Look at the time! It's time to take three...

Well, I thought I would start the weekend making something other than a card... some jewelry!! If I don't continue beading something, I couldn't keep my name, now could I? LOL!!  Anyway, this watch was made for someone as a thank you for being so generous towards me.  I do hope she likes it!! It consists of faceted Black Onyx, Rhodonite, Biwa Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski Crystals, and Bali Silver.  It is then finished with a Bali Silver toggle clasp.  The watch face is a Quartz movement with a Mother of Pearl face.  There is a little extra treat for her at the end of this watch, but I did show it as it would just give it away!   In any event, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it for her!! Thanks for looking!

NOW!! On with the card making!

 Todays challenge on SCS was hosted by no other than Angela R.  She is a friend of mine and did a fine job being her first time!! (she also made my banner!) The challenge was to make three different cards, using the same stamp/set, same paper, same hardware, etc.  These are my three...  I used Urban Designs by Alli Miles from Papertrey called Shapes by Design.  This set doesn't get as much use as I really thought it would when I bought it, but I think neither do half of my other stamps!!  For the dp, I used Basic Greys new Boxer and based the cards around one of the patterns in it.  In this case, it was a green and vanilla.  This stamp set really seemed to pick up on this pattern and became quite simple to create three different cards.  The middle card in the picture, I created a "Ribbon Slide" using my Mega scallop punch.  There are closer pictures below.  

I punched two ovals using two different papers and then popped them up using some extra high dimensionals to create some space.  I then threaded my ribbon through and around the back through a slot on the side which I made larger using my slot punch.  I made the 3.5" birthday card the same way, except I connected them in the center of the ovals with no tie.  The card on the left was made using one of the stamps in the set which really mimics the pattern I chose from Basic Grey.  In order to not make this card so busy was to create the bg using this stamp for the pattern.  I then punched out 1/4" circles to be placed all around my scallop oval for some extra design.  This card opens at the bottom with a scallop edge to the right.  The open space is taken by some ribbon.   Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!!

Materials Used:

Stamps: Papertrey, Urban Designs by Alli Miles

Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Grey Boxer, Old Olive

Ink: Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke,  Old Olive, White Gel Pen

Accessories: Ribbon, Marvy Mega Scallop punch. 1/4" Circle Punch, small hand punch, slot punch, scallop scissors

My Month Blogaversary is coming up soon!! Stay tuned for some candy!!

Purple Heart Thank You!

This card was made for todays Sketch Challenge on SCS.  It is also combined with our groups weekly challenge of sending cards to those who Need a lift.  Last week I hosted the weekly challenge and we made cards for my dh's grandfather.  This week, to keep in the thanking of our veterans, we were to send a card to a fellow SCSer's father in law who will be 94 in August, a WWII veteran, and a Purple Heart recipient; He was wounded in Normandy.  Our challenge was to make a Thank you card with a purple heart.  I thought this sketch worked out beautifully for it.  The heart is chipboard which I colored with a purple Prismamarker and outlined it in a gold gel pen. The sentiment is embossed in gold and put on dimensionals.  The center panel has been faux stitched and  sponged for a little antiquing.  All panels were distressed using a distresser.  Thanks for stopping by!!

Materials Used:

Stamps: Warmest Regards

Paper: CTMH-Independence dp, Craft, Black

Ink: Versamark, Creamy Caramel, chocolate chip marker, Prismamarker

Accessories: Chipboard, metal accents, paper piercer, distresser, dimensionals, gold ep

Gone to the Dogs!

Happy Tuesday!! It is back to the daily grind, but I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day Weekend, enjoying it with family and/or friends... or maybe even by yourself stamping!! : )  However way you chose to spend it, I hope you stopped to remember our service men and women who sacrificed so much in order to allow for continued freedom.  For me, 5 years ago on Memorial Day, my dh and I lost a good friend.  I can't help but always remember him and others.  Without going into detail, it could have been my husband, but a twist of fate allowed him to remain safe. Instead, we lost a good friend.  God Bless our troops!

____________________________________________________________________

On a lighter note, todays card was made using the Color Challenge, which was Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, and Sage Shadow.  I combined that with the MFT sketch challenge for the week.  I used a MFT set called Gone to the Dogs.  It is a great set for all you dog lovers out there as it has quite a nice variety of breeds in this set.  My dog is a Border Collie mix, but this sketch did not allow for me to use that stamp! He was a little too big for the circle!  I think my dog will be ok with that! The main image and the dog needed to be reversed in order for this sketch to work. I could have reversed it all, but I wanted to try something different and something I have never done.  I stamped the image on some transparency and then "stamped" the paper with that transparency.  It worked out pretty good.  I then paper pieced her dress with the plaid paper I used in the background.  I then colored in the images using Prismacolor Markers and Copics.  The ground was sponged in using Creamy Caramel and Sahara Sand.  For the strip down the side, I was inspired by that plaid paper to do some weaving.  Of course, it would have been better if I placed a strip behind it!  I cut thin strips to weave and mimic the paper.  The sentiment is from another MFT set called By the Seashore.  The images and sentiment are on dimensionals and the lease was made using some Scrappers Floss.  Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek! 

Materials Used:

Stamps: MFT

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very vanilla, Basic Grey-Archaic, Scrap Pack

Ink: Palette Burnt Umber, Prismamarkers, Copics, Sage Shadow, Creamy Caramel, Sahara Sand

Accessories: Transparency, Dimensionals, Scrappers Floss, Slit Punch, Sponge dauber, circle punches

Some Monkey Business...

This was made for todays Limited Supply Challenge on SCS.  You were to use no hardware and utilize a stamp as that instead.  I finally got to ink up some new stamps  by High Hopes (isn't he cute??!) and the bananas were to be my "hardware!"  This is a belated birthday card that will be going out to someone I know because, well, I am late sending her a card!!  Hopefully she will still like it! : )  Thanks for taking a peek and stopping by!

Materials Used:

Stamps: High Hopes

Paper: More Mustard, Ruby Red, White, Paper Studio dp

Ink: Copics, Prismamarkers, More Mustard, Ruby Red, White gel pen

Accessories: Coluzzle, Scallop scissors, sponge

Memorial Day Thank you...

This card was made for our little groups' weekly challenge, usually for someone on the Need a Lift forum on SCS.  It is my week to choose the challenge and the thread.  Some gals in our group have gone through quite a bit over the last few weeks that I decided I wanted to do something a bit more uplifting and not a Sympathy or Get Well card.   I chose my dh's grandfather.  He served in WWII with the Army Corps of Engineers, a retired Architect, and is very proud of both accomplishments.  Although he suffers from Sun-downing caused from a minor stroke, he still remembers those he served with and knows what a lucky man he is.  When it was time for him to ship out to Europe, he was pulled back to remain stateside for purposes needed here.  Less than 15 men in his unit came back... 

He met is wife during this time and they have been happily married for 60+ years!!!!  It is because of him that my husband serves in the Army to continue the fight of securing our country and our freedom!  Thank you to ALL our men and women who serve in the military and please don't forget to thank them this Memorial Weekend...

Materials Used:

Stamps: Warmest Regards, Inkadinkado

Paper: CTMH Independence, Ruby Red, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Basic Black

Ink: Ruby Red, Versamark, white gel pen

Accessories: Twill Ribbon, Piercer, Gold EP, Epoxy sticker, oval punch, wooden star

Sending you sunshine!

Today is Wednesday and that is sketch challenge day at SCS.  This is one of my favorite challenges and I really try to get this one in.  For this, I used my new MFT set By the Seashore .  This is such a fun set!! It really gets me excited for summer and hopefully spending time at the beach! We usually have our family summer vacation on Cape Cod, but we may have to pass it up this year due to moving and such.  It will be the first time in 6 years we will not have a family vacation! 

The main image was stamped and colored in with Copics and Prismacolor Markers.  The sky and shoreline were sponged in. The shoreline has some clear Spica by Copic for some additional sparkle, but you can't see it in the picture.  These spica pens are awesome when you want just a subtle hint of glimmer!  You can find them at MFT too!  I wanted it to be a continuous "mural" but I couldn't decide on the side panels of what to make of them. So I opted to make each one a little different but the sky to be continuous.  I am happy to have utilized my ever so neglected eyelets for the sides and string through some twine.  The main panel and sentiment are popped up.  Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek! 

Materials Used:

Stamps: MFT-By the seashore

Ink: Palette Noir, Copics, Prismamarkers, Creamy Caramel, River Rock, Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky, Cool Caribbean, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Green Gable

Paper: Brilliant Blue, Unknown dp, white, grey

Accessories: Eyelets, Twine, diamensionals

Tools: Corner punch, cropodile

Love Grows...

This card was made for the MFT weekly sketch which you can find here.  This also double for the May celebration of MFT to upload your card(s) today. This is a new set I couldn't wait to ink up!  It is called Can ya dig it?  For this, I stamped the image and colored it in with Copics and Prismamarkers.  I used a silver metallic pen for the shovel and my new Copic Spica pen in Lemon, which you can get at MFT, for the center of the flowers on the hat and the side panel.  The sky was sponged in for a "sunset" effect and the ground for dirt.  The main image and sentiment are popped up. Thanks for peeking!

Materials used: 

Stamps: MFT-Can ya dig it?

Paper: Kraft, Basic Grey Fruit Cake, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky

Ink: Palette Noir, Copics, Prismamarkers, Spica Lemon, Marvy Metallic Silver, Ruby red, Certainly celery, Old Olive, River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Barely Banana, More Mustard, Apricot Appeal, Blue Bayou

Accessories: Ribbon, diamensionals

A double pocket of kindness with a box of chocolates... and a new signature!

First off, I finally got my little siggy added to this blog.  I will eventually get everything together as you all know, it is an on-going project.  But on to these projects:

Double Pocket of Kindness

This Double Pocket Bag was todays Try a New Technique challenge on SCS.  The reds look so different in the picture, but I promise you they are the same!! I used Dutch Girl DP from Cosmo Cricket and I didn't want to cover the prettiness of it so once again in my normal fashion, made it simple!  This technique is easy peasy and can be used for various things.  It fits wonderfully a CD and from another fellow SCSer, the Starbucks Chocolate bar!! Now that's what I'M talking about!! Check it out and give it a whirl! I would love to hear what you came up with in filling this bag!

Materials used: Cosmo Cricket, Marvy scallop punch, Primas, button, Ribbon

This is a little project I wanted to do using Papertrey's set of Father Knows Best. (Again!)  I was putting away my Cuttlebug when I came across my circles embossing folder.  It instantly reminded me of this set. On the shelf above that are my nugget tins which haven't gotten much love since, oh, Christmas.  So, I thought I would emboss the labels, sponge over them with Papertrey's Summer Sunrise and Lemon Tart and make them simple.  I used my large mailing labels to make the frame by using the old ruler and craft knife.  Added a belly band and the main image using some of the coordinating dp and popped up some additional circles.  Around the tin I stamped some sentiments from two different stamps.  Ok, I think I am done with Father's Day "schtuff" and moving on! Thanks for taking a peek!

Materials used: Papertrey Ink, Nugget tin, large mailing labels, white paper, Close to Cocoa, Cuttle bug, mailing labels, sponge, circle punches, Hershey Nuggets w/ Almonds.

Dutch Power Ranger?

I have family in town this week so I have not been able to get much stamping done, thus, no new card to show you.  But I thought I would take this time to help you answer the pondered question of, "If Power Rangers were from the Netherlands, what kind of shoes would they wear to help defeat the enemy?" Ok... so maybe this NEVER entered your mind, but I think I found the answer- just in case....

The story:  My sister has a boyfriend who is from the Netherlands and they gave these slippers, which mimic the look of the Dutch wooden shoe, to my boys as a gift thinking it would be cute and fun... never really thinking they would be worn so much. Well, they get as much use out of them as their sneakers!  I just don't think the "bad guys" would take my Power Rangers too seriously, do you?  And don't you think these pictures are worthy for a look back during their wedding? I think so!!! : )  

Fathers Masterpiece

Today is a busy day for me as I have company coming in, so I don't think I will be able to get any stamping in today. But I do have two cards I made yesterday using my new Papertrey set called Father Knows Best.  It has been sitting a bit neglected on my table that I just had to use it.  For Father's Ties, I used the coordinating dp to cut out some ties and make a very simple card.  I then took some remaining dp and placed some strips with brads below it.  I double stamped the sentiment using the coordinating color of Summer Sunrise and topped it off with Creamy Caramel.  

Materials used: Papertrey Ink-Father Knows Best, Papertrey Ink-Summer Sunrise, Papertrey Ink-Coordinating dp, Close to Cocoa, Antique brads

For this card, Father's Masterpiece, I used the tree in the set, inking it with both coordinating colors and then used the individual leaf to cut out pieces to pop off the tree.  The trunk was stamped in Creamy Caramel on white and then stamped on the coordinating dp, cut out, and popped up on diamensionals. I stamped the leaves with Lemon Tart and then stamped the outline in Summer Sunrise.  I then took the individual leaf and stamped in both Summer Sunrise and Lemon Tart and then stamped the coordinating dotted outline in Creamy Caramel.  I then cut the leaves and popped them up on the main tree.  I used my decorative scissors to cut the bottom of the dp background and the Papertrey Coordinating ribbon as a finishing touch.  The sentiment is stamped in both Creamy Caramel and Summer Sunrise and popped up.   

Thanks for taking a peek!

Materials Used: Papertrey Ink-Father Knows Best and Papertrey Ink's Coordinating dp and color match cs, White and Creamy Caramel.

A basket full of thoughts that rock and blast off!

Ok, so the title is a little kooky but the cards aren't! Well, at least I don't think so...

These first two cards I have made is for a group of us whom, on a weekly basis, pick a thread from the Need a Lift forum on SCS to send a card to, and create a challenge for us to do. This first card is going to a little girl named Leanna. Leanna was diagnosed with Leukemia and happen to develop a septic infection that spread to her lungs, heart, and brain. This infection caused her to fall into a coma for a while.  She has since woken up from that coma, but has a long road to recovery.  Our challenge was to create a card using a stamp with a girl-any girl and to follow a sketch that was posted.  My fault was that I forgot to follow the sketch! I wanted to get this card done because I was behind that I just started creating without looking at my directions.  Well, I hope she likes it an

yway!! I chose a Stamping Bella image I received from my fellow group member Shelly, (Papermoon04) called Rockabella.  I colored her in with Copics and added some Stickles to the guitar for some sparkle... every girl needs some sparkle.  I created the sentiment using a mini alphabet set which I believe I picked up in the Target $ Spot... not bad for a buck...

Materials Used:

Stamp: Rockab

ella-Stamping Bella, $ alphabet stamps

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, White, Unknown DP, Certainly Celery

Ink: Copic

s, Close to Cocoa, Regal Rose, White gel pen

Accessories: Corner punch, Oval punch, Pink Posies, Sheer Ribbon, diamensionals, glue dots

This card was made for someone who is battling Ovarian Cancer.  She and her husband has been told the worst of not having many days left and to get her affairs in order.  It is heartbreaking to hear as she not only has a husband, but a son.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers and thoughts as I am sure they could use all of it. 

For this challenge, we were to cut into some paper we just haven't used or use a stamp/set that hasn't been inked. I used some paper I have had and hadn't cut into.  I wanted to create a happy card for Lynn with lots of flowers.  For this, I used a basket stamp from River City Rubber Works, popped it up and popped up all the paper posies and leaves for a full basket effect.  The leaves are from Papertrey Ink's Out on a Limb set. I created the background by sponging the bottom with Certainly Celery and Mellow Moss.  I then used a Post it note, tearing the top and sponging River Rock to create the "hill." I added some Wheat by Inkadinkado. I finished it off by sponging a little Bashful Blue at the top for the sky and added Liquid Pearls to the center of each flower. 

Materials Used:

Stamps: River City R

ubber Works-Basket, Papertrey Ink-Out on a Limb, Sincere Salutations, Inkadinkado 

Paper: Pretty In Pink, My Minds Eye dp, Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Ink: Creamy Caramel, Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, River Rock, White gel pen

Accessories: Corner rounder, Post it note, sponge, brad, diamensionals, Liquid Pearls

The final card I would like to share is one not for 

someone needing a lift, but for Sharon's (Notimetostamp) weekend challenge. Her challenge this weekend is to use stitching, faux or real.  Being the NON-seamstress that I am, I opted for using faux. I received the new set by The Cats Pajamas called A Mod Mod World this past weekend along with Polar Holiday.  They both are so much fun!! Big thanks and hug to Alma!! I actually created this card using both sets- the main image of the rocket from A Mod Mod World and the "steam" from Polar Holiday.  I stamped the main image with Palette Noir and colored it in Prismamarkers. I then covered it in Versamarker, clear embossed it, cut it out and popped it up.  I then created the stars with another stamp from Mod World using Brillance Moonlight White and added some silver glitter gel pen to some of it for sparkle. The steam was stamped and then pierced and a white gel pen used for the "thread." The dp is unknown but given to me by my friend Carolyn (Cammie). The retro-ness of it and the numbers just made it fit together. The sentiment is computer generated, punched out using an oval punch, and popped up.  Added some ribbon and I was done. The colors are cheery and just looks all around fun!  Thanks for taking a peek at all my latest creations...

Materials Used:

Stamps: The Cats Pajamas-A Mod Mod World, Polar Holiday

Ink: Prismamarkers, White gel pen, silver gel pen, Brillance Moonlight White, Palette Noir

Paper: Unknown Brownish Cream, Unknown Dp, Basic Black

Accessories: Piercing tool, Diamensionals, Oval punch, Clear ep

Happy Mothers Day!

First off, I would like to wish all the mothers a Happy Mothers Day!  I hope you all have a day full of wonderful surprises and relaxation!  I have a card to share that I made for this day that requires no stamping but a few punches.  I cannot take all the credit as I was inspired by Michelle's (Zindof) tutorial on her blog.  I could not resist in making this simple and lovely card!   Here is my card:

Materials used:

Stamps: All Holidays

Paper: Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, White

Ink:  Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Going Grey

Accessories: Oval punch, flower punches, slit punch

Arlington, TX. Swap Photos and a Get Well Sketch

ARLINGTON, TX. SWAP PHOTOS!

Many of you know that this past weekend was the Arlington, TX. shoebox swap.  Carolyn and I flew up to Dallas and had a blast! We got to meet so many wonderful people and actually see faces to the names we know so well!  Despite the kinks we ran into just to get there, it was all worth it! I must take this time to once again thank my DH for coming in for the weekend to watch our kids just so that Carolyn and I could attend this swap... I know it was not fun with all the flight delays! Love you!!  (In case you don't know, we are a military family, so currently my dh is stationed away from the family, but comes home when he can.)  And to Carolyn's DH... Thank you for being Mr. Mom to 5 kids (2 are mine) while waiting for MY dh to come and get them!! Hugs to you both!

Me, Carolyn (Cammie), and Laura (Lov'n Life n Vegas)

Laura was kind enough to get me some coffee at the nearest Starbucks, but ended up spilling some other drinks on her pants!! I owe you Laura!! Thank you!! : )

Hmmm.... can you guess who this may be?

Laura (lov'n life n vegas) and Me

Shannan (stuebner), Kim (The MFT Lady), and Alma (Alma d.) owner of The Cats Pajamas

Me and Susie (Susiestampsalot)

Now here is a girl who can put a smile on your face!! 

Melanie Muenchinger (melmel) 

MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge

Here is a card for the My Favorite Things weekly sketch on SCS.  One type of card I never really have on hand is a Get Well.  It kind of falls into the same category of keeping sympathy cards at arms reach.  You just don't want to think you will have to use them-for anyone!   BUT! keeping with my self- challenge of using what I have or am hoarding, I have decided to pull out one of my must have sets from My Favorite Things-Rain or Shine.  It also just happens to fit this sketch so well.  Whenever I see this image, I instantly have the need to paper piece it.  It is just perfect for that.  Which is exactly what I did! I paper pieced her dress and the dogs sweater.  I colored in the remainder of the image with a mixture of Copics, Prismamarkers, and SU! Markers.  Popped up the image and sentiment with diamensionals and added ribbon.  Now, if only we can get some of that rain here at home... Thanks for taking a peek! 

Materials used:

Paper: Basic Grey-Lily Kate,  Pale Plum, Very Vanilla

Stamps: My Favorite Things-Rain or Shine

Ink: Brillance Graphite Black, Prismamarkers, Copics, Pale Plum , Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Paper Studio scallop punch, SU! Ribbon, 1 1/4" Round punch, diamensionals

Technique: Paper Piecing

Hit the Scallop Beach!

This card was made for Wednesday's sketch challenge on SCS.  You can find it here. We all have them... things we hoard or things we just plain forgot we had!  This is exactly why this card is made up of things I just simply forgot I owned!  I have been forcing myself to use more of the things I have been hoarding because really, I have enough things in my house that collect dust!  Challenge yourself to do the same!

Materials used: 

Paper: Bazzill, Imaginence, scrap grey and white

Stamps: MFT-Hit the Beach

Ink: Copics, Prismamarkers, Palette Noir, White gel pen

Accessories: Mini brads-Queen & Co., Word window punch, coluzzle, diamensionals, square punches, corner rounder

Welcome to my blog!! 

I know what you are thinking... just when you thought there couldn't possibly be another blog added to this blog world we live in, here I come with one!  My blog is something that was in the works anyway in conjunction with my on going revamp of my internet business, but after a weekend in Arlington for a swap with my friend/neighbor Carolyn (Cammie) she pretty much "double dawg" dared me to get one up.  I said I would and she laughed saying, "Uh huh... I am still waiting!" So I turned to Laura (Lov'n Life n Vegas) and said, "By Friday, my blog will be up!! Mark my words!!" {{WAVING}} HERE I AM GIRLS!!!    

So, grab yourself a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage and browse around. See who inspires me and where I like to shop.  Don't forget to visit some of my favorite blogs I have listed, and if you don't see yours, let me know!! I will add you to the roll...  Happy Stamping!