy" way out since most of this week has been spent getting the new computer hooked up and trying to learn the different programs. Let me tell you I am NOT happy with the new email program or Micro-Soft Office. I do however love having a bigger screen. I'm a slow learner so it may take me awhile to get use to things. So I quickly whipped up this card. It's not exactly the most exciting thing I've ever done but it is what it is.

I used a piece of cardboard that came off the back of a bunch of paper samples and embossed it with my leaf embossing folder. Then I distressed the leaves using More Mustard and Dusty Durango ink. I added a piece of Designer paper and mounted this onto Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive Card Stock. I tied on some Chocolate ribbon and added the Epoxy sticker.

I thought I would leave you with some true Fall beauty

These are Flaming Maple leaves. The trees are around the corner on our block and they are just stunning in the fall.

So now why not give this challenge a try yourself and link back up so we can see what you've created.

Flourishes Heavy Metal Challenge

2011-10-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

Today I am sharing a card I made for the Flourishes Heavy Metal Challenge.

I won the stamp set, Tokens of Affection and had yet to ink it up so I thought why not do so now. I've been doing a lot of fall related cards lately so it was a nice change of pace to do something different.

Here is my card:

I embossed the little "love machine" robot with VersaMark ink and Detail Silver Embossing Powder. She was colored with Copic Markers (Y21, YR24, R59 and BG23)I added some sparkle to the hearts with a Lipstick Spica Glitter pen.
I masked the image and sponged on some Cool Caribbean ink, added some Prima flowers and a heart gem then mounted it on Black card stock.

The sentiment was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.
I used Brushed Silver Card stock and Silver Cording along with some Pewter Heart to complete the look of Metal on my card.

The papers are from My Minds Eye - Stella & Rose pattern.
Card Base is Bermuda Bay.

I'll be saving this one back to give to hubby come next Valentine's Day. Nothing like being prepared huh!

BC 232 and 233

2011-10-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Before I share my card for the Blogger's Challenge today I'd like to give a Birthday Shout Out to Anna Wight (Sweet Miss Daisy)who is celebrating her birthday today. Why not pop on over to her wonderful blog and leave her some Birthday Wishes. - Have a wonderful day Anna!

Okay so last week the BC challenge was a "Sketch" challenge and due to computer issues I wasn't able to get a card posted. Which by the way I'm still using the old one as the new one has not gotten in yet.
I hate missing the challenges so I decided to combine the two for this weeks challenge "Falling For You." Lisa
left the theme open to Interpretation. Fall is one of my two favorite seasons (Spring being the other)so it's no surprise that I created a Fall themed card for this weeks challenge.

Here is the sketch from last week:

I was a bit "intimidated" by this sketch at first. Then I remembered that I had a wonderful set of (Swirls/Flourishes) in my stash and from there this card was created.

I even finished it off on the inside:

Now it's your turn to give this challenge a try. You can do so by using the Mr. Linky feature.

So here is what I used for my card:
Stamps: Inkadinkado Fall Mini Asst. - Purchased at a JoAnn's
Swirls/Flourishes-Technique Tuesday.
Inside Sentiment: Serendipity Stamps
Card Stock: Bazzill Textured and SU Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper: WeRMemoryKeepers-Maple Grove line
Baker's Twine/The Paper Studio
Gems: Me and My Big Ideas
Ink:Soft Suede (SU) and VersaMark
Embossing Powder: Terra Cotta Tapestry-PSX (No longer in Business)

Have a great weekend. - Lately I've become interested in Photography and even though I don't own a Fancy Camera I'm still having fun with my Point/Shoot. If you'd like to check out some of my work. Head on over to my other blog. There is a link at the top of the page and also on my sidebar.

Easy Canvas Prints

2011-09-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hello! - Today I am sharing a wonderful link/website with you called, Easy Canvas Prints. I recently had the opportunity to try out their services and am very pleased with the results. - If you've ever wanted to see your artwork on canvas this is the place to go. Their website is easy to use and the results are wonderful.

Here is a picture of the photo I chose to have made into a canvas print:

Here it is on the Canvas Print
The lighting for my photo's today was off as it's overcast, the actual canvas is much sharper and clearer then my photo.

I chose to have the "wrap around" feature on this 8x10 Canvas. Look how fabulous it looks:

This is my granddaughter, Coleen and her mommy just loved this picture so this is now going to be a Christmas Gift.
I would highly reccomend using Easy Canvas Prints.
The lighting for my photo's today was off as it's overcast, the actual canvas is much sharper and clearer then my photo.

BC231 - The Tale of the "Traveling" Mojo

2011-09-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday...It's been a week. Started feeling a little odd last Friday, took a trip out of town on Saturday with hubby. Begin having problems breathing and started coughing. By Sunday the cough was horrible, deep, hacking and tiring. Monday wasn't any better. Called the doctor. Went in and had a breathing test for my Asthma. Results weren't good so they did a breathing treatment, sent me home with Antibiotics and Prednisone to clear my lungs. Not much sleep several days due to coughing and meds but am slowly recovering. Had a really bad night last night though so may be slow commenting today.

So why all the stuff about my health...certainly you didn't come here to read that. If you did I'm flattered. Seriously though it does lead up to the posting of my 1st card for this weeks, Blogger Challenge.

This week the theme Lisa assigned is: Travel and well I believe my "Mojo" took a bit of a trip this week due to my being so ill. I had an idea and started this card on Wednesday. I finished it but just wasn't thrilled with the outcome. Still I'm posting because hey, it's not hideous, it's just not what I was hoping for.

Card #1 -

I used this sketch:

from Lily Pad Cards. I'm not happy that my sentiment is crooked but my mom said since it's stamped on "waves" that the crookedness looks like it's rolling on the waves.

Anyway today I decided to give this challenge a second chance and I think my "Mojo" decided to return from it's little jaunt as I really like how this card turned out.

Again I used a sketch.

I discovered a piece of scrap card stock that I had brayered with a Kaleidacolor ink pad and spritz with bleach in my scrap box and just had to use it for this card.

Now it's your turn to get inspired and take us on your traveling journey by linking us up to your wonderful creation.

Card Details for Card 1
Stamp: TPC Studio - Transportation
Card Stock: Cajun Craze and Whisper White-SU
Designer Paper: 3Bugsinarug - Playtime Boats
Stampin Write Markers: Cajun Craze, Ruby Red, More Mustard and Brocade Blue
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Night of Navy-SU and Amuse Studio Pebble
Wavy Punch - EK Success
Nestabilitie Dies
Dew Drop-Water

Card2 -
Stamps: Inkadinkado-Great Outdoors
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango-SU
Designer Paper - DCWV-Harvest Gathering Collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede
Leaf Punch-EK Success
Linen Thread-SU
Toffee Sprinkles-AnnaBelle Stamps

BC230 Who's Got The Button

2011-09-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - Well this week has been a lot better. Coleen (my granddaughter)is over her hives. We still don't know what caused them. I started bowling league (126-151-143)not bad for not having bowled since early April. Our daughter, Greta celebrated her 27th birthday, and I started walking again in an effort to lose weight (wish me luck). Okay enough, "chit-chat" let's get on with the theme of today's
Blogger Challenge.

List mom, Lisa gave us the theme: Who's Got the Button? This was a "challenge" for me. I love seeing buttons on other people's cards but I have a difficult time trying to use them on my own cards. They never seem to look right to me.

I went shopping yesterday for a specific button (didn't find what I was looking for) and instead came away with a cute $1 stamp find that ended up on my card today.

Doesn't he look so friendly...not nearly scary enough to scare away those crows either! Originally I just had the 1 button under his scarf and then late last night before I went to bed I decided to add the 3 buttons next to the sentiment. I think it worked and helped to balance out the design.

Last week I forgot to add my card to Lisa's links until late in the week so few people have commented on it. Plus I haven't gotten around to all your blogs either so will be catching up on that this week.

Now it's your turn:

Card Details: Stamps: Studio112 Fall Mini Assortment,
Sentiment:Eureka Stamps
Card Stock: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive-SU
White cs-Flourishes
Designer Paper - Basic Grey Pyrus Line
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Pumpkin Pie-SU, Copic Markers
Sewing Machine - Yes I stitched again (a little uneven and a few skips but it's there none the less)
Baker's Twine
Buttons-SU Earth Elements

Sparkle Creations - Caseing, Elena

2011-09-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hello! Today as I was browsing my email and blog updates I discovered the Sparkle Creations was having a challenge where you could "case" one of the Design Team members. Since my good friend, Elena (The Red Haired Girl) is on the DT I went to her blog and decided to case her lovely card. You can find it here:
In order to win the prize you have to use Sparkle Creation stamps and since I don't own any that leaves me out of the running but I want to share my card any way.

Elena's card is so soft and dreamy and I wanted to try and keep my card with the same soft feel that she has. I did change colors and images but kept the same layout. I loved her Vellum layer under the focal image so I added one to my card as well. I also used White Embossing for my focal image and sponged on some soft color.

I used a punched border as well but did mine to match the "Autumn" feel of my card.

Now one of my favorite things about Elena's work is her fabulous stitching. So I dusted (and I mean dusted) off my Sew Mini sewing machine and did some stitching on my card as well. I'm not nearly as talented as she is with a sewing machine but at least I managed to get it done without the machine balling up the thread this time around so I'm happy with that even though my stitches are a little uneven in places.

I hope you like my take on Elena's fabulous card. Drop by her blog and leave her some comment lovin. She really does inspire me with her gorgeous work.

Card Details: Stamps: Trees from Gina K (Smile)
Card Stock: Cajun Craze and Whisper White-SU
Designer Paper: Basic Grey - Pyrus
Ink: Amuse Studio - Lichen
VersaMark Ink
Winter White EP (retired SU)
Punch - EK Success
Dotted ribbon (May Arts)
Toffee Sprinkles (AnnaBelle Stamps).

BC229 - It's written in the Stars

2011-09-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Hope your week has gone well. I'm pretty much recovered from my fall of last week - Thanks for all the get well wishes. Still having some problems with my ankle (I pulled a tendon in it earlier this summer)flaring up.
The other news at our house is that poor Coleen came down with a sudden flare-up of HIVES:

You can read more about it here if you want.

So now on to today's Blogger Challenge. The theme this week is: Stars (open to interpretation). Okay I have to admit that I so wanted to use a stamp of some Movie "Star" to be different from an actual star but alas I have no such stamps and couldn't locate any "digi" Movie Star stamps either. That left me in a bit of a dilema as to what I was going to do. I happened to spot a piece of DP on my messy desk and saw that it had tiny little stars in it. So I looked through my stamps and came up with one that also had some small stars on the image (look closely and you'll see them) and then I found a sketch (Fetch-a-sketch)that showed stars as part of the sketch and from that this card was born:

Now I know what you're thinking...This is a Halloween card so how does that relate to "Stars"...Well you can clearly see I've used them as accents on the side of the card. They are present in the DP and on the Owls Hat (look closely)

and again on the inside of the card.

So there you have my interpretation of "Stars"
Now it's your turn. Just use the "Link Tool" and you'll be all set to go.

Card Details: Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Perfect Plum - SU
Flourishes Select White
Stamps - Owl Inkadinkado ($1 bin at JoAnn's) - Inside Sentiment is from Inkadinkado - Creepy Lane
DP-Basic Grey, Eerie Line
Ink: VersaMark and Detail Black EP
Copic Markers
Perfect Plum Chalk Pastels
Quickie Glue Pen
Clear Glitter - Art Institute
Star Punches-SU
Swiss Dot Embossing Folder
Tiny Button

SFYTT - Welcoming Autumn

2011-09-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome to my blog. - I want to extend a huge, "Thank You" to everyone who sent emails asking how I was doing since my little fall last Thursday. I'm happy to say that everything is going very well. The swelling went down quickly thanks to keeping my knee iced and elevated. I was a bit "run-down" for the next day or so which was probably due to a bit of "shock" from the fall but other then that I'm doing quite well and thankful the fall wasn't worse then it was.

Now on to my card today. I loved this sketch: From I Heart To Stamp

So I decided to pair it up with my new stamp set, (Pumpkins on the Vine - There She Goes).

Here's what I came up with:

I even decorated the inside:

Card Details:
Stamps: Pumpkins on the Vine - There She Goes Clear Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers - See Photo
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Whisper White - SU
Designer Paper, DCWV - Harvest Gathering
Nestabilitie Circle Dies
Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon
Lagoon Sprinkles - AnnaBelle Stamps

BC228 - Get the "Blues"

2011-09-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! - It was a good week here up until yesterday afternoon. I took a bit of a spill after catching the tip of my flip-flop on a ride in the concrete of our driveway and crashed down on top of my mom's concrete steps. OUCH!!! - Scared poor little Coleen who was outside playing and saw Grandma fall. I managed to scrap and bruise my left knee which hit the steps and reinjured my right wrist (I get tendonitis in that wrist all the time) because I threw my arm out and hit my mom's door. That was better then crashing all the way down. So today I'm rather stiff and sore but happy it wasn't a worse fall. But enough about me as I'm sure you'd rather hear what the Blogger's Challenge group is up to this week.

Lisa
gave us a wonderful challenge theme: Monochromatic Blue
I tried to find varying shades of Blue patterned paper because I wanted to make a specific card based off of this card that I saw while blog surfing but couldn't find any patterns that matched enough so I went and bought some shades of solid blue card stock to use instead.

~~I'm sorry I can't credit~~ the designer because there is no watermark information on the card and alas I forgot to write down the website where I saw it. ETA: I've found the Designer (thanks Jennifer) It's none other then Cristina from My Paper Secret. You can find her card here:

If this is your card let me know & thanks for the inspiration.

Here is my version:

I started out by cutting strips of the blue paper and glued them on a piece of cardboard. Then I stamped the snowflakes with white craft ink and let it dry. I added the sentiment, some Baker's twine and a Snowflake brad colored with a Copic marker and added some glitter for sparkle.
I embossed the blue panel with a snowflake embossing folder and added some blue pearls. Here's another view so you can see the pearls better:

While I'm not quite ready for winter/snow I really like how this turned out and hope you do as well.

Now it's your turn to give this challenge a try. You can show us your Shades of Blue by linking below:

Card Details: Stamps: Snowflakes are from a Foam Stamp set I bought off the Internet years ago and had never used. I'm not sure who the manufacture was though. Sentiment stamp: Hero Arts
Card Stock: SU - Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue
Varying Shades of Textured cs - Coordinations
Pearls-Zva
Bakers Twine
Snowflake Brad-Making Memories

CIC125 Lilies of the Field

2011-08-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I'm so glad you could stop by and check out my artwork.

Today I'm sharing a card inspired by this week's Cupcake Inspiration challenge.

Aren't those flowers gorgeous! I love flowers and while the season is rapidly winding down for my own flower beds I'm still enjoying a few blooms.

I love the colors on these cupcakes and while blog surfing I came upon this card by Laurie Jones that I really loved. A "light bulb" went off in my head right away I got out my Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set (SU) and set out to create my version of Laurie's card inspired by the colors and the lilies from the Cupcake Inspiration Photo.

So here it is...

I really love how it turned out and hope you do as well.

*Just a note: I made 3 masks of the lily and masked off while stamping the different colors.

Card Details: Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral & Best Yet (sentiment) Stampin'Up!
Card Stock: Whisper White
Inks: Tangerine Tango, Dusty Durango (SU) Fern-Amuse Studio
Ribbon, American Crafts
Orange Jewels - source unknown.
Corner Rounder Punch - retired SU

My 1st CAS-ual Friday Entry

2011-08-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! Now that school has started again I'm finding more time to "~~create a mess~~, play in my stamp room. I thought I'd try out a challenge that I haven't participated in before. I picked the Cas-ual Friday #17 challenge, Use Stickers/rub-on's on your project.

I found this wonderful card on Kristina Werner's blog and decided to "case" her layout for my card. I took some liberties and flipped the sketch to work in with my stickers.

Last year I bought some cute and fun Sticker's and Rub-On's from Imaginisce that have just been sitting in their baggy sadly neglected until today. So without further ado...here is my card for the CAS-ual Friday challenge.

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons (Spring being the other) and I just loved that wonderful leaf pattern designer paper and the cute denim tree sticker.

Since Kristina does CAS so well and also is a cat lover she often shares pic's of her wonderful cat, Mannie I thought it would be appropriate as well to show off one of our cats, Harley along side my card. Isn't he handsome!

Card Details:
Card Stock: More Mustard, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla - Stampin'Up!
Designer Paper, Rub-ons, Denim Stickers, Ribbon - Imaginisce-Apple Cider Collection
Punch: Martha Stewart
White Gel Pen - Inkssentials
Paper Distressing Tool
Foam Mounting Tape.

BC227 Tic-Tac-Toe

2011-08-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - My heart goes out to those back East who've gone through quite a week with the recent Earthquake and those facing issues with Hurricane Irene. I pray you will all be safe and sound and come through these situations with no harm to those you hold near and dear.

As promised here is a picture of Coleen on her First day of School this year. She started 1st Grade on Tuesday.

If you have time and want a good laugh check out this link:
- There is music that plays on the blog so scroll down and mute it so you can hear the video.

For this weeks, Blogger Challenge Lisa (Splendiferous Creations) gave us a fun Tic-Tac-Toe board to work with. Here is a picture of the board:

The object is to pick any row (vertical, horizontal or diagonal) and use the items listed in that row to create your card.

Today I have 2 cards to share. My first card was actually made last Saturday when my friend, Teresa from Spokane was down again for another visit. We spent the day stamping, visiting, laughing and eating. I realized that this card hadn't been posted yet and then figured out that it worked in perfectly as part of the Tic-Tac-Toe board.

The items I used on this card are: Embossing, Pattern Paper and Ribbon/Seam Binding. - Diagonal Row

Card #2 - I made this card to send to a woman who recently lost her mother. I used a sketch found in the new (Card Ideas for Paper Crafters) magazine (Pg.60 and did a "case" of the card on the page by Latisha Yoast).

I used colors from this weeks Color Throwdown Challenge. These are not colors I would normally pick out to use together but I think they worked out pretty well.
For this card I used: Embossing, Lace, Bling/Gems (Top Vertical Row) but it could also cover: Lace, Pattern Paper and Die Cuts (Middle Horizontal Row).

Now it's your turn to play this fun game of Tic-Tac-Toe. Just use the Mr. Linky feature so we can see what you came up with.

Supplies: Card 1 - All Stamps/Papers Amuse Studio with the exception of the Grosgrain Ribbon (SU) and the Spiderweb Punch (MS) Colors: Wasabi, Pumpkin, Pebble and Spooky Hollow DP. Stamps: Spooky Boo Day-Sentiment and Too Cute to Spook.
Spiderweb Textured Embossing Plate, Onxy/White Baker's Twine,
Tag Die, Sparkle Gems colored with Orange Copic Marker, Onyx Glitter

Supplies: Card 2- Card Stock: Perfect Plum, Crumb Cake, So Saffron-SU
Sentiment-Amuse Studio
Textile Cuttlebug Embossing Folder,
Butterfly Die - Amuse Studio
Gems colored with Copic Markers
Eyelet Lace
Nestabilitie Dies

BC226 August Sketch Challenge

2011-08-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Howdy! Just a note that I'll be popping by your blogs to catch up on commenting as I can this weekend. Now it's time for the Blogger's Challenge. This week Lisa has given us this awesome sketch to work with:

I really enjoy working with sketches...It makes things so much easier. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this sketch. Today I am showing you a "Sneak Peak" of some of the soon to be available Amuse Studio holiday stamps, papers & embellishments. All these wonderful products will be available on Monday - You can purchase them by clicking on the Amuse Icon on my sidebar.

Aren't those stamps CUTE!!! - Everything went so well into the sketch but I stuggled with the Flower element in the corner and after trying numerous things I settled on the Twine bow as I really wanted my Spooky Fence to show.

Here's what I used:
Spooky Boo Day stamp set
Spooky Fence Die
Swirls Impression Plate
Card Stock: Slate, Pumpkin, Lemon Whip, Sugar, and the new Wasabi.
Designer Paper: Sleep Hollow
Ink: Wasabi, Memento Tuxedo Black and Memento London Fog (this one is not available through Amuse Studio)
Accessories: Onyx and White Baker's Twine
Twinkle Stickers - Dyed with a Copic marker but they do come in Orange (I just don't have any).
Paper Distressing Tool.

Now it's your turn to try out this sketch and link back using the Mr. Linky feature below:

Annabelle Stamps is Turning 2!

2011-08-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the news...AnnaBelle Stamps is turning 2.

In honor of this momentous occasion they are throwing a Birthday Bash complete with Prizes. Want to know how you can win? Head over the to the AnnaBelle Blog to find out.

Off you go now....

BC225 - Learning Your ABC's

2011-08-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

Wow summer is rapidly coming to a close (I'm so not ready) and all over the country kids are soon (if not already) headed back to school. So in honor of that event our List Mom, Lisa (Splendiferous Creations)has assigned this weeks theme as, "Back to School."

Here is what I came up with for the challenge:

This was a quick and easy card because the patterned paper really helped pull it all together so easily. I used 3 different pieces from DCWV-Grade School Stack. The Apples were stamped with Grass Pigment Ink (Amuse Studio) and embossed with clear EP. I did add a touch of brown to the stems using a marker.

I punched one layer to resemble school notebook paper and added some Red Bakers Twine to finish it off.

I think this card is going to Coleen on her first day of 1st Grade.

So now it's your turn to give this fun challenge a try.
Link below:

Supplies: Stamps: Mint Motif (School Basics)
Card Stock: Basic Black (SU)
Designer Paper (DCWV)
Ink: Grass Pigment Ink (Amuse Studio)
Clear EP
Punches (SU)
Baker's Twine
Foam Mounting tape

Whale of a Time - Amuse Style

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

So did you all go and check out the Studio Stampers blog yet? If you haven't you might want to do so. I'm this weeks "Featured Stamper" and there is a PRIZE up for grabs.

Here is my card for the Challenge:

I just love that adorable little Whale and had such a fun time creating the card. I had an idea pop into my head as I was falling asleep one night and got up the next morning and drew out a very "rough" sketch. Then my daughter showed me how to use a program on our computer so I was able to draw up a better sketch using my idea.

Here is my sketch:

You'll have 2 weeks to enter the challenge but you must post your card on the Studio Stamper's blog to be eligible to win the prize. Try to use atleast 1 Amuse Stamp on your card. I'm offering up one Package of the Sky Blue Grosgrain Ribbon used on the Whale card and one Package of Buttercup Buttons used on the previous day's Snail card.

Here's a close-up of the seaweed and fish (so fun)

So get creating if you'd like a chance to win those items.

Card Details: All Products A.Muse|Studio unless otherwise noted and can be purchased by clicking on the Online Store button on my sidebar.
Stamps: Keep Swimmin'
Card Stock: Sky, Bermuda,Lichen and Sugar
Sky Gingham
Ink: Lichen, Sage, Sky, Bermuda, Memento Tuxedo Black
Cloud Die
Punch: Fiskars
Sky Grosgrain Ribbon

What's my Stamping Style?

2011-08-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! - Did you figure out from my "Sneak Peak" yesterday what this card is about? Have you popped over to the Studio Stampers blog yet?
My Upline: Krystie asked us to send a card that showcases our Stamping Style. Goodness that was a "toughie" for me. I struggled with my answer mainly because I really don't think I have a particular style of stamping. It's whatever hits me at the time I start creating. Sometimes I'm more of an "elegant" stamper, occasionally an "artsy" stamper, and at time's I even try something totally out of the box (at least I think I do). Right now though I'm into more of the Whimsical/Cute stuff so that's what I went with as my current style of stamping.

How do you think I did?

Here's a little peek of my card for Tuesday's challenge.

Make sure you pop into the Studio Stamper's blog to see the full card and read the challenge. A prize is involved.

Card Details: Stamps: A.Muse|Studio - Snail & Co.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lemon Whip, Papaya, Grass, Latte , French Roast & Copic Markers on the Snail. Card Stock: Sugar, Sage, Buttercup, Latte, Buttercup Gingham Other: Buttons (Buttercup) Lemon Whip Tiny Flowers Ribbon,
Circle Nestabilitie Dies

All Supplies can be purchased on my On-line Store. Just click on the icon in my sidebar.

Amuse Teaser

2011-08-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome...today I'm sharing a very "small" peek at a card that will be posted tomorrow on the Studio Stampers blog.
Each week we've been posting a "Featured" stamper and a challenge by that person on the following day. I hope you'll check out the blog and come back for my Challenge on Tuesday as well.

Here's my little Sneak Peek:

BC224 Color My World

2011-08-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's FRIDAY!!! - Wow, the summer is flying by quickly. School starts here in just a little over 2 1/2 weeks. Coleen is ready though to head back to school. She loves learning and being with other kids so it's not going to be a problem sending her back to school. Now getting her to go to bed earlier is another story as she's been up past 9:30 all summer long.

Well enough "chit-chat" as you all know it's Blogger Challenge day and our list mom, Lisa gave us a "Color" challenge today. Here it is:

Now I don't know about you or anyone else who did this challenge but I was certainly "Challenged" to use these colors. In fact I emailed to ask if we had to use the exact colors listed or if any shades of (Green, Purple and Brown) could be use. Lisa assured me that any shades of the colors would work fine. My problem was that I just couldn't seem to get past the colors of the IP photo and then when I looked through my stash of paper I just couldn't seem to find the right shades of each of the colors. The "brown" really threw me for a loop. My stamp room is a disaster of papers strewn all over the desk in my attempt to find something that would work. So what may you ask did I finally come up with...

Since I live in "Wine Country" - Yeah, check out Walla Walla Wineries in a Google search and you'll see what I'm talking about...I decided that these colors would work well using Grapes for my image. I chose the only Grape stamp that I have from a retired SU set, (Sun-Ripened II) and colored the image with Copic markers. Sentiment is from Amuse Studio (Essential Sentiments) Once that was done I went in search of a sketch to use and since Allison
has a page of the Weekly Sketches on her blog I picked one out from there. I went with the sketch from the Crafts Meow which worked well with my Grapes. The background was done using a Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Victoria) which I reminds me of Vines for some reason. I used a piece of Chocolate Coordinations card stock which has another color that when you sand it shows through. So that's where the "greenish" color comes from, pretty cool I think.
I also wanted to use my new punch, MS-Beaded Arch that I bought this week (yes, I'm addicted to punches). I added some Zva pearls and a flower (of sorts) by punching a circle, crinkled the edges with my fingernail and added a button with some faux thread (actually thin pieces of the brown card stock)- Of I also used some Shimmer Spray-Copper on the image which you can see in the close up here:

So now it's your turn to play along. Create a card and then link back so we can all see what you created. Have fun!

BC223 Embossing (Daisy Delight)

2011-07-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Hope you have all had a wonderful week. It's time for the Blogger Challenge and this week Lisa has challenged us to use, Embossing on our cards/projects. Now you can do whatever type of embossing you'd like. I chose to do 2 types of embossing on my card.

This card also covers the current Cupcake Inspiration challenge. There were 2 delightful cupcake photo's to draw inspiration from. Can you guess which one I picked?

You know it's funny but my mom just doesn't get "Inspiration Photo's" She thinks you have to literally recreate the photo. In this case she would have expected me to use a poodle on my card. However I went with the colors/polka dots as my inspiration.

For my "Embossing" I used Dry embossing by using a Cuttlebug Folder to add that gorgeous raised Daisy border at the bottom of the card. I also used Wet
embossing on the Daisies. Here is a close up showing the colors that are in the embossing powder I used. (So pretty).

Can't wait to see what you come up with. Be sure to link below:

Please note if I haven't commented on your card from last week I will get to it this week. I really try hard to let everyone participating know that their work is appreciated.

Card Details: Stamps: Upsy Daisy-SU
Card Stock: Whisper White, Regal Rose - SU
Designer Paper - Retired SU
Ink: Regal Rose
Embossing Powder: Cupcake Sprinkles-Comotion
Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug
Pearls: Zva
Butterfly Die: Amuse Studio
Lace - Source Unknown

BC222 In The Good Ole Summertime

2011-07-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday and Welcome to the Blogger Challenge. This weeks theme: Summertime! Now while I know some of you have actually been having Summer here in the Pacific Northwest we've had a very cool/mild summer. I don't think it's gotten past 90 more then 1 or 2 days all summer so far. Which is unusual for our area. Alas you didn't come here to listen to me talk about the weather so let's get down to business.

Today my card will cover not 1, not 2 but 3 different challenges! - I'm excited that I've actually done all 3 challenges with one card. Are you ready....Get out your sunglasses as your going to need them.

I had to go through my mom's stash of stamps to find something with a summer theme as I just didn't seem to have anything fitting the bill in my stamp collection (Hard to belive isn't it). Plus I also wanted something that would work with this weeks Color Throwdown challenge:
Rainbow Colors!

This lends itself to a lot of bright, fun colors and patterns. It was so much fun using this long retired stamp set and bringing it back to life again in such a fun way.
I used the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge for my card.

Card Details: Stamps: Penguin Paradise-retired SU
Sentiment Stamp: Hero Arts
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Marigold Morning, Bermuda Bay, Real Red-SU
Sugar (Which is the White piece) from A.Muse|Studio.
Designer Paper: We R Memory Keepers
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & Various Copic Markers
Swiss Dot Embossing Folder
Punches: Photo Corner and Wave-EK Success
Brads: Pink Hedgehog Crafts

So now it's your turn to give this challenge a try and show us your Summer Creations by linking below:

BC221-Sketch challenge (Let Them Eat Cake)

2011-07-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome! - It's Blogger Challenge Day and this week we are getting "Sketchy" with this wonderful sketch from our list mom, Lisa:

I must admit at first I thought, What am I going to do with that sketch? Then an idea popped into my head to "flip" the sketch and voila' my card idea was born.

I picked an image that I wanted to use and also got inspired by the current Cupcake Inspirations challenge.

Aren't those cupcakes colorful! - Who doesn't love the rainbow. With that in mind I dug through my scrap paper until I found the piece I was looking for and here is my card:

Card Details: Stamps - Cake from A.Muse|Studio
Papers: Orange, Sugar, Ocean - A.Muse|Studio
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Cuttlebug Birthday Embossing Folder
Brads - Pink Hedgehog Crafts
White Liquid Applique sprinkled with Clear Glitter

Now it's your turn to join in on the fun. Link your card below:

Also entered into the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday embossing challenge.

Color Throwdown 150

2011-07-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a lovely color combo! - It's my 1st time playing with the Color Throwdown but I thought I'd give it a try.

Here is what I came up with:

My card is based on a card by Alice Wertz found here

I used an old SU set, Petal Prints to create my background.
The (Taken With Teal) color presented a bit of a problem but I decided on just adding subtle touches of it. I dyed some white pearls with a Teal Copic Marker and also stamped the sentiment with TWT ink. The butterflies were die cut with an A.Muse|Studio butterfly die. I stamped the small pink butterflies on Pretty in Pink cs and then stamped them with the flower image in Rose Red ink. I love how they turned out.
Stamps: Petal Prints, Sweet Little Sentiments, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Card Stock: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Very Vanilla
Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Taken With Teal, River Rock
Punch: Eyelet Border, Word Window-SU
Swiss Dot Embossing Folder-Cuttlebug
Distressing Tool
Pearls-A.Muse
Copic Marker

Glitz Design - Check This Out!

2011-07-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Glitz Design
has an "Awesome" Giveaway going on right now. You can check out the excitement by clicking on the links below.

This is their Beautiful Dreamer collection. Oh my it is dreamy isn't it! You have a chance to win this collection. Details can be found HERE:

This collection is called Vintage Blue - What's not to love about "vintage and the color blue?" Again you have a chance to win this collection HERE:

Last but certainly not least is,

Dance in Sunshine. How gorgeous is this!
Again the link for details on how to win this collection can be found HERE:

You will have until 11:59PM PST to follow the instructions given on how to win the Collections. So head on over and enter for your chance to win one of these amazing collections debuting at CHA.

Let's get "Hoppin" Amuse Studio Style

2011-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the July A.Muse|Studio Blog Hop! - This is my first time participating and I'm excited about being a part of Krystie's Team Who sadly this month was not able to join in on the fun but come join me and the other A.Muse ladies and see what fun and creative ideas are in store for you.

You should have arrived here from Veronica's fabulous blog.

If not you may want to head on back to Kathie's blog for the start of the HOP. A complete list of the participants will follow at the end of my post.

I kept my design Clean and Simple to really show off the sweet little bunny and the bright cheery colors.
Stamps: Bunny Business
Polka Dot Patterns
Card Stock: Orange, Sugar (White)
Designer Paper - Orange and Grass Gingham
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Orange
Copic Markers
Ribbon - Lime 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain
Clear Twinkle Sticker Gems
Circle Nestabilitie Dies and Foam Mounting Tape

Next up on the hop is the fantastic Lianna's

blog.

Kathy Hatzke http://www.kathatstamps.blogspot.com/
Karen Crisp http://www.papernstamps.blogspot.com/
Kari Bell http://karikards.blogspot.com/
Lesa Wolfe http://www.thepaperpundit.blogspot.com/
Lisa Wakabayashi http://dragonfliesandcats.blogspot.com/
Lisa Chapman http://www.piesafepapergoods.blogspot.com/
Veronica Zalis http://lk2thestarz.blogspot.com/
Ida P.Krause http://faithartistry.blogspot.com/ - You Are Here
Lianna Vigil http://llamatales.blogspot.com/
Kristen Watson http://branchandsky.blogspot.com/

All supplies can be purchased by clicking on my On-line Store link at the top of the page on the right hand side of my sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you all had a good time.

BC220 - Floral Frenzy

2011-07-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Let's get right to the point today. This weeks Blogger Challenge is all about Flowers! Who doesn't love flowers?

I made 2 (very different) cards for todays challenge.
First up is a card that I designed around some patterned DP from SU - (retired Sweet Pea). I love the soft feel this paper has.

All Card Stock/Papers are SU
Sentiment is Hero Arts
Ribbon-SU
Felt Flowers-SU
Punch-EK Success
Pearls - Zva

Now card Number 2 is really a change as it has a much bolder feel about it.

I love Black, White and Red together and just threw in the green for added interest.

Stamps: Amuse.Studio
Papers-Amuse Studio and SU Whisper White
Embossing Folder-Cuttlebug
Black Pearls-Zva
Red Sprinkles - Annabelle Stamps
Punch - Martha Stewart

Try as I might after about 30 photo's I gave up on this one. I just could not get the sentiment to show up clearly in the photo after resizing it. It's much sharper and clearer in real life.
Now it's your turn to join in on the Floral Frenzy by linking your card below.

I'll leave you today with a fun YouTube Video of Coleen dancing at her Kindergarten Graduation. Try not to notice what she does towards the end of the video (Did any of your kids do that?)

Have a great day.

BC219 Three Cheers For the Red, White and Blue

2011-07-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - It's time once again for the Blogger's Challenge. First let me say, WOW to all 66 enteries from last week. Lots of great inspiration.
It's getting harder and harder to pop by and leave comments on everyone's blogs but I try my best so if I've missed you I apologize.

Now for this weeks challenge. I've combined 3 different challenges for this card.

Blogger Color Challenge (Red, White and Blue)

Cupcake Inspirations #117

The card is based "loosely" on the Clean and Simple Sketch 146

- I did change some of the sketch elements so I am not entering it for the challenge but I did want to give them credit for a great sketch that helped to inspire my card.

I started out to use a little Rocket image on my card but it just didn't seem to fit the design once it started coming together. Instead I utilized the image and decorated the inside of the card as well.

So now it's your turn to play by linking below:

Card Details: Stamps: StudioG (Happy 4th and Rocket)
Circle of Stars - Source Unknown as this was sent to me by a friend and there is no indentifying marks on the stamp.
Inside Sentiment - Celebrate by Graphistamp
Card Stock: Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White
Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye - Parade-Celebrate Stripes
Ink: Pacific Point, Real Red, Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers used on Rocket
Cuttlebug Star Embossing Folder
Star punches-SU
Star Border Punch-EK Success
Bakers Twine
Red Faux Jewels

BC218 - Things With Wings

2011-06-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

"I must hurry and catch up with the others, for I am their leader!" - My brother use to race Bicycles and this was on a T-Shirt he wore. It pretty much describes this week for me.

Coleen started swimming lessons on Monday and my Step-Son flew up from CA the same day. He came up to drive my husband's truck back to CA and wouldn't you know it showed up with no money! He spent 4 days here (until he could get some cash to head back home) and as you know when you have company not a lot gets done. So I'm behind on commenting on last weeks cards and hope to get that accomplished as well as this weeks Blogger Challenge.

This weeks theme: Things With Wings...(pretty open field if you ask me) so I went with this,

Card Details:
Stamps: TPC Studio-Airplane and Trail
Sentiment: Hero Arts
Card Stock: Real Red, Pacific Point, Summer Sun, Whisper White-Stampin'Up!
Designer Paper: Best Creation Inc.-Transportation
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Bashful Blue, Real Red, Pacific Point-SU
Other: Star Punches-SU
Baker's Twine
Loopy Punch-MS
Glitter - Art Institute

Please feel to join in on the challenge and link below:

BC217 - Get Your "Macho" On

2011-06-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome! - I've been nursing a sprained ankle or a pulled tendon in my ankle all week. I'm not sure what happened but it really hurt. I'm happy to say I'm not so "limpy" today as I was earlier in the week. Still going to take it easy on the foot though for a few more days.

On to today's Blogger Challenge. We are tackling the challenging "Masculine" card this week. Here is what I came up with. What's more "manly or macho" then a Cowboy!

For this card I used a "retired" Stampin'Up! set - Bronc Buster. I embossed the image and then sponged the color on.
I used colors to match the paper that I had picked out. The pattern is, Horsin'Around Happy Trails by Flair Designs. I'm not sure of the lighter green paper as there was no name on the back of the piece.

I wanted to add a lot of "texture" to this card so I created it in different ways. I embossed my punched border and the paper that the stars were punched out on. I added the linen thread and did a "scruffy" looking tied bow and also distressed the edges of the card stock. Along with the texture of the embossing powder I think it all worked well together to give this a more manly feel.

Here are Close-Ups so you can see the texture a little better.

The Horseshoe charm was dyed with a Copic Marker (E19) as it was originally Gold Colored and I wanted it to match my color scheme better.

The card stock colors: Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla are SU.
Punches: EK Success, SU
Embossing Powder - PSX-Woven Tapestry

So now it's your turn to show us your "manly" creations. Just link below:

Taking the Plunge

2011-06-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Guess What I decided to do? Well it's Open Auditions for the Gallery Idol Contest So I decided to take the "plunge" and enter a card just to see what happens. The Open Audition Theme is: Congratulations and here is what I came up with:

I've never tried out before but I thought I'd give it a shot.
Keeping my fingers crossed!

Card Details:
Stamps: There She Goes - Love Birds
Card Stock: SU-Bermuda Bay, Real Red
Designer Paper: My Minds Eye-Love Me DO "Love Birds"
Copic Markers
Spica Glitter Pens
Oval Nestabilitie Dies
Punch-EK Success
Red Grosgrain Ribbon-SU
Heart Sprinkles - Annabelle Stamps.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

BC216 One Sketch - Two cards

2011-06-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome and Happy Friday. Before I get started with today's BC Challenge I'd like to share this picture of Coleen taken on Monday at her Kindergarten Graduation (I know how cute is that!)

She was just adorable and I had to share. Later this week on my personal blog I'll have other photo's and a little video of her dancing at the graduation so hopefully you'll check it out.

Now on to the BC June Sketch Challenge. Today I have not 1 but 2 cards to share with you using this sketch.
Here is the sketch:

Here are my cards:
The first version is my "feminine" version of the sketch.

I bought the stamp during my friend, Teresa's visit a couple of weeks ago. It's from Hero Arts and I just love it. I just used a portion of the actual stamp for this card.
I love the way the DP looks after I embossed it with the embossing folder. Sort of made it look like material.
Here's a close up of the ladies:

Supplies: Stamps-Hero Arts
Card Stock-More Mustard-SU, Coordinations and Bazzill (I like to spread the love around with different companies)
Baker's Twine
Measuring Tape Ribbon-Offray
Buttons-A.Muse Studio
Copic Markers
Circle Nestie Dies

Now on to the "Masculine" version:

I had a hard time getting a decent photograph. I think it's just due to it being a (manly) card and we know how difficult men can be sometimes!
Here are a couple of closeups of the detail on this card.

This one is going to "Hubby" for Father's Day.
Supplies: Stamps - A.Muse Studio
Card Stock: Basic Black, Always Artichoke-SU
DP-Creative Imaginations
Brads-SU
Embossing Folder-SU
Ink: More Mustard-SU and Memento London Fog
Clear EP
Paper Distressing Tool

Now it's your turn to play along. Just link up below:

Have a wonderful weekend.

BC215 Pets

2011-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Friday!
This week the Blogger Challenge Theme is: PETS-What a great theme. If you're a regular on my blog you know by now what my favorite pet is, Yes it's a "Cat" and we have 6 of them in our house. So for my card today I naturally chose to use a cat image.
Here's what I came up with:

I wanted to showcase the row of furry feline's but didn't feel like coloring all of them so I just left them uncolored and then used another image to color. Stamps: The Cat's Meow-retired SU
Card stock: Very Vanilla, SU - All other colors are from Chatterbox - I've had them for years so I don't know the exact color names. The DP though is Sunny Plaid from the Sunroom Collection.

I have to confess that I purchased another punch just for this project. I've been wanting this punch for some time now and even looked at it last week while my friend was down for her visit but didn't buy it then. However it seemed like the perfect time so I went and bought the Paw Print punch yesterday and I'm glad I did as it really added to this card.

Okay I just have to show off the "perfect prop" for this card:

This is, Captain Cuddles the youngest of your furry feline family members. He just happened to get up on the couch while I was taking photo's so I had to take his picture with the card. Isn't he adorable!

It's been quite the week here with pets. Sunday evening Coleen was in the basement playing with her pet rats (Cheesy and Wheezy) when she came upstairs screaming and holding something in her hand. She was hysterical so it was hard at first to understand her but we managed to get her calmed down enough to find out that she had accidentally shut the door on one of the rat's tails and it had come off. Yes, it was icky since the bone and tissue were exposed. She was crying and quite upset. We managed to get her calmed down and after her mom got home we researched on the Internet about what we could do since it was a holiday weekend and taking the rat to the Vet would have been an ER call and way to expensive. After talking to the on-call Vet we just bathed the rats tail in Saline Solution to help stop the bleeding and waited until Tuesday to take him to the vet. He ended up having to have a portion of his tail amputated but I'm happy to report that Wheezy is home now and doing just fine.

Please note that Blogger is having "issues" right now with some people's blogs (mine is one) when trying to leave comments. If you don't have the feature (Name/URL)and don't see a comment from me it's because I am unable to post comments on certain blogs if that option is not available to me.

Now it's your turn to play along. Just use the link below to show us your Pet themed project.

BC214 Make it Shimmer (and easier to photograph)

2011-05-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - Yes, I'm up "late" with my BC Challenge but for a very good reason.

One of my dear friends, (Teresa) came down for a visit today and we planned to do some stamping together. Oh my that girl brought a ton of stuff with her and then I took her to our local JoAnn's because I needed some Shimmer Spray for this challenge and we spent $$ there and laughed, talked, laughed some more, stamped a little and the time just flew by. I did finally manage to finish my card so here it is:

Before my friend got here I had decided on a sketch and used this one

from the Sweet Sunday Sketch a couple of weeks ago. I followed it as closely as I could but I think I did change a few of the elements but I still like how it turned out.

It's very "difficult" to photograph cards that shimmer but it looks cool in real life.

Here is the best photo I could get of the shimmer that I added to the DP and the Die Cut leaves:

Details:
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, More Mustard, Whisper White-SU
Stamps:SU Animal Stories, Sanded BG (stamped on the die cut leaves and then sprayed with Shimmer Spray)
Designer Paper, DCWV-Safari Chic collection
Shimmer Spray - Copper Tim Holtz
SU-Copper EP
More Mustard Grosgrain Ribbon
Punch-Optic Dot from Martha Stewart
Brads-Pink Hedgehog Crafts
Nestabilitie Oval Dies

Sizix Die-Branch w/leaves

Sadly I didn't get any photo's of my friend and I stamping together but here's a pic of the two of us just before she got ready to leave:

Now it's your turn to show us your shimmery creations. Link back here:

Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday.

BC213 - Inspired by

2011-05-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday and Happy Birthday to my Hubby!!! - He doesn't read my blog (sadly) but he knows I post his cards here though.

This week Lisa gave us this Inspiration Photo to work with for our challenge.

I love the Ocean even though I don't get to visit that often so this picture really was inspiring to me. The first thing that caught my eye was the Wall Paper in the center panel. My problem...no dp with a map on it and no Anchor stamps. What's a girl to do? - Why go shopping of course! I found some DP (DCWV-Tradewinds Matstack) that had a piece with a map on it so I was off and running.

Next up what stamps to use?...I do own several "beach themed" stamp sets and a Sailboat stamp but I really wanted something a little different. That's when I remembered that I had a stamp in my stash that hadn't been inked yet. It's a little $1 stamp from Inkadinkado.

Here's what I came up with using my paper & stamps:

I decided to stamp the image directly onto the patterned paper and color it with Copic Markers. I added a bit of White Gel Pen to the Seagull and some sparkle to the Sun with a Glitter Pen. You can see this better in the Close-Up

After coloring the image I mounted it on a distressed piece of Apricot Appeal card stock. - I was inspired here by the tones of color in the right hand panel of the Inspiration Photo.
To complete my card I added some Baker's Twine, Black Brads, a Punched Wave Border and an Anchor Charm which I just happened to have in my stash already!

This is going to be a Birthday Card for Hubby.
You can play along by linking your card below:

Card Details: Card Stock: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal (SU) Designer Paper-Die Cuts With a View
Stamp: Inkadinkado
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers
Other: Baker's Twine, Black Brads, Anchor Charm,
Washed Ashore Punch-Fiskers
Paper Distressing Tool.

BC212 Let's Get Sketchy

2011-05-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Whew....After a LONG wait Blogger is finally up and running!

Today the Blogger Challenge group is showcasing this wonderful sketch:

Here's what I created:

I started out by picking out the patterned paper I wanted to use since the sketch had lots of layers I needed something that would be match well. As luck would have it I had some paper by My Minds Eye-So Sophie line that worked great.

Next I picked my stamps (or in this case a single stamp) from A.Muse Studio (Beautiful Botanicals 2)I stamped the Leafy background with Versamark Ink on Bermuda Bay-SU card stock. Then I stamped it once on some Sugar(AMS)cs with Fern Ink(AMS). I added butterflies punched from the patterned paper. Added some pearls (Dyes with Copic Markers) and ribbon. The darker green ribbon is from AnnaBelle Stamps and the smaller ribbon is SU.
Punch: EK Success

I left off a sentiment and will put one on the inside when I figure out what I want to use this card for.

So now it's your turn: Link you card below so we can see how you interpret the sketch.

Friend to Friend

2011-05-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hi! - Welcome to my blog. Usually I don't post on a Wednesday but today I'm sharing a card that I recently created for an (Anything Goes) swap on another Yahoo Group I belong to. It's a pretty easy design but I like how cheery it turned out.

All Supplies on this card unless otherwise noted are from
A.Muse Studio.
Stamp Set: Friend to Friend
Card Stock: Sugar(White)
Buttercup, Sage
Basic Black-SU
Gingham Check DP
Copic Markers
Spica Glitter Pen
Pearls - Dyed with a Copic Marker
Flower - Dyed with a Copic Marker
Lemon Whip Flower Ribbon
Punch-EK Success
Nestabilitie Dies

Don't forget you can purchase A.Muse Studio stamps etc...from me. Just click on my On-line Store icon. I'd love to have your business.

BC211 - Back to Nature

2011-05-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's Friday!!! We all know that means it's time for the Bloggers Challenge and today we are celebrating: Nature.
What a great theme.

Today is also my oldest brother, Russell's 60th birthday.
So in honor of his birthday and his love of Nature (hey, that worked in great) here is the card I created for today's theme and to give him for his birthday.

Details: Stamp sets: The Great Outdoors-Inkadinkado
SU-It's Your Birthday
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Whisper White-SU
Designer Paper - Cosmo Cricket - Mr. Campy
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Always Artichoke. - The background was done using a Petal Point Pigment pad - Wildflower Collection from Colorbox.
Other:
Prisma Color Pencils - For the flowers
Shimmer Spray (Homemade using Hairspray and Gold Aztec Pearl-X Powder)
Punch: EK Success
Linen Thread-SU
Brads-Pinkhedgehog Crafts.
Nestabilitie Dies
Paper Distressing Tool-SU

Your turn to give this a try. There is a lot of room for creativity with this theme so have some fun and show us your work by linking your card below:

Have a wonderful day. - Off to bake Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for my brother.

BC210 and I'm so tired

2011-04-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday & Congratulations to William and Catherine!
Did you watch the wedding. Call me Crazy (I know I'm calling myself the same) but I actually stayed up ALL NIGHT to watch every detail live as it unfolded. I went to bed at 6:00am PST and got back up at 7:15 to walk Coleen to school and then headed back to bed for a few hours before getting up again. Needless to say I'm a bit "rummy" this afternoon but it was a lovely wedding and it was history unfolding right before your eyes so I'm not sorry I stayed up to catch the Nuptials.

So today's BC Challenge is a Color Challenge:

Now you will see from my card I used different shades of Green and Blue (more subdued tones)but I kept the Rose color as close to the photo as possible.

My card was done using the current AnnaBelle Sketch:

The card details:
Stamps: Sentimental Bluebells and Backgrounds By Design 3 - AnnaBelle Stamps
Card Stock: Pear Pizzaz, Bashful Blue, Rose Red and Whisper White (also Papertrey Select for the floral panel as it works better for Copic coloring).
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Rose Red and Bashful Blue-SU
Copic Markers: G82, RV32, RV34
Other: Circle Nestabilitie Dies, Moroccan Screen Embossing folder, Rose Red Grosgrain ribbon, Blossom 6mm Sprinkles (AnnaBelle)

You can join in on the fun by linking below:

Have a great evening, I'm going to bed early!!!

Once Upon a "Monthly"? Challenge

2011-04-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi and Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and spent happy times with your loved ones.

It's time once again for Elena (The Redhaired Girl)and I to post our cards for the,
Once Upon a Monthly Challenge we started last year. Of course I've been a bit of a procrastinator and so it's become more of a bi-monthly challenge but one that I truly enjoy. You will not want to miss the darling card that I received from Elena for the challenge. Here's a bit of a peek:

So PLEASE stop by her blog, check out her fabulous and oh so cute card with some wonderful little ribbon flowers that you will just fall in love with. I know I did. Then don't forget to leave some comment love because we all like to hear that our work is appreciated.

For the "theme" this time around Elena picked (Ribbon) and not just tie a plain old bow but something different. Well I must say I found this to be a challenge because I'm more of a tie a plain old bow type of stamper (I'm still trying to figure out how to use the Bow Easy). But I persevered and after some searching I found this tutorial on Becca Feeken's blog (Amazing Grace) and decided that I could handle this one. Thanks Becca and Elena for getting me out of my bow tieing "rut" and coming up with something that I really liked how it turned out.

So here is my card:

Not a great deal of stamping on this card since the only thing stamped is the sentiment.

Card Details:
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Bermuda Bay,Whisper White.-SU
Designer Paper: My Mind's Eye-Bloom and Grow line
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Apricot Appeal-SU (sponged on).
Sentiment Stamp - AnnaBelle Stamps (Easter Hope)
Other: Butterfly Die - A.Muse Studio
Nestabilitie Circle Dies
Pearls - A.Muse Studio - Dyed with Copic Markers
Border Punch - EK Success
Orange Satin Ribbon - A.Muse Studio
Needle and Orange Thread.

That's it...the tutorial is easy to follow and the result looks fabulous(IMO).

Have a wonderful week and try not to eat to much Easter Candy (come on you know you'll eat some)!

BC209 Ribbon and Lace

2011-04-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Friday! It's been a challenging week. Cricket got sick from chewing pieces of Coleen's Super ball on Sunday but I'm happy to report after a trip to the Vet and some Medication she is doing much better. There is an update and video on my personal blog if you want to watch her in action with one of our cats. Link on my sidebar.

Today the BC Challenge is: Ribbon or Lace. I actually have 2 cards to share today.

My first card features a CAS design. I struggle with this type of design as I always think it needs "just a little more" so when I don't add extra's I tend to think of the design as plain. What do you think?

On this card I tried the crumpled ribbon look that I've seen on other people's cards. I used Sticky Strip tape and ruffled as I went along. Needless to say my ruffles aren't very evenly space (I need more practice). Then I added a punched flower and a simple sentiment to complete my design.
Card Stock: Pear Pizzaz, Textured Crushed Curry, Designer Paper from Cosmo Cricket-DeLovely
Ribbon, Ellen Hutson,
Sentiment-A.Muse Studio
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Punch - MFT
Brad, Pink Hedgehog Crafts

For my 2nd card I went a bit fancier with the design.
I started out picking out my stamps: There She Goes - Buckets of Love. Don't those Daisies just make you smile.
I colored them with various Copic Markers and added some sparkle to the pink hearts with a Spica Glitter Pen.
The DP is from SU and that sweet Daisy Ribbon is from A.Muse Studio. I used a punch (Martha Stewart) to create the look of lace and added 3 tiny punched hearts for a bit of whimsy in the upper right hand corner.
Card Stock: Old Olive, So Saffron, Cool Caribbean, Pretty in Pink,Whisper White and PTI Select White.

So now it's your turn to show off some Ribbon and Lace.

Before you go I want to wish you all a Blessed and
Happy Easter!

On This Day

2011-04-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

I married my best friend! - Today is our 19th Anniversary.
No really big plans but we'll head out to dinner.

I usually "buy" him a card as it's hard to create guy type Anniversary cards and he doesn't seem to mind if I make it or buy it. Today however I whipped this one up for him.
He recently begin playing Guitar again so I thought this would make a good Anniversary card for him.

There are a couple of other pics of us on my personal blog. Link is on my sidebar if you care to take a peek at how young we were way back then.

Stamps are from A.Muse Studio
Card Stock - SU (Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink - SU Pacific Point
DP - Bella Blvd.
Brads: Pink Hedgehog
Chain Punch - EK Success.

BC208 Spring is in the Air

2011-04-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hey it's FRIDAY! - Life is here is slowly returning to normal.
Greta and Coleen are moved in now and we are working out the "kinks" of having two extra people living in our home but so far it's going fairly well.

So for today's BC Challenge we have this wonderful sketch as the basis for our cards.

Here's what I did with the sketch:

Isn't that bunny cute! - I just got the set (Bunny Business-A.Muse Studio) and had to ink him up.
He's colored with Copic Markers: (YR04, YR07, YR09,YG05, YG21,YG23, YG25,R37, W4, W5,and W8)
I cut a template and sponged on the dirt road using, French Roast pigment ink (A.Muse Studio)- Here after to be referred to as AMS.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango-SU
White cs - Papertrey Ink
Designer Paper: Polka Dot pattern is My Mind's Eye
Other patterns: Source Unknown as they are from a packet I won.
Orange Brads: Queen and Company
Ric-Rac- Source Unknown

So now it's your turn to play along. You can link up below using the Mr. Linky tool.

Have a wonderful weekend. - Coleen is being Baptised this Sunday and we are excited about that. I'll share pictures soon.

BC207 Inspirational Butterflies

2011-04-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hip Hip Hooray it's Friday!!!
So are you ready for some "Inspiration" - That's the theme of this weeks BC Challenge. Our list mom, Lisa gave us this photo to work with.

Now I must admit that I was indeed "challenged" by this one.
I looked and looked at the photo and thought, ("What was she thinking?") After awhile I just decided that I wanted to go with the colors of the photo. To me they were: Blue, Green,White and Black (although Lisa saw Brown).

Then I wanted to add some sort of element that might resemble the way the photo's were grouped. I settled on adding an embossed background that had some of the patterns I saw from the photo. - You see them too, right?

I'm not sure if there were any Butterflies in the Inspiration photo's but with the lovely flower photo I imagined a butterfly landing on the bloom and voila' they landed smack on my card too!

Details: Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White (SU) Sky and Sage from A.Muse - Designer Paper, DCWV.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and White Pigment (SU)
Embossing Folder-SU
Butterfly Die, A.Muse
Punch-SU
Pearls-Zva

Don't forget you can get in on the FUN by linking your card below:

Also if you take a close look you will now see that I have included an Emblem at the top of my Blog with a direct link to my A.Muse Studio On-line store.

Cricket gets her stitches removed today and she is doing amazingly well since her surgery two week ago. Will update with another photo soon.

Have a wonderful weekend.

BC206 - It's all about birds and a Cricket Update

2011-04-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - Gosh I was going to use the title: It's For the Birds until I did a Google Search on the phrase and found this information: - I decided perhaps that wasn't such a good title after all.

Anyway today's Blogger Challenge is all about our feathered friends (unless of course you are traumatized by birds after seeing the Alfred Hitchcook movie, The Birds). Let's hope that's not the case.

For my card today I tried something different. I was visiting my BF Allison's blog today
and she had posted a card using the SCS Technique (Bargello). It looked pretty interesting so I thought I would give it a try. Not sure I got it right but I think it turned out okay. The patterned paper I used (Rustic Chic - Wingit Collection) Hey, I just noticed the reference to birds with my paper...I digress
Anyway the patterns had different patterns within the pattern if that makes sense so once I cut the strips, mounted them and then cut new strips it sort of took on a different look then what I thought it would.
I decided to use the Peacok Image again from my Hero Arts-Sketched Birds stamp set. Then I picked my ink: A.Muse Studio's Ocean and Grass. I inked up the Peacock with the Ocean ink and then dabbed on the Grass ink with a Q-Tip before stamping it on the white card stock. I added some small Green pearls (Zva) and then mounted it on Pear Pizzaz card stock.
I also used some Twisted Paper which I've had for years. Mine came from Making Memories which apparently doesn't carry the stuff any longer. I did find the same type of stuff carried at this store - Personally I think it's a "cool" product even though untwisting it is a bit tricky and hard on my hands.
My sentiment is also from Hero Arts and was stamped with A.Muse French Roast ink. I also added some tiny little green pearls (again from Zva).
Other card stock used: Chocolate Chip and Taken With Teal (SU)

Don't forget that you can participate in the BC Blog Hop by leaving a link to your card. You can find this at the bottom of my post.

Thank you all who sent well wishes, prayers and kind words about our puppy, Cricket. She's doing remarkably well since she had her leg amputated last Wednesday. You can view a video of her on my personal blog:
or view directly on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpWoZ6tVL5U
It's just amazing how quickly she's adjusted to life on 3 legs. I'll leave you with a picture of her and Coleen taken yesterday.

Have a great weekend.

Birthday Gift Cert. Winner

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

So who won my Birthday Gift Certificate....

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 26
Result:
14
Lucky #14 turns out to be Lori who said this:

Pretty card, Ida! Love the sparkles on the flowers. Hope you have a fantastic birthday!

March 19, 2011 8:22 PM

Lori, Please contact me (via email) with your mailing address and the web address of the On-line store you'd like to spend your $25 Gift Certificate at.

Congratulations! - Thank you to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday.

BC205 A Sketch and an Announcement

2011-03-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - Before I get to this weeks Bloggers Challenge I want to thank all of you who left well wishes and said prayers for our little puppy, Cricket. She came through the surgery with flying colors. I talked with the Veterinarian this morning and she told me that Cricket is up and moving about and doesn't even realize her leg is gone. She had very little blood loss during the surgery, has been eating well and the incision is healing nicely. Best news of all is that we get to bring her home this afternoon! I'll keep you updated on her progress but again thank you all for your concern and well wishes.

It's a SKETCH challenge this week. Here is the sketch we were given to work with.

Here is my card:

So you can link up your card as well:

This is my very first card using my new A.Muse Studio products. Yes, I signed up to be a Demo for A.Muse Studio. I'm not sure just yet how that is going to go but I do enjoy their line of stamps and hopefully I'll have an On-Line store soon.

Life has been a bit "crazy" here lately so I haven't had a lot of time to work with getting things off the ground.

Also I just wanted to mention that I am no longer on the AnnaBelle Design Team. Andrea decided to switch DT members to allow new people to come in. I so enjoyed my nearly 2 years there and had a blast being a part of the Design Team.
I hope you'll stop by the AnnaBelle blog
and check out their sketch for this week and welcome the new DT members.

Also if you haven't already entered a chance for my Birthday Blog Candy

you have until 10:00 pm PST today to comment for your chance to win. The winner will be announced on Monday.

Sweet Cricket

2011-03-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little puppy, Cricket was playing outside late Monday evening with Coleen. Somehow she slipped off the back step and caught her leg on the chain link fence and was not able to walk on it. We took her in early Tuesday morning to the vet and mid-afternoon the results came back. She had broken a bone so badly that the Vets here were not able to repair the break. They just didn't have the equipment necessary nor the skill for such a delicate surgery. They suggested sending her to Washington State University where they could repair the leg. However the cost would have been from $2,000-3,000 (possibly more). After talking it over we only had 2 other options, One being to put her down, which none of us really wanted to do.
The other was to have her leg amputated. We decided that was the best route for us and so she is having her leg taken off today. I will keep you all updated on her progress and recovery in the days to come.

BC204 Spring Flowers and a Gift for you.

2011-03-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! - So are you ready for Spring!!! I know I am.
One of my favorite things about Spring is that I was born on the 1st Day of Spring (March 20) so yep, I have a birthday coming up. I had not planned to join in on the Bloggers Challenge this week but then I saw the theme was Spring Flowers and well how could I not participate. So I whipped up this little number this morning in between cleaning up puppy poo and pee (training not going so well).

I decided to use this weeks Mojo Monday sketch for my card

So now I've covered 2 different challenge and would you believe a "third" challenge since I'm also entering this in for the Forgotton Stamp Friday challenge over on Jessie's blog. This is my first time doing her challenge.
Here is a "close-up" of the flowers so you can see the sparkle from the glitter better.

So here are the details of the card:
Stamps: Whimsical Potted Tulips-Great Impressions and
En Francais-SU. I bought the little potted tulip stamp over a year ago and it had yet to see ink (sad but true). The background stamp is also one that I haven't used in quite some time so it was good to dust it off (actually I didn't dust it off) but you know what I mean.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and SU Basic Gray
Copic Markers

Card Stock: Buckaroo Blue and Regal Rose (retired SU), Pretty in Pink, Whisper White.
Designer Paper, Floral Print is from My Minds Eye-Penny Lane line.
Lime Panel (source unknown).
Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilitie Dies
Light Pink Dotted Ribbon - May Arts
Glitter: Crystal - Art Institute
Foam Mounting Tape.

So now here's the deal...Since it's my Birthday Sunday I am giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to "your" favorite On-Line store. That means if your name is drawn then you will get to pick out the store you want the Gift Certificate from. This will run from Today(18th) through next Friday 10:00 pm PST (25th) and the winner will be announced on Sunday 27th.
All you need to do is comment here and let me know you are in the running. Oh and it wouldn't hurt to wish me a Happy birthday on Sunday either. That's it, easy peasy!

I may or may not be posting cards in the next few weeks depending on how things go. I'm in need of some time to regroup, reoranize and just refresh a little. Stick with me though as I'll be back.

AnnaBelle March Release Day Two

2011-03-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome back. Hope you all enjoyed yesterday's Blog Hop an all the wonderful samples of Lil Monster Gone Fishing.
Today we have another familiar character that is back again.
This time it's, Lil Belle Michelle and she's having a "Swinging" good time! (Not that kind of swinging either).

Isn't this a sweet stamp set. I have two different cards to share today using this set.

First up:For this card is chose an older TESC sketch to play with. This one is (TESC96).

For this card I went with some lovely spring pastel colors.
The card base is Certainly Celery layered with Whisper White and Apricot Appeal. I wanted the circle portion behind Michelle to resemble a tree so I embossed it using a Cuttlebug folder (Victoria) and added a punched picket fence (Martha Stewart). The Designer paper is from a packet I won on Anna Wight's Blog (Sassy and Sweet Notes)so I'm not sure what company it came from.
I colored Michelle with various Copic markers and monted her using Rectangle Nestabilitie Dies. I added a Pink Blossom and some Blossom Sprinkles (both from AnnaBelle) to complete my card.

Card #2:The card base is: Tempting Turquoise layered with Designer Paper (SU - Retired Sweet Pea) I also used Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip on this card. Michelle was again colored with Copic Markers only this time I made her a Brunette and added a paper pieced bear. The flower and twine are both from AnnaBelle Stamps and were dyed with Copic markers. I also used a Blossom Sprinkle from AnnaBelle Stamps Card #2 was based off "This card" that I saw on Lori Tecler's blog.

How the Hop works :

You will need to begin at the ABS blog if you haven't already, and follow the links to each of the DT blogs. Leave a comment on each as you go and you will end up back at the ABS blog where you can add your name to the Inlinkz widget. Each hop will run for only 24hrs and random winners will be chosen from the names added to the Inlinkz that have completed the hop. The names of the winners will be posted on the AnnaBelle Stamps blog on the 17th March.

Happy Hopping!

You should have arrived here from Chupa's Blog
and from here you will head on over to Jerusha's Blog

I'm sure you will find great inspiration from all the DT members blogs. Have fun hopping and remember all these sets are available after today.

AnnaBelle Stamps March Release Day 1

2011-03-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing...Lil Monster Gone Fishing.

Yes it's true your favorite little Monster is back!
This time he's "Gone Fishing" for some fun!

I chose to use this weeks There She Goes sketch for my card. You can see that I "flipped" it to fit my card.

For my first card I've always wanted to color the monster "purple" because of that old song, Purple People Eater. I went a different route with card by using Stampin Pastel chalks to color the image. Let me just say, purple is a very hard color to photograph decently.
Card Details: Card Stock: Lovely Lilac, Coredinations Green textured, Marina Mist, Whisper White.
Designer Paper: Doodlebug Designs.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Punches: SU and Optic Dot (Martha Stewart)
Fishing Hook & Linen Thread

Here is my next card. I love this one alot. I chose to use my friend Allison (Stampin When I Can) sketch for the Playing in Paradise challenge for this card.

This one was colored with various Copic markers. I'm still learning how to use them (sort of trial and error) but I think this turned out pretty decent. I did use a light blue Prisma Color pencils on the water.
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Texture Orange(source unknown), Whisper White, Bashful Blue and Designer paper from Debbie Mumm (Baby Boy collection). Ribbon-SU Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain
Punch: EK Success
Nestabilitie Dies
Toffee Sprinkles: AnnaBelle Stamps.

So do you want to have a chance to win this cute little monster?

How the Hop works :

Happy Hopping!

Here is the list of DT membersBelles
Andrea
Sue W
Kylie
Chupa
Ida
Jerusha
Rene'
Lisa
Sue K

Bellas
Liz
Kerry

Please note RENE was not able to participate this hop so you will need to skip her link.

Have fun and we'll see you back on Wednesday for the next release set.

AnnaBelle March Sneak Peeks

2011-03-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Wow the new release is just about here. You are going to LOVE the 2 sets AnnaBelle Stamps have to offer this month.

To give you a little "teaser" here are a couple of sneak peeks to whet your appetite to come back and see the full sets on the 15th and 16th

Who do you think this could be and what's he up to now!

Here's another fun little peek of the other set:

Hope you'll be back to see my full cards.
Don't forget to visit the other DT members blogs for their sneak peeks.

Say it in Blue, Red and White

2011-03-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! Hope your week has been going well. It's been a bit hectic here but I think anymore that's pretty much the "norm."
So are you ready for this weeks AnnaBelle Color Challenge.
I've been ready for ages now as I accidentally made this card for the Red,White challenge we had a few months back thinking that it was the (Blue, Red and White) challenge. Anyway I saved it back and so here it is all fresh and ready for today's challenge.

For this card I used the stamp set, Stemmed Flowers
Card Stock: Real Red, Bashful Blue and Night of Navy along with Whisper White.
Ink: Real Red, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy and Mellow Moss.
Punch: EK Success
Sprinkle: AnnaBelle Chili Sprinkles
Red Grosgrain Ribbon (SU).

Here is the inside of the little card on the front of the card:

How To Play Along :

- We post our challenges every Friday at 12:00pm AEST (AEDT during Daylight Savings).
- Our Sketch Challenge Runs from the last Friday of a month through till the last Friday of the following month.
- Each Friday in between we have themed challenges. To be eligible for the monthly prize of a $20 gift voucher to spend in store at AnnaBelle Stamps you MUST take part in the sketch challenge AND one of the weekly challenges.
- Please link directly to your entry not just to your blog.
- Include a link back to this blog in your post.
- Please don't link to postings made prior to the date of our current challenge. All projects submitted must be new.
- A maximum of 5 challenges may be combined including this one.
- You may enter any challenge several times as long as each submission is with a new creation.
- We would love you to use AnnaBelle Stamps, but you can play along without them. For those who use AnnaBelle stamps and upload to the Gallery HERE then you will also be in the running to be our Monthly Guest Designer!

Be sure to stop by the DT members blogs and see what they did with this challenge.

Belles
Andrea
Sue W
Kylie
Chupa
Ida
Jerusha
Rene'
Lisa
Sue K

Bellas
Liz
Kerry

Have a great week and we hope you'll give this challenge a try.

BC202

2011-03-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Are you ready for the BC challenge this week. It's a "Color" challenge (Peach, White, Green) or Blue/Teal.
Now this one presented a bit of a challenge for me since I couldn't locate any paper that I thought fit the colors.

With that said I did manage to find something that I think works. Let me know if you think I pulled it off.

I love the Bird image from Inkadinkado's Best Friends stamp set. I colored the image with Copic Markers.
My paper is a piece from DCWV and has Peach, Green, White, and Blue in it!
The punch is a new EK Success punch.

You can give this challenge a try yourself and link back using the Mr. Linky feature:

It's been a "Busy" week here adjusting to the new puppy, Cricket. She's quite a little bundle of energy and certainly keeps me busy and entertained.

See post below for a picture of her and Coleen.

Say it with...Love

2011-03-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to this weeks Annabelle Challenge. Did you see the new Sign above for the challenge? Pretty Awesome!!! We hope you'll join us for this weeks Say it with Love challenge.

Now you are going to find my card quite different from the typical "Love" type card. No reds, pinks, hearts, or flowers. Instead it's "Puppy" love! In honor of our new puppy, Cricket I created this card.

I used the adorable puppy from Party Animals 2 and the sentiment from Hooo Loves Christmas for this card.
I based the colors for my card off some designer paper scraps that I had. The "bone" border was stamped on Bashful Blue cs with More Mustard and Chocolate Chip ink. The puppy image was colored with various Copic markers. I added Pineapple Sprinkles and some paw print ribbon to complete the card.

Here is Coleen with the new puppy Cricket

Be sure to stop by the AnnaBelle blog as there is a sale going on right now all month long called March Madness and you won't want to miss out on some really great deals.

Introducing...

2011-02-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

I know many of you will think it was "too soon" but look what we brought home on Saturday. You can read all about her HERE

This is Cricket Krause (has a nice ring don't you think).

BC201 Easter Egg Flowers

2011-02-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone. It's a COLD one here today. The weather here is Bizarre to say the least. It's only 11 degrees outside right now but in a couple of days it's suppose to get up to 50. I long for solid Spring temperatures which I'm sure will eventually happen.
So are you ready for the BC Challenge this week.

This is the sketch our wonderful List Mom, Lisa gave us to work with. It's really different from the sketches I'm use to but I had an idea right away on how to use it (that almost never happens to me) and so I went with it and here is my card:

The DP is an old pattern I've had for years but I thought it would go well with my Stamp. The stamp is from PattiCakes and was purchased years ago too. The sentiment stamp is from Hero Arts, also purchased a long time ago. I love that the (E) in Easter is a bunnies head.
Card Stock: Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, Pretty in Pink. It's nice to use up some of the old retired SU colors.
Egg Flowers colored with Copic Markers. Sentiment stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.
Swiss Dot embossing folder.
Punch-EK Success.

Glad to have this week over. It really started out rough with the decision to put down our dog, Angel. If you haven't visited her tribute pages you can do so HERE

This is also a Blog Hop and you can participate by leaving a link below to your card using this sketch.

absc035 - Easter Tulip

2011-02-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! I hope you have all been having a great week.
Ours started out on a very sad note as we had to say good-bye to our Dog, Angel. (See Post below). It's still very hard walking by the hallway where her pen-area was and not seeing her there. Time will heal and perhaps we may get another dog down the road. Hubby says, "No" but I'm pretty good at convincing him otherwise, so we'll see!

Okay now it's time to play in this months AnnaBelle Sketch Challenge.

Isn't that a great sketch! - I thought it was perfect for the large Tulip image in the just released set, Easter Hope.
Hope you aren't tired of seeing cards with it as I love that set. I did two very similar cards today (just changed the colors a little) and will share both of them.

You can decide which you like best. I prefer the darker Tulip.

So this month we are changing things up a bit on entering the challenges. Please read below on the new changes.

How To Play Along :
- We post our challenges every Friday at 12:00pm AEST (AEDT during Daylight Savings).
- Our Sketch Challenge Runs from the last Friday of a month through till the last Friday of the following month.
- Each Friday in between we have themed challenges. To be eligible for the monthly prize of a $20 gift voucher to spend in store at AnnaBelle Stamps you MUST take part in the sketch challenge AND one of the weekly challenges.
- Please link directly to your entry not just to your blog.
- Include a link back to this blog in your post.
- Please don't link to postings made prior to the date of our current challenge. All projects submitted must be new.
- A maximum of 5 challenges may be combined including this one.
- You may enter any challenge several times as long as each submission is with a new creation.
- We would love you to use AnnaBelle Stamps, but you can play along without them. For those who use AnnaBelle stamps and upload to the Gallery
HERE then you will also be in the running to be our Monthly Guest Designer!

Good Bye Sweet Friend

2011-02-21T14:09:00.000-08:00

Angel - 1998-2011 Forever in our hearts.

Complete Entry here:

BC200 - Emboss Me

2011-02-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! - So are you ready for the BC Challenge. This week it's: Embossing. This covers a wide range from Dry Embossing, Wet Embossing and even use of Embossing Folders.

My card today cover 2 challenges: The Cupcake Inspiration Challenge and the BC Challenge.

I started out by recyling this old card that I made many years ago (and at the time thought it was a pretty "cool" card.

Now mind you this was done using a metal embossing stencil, a stylus and light box. Then I used an x-acto knife and cut portions out and added a sparkly background. As I said the card is alright but you want to see how I "upgraded" it for the current challenge:

Here's the Cupcake Inspiration Photo

Here is my card:

Materials used:
Very Vanilla, Old Olive Card Stock - SU
Lavender Textured Card stock - Bazzill
Chalk Inks: Lime Pastel, Wisteria, Yellow Citrus-Color Box
and hint of Bravo Burgundy Chalk (Stampin'Pastels-SU)
Embossing Die - Embossing Arts
Embossing Folder - SU
Pearls - Zva
Flower - Hero Arts
What do you think? - I myself think this really made the card so much better.
I used some Chalk Inks to color the embossed image, cut it down to size added different background card stock and used an embossing folder for some added texture.

I did a card for the AnnaBelle Challenge earlier which uses Wet Embossing (Embossing with Embossing Powder) so be sure to check it out as well.

Please chekc out what everyone has done with this challenge using the Mr. Linky feature.

AnnaBelle - Say it with...Yellow Challenge

2011-02-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! - Wow wasn't this weeks "Release" Hop Awesome! I hope you enjoyed seeing what the DT came up with using the new sets and if you haven't already purchased either of the sets...head on over to the AnnaBelle Store and pick them up!
You won't be sorry.

So for our challenge today we are Saying it with...Yellow.
I must admit this is "not" a favorite color of mine. With that said though I love how my card turned out so I may just have to amend my comment to read I "usually" don't care for the color yellow.

Enough "chit chat" though as I'm sure you want to see my card.

For this card I used both of the newly released sets:
Easter Hope and Border By Design3
The border was stamped on yellow dp with Versa Mark ink and embossed with yellow ep. I stamped the Tulip with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored it with Stampin' Pastel Chalks (SU) and cut it out. I added an embossed panel of Whisper White and stamped the sentiment and embossed with Black EP.
Pineapple Sprinkles were added and a Yellow Satin Bow.

Card Stock: Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Stampin' Pastel Chalks - SU
Swiss Dot Embossing Folder-Cuttlebug Machine
Nestabilitie Dies
Sprinkles-AnnaBelle Stamps
Ribbon - Ellen Hutson
EP - Embossing Arts (Please note this company is no longer in Business)

Don't forget to check out the other DT members projects by clicking on the links below:

Belles
Andrea
Sue W
Kylie
Chupa
Ida
Jerusha
Rene'
Lisa
Sue K

Bellas
Liz
Kerry

Final Feb. Release - AnnaBelle Stamps

2011-02-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, Did you all enjoy the HOP yesterday? - Well get prepared to hop again today as the AnnaBelle DT shows you samples using Backgrounds By Design 3. This is a fun set to use and you have a chance to win this by following the blog hop.
Yesterday there were a few little "glitches" along the way so hopefully today everything is up and running smoothly.

Card 1 - For this card I used one of the background stamps and one of the tiny "icon" stamps in the set to create my background.
Next I used yesterday's (Easter Hope) set to create the focal image.
This card is a CAS (Clean and Simple) design. I find them hard to do but I think it turned out okay.
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango,Pear Pizzaz, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White.
Ink: Only Orange, Certainly Celery, Memento Tuxedo Black.
Other: Circle Dies, Punch-EK Success, Swiss Dot Embossing Folder, Corner Rounder Punch and Foam Mounting Tape.

I had a hard time getting a decent photograph of this card. Must be the dreary rainy day we're having.

Card 2 - Another fairly CAS design but oh so fun and cute.
I stamped the border on Old Olive card stock with Old Olive Ink. Then I stamped the same border on some lavender textured card stock with Lovely Lilac ink and die cut the flowers (MFT). I also used Molly (Lil Belles) and colored her with Copic markers. I added some Olive grosgrain ribbon and Olive Sprinkles to complete the card. The sentiment was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

So did you start the hop on the AnnaBelle Blog?

You should have arrived on my blog from Chupa's blog and then will head over to Jerusha's blog from here. Be sure to leave comments along the way for your chance to win this set.

Hope you have enjoyed the release as much as I did creating for it.

So let's get hopping:Belles
Andrea

Sue W
Kylie
Chupa
Ida
Jerusha
Rene
Lisa
Sue K.

It's Release Day! - Time for a Hop

2011-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Howdy & Happy Valentine's Day!
Hope you've all showed those you love that you truly love them in some way today.

Now are you ready to go HOPPING!!! - It's "Release Day" for AnnaBelle Stamps. We have 2 sets this month to share but today we're just showing you the first set, Easter Hope.

Oh my gosh this set is GORGEOUS! You'll want to have this set and today we're giving you a chance to win it by following the blog hop. So be sure to check the links below after my cards for the blog hop order. Leave a comment on each blog and you'll be eligible to win this set.

Card 1:

I wanted to create the look of a glorious sunrise or sunset depending on your point of view. So for this card I first started with an Acrylic Block and tapped it down on a YoYo Yellow ink pad then again on Summer Sun and finally Only Orange. Next I misted the block with lots of water and pressed it down on a piece of card stock. After lifting the stamp off the card stock I quickly spread the wet ink with my fingers to give it a watercolored look. Once it was dry I stamped the Cross/Sun image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and cut it out with a Circle Nestabilitie Die then mounted it onto another circle die of Basic Black Card stock.
I masked off the word (The) on the sentiment and just stamped the Light of the World on a Label Die and sponged on some Only Orange ink. The DP is unknown as it came in a bunch of papers from a friend but I liked the bright colors. The punch is new from EK Success. I also used Sprinkles (Pineapple) from AnnaBelle, Black Grosgrain ribbon from SU and Card Stock: Summer Sun and Tangerine Tango-SU.

Card 2 - This one is very Spring like and I just had to use the large Tulip image in the set.

For this card I used last weeks Mojo Monday sketch
as my starting point. I'm a bit "bummed" that I wasn't able to enter it into the contest but I had to wait until today's release to show my card. Oh well maybe next month.

For this card I used my Prisma Colored Pencils to color the tulip image. Still not sure about using the Copics and getting proper shading etc...but I like the way the pencils turned out. I tried to match the colors to the tulips on the DP that I used. I've had the pattern for years and finally found a good way to use it.
Colors: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Prisma Colored Pencils
Circle Dies,
Pink Ribbon - Papertrey Ink
Pearls - AnnaBelle Stamps
Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder.

You'll Start the HOP on the AnnaBelle Blog

You should have arrived on my blog from Chupa's Blog and from here you'll hop on over to Jerusha's Blog If you get lost along the way just head back to the AnnaBelle Blog for a list of the links and all the information about the new release and the specials being offered.

Come back again on Wednesday (Tuesday night in the US) for the next set being released.

Oops I Goofed - AnnaBelle Sneak Peek

2011-02-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

Rats, I screwed up because I was waiting until Sunday here in the US instead of Sunday in Australia. Sorry.

If you hop on over to the Annabelle Blog

You'll find all the details about the upcoming release. Since I'm really late getting my peek up I apologize.
Here it is:

Not much to go on but hey it's a "teaser" so you'll need to come back on the 15h to see the actual card.
Check out the other DT members blogs below and see their peeks as well.
Liz and Kerry - Are not participating in the sneek peeks though.
Belles
Andrea
Sue W
Kylie
Chupa
Ida
Jerusha
Rene'
Lisa
Sue K

Bellas
Liz
Kerry

BC199 - Love is in the air

2011-02-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Friday!
Please take a moment to scroll down and view the AnnaBelle Challenge (Say it with Polka Dots) cause I really like how my card turned out! - Pop back by on Sunday as we begin "Sneak Peeks" for the next Release this coming week.

Now it's time for the Blogger Challenge and our theme this week is: LOVE....What says "Love" more then a Valentine Card!

For this card I dusted off an old SU set: Loving Hearts and created this funky little Valentine.
Card Base: Whisper White
Layered with, Basic Black, XOXO DP-DCWV
Next up a Distressed panel of Whisper White and a Punched Border of Real Red on which the heart border was stamped in Basic Black ink.

The sentiment is retired SU and was embossed with Black EP.
Punch SU
The main heart was stamped with Real Red ink, distressed with Basic Black ink and mounted with foam tape.

I even did the inside of the card:

Pretty quick and easy to make.

You can give this challenge a try yourself by linking up here:

Have a great weekend.

Say it with...Polka Dots

2011-02-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the AnnaBelle Weekly Challenge.
This week our theme is: Say it with...Polka Dots! - Who doesn't love Polka Dots. They are just so much fun.

Want to see how I used Polka Dots for the theme...(Yep your just biting your nails in anticipation of something good)

Okay here it is:

For this card I started with the adorable "Lil Monster" stamp set. I just think he's so cute and so much fun to use.
I colored him with Copic Markers

and cut him out. I'm actually pleased with the Copic coloring on this card. Next I stamped the Polka Dot background (Backgrounds By Design 1)with a Versa Mark ink pad on Green textured cardstock. Then I added the Polka Dot DP (DCWV) and a punched border, (Optic Dot-Marthat Stewart) I mounted this on Whisper White Card Stock and then again on Bashful Blue cs. Next I stamped the sentiment with Brilliant Blue ink and tied on some Polka Dot ribbon (American Crafts). To finish off the dotted theme I added 3 Olive Sprinkles. The Card base is Not Quite Navy-SU
Oh I almost forgot that I paper pieced the shirt with a bright orange polka dot pattern to add some contrast. Source Unknown as the card stock was a gift.

Now please check out what the other DT members have created using this theme and then give it a try yourself.

Belles
Andrea
Sue W
Kylie
Chupa
Ida
Jerusha
Rene'
Lisa
Sue K

Bellas
Liz
Kerry

Be sure to link back for your chance to win a $20 Gift Voucher at the end of the month.

We're Back!

2011-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! You might recall that my blogging friend Elena (aka - The Redhaired Girl) and I started a challenge with each other last year. We named the challenge: Once Upon A Monthly Challenge.
Each month we trade off picking a theme and then make and send a card to each other using the theme.
Well we started out great but towards the end of last year I began having issues getting my cards ready on time and eventually we just stopped. Well I'm happy to say, We're back and hopefully this year I can do a better job keeping up and getting my cards made and mailed off to Elena.
So without further ado our theme for this month is:
So Many Hearts...and here is the card that I made and sent to Elena:

I had so much fun with this card. In fact I even managed to decorate the inside of the card as well:

I just love the stamps that I used. They are from There She Goes Clear Stamps and the set is called: Love Birds.

One fun little detail that I really liked were the tiny Zva Pearls I added to the hearts. Here is a close-up so you can see them a little better.

Now pop on over to Elena's Blog
and check out the totally "adorable" card that she sent me. It's just so darling. I loved everything about her card. She has a fabulous way with colors, her sewing is awesome and the image is so cute it just made me smile the minute I pulled the card out of the envelope.

Card Details: Card Stock: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink,Whisper White. Designer Paper, Source Unknown
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers
Small Pearls: Zva
Heart Pearls: AnnaBelle Stamps
Circle Nestabilitie Dies
Oval Punches: SU
Heart Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Sponge, Foam Mounting Tape
Ribbon: SU retired.

BC197 - Black, Red and White Color Challenge

2011-02-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Blogger Challenge. As you can see from my post Title today's theme is a color challenge (Red, Black and White). This is one of my all time favorite color combo's.

For my card today I chose another of the images from There She Goes (Love Birds) set.
I plan to give this card to hubby for Valentine's Day. Good thing he never visits my blog.

It's all pretty self-explanatory so if you have any questions feel free to email me.

Card Details:
Stamps: Love Birds - There She Goes clear stamps
Card Stock: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White
Designer Paper - Source Unknown - Borrowed this scrap piece from my mom.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers - I really would love lessons on how to use these properly. I also need better cs to color as SU's Whisper White really doesn't work that great with Copics.
Loopy Punch - Martha Stewart
Heart Gems - Hero Arts
Heart Button
Black Grosgrain Ribbon - SU
Black Thread
Paper Distressing Tool
Black Thread

Check out the other BC members blogs and see what they did with these colors. You can find their enteries here:

Say it with: Pink, Blue and Chocolate

2011-02-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Wow is time every going by quickly. It's hard to believe we are into February already, but it's true.
So are you ready for this weeks AnnaBelle Challenge? Our theme this week is, Say it in...Pink, Blue and Chocolate.
For some reason those colors seem to remind me of "Baby" cards but as you can see I did NOT use them for a baby themed card but instead created a birthday themed card.

For a change I also decided to decorate the inside of the card so here is a picture of the inside as well.

This week I decided to use 2 AnnaBelle Stamp sets for my card. The Mouse is from Party Animals2 - Note not the same as last weeks card with Party Animals1
I also used Backgrounds By Design - Numbers to create the Pink/Chocolate portion of the card.

Details: Stamps: Party Animals2, Backgrounds by Design-Numbers
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Summer Picnic - SU Retired pattern from 2008
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip-Kraft Pigment Pad
Copic Markers
Petals: Pink Blossom Petals Kit - AnnaBelle Stamps
Brown
Chocolate Pearls - Pink Blossom Petals Kit
Chocolate Twisted Paper Cord - AnnaBelle Stamps
Paper Distressing Tool - SU
Foam Mounting Tape

So drop by the DT members blogs and check out their Fantastic Creations and leave them some comment love. As always you can enter this challenge and link back on the AnnaBelle Blog for a chance to be entered into the monthly challenge for a $20 Gift Voucher to the AnnaBelle Store. If you use AnnaBelle Stamps you get extra chances at winning.

BC197 Party Animals

2011-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Blogger Challenge. This week our theme is:
Birthdays - We all have them and we all know someone having one so you're bound to get some great ideas today.
Here is my card for this week:

You can also see another (Birthday) themed card by scrolling down one entry for my (AnnaBelle) sketch challenge. It's also a birthday card and uses the same set that I used for today's card.

Stamps: Party Animals1 - AnnaBelle Stamps
Card Stock: Elegant Eggplant, Bermuda Bay, Old Olive and Whisper White-SU
Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye - So Sophie
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers - I didn't take pictures (Do you want to know the colors used - Let me know in the comments if this is something you'd like to see)
Punch: Layered Arches - Martha Stewart
Circle Punches-SU
Rectangle Dies: Spellbinders
Natural Twine - AnnaBelle
Lagoon Sprinkles - AnnaBelle

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Be sure to check out what the other BC members have created.

absc034 Let's Get Sketchy

2011-01-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! How's your week been going? - Mine has had it's "ups and downs" but I'm hanging in there. So are you ready for the latest AnnaBelle Sketch Challenge? - Doesn't that sketch look fun!
So here is my take on the sketch.

For this card I used the stamp set: Party Animals 1 - I haven't inked it up in awhile and well it's just to cute to nnot be used so I got busy and worked up this fun little card.

Details: Stamps: Party Animals1 - AnnaBelle Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers

Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Real Red, Whisper White - SU
Designer Paper: Penny Lane - My Mind's Eye
Punch: Birthday Candles: EK Success
Circle Nestabilitie Dies
Chili Sprinkles: AnnaBelle Stamps
Glitter: Art Institute
Natural Cording: AnnaBelle - Dyed with Copic Marker

So don't forget to check out the DT members blogs and see what they came up with for this sketch.

This week we say "Good-Bye" to Teresa and Tiffany so please make sure you stop by their blogs and let them know how much you've appreciated their work for AnnaBelle Stamps. You both will be miss very much.

Give it a try yourself and link back on the AnnaBelle blog for a chance to win a Free Gift Voucher to the AnnaBelle Store.

Hambo Hoedown

2011-01-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

Here's something that promises to be FUN so be sure to check it out here:

BC196 - Simplicity

2011-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wow it's finally Friday and what a week it's been.

So what does this photo have to do with the BC Challenge?
Absolutely Nothing...but if you'd like an explanation click here:

Now for my card: Our challenge this week was Patterned Papers. (Easy Peasy, right!) Well with all that's been going on this week I was hoping to opt for something super easy like plopping some DP on a card and calling it good. Then good old list mom, Lisa sends an email to the group saying we should be "creative" with our use of the DP, maybe alter something with DP, try Iris Folding, Tea Bag folding etc...well let's just say I'm really "Challenged" in those areas. I've bought books on Tea Bag and Iris Folding and just can't seem to get the hang of either one. I was stuck as to what I could come up with and really tired from the festivities this week so I wasn't going to participate. Then I remembered that in my "hopefuls" project box I had an Oragami Folded shirt that I managed (with some helpful pointers from my daughter) to fold several years ago and stuck in the box for the right moment. Well now that moment has arrived!

Details: Stamps: Hero Arts
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Cajuz Craze, Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper, Sources Unknown as both pieces have been in my stash forever and I have no clue what company I got them from.
Ink: Dusty Durango
Pearls: Zva
Embossing Folder - Textile (Cuttlebug)

I think I need to follow the advice on the card.

Say it with Emboss Resist

2011-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to this weeks AnnaBelle Challenge:
Emboss Resist. - It's been awhile since I've used this technique but it's really fun, easy and very eye-catching. So why don't you give it a try for a chance to be entered for a Gift Voucher to the AnnaBelle store.

Be sure to drop by the DT members blogs. We have new girls playing today and we hope you'll give them a warm welcome:
Belles
Andrea
Sue W
Kylie
Chupa
Ida
Jerusha
Rene'
Lisa
Sue K

Bellas
Liz
Kerry

ETA - Our Design Team member Teresa is still playing along so be sure to check out her link here:

Supplies: Stamps: Stemmed Flowers, Flowers With Love (Sentiment) and All Things Grow (Butterfly)
Ink: Basic Black, Pink Passion and VersaMark
Embossing Powder: Clear
Card Stock: Bermuda Bay, Pink Passion, Whisper White and Basic Gray Designer Paper (DeLovely line).
Punch: EK Success
Blossom Sprinkles: AnnaBelle
Natural Cotton Twine: AnnaBelle

CIC94 - Buckets of Love

2011-01-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

Hello, I'm finally able to participate in the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge. It's been awhile and I've missed the challenges. Don't you just love this weeks Inspiration photo.
Here is my take on it:

Details:

Stamp Set:Buckets of Love - There She Goes Clear Stamps
Card Stock: Basic Black,Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Designer Paper - Heart Pattern (unknown although I'm guessing it's either Heidi Grace or Heidi Swapp but an older retired line of either one.) The Striped pattern is DCWV.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers
Punches/Dies: Rectangle & Circle Nestabilitie Dies
Lattice Arch Punch - Martha Stewart
1/4" Circle SU
Blossom Sprinkles: AnnaBelle Stamps
Foam Mounting Tape

Not sure what's up with Blogger right now but if this looks weird it's due to there being something going on as my page to enter the information has been changed.

AnnaBelle Release Day - All Things Grow

2011-01-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome! - It's release day at AnnaBelle Stamps and time for a Blog Hop! Today we are showcasing this lovely set, (All Things Grow) which is available for purchase at the AnnaBelle Store following the release. Details will be available on the AnnaBelle blog.

Now for the FUN part....A Blog Hop and a chance to win this set. Here are the rules:

Follow the Hop and leave a comment on each blog. Then head back to the AnnaBelle blog and leave your name stating that you've completed the hop. Pretty easy!

You should have started at the AnnaBelle blog and have just come from Sue's Blog.

Next up will be Rene's Blog.

Now for my cards: First up I created this Monochromatic card after seeing a card with these colors in a stamping magazine recently.
Details:
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink: Craft White, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Punches: Circle (1 1/4 and 1 3/8 - SU)
Chain and Photo Corner - EK Success
Pearls: AnnaBelle
Foam Mounting Tape

Now for something very different:

Details:
Card Stock: Elegant Eggplant, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Old Olive
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Old Olive
Designer Paper: My Minds Eye-So Sophie line.
Embossing Folder: Textile, Provo Craft
Rectangle/Scallop Rectangle Nestabilitie Dies-Spellbinders.
Punch: Martha Stewart-Layered Arches
Waterfall 6mm Sprinkles - AnnaBelle Stamps.

If you'd like to win this set just complete the Hop as mentioned above and watch to see if your name is drawn to win the set.

Have fun hopping!

BC195 - January Sketch

2011-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! - Today the BC Challenge group has this wonderful sketch for you to try out. I had a blast with this card and sketch.

For starters I got to use 2 brand new items. The stamps I used are from There She Goes - Love Birds set which I recently purchased. What a sweet and cute little set.

Next up I used these on my card:

Yep, I made a big purchase (more on the way) with good old plastic money. Why...because they were such a good bargain I couldn't pass it up. I found them here: Along with the great discount on the Price I also received Free Shipping and an extra 15% off the price on this order and 10% on my 2nd order. So while they are spendy I saved a bundle and just couldn't pass it up.
Okay please don't be to hard on me regarding the coloring because believe me I have a LONG WAY to go in my Copic coloring skills but we all have to start somewhere, right? So without further ado here is my card:

Details:

Stamps: There She Goes - Love Birds

Card Stock: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise.

Designer Paper: My Mind's Eye - Love Me Do line.

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Copic Markers - Sorry I didn't write down the numbers I used.

Copic Spica Glitter Pen

Paper Piercing Tool

Ribbon: Heidi Grace designs

Photo corner Punch: EK Success

Heart Gems: Hero Arts

Now be sure to pop in on the other BC Members Blogs to see what they have created using this sketch.

Say it with...Red and White

2011-01-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hey did you all enjoy those little "sneak peeks" of tomorrows AnnaBelle release?
Don't forget to check back in to see the Full Cards and join in on the Blog Hop for a chance to win a FREE stamp set.

So now for today's Challenge
Say it with...Red and White.

For this card I went with one of last month's releases (Stemmed Flowers). I stamped the flower 3 times in Cherry Cobbler ink and added a white pearl heart to the center. The "hello" sentiment was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I love how cute it looks between the flowers.
I embossed a piece of Cherry Cobbler cs with the Floral Fantasy embossing folder and brushed on White Craft ink. I layered this to another piece of Whisper White cs embossed with the Swiss Dot folder. I also used a EK Success Scallop punch to create the border on the embossed piece. I added some Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon and tied a bow to complete my card. This could be used for a Valentine card or just a general hello/thinking of you type card.

Don't forget to check out what the other DT members have created with these colors. We also have some new DT members playing along so don't forget to check out their blogs and welcome them to the AnnaBelle Design Team.

See you all tomorrow for the Release and Blog Hop!

AnnaBelle - Sneak Peek

2011-01-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! It's nearly time for the January Release at AnnaBelle Stamps. To get you ready for the release all the DT members are showing a little "sneak peak" of the new stamp set(s) on their blogs.
This month we are just releasing 1 new set but it's a real beauty and I know you will love it. This set is called (All Things Grow) and is just so fun to work with.

Something NEW is the fact that this set will be available the day of the Release (15th). Not only that but you can buy the set and get FREE postage for 1 Day only when you purchase the set on the day of the release. - Please make a note that there is a TIME change difference between the US and Australia.

So what do you think of my first little "snippet"? - Want another one...Okay how about this:

To see the full cards be sure to stop back in on Friday night (5:00 PM PST) as that is when the set will go live on the AnnaBelle Blog and Store.

BC194 Color Challenge

2011-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Please scroll down 1 page for the current AnnaBelle Challenge.

Hello and welcome to the first BC Challenge of the New Year. For this challenge we were to use the colors:
Brown, Green and Yellow.
I started to panic a little when I couldn't locate any DP with those 3 colors in it. However I persevered and came up with this card.

My card base is Chocolate Chip layered with Pear Pizzazz and some DP from Cosmo Cricket (DeLovely) line. A favorite of mine from last year. I added a border of Daffodil Delight punched with an EK Success punch (Daisy Scallop).
The focal piece was already stamped and colored and laying in a box of "project" hopefuls. You know stuff you start but never quite get to a card but you hate to throw it out because you never know when it might come in handy. Yep, it came in handy.
The stamp is from a retired SU set: Sun Ripened II - It was stamped with Basic Brown ink on Very Vanilla cs and colored with markers. It was crumpled and spritzed with homemade shimmer spray and dusted with some Aztec Gold Powder as well. I added some Brown Twill ribbon, 3 brown brads and the sentiment from Mint Motif (Very Square Sentiments).

I really like how this turned out and am happy to have used up one of my scrap "hopefuls."

Be sure to check out the other BC members blogs (Click on the Icon on my sidebar) and leave them some comment love.

Hope the start of 2011 is going well for you.

Say it with 1-2-3

2011-01-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first new challenge of the year for AnnaBelle Stamps. Today we are doing a 1-2-3 challenge. (1 Border Stamp, 2 Petals and 3 Sprinkles). Doesn't that sound fun!

So for my card I started with one of the borders from Borders By Design 1. It was stamped with Cherry Cobbler ink on Very Vanilla cs.
Next I added a scrap piece of designer paper and added some Real Red 1/8" Taffeta ribbon from SU.
The sentiment is from: Take The Cake and was stamped in Chocolate Chip ink. I punched some leaves (retired SU punch) in Kiwi Kiss (also retired SU cs) Used 2 sizes of Brown Petals (Petals Brown Pack-AnnaBelle) and Chili Sprinkles (AnnaBelle). I also embossed a panel of Cherry Cobbler cs with the Moroccan Screen embossing folder.

Be sure you check out the other great cards from the DT members blogs and don't forget to leave them some comment love. Also you can enter any of our challenges for a chance to be entered in the drawing for a Gift Voucher to the AnnaBelle Store so be sure to check out the details on the AnnaBelle blog.

Left Overs - Part 1

2011-01-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yes I know the "holidays" are over but I couldn't let these cards just sit in "la-la land" until this coming Christmas now so here are a few of my left-overs that
never made it to the Blog in time for Christmas of 2010.

Inspired by Kendra's card found here:
After seeing her care I realized that I had that same stamp set that had never been inked so I dusted it off and came up with this card.
DP from DieCutsWithAView
Sentiment Stamp: AnnaBelle Stamps
I useds Stamping Pastels to color in the Holly Leaves and added some Crystal Glitter (Art Institute) on the Berries. Punch is SU.
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler & Whisper White.

Stamp Set: Wandering Words
Card Stock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red.
DP - Old retired SU pattern.
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron (for the moon which was created using a mask). Also Craft White used on the Embossed Snowflake panel.
Punch: EK Success, Circle Punch-SU. Red Grosgrain Ribbon-SU

There will be a 2nd helping of left-overs another day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 !!!

2011-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all my readers and followers a very Happy New Year. May 2011 bring, Joy, Happiness & Good Health to all.

Thank you so much for your support this past year. I really appreciate each and everyone who stops by and leaves comments (and even those who just pop in without commenting.)

I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming year.

God Bless, Ida

absc033 - A Big Bunch of Love

2010-12-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! Wow 2010 is just about over and we're about to start another New Year. It's been a year of "ups and downs" but one that has also been filled with great friendships, fun and blessings as well. I want to thank all of you for visiting my blog this past year. This will most likely be my last post of 2010 but I'll be back again "Next Year" and hope you will be as well.

The latest Annabelle Sketch is today's challenge. Love this sketch.

Here is my card:

I love this adorable little "Bee" or "bug" as I've never seen a silver/pink bee in my life so we're using our imaginations today.

For this card I started with a White base (Whisper White-SU cs) and added some textured Pink Passion cs and some patterned designer paper. (Sorry but I don't know who this piece is from) I also used some SU Brushed Silver cs as well. The image was colored first with Watercolor Crayons from Caran D'Ache that I rarely use (but may have to rethink using them). I wasn't happy with the watercolor look though as I almost always get way to much water from my Aqua Painter so after it dried I colored over some of the image with my Prismacolored Pencils. I added a jewel heart and some silver sprinkles both from Annabelle. The sentiment and Bee are both Annabelle stamps. Also used were circle Nestabilitie Dies and some Polka Dot ribbon from Annabelle.

Be sure to stop by the DT members blogs. Also we are looking for a new DT member so be sure to check that out on the Annabelle Blog. You'll love working with Andrea and her wonderful line of stamps so be sure to try out.

Hugs and many wishes for a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BC192 - Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello and Merry Christmas! - As we head into Christmas Eve the BC Challenge Group is sharing Christmas cards today. I have several to share as I hadn't yet posted them.

First up my "Inspiration" Christmas card. I was inspired by this card that my mom received in the mail:

Here is my version:

As you can see I did add a "pop" of red not in the Inspiration card. Stamps used:
Annabelle ( Borders by Design 1 for the Polka Dots,)Annabelle (Holly Branch) for the Sentiment and SU (Retired Paisley).
Card Stock: Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Brushed Gold, Pear Pizzaz. Ink: Always Artichoke. Felt Poinsettia-Hero Arts, Star Brad - Making Memories. Gold EP - SU.

Card #2 Went to my dear friend, Elena
Card Stock: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Cool Caribbean, Whispher White. Stamp by Stampendous. Colored with Prismacolored Pencils. Snowflake Punch-Martha Stewart, Wavy Border Punch, EK Success, Sentiment Stamp, Hero Arts, Ribbon-SU White Grosgrain, Glitter-Art Institute

Stamps-SU Greeting Card Kids, Artful Inkables-Peaceful Wishes, Paper is an old pattern I've had for years. Ribbon-JoAnn's.
Card Stock: Handsome Hunter-retired SU, Prismacolored Pencils, Glitter-Art Institute, Ink: Handsome Hunter.

One of my favorite's that I made was this card. Stamp Set: Christmas Critters-SU
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olve, Very Vanilla.
Designer Paper - Sorry I forgot to write this one down. There are actually 2 patterns used. I embossed the Snowdots Embossing folder on the top piece. Images colored with Prismacolored Pencils. Scallop punch-SU, Faux Gems-Source unknown.

Can you stand one more:

This one went to my oldest brother and his wife. They love the outdoors and have a cabin in the mountains.

Stamp Set: Holiday Treats and Tails-Artful Inkables, Card Stock and DP-SU, Prisma Colorpencils, Snowflake Punch-MS,Liquid Applique. Cream Grosgrain Ribbon, Nestabilitie Die.

There were more but perhaps I'll share them after Christmas. I hate for these ideas to go to waste. Just haven't had time to post everything trying to get all caught up for Christmas.

I do want to take a moment now to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and Holiday season.