CIC74 - Cupcake Chloe Celebrates

Are you ready for some Cupcakes!    Just take a look at these fun treats.  Yummo! - So much going on here and oh so bright but I love them.     This week the Sponsor for the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge is, InStyle Stamps  and one lucky person will win: 4 Digital Images of Winner's choice.

I chose to use Cupcake Chloe for my card and paired her up with some fun, bright colors.  My DP (Striped pattern) is from an old DCWV pad. The card base is Pink Passion and I paired the up with a piece of Lime textured cs (I have no idea where I got it)  I added a punched strip of Tempting Turquoise to the designer paper. Colored Chloe with Prisma Color Pencils and added some sparkle to her apron and the cupcakes using Spica Glitter Pens.  I sponged Barely Banana ink around her added some pink pearls and orange ribbon and mounted her to some Peach Parfait card stock.  Then I added some punched flowers in Orange and Light Green and little punched hearts of Turquoise and Pink Passion.  The sentiment is from SU (Sweet Little Somethings) and was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

I used a sketch from the Go to Sketches magazine for my card.  It always helps to have a bit of a starting point when making a card (in my opinion).

Now be sure to check out what the other "Sweeties" have done this week and give this a try yourself and link back on the CIC Blog.

  You'll find all the Sweeties listed on my sidebar.

  

A Color Challenge mixed with a Sketch Challenge

Hello and Happy Friday!
First off for those who are interested here is a link to view pics of Coleen on her first day of Kindergarten!  Our little girl is growing up.

Now on to today's challenges.  I sort of combined a couple of challenges again.
The (Annabelle Sketch Challenge and the Blogger Challenge).  For the Blogger Challenge this week it was a COLOR combo (Red, Green and Yellow) so I made 2 different cards using the same colors/papers but different stamps.

First up is the Annabelle Sketch Challenge Card:

Isn't this just so bright and cheery!  Makes you want to put on sunglasses doesn't it?  I started out both cards by picking out my patterned paper.  I've had this piece of plaid designer paper in a folder for at least 10 years waiting for a chance to use it.  I just love the colors and the plaid pattern.

For this card I used Real Red for the Card Base layered with the new Daffodil Delight from SU and my DP (Source unknown). The cake was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and I added Lemonade' Glitter (Art Institute) to the candles and the dots on the cake.  This was mounted to a piece of the Real Red cs and a punched border (MS) of Garden Green.  I also added a circle of the GG with my sentiment.  The stamps I used are from the recently released Annabelle Stamp set:  Take the Cake.  For my "bling" element I used Chili Sprinkles from AB

Please stop by the DT members blogs to check out their take on this great sketch.  You have a chance to win a FREE stamp set (Diva) by entering the sketch challenge on the Annabelle Blog and leaving a link there using the little Frog on the sidebar.  All sketch challenges will now last for the entire month.

Are you ready for something different yet the same?  For my BC challenge card I used the same papers but chose to do a Christmas Card using them!  The white dots in the DP reminded me of snowflakes so I decided to do a holiday card with these colors.  My stamps are from: Artful Inkables (Holiday Treats & Tails).  I just love these adorable little beavers.  The colors of cs remain the same as the card above.  For this one I just added a punched snowflake sprinkled with clear glitter from the Art Institute. I also added Crystal Effects to the tree lights and an embossed snowflake panel of the Daffodil Delight.

Isn't it fun how you can use the same colors for two very different themes.  Be sure to stop by the BC members blogs as I'm sure they've used these colors in very different ways and shades then the ones I've used.  Have a wonderful day.

CIC73 - Owl Love Note

Hi! - Hope your week has gone well.  It's been another busy one here but a good one.  It's time again for another fabulous Cupcake Inspiration Challenge.    This week we are being sponsored by:  Phindy's Place.  There are some really adorable Digital Stamps here so be sure to check it out.  Also up for grabs is a $10 Gift Certificate so you'll want to participate for your chance to win.

Just look at those gorgeous cupcakes.  Don't you just love the pretty pink flowers and the elegant chocolate designs.  When I first saw them I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to come up with something that I felt would reflect how pretty they are.  Pink/Brown and White look wonderful together but my pattern paper stash was pretty scarce when it came to those colors.

So here's what I did:  I found some old SU Chocolate Chip Designer paper and I used a Copic Pink Marker (RV11) to color in some of the flowers.  I paired this up with some Pink Pirouette card stock and then found the stamps and accesories that I wanted to use.  I chose this Owl from Inkadinkado because I liked the swirl pattern on it's body and it reminded me of the patterns on the cupcakes. The sentiment is from Hero Arts.
 I also chose my Swirl edger punch (EK Success) for the fancy scrolls and added some pink Grosgrain ribbon. I kept the design fairly simple and added some White Pearls and a Pink Heart to finish off my design. 

So how will you be inspired by these Cupcakes.  Leave us a link to your card on the CIC Challenge blog.

Don't forget to visit the other DT members blogs to see what they were inspired by.  You'll find their names listed on my sidebar.

Have a great start to your week.  Hugs from me to you.

BC165 School Days, School Days...

Wow can you believe that August is almost over and that means so is Summer.  This one flew by quickly.  The kids start back to school here next week.  Many school have already started or will start soon so this weeks Blogger Challenge Theme is:         Back To School.

My first card today features these adorable children from the new SU Stamp set: Greeting Card Kids.  I just love them.  They remind me of the (Campbell Soup Kids) and have a sweet "vintage" look.  I colored the image using Prisma Colored pencils and Gamsol.  I lightly sponged Sahara Sand ink around the image.
I used the new Cherry Cobbler cs from SU for my card base. Added a layer of DP from Creative Imaginations along with a punched border of Old Olive CS.  The ribbon is retired SU and the apple punch is one I've had for a very long time and I'm not sure who the manufacturer is. The punch under the kids is SU-Spiral Border.

My second card is one that I made to give to Coleen as she starts Kindergarten next week.  She will only go 1/2 on Thursday and then a full day on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday of the following week.  This is to give them a chance to get use to going to school before they start full time on the 7th.  They have 2 days off, one for the Fair and one for Labor day which is why they don't start back until the 7th.  She's getting excited and Grandma is starting to feel all "misty-eyed" about her heading off to school.  She bought a new backpack which happens to be Pink and Purple, her two favorite colors.            Great-Grandma made her a new outfit which is pink so I made this card to give to her on the First Day of School.  We will all send her a little note in the card.  I hope she likes it. Note the Pink Glitter Shoes. Coleen wanted a pair of pink sneakers that were sparkly so her mom bought them.  I will be sure to take pictures of her the first day of school and share them.

The stamp is from MFT (My Favorite Things) and is part of the Pure Innocence line. This one is called, Emma and her Backpack.  The ruled line on the Orchid piece is from another new set: Mint Motifs (School Basics). I hope to use it real soon for another card.  Little did I think I would ever need (School) themed stamps but now that Coleen will be heading off to Kindergarten I can see all kinds of use of them in the future!

Card Stock: Regal Rose, Whisper White, Orchid Opulence (retired now) Retired SU Designer Paper (not sure which line) Oval and Scallop Oval Punches-SU, Scallop Circle Chain Punch-EK Success, Glitter, Purple Brads, Gems/Pearl-Zva, Ribbon from JoAnn Essentials.

Don't forget to check out the other BC members blogs and leave some comment love.

Final Preview - Hold A Candle

Welcome to the last of the Previews for the latest Annabelle Stamp sets.  Today we are previewing:
(Hold a Candle).  This is a really super fun set. Don't you just love the different fun and funky looking candles! Top that off with some balloons and great sentiments and we're ready to PARTY!  So join in on the HOP for your chance to win this set.  Visit all the DT members blogs, comment on each blog and hop back to the Annabelle Blog to let us know you've completed the hop.  The DT members are listed on my side bar - I believe Michelle is also sharing cards so don't forget to pop on over to her blog too.

I had this idea in my head when I went to bed one night so the next day I set to work trying to get my idea down the way I saw it in my head.  I had just bought this great candle punch (EK Success) and thought it would work great with the candles in this set.  Of course I still had a few scraps left of my WeRMemoryKeepers (Sunny Flower Patch) designer paper and I just had to use it!
I stamped the candle 4 times on Whisper White card stock and then paper pieced the last candle and added some sparkle with Lemonade' Glitter (Art Institute).  To finish off the card I also added some brads to mimic the dotted paper on the candle.

Card Details:  Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Bermuda Bay, DP WeRMemoryKeepers
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Yellow Copic Marker
Other: Candle Punch-EK Success, Brads-Pink HedgeHog Crafts, Glitter from the Art Institute,  Quickie Glue Pen, Paper Piercing Tool, Foam Mounting Tape,

I also have another card to share today using this set and totally different colors/papers.  This one is based on a card I saw here:  I liked the clean, simple look of the card but did add an extra layer of paper to my card.

I love how soft this one looks with the Pastel Color scheme.

Card Details:  Card Stock - Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White,

Designer Paper-Imaginesce

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Various Copic markers

Other: Winter White EP, Glitter, Spica Glitter Pens, Waterfall Sprinkles.

All sets are available after the previews are over and there is a special going on: Buy all 3 sets and receive a FREE Petals Kit (your choice).

How much is that Doggie In The Window

Welcome to another preview of Annabelle Stamps soon to be released stamp sets.  Today we're showcasing: Party Animals 2 - It's a companion set to the already released Party Animals 1 and just as cute as can be.  This set is up for grabs.  Read Below on how to WIN it.

I resisted the urge to use the cute cat image this time around. By now you all know how much I adore and love my furry feline friends (we have 6) so it wasn't easy.

Instead I colored up the adorable puppy in the present image.  Isn't he just the sweetest.  I started out to create something totally different then this card but it had a mind of it's own and this was the end result.  I hope you like it.

Card Details:

Card Stock: Green Galore, Bashful Blue, Cameo Coral and Whisper White

Designer Paper, Die Cuts With A View (Plaid Pattern) and SU-Retired Summer Picnic (Paper Pieced portion of Package)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Prisma Colored Pencils/Gamsol

Other: Paper Crimper, Eyelet Border Punch-SU, Lime Sprinkles, Green Ribbon, Swiss Dot Embossing Folder.

Don't forget this set will be up for grabs by doing the BLOG HOP

Visit the DT members blogs - Leave a comment on ALL the blogs and Hop back to the Annabelle Blog to let us know you've visited all the blogs.

Here is a list of the blogs you'll need to visit:

Andrea

Jerusha

Kylie

Rene'

Sue

Teresa

Tiffany

All 3 new preview sets will be available after the 19th HERE  Stop back in a couple of days for the last of the new release previews.

CIC72 - Sending Lots of Hugs

Hi!  I excited to share my very first Cupcake Inspiration Challenge with you as a "Sweetie" - Just look at these wonderful, fun cupcakes. Who wouldn't be inspired by them?  This weeks challenge is being sponsored by Whimsy Stamps

For my card I used the Hang In There image.  Isn't that turtle just adorable!  I was inspired by the fun colors in the cupcake photo as well as the different textural elements.  I colored the turtle image with Prisma Colored pencils and lightly blended a background in around the image and blended with Gamsol.

My card base is Bermuda Bay, layered with Rose Red, a layer of Basic Gray Lemonade DP, and an embossed piece of Old Olive cs.  I added a punched border of So Saffron and the sentiment is from Hero Arts.  The bling are Pineapple Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps).  I even managed to do some stitching around my card.  This is the hardest thing for me because I've never been able to get my Janome Sew Mini to sew half way decent since I bought it and sewing is just not my thing.  The punched flower was made using my new MFT Dies.

Contact me if you have any questions on how this card was made.

Don't forget to stop by the other Sweeties blogs (links are on my sidebar) to see their great takes on the Inspiration photo.  Then give it a try yourself and link back on the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge Blog so we can see your creation.

Time for more "Sneak Peeks" from Annabelle

It's sneak peek time again here at Annabelle Stamps.  First up is the fabulous set called, (Thoughtful Stems).  As you can see there are several great floral stamps and great sentiments to pair with them.  For this card I chose to use the Wheat/Grass image and one of the sentiments for my card.  I saw this layout in the latest issue of Paper Crafts Sept./Oct. 2010 and thought it would be perfect for my card. 

I picked out some DP (SU-Sweet Pea - which is retired now)and based my colors from the patterned paper.

My card base is Old Olive layered with So Saffron.  The focal panel is different patterns of the Sweet Pea designer paper.  I stamped the Wheat on one of the patterns and colored it in with Chalks.  Then I sprayed the panel, my card base and the sentiment strip with a mixture of Hairspray and Gold Pearl Ex Powder for some added shimmer.  I tied some Linen Thread around the main panel, pierced the sentiment panel and added 2 Vanilla teardrop pearls (Annabelle Stamps) to complete the card.  Oops almost forgot to show you the card! LOL

Be sure to check out the other DT members blogs and leave comments on ALL the blogs for your chance to win this set for FREE.  Come back again on Tuesday for the next sneak peek.

Also there is a Sketch Challenge going on right now as well for a chance at another Prize so be sure to check that out as well.

A Tale of Two Challenges

Welcome!  It's time for the latest Annabelle Sketch challenge (ABSC28) and since my time has been limited for stamping due to being a "Taxi-Grandma" for Coleen this summer I decided to combine the ABSC challenge with the BC164 Challenge. So without further ado I present the sketch and my card.  The sketch is really one of those great CAS (Clean and Simple) sketches that can lend itself to all kinds on interpretations. 

Since the Blogger Challenge this week is, (Birthday Cards/projects) I pulled out my Party Animals 1 set and colored up the adorable mouse with cake image.  Yes, mice generally aren't considered, "cute or adorable" but this one is.  Look at the expression of pure JOY on that face.  All that yummy cake and off we go!  I stamped the image on Whisper White cs with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored/blended with Prisma Color Pencils and Gamsol.  Added a tiny touch of glitter to the candle flames.  I had already put part of the tag together with some scraps the other day so I pulled it out and mounted my stamped image on the tag and added the ribbon and bow and the sprinkles.

The card base is Real Red paired with Designer paper from WeRMemory Keepers (Sunny Flower Patch) line.  I just love all the fun, bright colors of this paper.

I added a punched border with the Optic Dot Punch and also used my Zigzag punch on the stripped border.  The tag is Tangerine Tango and I added a bit of stitching to the tag as well.

We'd love to have you join in with us on the sketch challenge.

As always there is a PRIZE up for grabs.

This week the prize is:10 sheets of clear A4 Acetate

                                                            1mtr 16mm Tuftan Ribbon
                                                            1mtr 9mm Tan/Tuftan Swiss Dots

You have 2 full weeks to participate and link back on the Annabelle Blog to be eligible to win the prize.  Hope you'll join us.

On a side note:  Andrea has some awesome Blog Candy going here on her blog: so be sure to check it out.  I'm not posting the picture since I don't want to confuse anyone with the above Prize for the sketch challenge.

Please be sure to drop by both the Annabelle DT members and the Blogger Challenge members blogs to see what they have created.  Both groups are listed on my sidebar.

CIC71 - Witchy Woman (well not quite)

 Yum!  - Well even though I'm not an "Official" Sweetie until August 15th Hope said we could play along this week if we wanted to and how could I resist when the inspiration looks this yummy.  This week is being sponsored by Ippity through Michelle.  Since I (sadly) don't own any Ippity stamps - (may have to remedy that soon) I chose to use stamps from my own stamp collection.  I recently purchased (Greeting Card Kids from SU) and thought with the wonderful fall colors of the cupcake it would make the cutest Halloween card.  So what do you think?  You may recognize the sketch as I basically used the same sketch as yesterdays BC post (scroll down 1 post).  It's a great sketch to use and I think it worked for this card quite well.

I was inspired by the wonderful colors and all the textural elements of the inspiration photo.  I used a textured embossing folder (Square Lattice-SU) on Apricot Appeal cs and brayed Chocolate Chip ink over it.  The DP is from DCWV and the brown lace is from my personal stash of unidentified ribbons. 

Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Prisma Colored Pencils/Gamsol

Other: Nestabilitie Dies.

Thanks to all who sent such a warm welcome and Congratulations on my making the Sweeties Design Team for the Cupcake Inspiration Challenges.  It really meant a lot to me to know you were happy for me.

BC163 - Let's Celebrate

It's Friday and time for the Blogger Challenge.  This week we have a sketch to use.  Love this sketch.

For my card I chose some fun, bright colors and a yummy cupcake image.  Doesn't it just make you want to PARTY!!!                        Be sure to check out the other BC members blogs for their take on this great sketch.  Have a wonderful day!

I stamped the cupcake (Take the Cake - Annabelle Stamps) with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Very Vanilla cs and colored it with Prisma Colored Pencils.   I paper pieced the wrapper and added Lemonade' Glitter to the flame.

Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Basic Black.

Designer Paper - WeRMemoryKeepers

Other:  Optic Dot Punch-MS, Lime Sprinkles-Annabelle, Circle Punch-SU,

Nestabilitie Dies.

Say it with Cream

Hello and welcome to this weeks Annabelle Challenge: 
Say it in...Cream.

  Once again I'm going to have to say this was a bit of a "challenge" for me.  I don't have many papers or embellishments that are cream colored so I had to dig through my paper stash to find something I felt was suitable for the challenge.

I chose a patter from Cratepaper.com, (Crate Avenue Collection - Glam).  So yes my card is actually Cream and Gray but I think it works.

I'm using this weeks current Mojo Monday sketch for this card.  This is a very different sketch then I woul normally follow so again another "challenge.

My card base is:  Very Vanilla (that counts as cream doesn't it?) Then I layered some Basic Gray cs brushed with a Vanilla Craft pad and embossed apiece of creamy/beige paper (DCWV) with the Textile Textured embossing folder.  I added the panels of Basic Gray and Crate paper with some Cream Twill ribbon (JoAnn Essentials) along with Black Currant Sprinkles.  The flowers and sentiment (Floral Silhouettes - ABS020) were embossed using Opaque Vanilla EP from Annabelle Stamps.  I added a Scalloped border of Vanilla Card Stock and punched the border of the DP using my Scroll and Dots punch (EK Success).  To finish off the card I added 3 Cream Hearts (Annabelle Stamps).  I think this cad has a nice elegant feel to it.

Be sure to check out what the other DT members did using the color Cream.

Also don't forget you still have a week left to make a card for the current Annabelle Sketch challenge.  There is a PRIZE up for grabs so get your entry in as soon as possible.

Somebody Pinch Me!

Have you heard the news yet?  The Cupcake Inspiration Challenge has a new "Sweeties" Design Team!  Yep,  I tried out and made the DT.  I can't tell you how excited I was when I received the news.  This is one of my all time favorite challenges and now I am a part of a wonderful DT as well.   My term doesn't start until August 15th but if time allows I'll join in this Sunday for the challenge.  This is the current inspiration photo going on this week.  Isn't that FUN!
Take care and I'll see you all real soon for the CIC Challenges.

New Challenge Blog and Prize

Hey have you heard the news...There's a NEW Challenge Blog out there,

Let's Ink It Up and there are Prizes being given away.  Here is one of them.  This prize is being offered by Andrea from Annabelle Stamps. So how foyou win this awesome prize?  Check out  this link for all the details.  

Have a wonderful day.  Now go spread the word!