One Last Post For 2011

Hi there!  Happy New Year's Eve!  I didn't think I'd be back before the year closed out, but I have a quick post to share a card I made for two challenges, one that was finishing tonight.  My card is for the Inspired By...Challenge on The Crafter's Cafe site.  It was one of the challenges that was part of their Holiday Open House this past week. This challenge was to make a card or project inspired by one created by something/someone else and also share the project that inspired yours.  Fun!!  My card is also for this week's challenge on the Our Creative Corner blog which was to make a celebration card in these bright colors:

These aren't colors I usually work with, but they were perfect for the card I had in mind for the Inspired By...Challenge. 

Here is the creation that inspired my card:

The card was made by Zoe and shared on the Make It Crafty blog a bit ago.  The image is Lizzie With Gift and it can be found in the new MiC store here. 

Here is my inspired card:

Of course, I can't come close to Zoe's amazing coloring, but I hope I didn't embarass myself too much!  I started with Melon Mambo CS and layered with a bunch of patterned papers from the Webster's Pages Botanical Christmas/Fairy Tales Petite Papers pack.  I also used festive trims from some of my Webster's Pages Trim Cards.  Lizzie was printed on Cryogen White and colored with Copics.  I added some Stickles here and there for a little sparkle and that was it.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve and see you again in 2012!

Copic/Promarker Challenge - The Outlawz

Good morning!  It's early for me, but it was my turn to post this week's Copic/Promarker Challenge on The Outlawz site.  This week's theme is "home" - however you want to interpret it.  

Here is my DT card for the challenge:

I chose "home for the holidays" as my home theme.  I started with an A6 card base of GKD Fresh Asparagus and layered with patterned paper from the Webster's Pages Waiting for Santa/Sweet Season Petite Papers pack.  I merged two wonderful images from Mo's Digital Pencil - Hanging Stockings and Christmas Tree.  They can both be found in Mo's old store here.  I printed the merged image on Cryogen White and colored with Copic markers.  I added a bunch of Stickles for some sparkle.  The sentiment is from Gina K. Designs The Magic of Christmas.  A triple loop bow of dyed seam binding and a Webster's Pages Sparkler finished my card. 

My card is also for two other challenges I like to do: Craft Your Passion #86 (holiday or winter-related) and Make It Monday #65 (anything goes).

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to visit the Copic/Promarker Challenge thread and check out the gorgeous creations from my DT sisters and our wonderful December Guest Designer, Shelby!  We hope you'll play along with us!  We are always inspired by your fantastic creations! 

Have a great day and hope to see you soon!

Card Patterns #139

Hi there!  Hope your weekend is off to a great start! The temps have taken a big dive here, but at least there is no snow in the forecast!  Before getting on with the day,  I'm here to share my DT card for this week's Card Patterns Sketch Challenge. 

Here is Card Patterns Sketch #139:

And here is my take on the sketch:

I went quite literal with the sketch this time.  I wanted to make another Christmas card to add to my stash and I decided to keep it simple and let the beautiful patterned papers from Webster's Pages Waiting For Santa/Sweet Season Petite Papers be the focal point.   The card base and mat are GKD Fresh Asparagus. The sentiment is from Gina K. Designs Festive Frame set and it's embossed with gold embossing powder. I added some dyed seam binding, a Webster's Pages Sparkler (to which I added a pearl) and a few extra adhesive pearls to finish my card.

Thanks for dropping by!  I really appreciate it!  Be sure to visit the Card Patterns blog and feast your eyes on the gorgeous creations from the rest of the DT and our two very talented Guest Designers, Lori and Sabrina.  We hope you'll love what you see and you'll be inspired to play along with us!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Card Patterns Sketch #131

Happy Saturday!  I'm sure many of you are already enjoying the long, holiday weekend! We've got lots going on this weekend.  Mostly it's house stuff, but that's OK.  Hopefully we'll have time for some fun and relaxation, too!  Before getting on with all that, I'm popping in here to share my DT card for this week's Card Patterns Sketch.  This week's sketch challenge is being sponsored by Kim at My Craft Spot. 

Here is Card Patterns Sketch #131:

And here is my card:

Kim generously provided the DT with some beautiful hand-dyed seam binding and baker's twine to use on our cards.  I used the Cranberry hand-dyed ribbon and Vintage Cherry baker's twine on mine.  I started with a square cad base of retired SU Blue Bayou and layered with patterned paper from the Webster's Pages Hollywood Vogue/WonderFALL Petite Papers pack.  I cut out the schoolhouse image from the same paper pack with Spellbinders Classic Circle Nestabilities and layered on dotted patterned paper cut with Spellbinders Scallop Circles Nesties.  The horizontal panel was made by adhering some strip of patterned paper and a Webster's Pages Fabric Ribbon.  I did some stitching around the borders and the strips.  I created a triple loop bow from the Cranberry seam binding using my Bow Easy. I added a button and a little bow of Vintage Cherry baker's twine. A row of adhesive pearls finished my creation.

Thanks for dropping by!  I always appreciate your visits!  Be sure to stop by the Card Patterns Sketch Blog and check out all the fantastic samples created by my incredibly talented teammates!  We'd love to have you play along with us!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Webster's Pages New Collection - Let's Celebrate!

Popping in quick to let you know about a week-long promotion over on Webster's Pages site, Inspire Me. Every day this week, they will be showing off their newest collection - Let's Celebrate! The design team will be sharing their amazing projects and there are lots of chances to play along and win great prizes!

Click here for more about the promotion party:

Be sure to head on over to Inspire Me and join in on the fun!

I'll be back later with card projects to share.  Have a great day!

Card Patterns Sketch #113 and Joan's Gardens Card Challenge #17

I'm back with a quick post to share the card I made for last week's Card Patterns Sketch #113 and for Card Challenge #17 on Joan's Gardens' blog.    The requirements for Joan's challenge this week were to use blue and green, use an image of a lady, add a large embellishment and attach a bow. 

Here is the Card Patterns Sketch:

Here is my card for both challenges:

I started with a card base of SU Soft Sky and layered with some beautiful blue and green patterned paper from the Webster's Pages Spring Market/Yacht Club/Country Estate Petite Papers pack.  The vintage lady image was a free download from The Graphics Fairy and it was colored with Copics.  I cut it out with a Spellbinders Classic Circle die and sponged with Antique Linen Distress Ink while it was still in the die before layering on a Spellbinders Scallop Circle diecut.  I cut a doily from my stash in half and sponged it lightly with Antique Linen.  I added a banner and bow of soft blue suede ribbon.  Some ivory pearls and a large charm recycled from one of my Mom's old bracelets finished my card.

Thanks for visiting!  I really appreciate when you stop by!

Joan's Garden's Weekly Challenge #8 - JustRite Blog Hop

Good morning! Today I am sharing my project for this week's Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge #8 and a special blog hop featuring JustRite Stamps!  I am so excited and honored to have been chosen by Joan and Selma to participate in this blog hop! 

Here is my card:

A few words about my project.  I started with a card base of SU Vintage Violet and some beautiful patterned paper from Webster's Pages Spring Market/Yacht Club/Country Estate Petite Papers. My main focal image is from the gorgeous JustRite set, Breath of Spring Borders & Centers. It was stamped on Cryogen White Iridescent with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copic markers. I cut out the main image and mat with Spellbinders Petite Oval Dies.  I added some Liquid Pearls around the border of the oval frame and some May Arts wide Crocheted Lace Ribbon.  I finished it with two butterflies I punched from the same patterned paper pack with a MS punch.

Now here's the VERY EXCITING NEWS:  this week you have the chance to win an AMAZING PRIZE PACKAGE that you definitely won't want to miss out on!  JustRite Stamps has generously donated the GRAND PRIZE for Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge #8 of 2011.  The prize package includes the following JustRite Products:

• Acrylic Block Set - $8.95
• Mini Binder Box - $9.95
• Mother Natures Gifts - $16.95
• Fancy Tags - $19.95
• Happy Everything - $32.95
• Nested Frame Dies - $24.95
• Nested Sentiment Dies - $24.95
• 3 1/4" Block - $12.95
• Fancy Frames - $19.95
• Inspires Me - $19.95 

That's a grand prize package valued at OVER $191!!!  But that's not all!  In addition to this fabulous grand prize, there will be additional prize packages from Joan's Gardens.  You'll have two additional chances to win a prize!

To be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE, you will have until next Thursday morning (March 10) at 6:00 AM EST to link your card or project for the challenge on Joan's Gardens' site.  The winner of the grand prize package from JustRite Stamps will be chosen by a random drawing and will be announced Friday morning (March 11).  The winner will also be entered in the end of year drawing for a $100.00 gift certificate from Joan's Gardens!  See all the challenge details on Joan's blog.

Here's how you can win one of the two additional prizes.  As part of this week's event, Joan and Selma have invited 12 guest designers to join in a special blog hop featuring JustRite stamps.  While visiting each of the blogs on the hop, you will have a chance to win a prize from Joan's Gardens.  In order to be eligible for one of these 2 prizes, you need to leave a comment on all 14 blogs in the hop (12 guest designers, plus Selma and Joan). Out of the 14 blogs, there are two "mystery blogs", each with a prize package from Joan's Gardens. 

Here is the list of all participating blogs:

Carla (you are here)

Donna R

Giovana

Glenda

Gretchen

Kris

Lana

Mary Anne

Nancy

Selma

Sharon

Sue

Vicki

Joan (all the challenge details here)

I hope you enjoy the rest of the hop! Don't forget to leave a comment here and on all the blogs on the hop to be entered to win the prizes!

Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday Trigger and Just Us Girls #72

Hi there!  Where on earth did the whole weekend go?  I can't believe it's already Sunday evening!  I have a card to share that I made for two challenges - the "Comfy Cozy" Tuesday Trigger on Moxie Fab World and the Just Us Girls Challenge #72 which this week was a color challenge hosted by Kathryn.

Here is the trigger photo:

And here are the colors for the JUGS challenge:

Finally, here is my card for both challenges:

 

What a wonderful coincidence that the colors for the JUGS challenge were the primary colors in the trigger photo!  I took my inspiration from the colors, the pretty florals in the rug and throw pillows and the touch of soft blue in the painted wall and striped pillows.  My card base is GKD Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight Ivory.  The patterned paper is from the Webster's Pages Spring Market/Yacht Club/Country Estate Petite Papers pack.  It is matted with GKD Kraft.  I added some light aqua wrinkled seam binding and a small rose I made from Naturals Ivory CS using a Marvy flower punch.  The rose was distressed with Tim Holtz Antique Linen and Tattered Rose Distress Inks.  The sentiment is from Gina K. Designs Lovely Labels 2 set and it is stamped with SU Vintage Violet.  A small pearl flourish from Recollections (Michael's) finished it off.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope to see you again soon!

Just Us Girls #70

Hope you are having a great weekend so far!  I'm sure lots of you are getting ready for the Super Bowl.  Once the New England Patriots were out of the running, I lost interest, so I'm going to try to get some stamping in instead!
Today I am sharing a card I made for this week's Just Us Girls Challenge #70, which was a sketch challenge hosted by Dana.  Here is the fun sketch we had to work with:

Here is my take on the sketch:

My card base is GKD Pure Luxury Black Onyx.  I used patterned papers from the Webster's Pages Hollywood Vogue/WonderFALL Petite Papers pack.  My label frame is from Gina K. Designs Lovely Labels 2 (by Nina Brackett) and the sentiment is from the GKD set, Arranged With Love (by Melanie Muenchinger). They were stamped onto Cryogen White Iridescent (Paper Temptress) with SU Blue Bayou and Memento Tuxedo Black, respectively.  I created a handmade flower using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die.  I cut the two smallest flowers out of DP, vellum and Webster's Vintage Inspired Netting and layered them all, slightly offset, then added a pearl to the flower center.  I saw the idea for this on Melissa Samuels' blog here.  I dyed some seam binding to match the color of the netting and created a shabby bow under my flower.  I finished my card with a Zva Creative Pearl Flourish and a Cuttlebug Vintage corner diecut to which I also added an adhesive pearl.

Thanks for visiting!  I truly appreciate it!

Card Patterns #100 and Joan's Gardens Challenge

TGIF!  It was such a busy week!  At the last minute, I am sharing a card I made for last Saturday's Card Patterns Sketch #100.  I hope I will get it posted before the deadline!

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

This is also for Weekly Challenge #5 over at Joan's Gardens' blog where this week's requirements were:

- use coral (pink) and green

- use a birthday sentiment

- use vintage paper

- make a handmade or punched flower

My card base is SU Old Olive.  My patterned papers are from three Webster's Pages Petite Papers packs: Lullaby Lane/Life's Portrait, Hollywood Vogue/WonderFALL and Spring Market/Yacht Club/Country Estate.  The labels frame and flourishes are from Gina K. Designs Lovely Labels 2 set.  The sentiment is from GKD Arranged With Love.  I made my own flower from coral CS using a Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die. I

added a layer of Webster's pale peach netting under the flower and I created the leaves with scraps of Webster's green netting that I twisted and shaped.  A few pearls and an olive satin bow finished my card.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful weekend!

StampTV Sketch Spotlight Challenge

I have a card to share tonight that I made for this week's Sketch Spotlight Challenge (stvsksp11) on StampTV. 

Here is the sketch from Gina:

Here is the card I made with the sketch:

My card base is GKD Pure Luxury Black Onyx.  My patterned papers are all from the Hollywood Vogue/WonderFALL Petite Papers pack from Webster's Pages.  I stamped the flowers from the Gina K. Designs set, Friends Are Forever, with Memento Tuxedo Black onto Cryogen White Iridescent (with masking) and colored them with Copic markers.  The image panel and mat were cut with Spellbinders Petite Oval Nestabilities.  The sentiment is from Gina K. Designs Picture It set.  I punched out the sentiment and layered it onto one of the Spellbinders Fancy Tags.  I dyed some white seam binding to match my DP and added a Webster's Pages Sparkler to the bow.  I finished my card with a few buttons from my stash.

I really appreciate you stopping by!  Have a great evening!

Just Us Girls #69

If you are looking for my CSS Alumni Blog Hop post, click here.

It's Saturday and time for the last challenge of the month over at the Just Us Girls blog!  It's also my last week as January Guest Designer.  I have had a fantastic time playing along with the super-talented and super-sweet DT and I'll definitely be back to join in on their fun challenges each week!  With that said, let's move on to today's challenge, which is a Wild Card challenge hosted by Maria.  The challenge is to make a handmade 3D flower and use it on our project.

Here is a link to a great tutorial from Tim Holtz for making your own paper flowers.  You can use a variety of flower punches or dies and still follow these basic instructions.  There are also lots of other handmade flower tutorials out there, so get creative and let us see your beautiful blooms!

Here is the card I made using three paper roses I made from DP using a Marvy flower punch:

I started with a base of Papertrey Aqua Mist CS.  The patterned papers are from the Webster's Pages Lullaby Lane/Life's Portrait Petite Papers pack. I created the flowers with papers from the same pack, following the tutorial above.  I used some leftover trimmed petals to create my leaves.  The sentiment is from an old SU set, Happy Harmony.  It's stamped with Tim Holtz Peeled Paint Distress Ink and heat embossed with clear EP.  I added a soft, double-loop bow made with Martha Stewart Seam Binding and my Bow Easy.  A few light peach pearls finished it.

Be sure to stop by the JUGs blog and check out the gorgeous flower creations from the amazing DT.  While you are there, why not play along with us?

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

Color Throwdown #125

Wow!  Where did the week go?  It's been a busy one, but I finally had a chance to drop in and share a card I made for this week's Color Throwdown.  Here are the soft and pretty colors from Barbara:

I used the sketch from this week's Sketch Spotlight Challenge on StampTV for my card.

Here is my card:



I used some beautiful papers from Webster's Pages Waiting For Santa/Sweet Season Petite Papers pad which had all three colors.  I cut the pieces to match the sketch and stitched around the panels with my Janome Sew-Mini.  My card base is Pear Pizzazz and it is layered with Blushing Bride.  I paper-pieced the dress from Gina K. Designs Retro Boutique set with a striped DP from Webster's Winter's Wings pad., then added a sash of sheer ribbon and a tiny rose.  I added some Liquid Pearls and Pink Stickles to the hem of the dress to look like taffeta and lace.  The sentiment is also from Retro Boutique.  It is framed with one of the Fanciful Tags frames (also from Gina K. Designs) and cut with a Spellbinders Fancy Tag. A few tiny pearls finished it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Winter Chickadee

I am back tonight to share a card I made for a few challenges.  It's been such a busy week, I had to do a bit of multi-tasking by combining some of my favorite challenges.  My card is for today's Card Patterns Sketch #97, today's Our Creative Corner Inspiration Challenge and the weekly challenge on Joan's Gardens' blog which this week had the following requirements:

-use an animal or bird

-use a floral patterned paper

-use some kind of die

-do something outside our comfort zone

Here is the Card Patterns Sketch I worked with:

Here is the inspiration photo for the OCC challenge:

Here is my card:

For my main focal point, I combined two images from the Gina K. Designs set, Winter Wings, using masking. I colored the image with Copic markers then added gloss to the berries with a Sakura Clear Glaze Pen.  I added some "snow" to the branches by adding Liquid Applique and puffing it up with a heat tool.  I used one of the Spellbinders Lacey Circles to frame the image. The card base is GKD Pure Luxury Cranberry Tart and my floral patterned paper is from the Webster's Pages Home For The Holidays Collection.  The thing outside my comfort zone was the stitching, something I am generally too lazy to pull out my sewing machine to do.

Many thanks for stopping by!  Have a great evening!

Just Us Girls #65

Happy New Year!  I can't believe it is already 2011!  I hope everyone had a wonderful celebration last night and you are all ready for creating in the new year!
I have some exciting news to share today!  I am so honored to have been asked to be the Guest Designer for the month of January for the Just Us Girls Challenge blog!  They post a new challenge every Saturday and you are definitely going to want to play along! The JUGS design team is one super-talented group and I am really looking forward to playing along with them this month!

Today's challenge is a sketch challenge.  Here is the sketch we got to work with:

Here is my card with the sketch:

For my card, I used the peacock and some sentiments from the Gina K. Designs set, Pretty As A Peacock.  I colored the peacock with Copic markers and highlighted the entire image with Spica glitter pens.  My card base is SU Basic Black and the layers are retired SU Blue Bayou.  The image is stamped onto Cryogen White Iridescent (Paper Temptress).  I used patterned papers from Webster's Pages Hollywood Vogue/WonderFALL Petite Papers pack.  A bit of Blue Bayou stitched ribbon finished it.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Hope you have a happy and healthy new year filled with many blessings!