3CT46 - It's Time To Celebrate

Hello and welcome to the last 3CT Challenge of 2009 - Wow this year seems to have flown by for me (what about you?) - For our challenge this week Kerry chose the theme: New Years or Celebration.  -  My card can be used for either a New Years card or a Celebration card.  I just love the bright, cheery colors and hope you do as well.

This card is also being used for Hope's Cupcake Inspiration challenge this week.  Aren't these delightful cupcakes.  So festive and bright.  Perfect for a celebration.  I went with the colors as my inspiration even though I used red in place of the pink on the cupcakes.  The paper I chose is from: Imaginisce - Baseball Diamonds/Let's Pretend collection.

My focal image is from Whiff of Joy.  I think that little mouse is just so charming and adorable with it's colorful party hat. I stamped the hat twice and cut one image out and mounted it over the other with foam mounting tape. The image was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and I highlighted the circles with Spica Glitter Pens.

The sentiment is a Rub-On from the Chit Chat rub-ons by Stampin'Up!

I added a small punched star, 3 Chili Sprinkles and some Lime Green ric-rac to complete my card. 

Don't forget to stop by Kerry's blog and check out the other DT members cards.  Be sure to leave some comment lovin' and help ring out the old year and ring in the new.

As we draw to a close the year 2009 I'd like to take a few minutes to thank all my Blog Readers and Friends for stopping by my blog this year.  I have really enjoyed sharing my cards/projects with you and look forward to doing so in 2010.  You are a BIG part of my life and I truly appreciate each and every one who comes, leaves comments and supports me as well.  Thank you again and may you have a safe & Happy New Year's Eve.

BC131 - Christmas Greetings

Merry Christmas!
Today I'm sharing a couple of Christmas Cards as the Blogger Challenge Theme this week is: Christmas.

First is a simple card I made using a Tree Punch and some fun paper by Cosmo Cricket.
Don't you love how the MS Loopy Punch matches the loops in the DP.  I also sprayed the card with Gold Shimmer Spray (home made) and added some faux jewels and twill ribbon.

Next up us a card made using Dimensional Stickers.  Not sure of the source.  Paper is by DCWV.  Also used Silver Cording.
Sentiment (Hero Arts).

Keeping this short as I know everyone is busy with holiday celebrations.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Thank you all for visiting my blog and for leaving such nice comments.

Peace & Joy to All! -  Ida

BC130 - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Happy Friday! - Yes I'm actually participating in today's Blogger Challenge. I've skipped a few of the challenges this month due to just not having enough time to fit everything in that needs to be done before Christmas. Since I needed a card to send to my daughter I decided this weeks sketch challenge would fill that need quite nicely. I have of course "flipped" the sketch so that I could use the adorable deer image from The Greeting Farm (Forest Friends) stamp set.
Coleen (my granddaughter) just loves singing Rudloph The Red Nosed Reindeer so I decided to make this little guy into (Rudolph). The image was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and blended with Gamsol. I added a Chili Sprinkle for his red nose.
Stamps: Greeting Farm
Sentiment: SU
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Prisma Color Pencils
Card Stock : Old Olive, Ruby Red, Bashful Blue and Whisper White. DP from Basic Grey-Eskimo Kisses

Other: Snowflake Embossing Folder, White Craft Pad, Snowflake Brad (Making Memories) Glitter, Olive Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps)

Don't forget to check out all the BC members blogs (click on the icon on my sidebar) and leave them some comment lovin' - It's the holidays so give them some good cheer!

Also if you'd like to check out some Christmas Photo's of Coleen/Santa, Snow & a Reindeer click here:

Till next time...Hope you have all your shopping completed. I still have shopping left to do, maybe a little baking and of course wrapping all the gifts. Whew...the holidays wear me out, but I love it!

absc007 - Greetings of the Season

Hello and welcome to the Contest addition of Annabelle Sketches.  This weeks sketch is an easy sketch to follow and yet you can do so much with it.  You will note with my card that I did add a little extra element to the focal piece (creative license) but I think it works.

For this card I used the (Holly Branch) stamp set.  Let me tell you when I first saw this set I wondered what was I going to do with it since it had so many stamps of just Holly and Berries and some sentiments.  Would you believe it's been one of my favorite sets to use this Christmas!

I started out by picking out the paper that I wanted to use.  It's a piece of Basic Grey-Figgy Pudding (Pepperberry) which I believe was last years collection.  Next  I stamped the sentiment which I masked off so that I could put one word under the other as this stamped is all one long stamp.  I used Bravo Burgundy Ink which matched the berries in the designer paper perfectly.  Then I added the small holly stamp to the four corners and colored them with Prisma Colored Pencils.

 I wanted a larger Holly piece as well so that's when the idea to use a circle punch element on the focal piece came to me.  For my "bling" element I chose some Silver Sprinkles (aren't they festive looking).

Other items used: Card Stock: Bravo Burgundy, Cool Caribbean, Kiwi Kiss, Shimmery White and DP by Basic Grey.

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Memento Tuxedo Black and Prisma Colored Pencils.

Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts

Old Olive Twill Ribbon

Silver Sprikles and Foam Mounting Tape

Don't forget to stop by the Annabelle Blog and check out the other DT members cards.  Don't forget to leave some comment lovin (we do appreciate it) and try this sketch out yourself.  Remember there is a PRIZE up for grabs!

ABSC006 - Seasons Greetings

Greetings everyone from the Frozen Pacific Northwest! It's another chilly day here with the high expected to only be around 27. Brrrrr.... It's time for the newest Annabelle Stamps sketch. This week I actually followed the sketch pretty closely this week. I did move my sentiment over just a bit as I thought it looked better centered under my image. This weeks I chose a set that isn't a Christmas set and yet can be used as one. (Swirl Tree). I stamped the tree image on Very Vanilla card stock and colored it with Prisma Colored pencils. Then I stamped all the little packages and cut them out and mounted them on the tree with foam tape. I added snow to the tree with white liquid applique and some dazzling diamonds glitter. I also added red grosgrain ribbon and a snowflake brad (Making Memories).

The sentiment is from the (Holly Branch) set and was stamped with Tuxedo Black ink. I used Chili and Olive sprinkles for my "bling" on this card.

Card stock: Old Olive, Ruby Red, retired DP from SU.

Don't forget to visit the Annabelle blog to see what the other talented DT members came up with for this sketch. Why not give it a try yourself and leave us a link (Mr. Linky) so we can see your creation as well.

3CT - I'll Have a "Blue" Christmas without you

Hi! - I missed last week for the 3CT Challenge but had a bit of time today so I whipped out this little number.  Okay maybe that's stretching the truth a little but I did manage to finish a card for this weeks challenge.

Cards with (Blue, White & Silver) as the color scheme.

I bought a set of (Foam) stamps ages ago (like 2-3 years) and finally used one of them.  I've been meaning to get some paints/brushes and experiment with the stamps but so far that hasn't happened.  So instead I stamped this row of trees with Versa Mark ink and then embossed them with Cobalt Blue Embossing powder.  Next I ran a thin line of glue (Quikie Glue Pen - Everyone should have one of these) and added some sparkly snow with some Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  Then I added silver sprinkles to the tops of the trees.  Aren't they pretty!  I mounted this piece on Brushed Silver card stock.

My next layer is Whisper White embossed with the Snowflake Embossing Folder and I added designer paper by (Paper Pizazz - Christmas Tidings).  I tied it altogether with some White Satin ribbon, silver cording and a silver snowflake charm. 

I love how it turned out and hope you do as well.  Don't forget to check out the other 3CT Design Team members cards on Kerry's blog or their personal blog and leave them some comment, "Lovin!"

Have a wonderful day.

CIC36 - Magic Hat

I've missed the last few weeks doing the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge over at Hope Stamps Eternal but I'm happy to say that I'm back this week with a card for the challenge.  Hope chose these delicious and delightful Holly Cupcakes from, Pink Cake Box to spark your creativity. 

When I saw them I just knew I had to try and get a card ready since I had just found the perfect piece of  Designer Paper while digging through some scrap paper just a few days ago.  It's a pattern I've had for some time and I have no clue who the maker is (sorry about that) but I really thought it would work well for the challenge.

Next up I picked out my image.  I love this snowman image by (Print Works - Frosty)

It makes me smile.  I decided to highlight the hat image so I stamped it twice and them cut out the hat portion with a circle Nestie Die.  The image was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils.  I added Frosted Lace stickles to the snowman and snowflakes and highlighted the holly berries on the hat with a Red Spica Glitter pen.

Details:  Card Stock: Garden Green (SU)  Textured Red & Olive Green (Bazzill), Designer Paper (source unknown), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Martha Stewart Punch, Chili Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps)

Be sure to stop by Hope's blog and check out the wonderful cards by her Cupcake "Sweeties" team and the Guest Designer this month, my friend, Elena (The Red Haired Girl)  -  Then why not give this challenge a try yourself.  It can be "addictive" and oh so much FUN!

Peaceful Wishes

Here is a card I recently did for a "Holiday" swap on another group I belong to.  This group uses mainly Stampin'Up! products. 
I didn't have a lot of "current" SU DP so I had to be a bit "creative" so my partner could show her customers the card I made.

What I did was take an old retired piece of SU Christmas Designer Paper (Dashing2007) and added strips of Chocolate Chip cs to come up with a pattern that resembles the current pattern (Merry Moments).

The piece that Dasher is stamped on is from, (Tall Tales)

I stamped Dasher on the DP with White EP and added the Peaceful Wishes sentiment (Chit Chat rub-ons) which I might add I am finding these are fantastic to use, they go on so easily without having to press super hard.

My card base is Chocolate Chip layered with Textured Real Red cs, striped DP,
The tag was done with Old Olive, Textrued Red cut with the Scallop Punch, a strip of Chocolate Chip and circles (3/4" and 1/2") punches and the Crop-o-dile for the center.

Other items used: Tag Corner Punch, Flower Fusion, Playground Button, Linen Thread, Pearls (Pretties Kit), Red Grosgrain Ribbon, White EP

absc005 - Helen Celebrates Christmas

Good Morning! - It's time for the latest sketch for Annabelle Stamps (absc005)
This week I have taken a few "liberties" with the sketch. Hopefully you'll be able to see the general idea as I explain my process for creating this card.

First I wanted to use the image, Helen from (Helen's Party) so you could see that it can be used for cards other then Birthday type cards. I wanted to add the present and also create a Poinsettia flower embellishment for the (bow like piece on the sketch). This meant "flipping" the sketch and moving the focal image to the right since the flower embellishment would have been right next to the present had I followed the sketch as is shown. Are you with me still...I know it confused me but I like the end result.

I paper pieced Helen's Clothes and the present. The Poinsettia was done using 5 Petal Punch.

Don't forget to check out the other DT members blogs for the Sketch cards. Also I believe you still have time to get in on a chance to win $20 Gift Certificate to Annabelle Stamps Store if you participate in the sketch challenge absc004 from last week.

Card Details: Stamps: Helen's Party & Holly Branch (inside sentiment)
Card Stock: Ruby Red, Bashful Blue, Old Olive,Pretty in Pink, (SU), PTI Select White and Designer Paper (Eskimo Kisses, Basic Grey)
Ink: Palette Noir Black, Bashful Blue (Sponged Around Helen)
Other: Prisma Color Pencils, Gamsol, MS Loopy Punch, Sprinkles (AS), White Liquid Applique, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 5 Petal Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Rectangle Nestabilitie Die

absc004 - Peace on Earth

Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin With Me.

Hello everyone today is Thanksgiving here in America so we are celebrating with a wonderful Turkey dinner and giving thanks for the many blessings we have.

It's also the very first Annabelle Stamps Sketch Contest...Every week there is a Sketch challenge on Friday but the last Friday of the month is the "Contest" sketch and there is a wonderful prize available so you don't want to miss out by not participating in the challenge. You can find all the details on the Annabelle Blog.

For my card today I chose to "flip" the sketch. For this card I used the Holly Branch stamps set. This is a really "versatile" set that can be used in so many different ways. I stamped the sentiment first with Ruby Red ink and colored over part of it with a Basic Black marker. Next I stamped one of the Holly Branches with Versamark ink and embossed it with Detail Silver EP. I stamped another Holly Branch the same way on Whisper White cs but cut that image out. The images were watercolored with ink pads and an Aqua Painter.
I also added some light spatter using the Itty Bitty BG stamp set from SU and Baja Breeze ink stamped off once before stamping onto the white card stock.

Card Stock used: Whisper White, Maroon (Bazzill), My Minds Eye DP-The Merry Days of Christmas line and Parisian Breeze (retired Specialty paper from SU)
Other: Silver Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps), Martha Stewart Loopy border punch, Word Window Punch(SU), Foam Mounting Tape

3CT41 - So Thankful

HELLO AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY (American Friends)
Today is a day we set aside to, "Give Thanks" for the things we are grateful for. I am most thankful today for my faith in Christ and my family. I have included a couple of fall photo's of trees I took here in town and hope you enjoy them.
May your day be filled with wonderful Blessings.

Don't forget to visit the other DT members blogs and tell them how thankful you are for them sharing their art work with you. God Bless

Card Details: Stamps: Leaf - Stamp Oasis
Card Stock: Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant
Other: Designer Paper: Autumn Traditions
Punch: Martha Steward, Circle Nestabilitie Die, Paper Piercing Tool, Signo White Gel pen, Ruby Red brads, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Claret EP, More Mustard and Always Artichoke Grosgrain ribbon, foam mounting tape.

BC126 - Giving Thanks

HAPPY FRIDAY! - Boy am I "thankful" that the week is over. It's been a bit rough trying to get everything done amidst everything that has been happening here this week. One of our cats, (Harley) developed some problems that have kept me pretty stressed out. You can read about it here if you are interested.

This week the blogger challenge theme is : Giving Thanks - We all have so much to be thankful for and sometimes we just don't realize that it's the "little" things that we need to be grateful for.
I started out this morning trying to create a card and it took me all day because of numerous phone call interruptions, picking up our cat, picking up Coleen, etc...and also not being completely satisfied with the first card I made. I've posted both cards here even though I don't really care for the first card.

My second card I'm happy with. It's actually a (case) of this card by Karen Giron. I like the layout and think this one turned out fairly decent.
The other card is okay but there is just something about it that felt a bit "simple" to me and not at all the look I was hoping to achieve.

Be sure to check out the other BC Members Blogs (Click on the Icon on my sidebar) and also check out this weeks Annabelle Sketch - see post below. Next week a PRIZE is being offered so you'll want to check that out as well.

Details: Stamps on Long Card: Falling Leaves-SU
Ink: Ruby Red
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Kiwi Kiss (SU) - Textured Dark Teal by Bazzill and Designer Paper by Cosmo Cricket.
Other: Black EP, Punch (SU), Brads-Ruby Red, Ribbon-Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain, Metal Label Die (Cuttlebug)

Details: Stamps on Standard card: Give Thanks (Hero Arts)
Ink:Palette Noir Black, Prisma Colored Pencils
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Blush Blossom, Textured Teal and DP Cosmo Cricket
Other: Leaf Punch and Scallop Punch-SU, Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps)Paper Piercing Tool.

absc003 - O Come Let Us Adore Him

Hello! Welcome to the latest Annabelle Stamps Sketch Challenge.
For my card this week I chose the stamp set, (Wise Men) from the new Annabelle Christmas line. I stamped baby Jesus with Versamark ink and embossed the image with Black EP and then watercolored it and punched it out with an Oval punch.
Then I layered this onto Sage Shadow cs and embossed the sentiment with the same black ep and the star with Gold Fire Opal EP and added a jewel to the center of the star. I added small scalloped photo corners and mounted this to Brushed Gold cs.

My card base is Always Artichoke cs layered with DP by DCWV Christmas line. I embossed a piece of the Always Artichoke with the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder and added punched pieces of the brushed gold card stock. My embellishments are Dew Drops because I didn't have any of those fabulous sprinkles in the correct color I needed but do check out all the fantastic colors of the Sprinkles that are available on the Annabelle Stamps store.

Don't forget to visit the Annabelle Blog to see all the other DT members card and try the sketch out yourself.

Have a great weekend.

3CT40 - 'Tis The Season

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....but in a "Non-Traditional" way.
Welcome to this weeks 3CT Challenge - Create a Christmas themed project with NO
Red or Green. Sounds pretty simple right?....Not so much when every single piece of Christmas DP that I went through seemed to have red or green in it somewhere. Then I hit upon this piece of Heidi Grace paper sitting in my drawer that I bought last year and had yet to use. I love this color combo together and it's certainly not traditional at all.
I chose to use Snowboard Fluffles (Stampendous) for my focal stamp. I colored Fluffles using Prisma Color Pencils and added a touch of shimmer to the snow with a Silver Spica Glitter pen and a fuzzy ball to his/her (does anyone know what sex Fluffles is?) hat. It started out White but I dyed it with a Night of Navy ink pad as I didn't have the re-inker. I embossed some Creamy Caramel cs with the Snowflake Cuttlebug Embossing Folder and brushed it over a Craft White ink pad then added a strip of ribbon (American Crafts) don the middle. Next up I added the sentiment (computer generated using Lucinda Handwriting font)and added the snowflake brad covered with Frosted Lace stickles to complete my card.

Card Details: Stamp: Stampendous
Card Stock: SU-Night of Navy, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White, DP by Heidi Grace
Ink: Palette Noir Black, Night of Navy, Prisma Colored Pencils, Gamsol
Other: Ribbon (American Crafts), Snowflake Brad (Making Memories), Spica Glitter Pen, Frosted Lace Stickles, Pom Poms

Now head on over to Kerry's Blog and check out the fabulous, fun and festive creations made by the other DT members and don't forget to visit their blogs and leave them a little "comment lovin'" - Have a Great Day!

BC126 - A Blustery Day

Hey it's Friday and you all know what that means. Yep, It's Blogger Challenge Day.
Our theme this week: Happy Fall Y'All - Cards relating to Autumn/Fall.
This is one of my favorite seasons so I loved this challenge.

Before I forget don't forget to check out my post on the newest Annabelle sketch below this post. We'd love to have a few more people join in with us on the sketch challenge.

I chose to use an image from: www.ladybugandfriends.com by Joan Elliott but apparently it is not available right now as I could not locate it on their website.

The image was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and cut out with a Nestabilitie Die. I computer generated the sentiment.

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and DP by KI Memories.
Ink: Prisma Color Pencils, Gamsol, Palette Noir Black ink.
Other: Swirls Cuttlebug Embossing folder, Small Maple Leaf Punch, Leaves (source unknown)

Don't forget to visit the other BC Members blogs to see their Fall creations.

I've also included a picture that I took of Coleen a few weeks ago. There was this gorgeous fall tree that we passed every day on the way to her pre-school so one afternoon I took her and got some photo's of her sitting in the yard with all these beautiful fall leaves around her.

DID YOU KNOW...that I have another blog? Yes, it's called (Wishes, Dreams and Other Things) - I haven't posted on it in awhile but there is a new post there with another picture of Coleen if you'd like to check it out. From time to time I will also feature some cards so it won't strictly be NSR. - I should also mention that this blog has Music on it so you might want to turn your speakers down if you don't want to listen to the music.

absc002 - I love Presents, How 'bout you!

Call me a kid at heart but I love getting presents. For those who think Christmas is only for kids, "Bah, Humbug!" - Yes I love opening gifts on Christmas morning and I hope that never ends. It's always so much fun to rip open the package to see what's inside.

It's time for the newest Annabelle Sketch Challenge. Let me just say last week we had a couple of players which was wonderful but I'd really love to see more people taking part so check out the sketch and give it a try. You can post your card on the new Annabelle Blog

This week the Annabelle Sketch Challenge was a real "challenge" for me. I just could not think of how I was going to incorporate that Triangular Shape into a card. In fact I even e-mailed Andrea for some help. She graciously showed me her card for the sketch but that still didn't help me think of any ideas. I went to bed that night and while trying to go to sleep the idea came to me to use presents to form a triangle of colorful packages. The next morning I set out to create my pyramid of presents and I had them all stamped and paper pieced and ready to be mounted when I decided to run the image through the Cuttlebug. Okay normally that would be just fine but I had already glued on all my (Sprinkles) except for the 2 larger ones with the raised bows. "Word of Warning" do not do this. It smashed those beautiful little sprinkles flatter then a pancake and ripped my pieced presents on top of it. (Insert Sad Face). I of course had to start all over but I persevered and am quite pleased with how my card turned out.

Details: Stamp Sets: Helen's Party (for the presents) and Holly Branch (Sentiment).
Card Stock: Handsome Hunter, Ruby Red, Whisper White and Designer Paper (DCWV - Holiday Christmas Collection.)
Ink: Palette Noir Black and Handsome Hunter
Accessories: Christmas Ornament Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Large Corner Punch-SU,
Small Scallop Corner Punch-EK Success, Sprinkles-Annabelle Stamps, Silver Cording-SU

PLEASE check out the other DT members blogs and see what they did with this sketch.
Then try it out for yourself. It's a lot of fun!

3CT38 - Christmas Cardinal

Hi - Hope you all have been having a great week so far. I took a few days off from Stamping/Blogging this past weekend as it was the PBR Finals. For those of you who aren't familiar with the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) let's just say it was one exciting finish to crown a new Champion. Congratulations Kody - You deserve it!

Okay but now back to card making....This week the challenge for Three Clover Thursday is, (Birds and Bugs) - I don't own many stamps of bugs (icky creatures) but could have found some if I looked really hard. Instead I decided to go with Birds and do a Christmas card (hey, I need to start getting them made pronto!).

I chose the Cardinal Stamp from the retired SU set, (Christmas Cardinal) and stamped it on watercolor paper with Palette Noir Black ink and used various ink pads and my Aqua Painter to watercolor the image. Then I added a tiny bit of Crystal Effects to the berries and colored the birds eye with a Gold Glitter Pen. I cut this out with my Nestabilitie Die and then cut out (by hand)a slightly larger size in Handsome Hunter. My card base is Creamy Caramel layered with Ruby Red cs. The wonderful designer paper is from Die Cuts With a View (DCWV) Holiday Collection. The sentiment is from Annabelle Stamps (Holly Branch) set and was embossed with Topiary Tapestry EP(PSX). The punch is by EK Success (Double Morocco Lace) - Isn't it fabulous!
I added Felt Poinsettia (Hero Arts) brads by Queen and Company and Chili Sprinkles from Annabelle Stamps.

My sketch is from:

This is one of those cards that made me feel really good when I finished it and I hope you like it as well. Be sure to check out the other DT members blogs and leave them some comment lovin

It's A Sketch for Annabelle Stamps

Hello and Happy Friday! - Welcome to the very 1st Annabelle Sketch Challenge. You can find all the details here

It's also Blogger Challenge Day - Which I'm sort of "cheating" a little today since the theme this week is, Technique's and quite frankly I really didn't have time to find a technique and do a card for it. So I'm fudging a little since my card is Watercolored and that is a technique. We were also suppose to find links or give instructions on our technique but again that just escaped me and I'm sure you're all familiar enough with the technique and can "Google" it if you need further information.

For this card I used one of the new Christmas release sets from Annabelle Stamps called, Wise Men. I stamped the camels on watercolor paper and just watercolored one camel and cut it out. Then I stamped the Bethlehem image and watercolored it, masked it off and sponged in the sky. Next I stamped the star and the sentiment. All were stamped with Palette Noir Black ink and watercolored using an Aqua Painter and various ink pads.
The paper I used is from Basic Grey (Figgy Pudding line) from a couple of years ago. I also used a piece of Pumpkin Pie along with Old Olive and Garden Green.
The accents are Silver Sprinkles available from Annabelle Stamps.

You can give this sketch a try and post your creation on the new Annabelle Blog using the Mr. Linky feature.

Also don't forget to check out all the techniques from the Blogger Challenge group by clicking on the BC Icon on my sidebar.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and hopefully next week won't be so hectic and I can actually do the BC challenge like it's suppose to be done.

CIC31 - Love Bugs

Happy Hump Day! - Here is my entry for this weeks CIC over at Hope Stamps Eternal Aren't those the sweetest cupcakes you've seen in a long time. I mean look at those adorable little mushrooms and the pretty flowers and cute little ladybugs! - Who wouldn't be inspired by such charming cupcakes.

I took my inspiration from, The colors (Black, Red, Yellow, White), the Ladybugs and the circles/polka dots (on the mushrooms).
My image is from a current SU Hostess set - Love Bug. I chose some patterned paper (The Paper Patch) that I've had in my stash for years now and paired it up with Basic Black, Real Red and Yoyo Yellow and Whisper White cs. The bugs were colored with Prisma Colored Pencils. I added some yellow felt flowers (Maya Road) mini red brads (Queen and Co.) and some Polka Dot ribbon (source unknown). I also used a Cuttlebug Folder for the white Daisy Chain and added the Loopy Punch from Martha Stewart. I added a bit of shimmer to the bugs wings and antenna using Spica Glitter Pens. I love how fun and cheery this turned out.

I tried and tried to get a brighter picture of this card but just couldn't seem to do it so this one will have to do. It's really much brighter in real life.

I hope you'll give this challenge a try. It's really FUN and very Inspiring!

Halloween Cuteness

Well another Halloween has come and gone but I wanted to share some photo's with you.
The little "Witch" in the picture is my granddaughter, Coleen (Age 41/2) She borrowed our broom (which closes down to a smaller size) so she could have her picture taken riding a broom!

The "Fireman" is my nephew, Andrew (Age 3)
He wasn't real cooperative about getting his picture taken but this one wasn't to bad.

The "Lion" is my nephew, Timothy (Age 2) - His mom made his lion costume. The other people in the photo are his parents and my brother (The one hunting the lion)

It was a nice night for the kids but we barely had 35 show up. Most people take their kids downtown where merchants pass out candy so most of those who do show up are the older kids. We had 2 girls show up dressed in costumes that sort of looked like "hookers" and when they said, "Trick or Treat" I asked them, "What kind of tricks do you do?" You should have seen the look on their faces....PRICELESS!

Joy To The World

It's RELEASE DAY! - Yes, there are new stamps from Annabelle Stamps

The set I'm showcasing today is Holly Branch. It's a wonderful set with several different Holly Branches, and some wonderful sentiments.

For my card I chose the Stamping 411 Sketch found here:

I started with a card base of Handsome Hunter then layered Textured Ruby Red cs with DP from (DCWV - Holiday Collection). I stamped the trio of Holly Branches with Palette Noir Black ink on Shimmery White cs and watercolored the leaves with Old Olive ink and an Aqua Painter. For the berries I used some of the new Mini Sprinkles available from AB Stamps (Chilli). I stamped the sentiment with Ruby Red ink and a Basic Black marker. I mounted this piece onto another piece of Handsome Hunter and added a strip of the DP - I also Distressed the edges of these two pieces. As a finishing touch I added a piece of plaid ribbon (JoAnn's) in the lower left corner.

Be sure to visit Andrea's Blog and then the new Annabelle Stamps Blog as there is CANDY available there that you don't want to miss out on.

Blog Award

How cool is this! - Thanks Tammy!


The Rules are:

1. You can only use ONE word!!!
2. Pass this along to 5 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!
4. HAVE FUN!!!
***************
Just ONE word...let's see if I can do it!

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Thin :o(
3. Your mother? Giving
4. Your father? Heaven
5. Your fave food? Spaghetti
6. Your dream last night? Odd
7. Your fave drink? Coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Heaven
9. What room are you in? Stamp
10. Your hobby? Stamping
11. Your fear? Suffocating
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
13. Where you were last night? Home
14. Something that you aren't? Organized
15. Muffins? Cranberry
16. Wish List Item? Nesties
17. Where did you grow up? Walla Walla (sorry I know it's two words but that's our town - They liked it so much they named it twice!)
18. Last thing you did? Microwave
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your Pets? Cuddly
22. Friends? Loyal
23. Your Life? Happy
24. Your Mood? Okay
25. Missing Someone? No
26. Vehicle? Van
27. Something your not wearing? Jewelry
28. Your fave store? Grocery
29. Your fave color?Blue
30. Last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Quietly
32. Your best friend? Mom
33. One place that I go to over and over? Bathroom - Hey we all use it!
34. One person who emails regularly? Cathy
35. Fave place to eat? LaCasita
36. Facebook? Occasionally

Now for my 5 picks:
Elena - The Red Haired Girl - She's a great friend and a talented stamper.
Kerry - Three Clover Designs - She's has been a real inspiration and has challenged me to be a better stamper.
Anna - Sassy and Sweet - Who hasn't been to this phenomenal blog by now.
Allison - Stampin When I can -She has wonderful information, great cards & cute kids!
Andrea - Stampin Moments - I'm on her design team! She has a new stamp company so be sure to check out her blog.

BC123 - Tis near Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! - Yes I know it's not until Saturday but since today's Blogger Challenge theme is, Halloween I thought I start the festivities a littler early.

For my card today I chose to use the TESC found here:

Stamp sets used: Bitty Boos Too - SU retired
Hey Ghoul Friend - SU retired
Card stock: Basic Black, Only Orange, Perfect Plum, Old Olive and Tangering Tango(retired)
Designer Paper - Basic Grey-Eerie line
Other: Black EP, Spiderweb Cuttlebug Embossing folder, Dew Drops, Star Punch, Drippy Goo Punch-Martha Stewart

I computer generated the sentiment before cutting it out with Nestabilitie Dies.

Be sure to stop by the other BC members blogs for more Halloween Fun!

Don't Eat To Much Candy!!!

3CT37 - The "Teenage Years" aka "I need a padded cell!"

Here we are again with the latest installment of 3CT Challenges. This weeks theme,
Teen cards. - Okay I must admit this was a HUGE challenge for me. Why? Well I have absolutely no teen related type stamps and really no need for cards to send to teens as all my nieces, nephews are now in the mid-to late 20's. I was going to fore go this challenge but had second thoughts and hopefully this card fits the theme.

Here's how it came about. First I found a card/layout that I really liked. My card is a "Case" of this card, by Joan Bardee (Dear Paperlicious). I love the CAS look it had and the fun way she framed the sentiment.

Next was deciding what stamps to use. I have had this set of circular stamps with sayings from (Autumn Leaves) for some time now so I picked this one because teenagers tend to be a "Unique" breed of human beings in a class by themselves and sometimes they just need to be reminded of their uniqueness in a world that often wants to stereo-type them. We all need to celebrate our own uniqueness from time to time so it's good to remember that.

I pair up my sentiment stamp with some fun and funky paper by We R Memory Keeps - Precious Metal line. I've had it around for some time as well waiting for the right card to come along to use it. For the lower portion of my card I used another stamps set (Mixed Borders - Hero Arts) that hadn't yet seen ink even though I've had it around now for a couple of years as well. I thought the circular pattern went well with the DP that I used. In place of the stamped circles above the sentiment I opted to use brads (Queen and Co.) I also added a piece of bright orange ric rack to complete the card.

Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Kraft
Ink: Palette Noir Black.

So that is my interpretation of a Teen related card. I hope you like it. I'm leaving you with a link to a funny teen themed cartoon that you should get a chuckle out of.

Be sure to stop by the other DT members blogs as well as Kerry's and check out their teen themed creations. Don't forget to leave some "comment lovin" and then give this challenge a try yourself.

CIC30 - Cornucopia of many Colors

Welcome to Hope Stamps Eternal's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge. This weeks Hope has this yummylicious and oh so colorful cupcake to inspire your creativity. It's just like a rainbow of sweetness.

This card cover 3 different challenges: Hope's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge
Stamp Simply #110 - It's Hip To Be Square
and the Saturday Sketch Challenge (SSC122)

For my card I chose to be inspired by the beautiful colors and of course something yummy to eat. I chose to go a bit "healthier" than the candy route (Oh trust me I eat my fair share of Candy much to my waistline's dismay these days)so I picked out a Cornucopia image from Kim Hughes stamp set (Let's Get Stuffed) from Cornish Heritage Farms as my focal image.
I stamped the image on Watercolor paper with Palette Noir Black ink and used SU ink pads and an Aqua Painter to water color the image.
I paired it up with some gorgeous DP (DCWV - Indian Summer) - I just love the sparkle on these papers and the brilliant colors. I stamped the "Thankful" sentiment with Versamark ink and embossed it with Black EP. I used a piece of textured Rich Razzleberry cs and the Moroccan Screen embossing folder for one of the panels. I also punched a scallop border with my SU Scallop punch and pierced holes, added some Olive Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps). The orange leaf button is from some buttons I bought a few years ago and I added some teal thread.

Card Stock: Taken With Teal, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, Kiwi Kiss.

I have had a wonderful time this month being the "Guest Sweetie" for Hope's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge. I encourage you all to give this challenge a try. It's really fun and sparks your creativity as well.

Let's Help Celebrate

Hey, Have you visited this blog: Where'd All My Money Go yet? Well if you haven't you've just got to check it out. First off Stephanie has some wonderful projects there for your viewing pleasure and inspiration. Second she's having a Blogiversary and a Giveaway that you don't want to miss.
So hurry on over and check it out.

BC122 - It's a Conspiracy Theory aka One Layer Cards

HIP HIP HOORAY - IT'S FRIDAY! You all know by now that means it's also Blogger Challenge day. I swear (well not really)...Okay off the subject but the other day I said, "I swear...blah, blah, blah" when Coleen pipes up with, "You swear Grandma!" so perhaps I shouldn't use that expression. Okay back to the Conspiracy Theory I'm starting to imagine. First Lisa (list mom) gives us Alter It projects and now One Layer cards...I mean what could be worse?
Seriously I stink at altering things and I'm not much better at one-layer cards.

My card today is a shameless CASE (Copy and Share/Steal Everything) from a card by the uber talented Julie Ebersole found here: There are some obvious differences because my card is not quite as vibrant as Julie's due to the muted colors I used but I think it turned out okay and hope you do as well.

Now one BIG difference is that Julie said her card was a 5MQ - Which I'm guessing means 5 Minute Quickie and let's just say this card took WAY longer then 5 minutes for me!

First I had to create a mask because I used the larger Wood grain BG stamp (SU). I had to have the mask to create a smaller area in which to stamp the background. I used a Nestabilitie Die to cut out the rectangle and then layered the mask over my card (Kraft cs - Wish I would have went lighter)and sponged on some Craft White ink and then after it had dried I stamped on the BG with Close To Cocoa ink. Then I used my Embossing Buddy before stamping the leaf spring (Papertrey Ink - Life stamp set) with More Mustard, Old Olive and a tad Really Rust Pigment ink. I then embossed with Clear EP. It took me awhile to get this done to my satisfaction. One time I stamped the sprig of leaves on the wrong side of the card (I'd already scored it) so now that's in the scrap pile hope to be used on something else. I couldn't seem to get my colors as bright as I wanted them to be so to add some color I added little jewels (Zva Creative Crystal Wheel)to the leaf sprig. I stamped the sentiment with Old Olive and Really Rust Pigment Ink and added the dots with an Old Olive marker.
Then I used some Taupe Grosgrain Ribbon (SU-retired) and tied a bow at the top. I tried Old Olive ribbon first but it seemed to bright so I went with the Taupe instead. I did not tie my ribbon on through the inside of the card because I couldn't get it to tie right so I just glued down the ends and cut the ribbon off the edge of the card stock before tying my faux bow.

And there you have it my attempt at a One-Layer card...Now go check out the other BC members blogs to see what they have created for this challenge. You can do so by clicking on the BC Icon on my sidebar.