Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Luck of the Irish

Welcome to another Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge that I know you're gonna love. Such a fabulous sketch, perfect for those little scraps that you simply cannot bear to throw away.

I'm always excited when Bugaboo Stamps is our sponsor because I so love working with their images. Our winner will receive their choice of 7 free images!!!!!

Everything That You Ever Wanted to Know About Bugaboo Stamps: As if raising five children in the frozen land of the North was not enough of a challenge, Jodie Mackrell decided to dip her cold little Canadian toes into the world of papercrafting by opening an online store full of her illustrations. That was two years ago. Today Bugaboo Stamps is one of the leading companies in digital images, and we're still growing! From seriously snarky to sugary sweet to sublimely soulful all the way over to the other side of the super sexy spectrum, you're bound to find all that you need and more to create your paper projects. Jodie works very hard to provide New Releases and Freebies every week!
If your taste runs to rubber (and you know who you are), you can find Bugaboo Stamps stamps at Totally Stampalicious. And finally, join the Bugaboo Stamps DT for weekly challenges at Catch the Bug
 
Here's my card, using the sweet image Theodore Shamrocks. I love the little ladybug on top with his own leprechaun hat on. My papers were pulled out of the scraps that are sitting on top of my paper cutter. I should make up more of these to use up more of that paper! Sure hope you can join us this week at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.    

Monday, February 25, 2013

Disappearing Act

Yes, it's a Christmas card, but I made 6 of them thanks to one of the OWH virtual card making party challenges called Disappearing Act. We were asked to follow a sketch as well as use up a 12 x 12 sheet of designer paper, leaving you with six cards. Looks like I'll be holding on to these cards for a little later to mail off when holiday cards are asked for. What a great idea to use up the papers we all have been collecting! There are a few more of the challenges that I haven't gotten done yet. Looks like it will have to be another day.

A busy Monday ahead, but filled with fun things to do. Hope you have a fun filled day too.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Full Moon

Our latest Clean and Simple challenge over at The Outlawz is a "Full Moon" challenge. Well let me tell you, a challenge for me is was!!! I am so not a sponger and scene creator. CAS to me should also be Quick and Easy...and this one was NOT! Yes, I got ink everywhere, but that's to be expected. Looking at others' creations, I realize I did my "hills" wrong. It's just like sponging clouds, I just can't seem to get the knack of it. I know, practice, practice, practice. I need some inspiration, so be sure to join us for our Full Moon challenge at The Outlawz.
 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

A Little Romance

Nothing says romance than a pair of tongue-tied snakes, if you ask me!!!! Hehehe! Actually, this card is for the 2 Sisters Challenge Blog theme of romance. Doodle Pantry is sponsoring this challenge so of course I had to create something for it!! I used the adorable set Love Snakes, color version, along with some strips of scrap paper. I love the color version of all the Doodle Pantry images, making it a quick and easy card to create. I especially needed that this crazy week I had! I couldn't sleep last night and worked on this card at 3:30 this morning! Too bad today was so busy because I finally was able to finish post it now. I sure hope you can join in on this "Romance" challenge for a chance at winning some Doodle Pantry images of your own.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Smile

Today I can finally breathe. Talk about a crazy busy week, I was so looking forward to today - the calendar is empty, but for today only! So needless to say, I'm running behind on my Clearly Inspired Challenge card - black and white with just a pop of one color. Being from Pittsburgh, black and gold runs in my blood, so bright yellow is my color pop. The Clearly Digi Stamps set I used was Tic Tac Toe Fun. This literally was a 5 minute card...okay, maybe 10 because I had to size and print my image/sentiment and take a phone call. I thought about making more, using all the different colors of smiley faces - I'll keep this thought for the future! Meanwhile, we look forward to seeing what you create for our Clearly Inspired black/white/+1 Challenge.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Some Glitz, Glam, and Washi Tape

You guessed it, two more cards done for the OWH challenges this past weekend. First up is the Glitz & Glam  Without Glitter challenge. I had this PaperTrey Ink set on my desk from a previous project (which I ended up not using) so inky it got! I also used OWH sketch #85, some paper scraps, and clear rhinestones for the glitz. 

Here is my card using Washi Tape. Of course I have a collection of that too, along with everything else paper crafting related!! I liked the bright colors of these tapes together. I used another OWH sketch, #75 this time. The sentiment is an old TAC set I keep next to my desk for easy access.

Today is set to be a crazy busy day for me. I actually need to be in two places at once at some point, wonder how that will work out?!!
 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Hugs to You!

Welcome to our latest challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. We're actually visiting an older sketch this week, so let's have some fun with it.

Speaking of fun, our wonderful sponsor is none other than Sally Ann at Digi Stamp Boutique.

" All images/designs are created and copyright owned by Sally-Ann Hancock. My work means the world to me - it allows my passion to draw and create, to fit with my family life too - often the inspiration for my designs. Hope you enjoy as much as I enjoy creating."

Our winner will receive 6 free digital images of their choice from Digi Stamp Boutique

  For my card I used the adorable Easter Dan. I think he is just precious! I used some old designer papers I found in my stash - I felt like I went shopping and didn't have to go out in the freezing cold to find what I needed! I will be submitting this card to the Digi Stamp Boutique blog challenge - use a DSB image on your project and you are entered! Can't wait to see all your wonderful creations at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.




Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Two More Cards for OWH

Last night I finished two more of the OWH challenges. First up is the caffeine challenge, something I haven't had yet this morning and I can tell! I used the newly released rubber stamp from Fresh Brewed Designs called Skinny Minnie. I included one of the sentiments from the set also. She is all ready with her caffeine and yummy treat cupcake - breakfast of champions!!  

This card is for the Texture Omit challenge. I used one of my Tim Holtz diffusers for this background (used it for the very first time too!!), but Beth has included a wonderful tutorial in her post how you can create this look without them. I kept it clean and simple, pulling out a Paper Smooches set (can you believe I cut the cow out?!) and heat embossed the sentiment on a Talk Bubble 2 die from Simon Says Stamps. One pop of color with the red brads and my card was done.

Enjoy your day and remember, it's Tuesday!! Ask me how I found that out the hard way!!!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Things With Wings


Welcome back to my next challenge cards for the virtual card making party at OWH. This challenge theme is Things With Wings. I immediately thought of the newly released digital set at Clearly Digi Stamps called Birds in the Hand. I couldn't decide between the blue jay and the finch (both color versions) so I went with both. I used OWH sketch #149 and some scrap papers. The sentiments are from another CDS set Tweet Houses. Let's see if I can get even more cards done...the grocery store can wait!!!!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

OWH Virtual Card Making Party

I have two blog hops going on this weekend so be sure and scroll down. I had to share two cards I got done for the Presidents Day Weekend virtual card making party going on at Stars and Stamps (read all about it HERE). Challenge #1 asked for zig zags or chevrons on our card. I decided to use an OWH sketch for this one, #143 to be exact. I die cut the chevrons in red, turquoise, yellow and orange and adhered them to the front of a single layer card...definitely something that is way out of my comfort zone!! The Miss You sentiment is from Paper Smooches

The second challenge (seen HERE) is called All Creatures Great and Small - Cards for Kids. My creatures are definitely small, Hockey Puck Ants from Doodle Pantry. I used the latest OWH sketch, #160. I had to switch around the placement of the sentiment because of my image. These papers are also from the Hockey Puck Ants set. Figured this would work for an older child...being a big hockey fan I know it would work for me!!!!

I hope to get thru all of the challenges, so be on the lookout for more cards that will be sent to my OWH shipper who will then mail them off to the troops. Better get stamping.

 

CDS Blog Hop

Two blog hops this weekend - go HERE for Fresh Brewed Designs. But before you leave, be sure and leave a comment here for my Clearly Digi Stamps blog hop, you could be a winner of this adorable digital stamp set I used.

It is our monthly blog hop at Clearly Digi Stamps, and our theme is "Happy Birthday." I'm hopin' you came here from Lovely Lisa's Blog, but if you did not, be sure and start at the beginning at the CDS Blog. You want to be sure and comment on ALL the blogs because if you're name is drawn, you are the winner of that digital set used by the DT member! My set is called Hoot Hoots. I love these owls and simply couldn't resist using this orange and blue one. I was able to use up some scraps on this card too - Hooray!! I am the last stop on our Happy Birthday blog hop. Thanks so much for joining us. Be sure and leave your email address when you comment so I have a way of getting in touch with you about your winning this fun and fabulous Hoot Hoots set.  

Remember

Go HERE if you're looking for my Fresh Brewed Designs blog hop post.

Welcome to our Sunday Clean and Simple Challenge over at The Outlawz. This week our theme is "Remembrance" - make a CAS card that celebrates someone near and dear to your heart (past or present). My card is in remembrance of my two grandmas and even my husband's (I thought it was cool that my two boys had a great-grandmother!). I used some stamp sets from PaperTrey Ink that were in need of some inkin'. Take a moment to remember someone who has inspired you then join us at The Outlawz Challenges.  

Saturday, February 16, 2013

You Are So Sweet

Welcome to the Fresh Brewed Designs Rubber Stamp Release and Blog Hop
for February! We are so happy to have you joining us this month!
If you are just arriving to the hop, you will want to go back to the start
If you are getting here from Sarah's lovely blog, Sarah's Stamping Stuff, then you are good to go!

 This month's stamp set combines three of our most favorite things:
A fun and sassy little lady, a steamy latte and a yummy, fluffy cupcake!

This set is called SKINNY MINNIE is SWEET.
 
Here is my card, created with the fun and fabulous Skinny Minnie. Love the sentiments that are included with this stamp, this makes for a perfect thank you card. I was able to use up a bit of paper from an old card kit I have. It's so fun shopping my stash!
 
 Use this versatile rubber stamp alone or combined
with one of the 4 SWEET sentiments included.
Get yours at the shop today by clicking >>HERE<<

Thank you so much for hopping with us!
I hope you have enjoyed your time here at my blog. 
It is time for us to say goodbye and for you to head over to my friend
Heather's blog, Heather's Coffee Break, to check out what she has prepared for you. 

Have a very SWEET and BLESSED day!
 
 
Here is the short and sweet hop order in case you get lost along the way
Heather 
 

Friday, February 15, 2013

Delightful New Digi Release

It release day at Clearly Digi Stamps, and do we have some beauties for you! Easter's on its way, and who could resist this adorable set Some Bunny by Lisa Lara. I used the color version because I love the gingham! I merged three of the images together to show off Farmer Rabbit. Then I simply had to keep it simple and bright.

Next up is Austin Owen's Birds in the Hand. All winter long the cardinals have been coming in flocks to my bird feeders. I love those bright red creatures against the snow covered scenery. And it's so touching watching the male feed his mate...so romantic. Again I used the color image and some left overs of paper. I wasn't sure of a sentiment, figured I could always add one once I've decided.

To see all the sets being released, check 'em out at the CDS Blog.
 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

What a Wonderful World

Who knew a card this simple could be so difficult to come up with! I've been struggling creatively lately with all the stresses at home so I knew I wanted to keep today's Color My Heart challenge card simple. The color combo is Sorbet and Pacifica, both from Close to my Heart. When I laid these papers side by side I thought southwest! But I don't have any southwest themed stamps!!!! Okay, let's really step outside the box and do something Christmasy! Yeah, that didn't work out either. Well I already had this Jingle Borders strip white embossed so I knew I wanted to put it to use. "Keep it simple stupid" I kept saying over and over again. So I pulled out the sentiment stamp set Because of You and a few gems and my card fell right into place. Perseverance, never give up, is my new motto. Now let's see what you can do with our fun challenge over at Color My Heart.  

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Be Mine

I simply had to do it, I had to make one more Valentine's Day card!!!! I'm not saying it's my last though because tomorrow is the big Luv You Day after all!!! This card I used a digital image from Fresh Brewed Designs called Valentine Girl. No one is more surprised than I am by the fact that I cut her out!!! Remember, I'm a self-proclaimed lazy stamper! I learned this fancy pleated fold front in the Clean and Simple 2 online card classes last week. I love the affect! I just might have to do this technique more often. Now don't forget our month long challenge over at the Fresh Brewed Blog, Hearts and Dots. Also, our rubber release and blog hop is this weekend...how fun!!!! 

Hello There

I'm always so excited to show off the latest and greatest sketch at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. Sketch designer Sally has really out done herself, this is such a fun one. And speaking of fun, like every week, we have a fun and fabulous sponsor...

This week we are pleased to have Saturated Canary as our sponsor. Here's a little bit about Saturated Canary from Krista herself:

My name is Krista Smith. I am the artist behind the Etsy shop, Saturated Canary Digis. I began working in the stamping world about a year ago when I was hired to create rubber designs for the sweet Scottish company, Sugar Nellie. They launched my artwork under the name 'Simply Sassy.' I moved into the digital world just this past month (it's been a super busy month, indeed!). And-- I love it!! There is a little more freedom here, as I can create anything that pops into my head:)! I am so humbled by the artistic talent of the girls coloring in my designs-- it is truly an inspiration! Likewise, I am so thankful for the friendships I've made in this wonderful and lovely crafty community! It's been a true delight! I'd love for you to stop by my challenge/inspiration blog, Saturated Canary Challenge and join in the fun...And, while you're there, click over to my personal blog (Saturated Canary) and introduce yourself! I am a bit eclectic and touch on everything from family (I've got me a great one!) to fashion (obsessed!)...Please say 'hi!'...I'd love to be friends!:)
 
Krista is offering our winner 2 free digis of their choice from her shop.
 
Here's my card, using the sweet image Roger That. I went with an old card kit that needed used up and some bright springy colors. Definitely a fun card to make so I hope you can join us at Sweet Sketch Wednesday



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Love to the Rescue

I wanted to share with you my Valentines Day card I made using a Fresh Brewed Designs image called Love to the Rescue. He is such a sweetie! I love the spray of hearts coming out the hose...so adorable.

Such a short post...almost too short but I'm ready to run off and meet a friend at Starbucks. We sit and sip for hours, catching up with each other, it's so fun and relaxing. Mmmm, I can almost taste my venti skinny caramel, extra hot, no foam latte as I'm typing this. Notice I said almost! I'm off to enjoy the real thing!!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Caroling Friends

I wanted to do a quick post and show you my February Christmas cards for the Christmas challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. I've set my goal to 4 per month - more manageable than the 10 I've tried to do each month in previous years. The theme for February was a fun outdoor winter activity, so I picked going Christmas caroling. I remember as a girl our youth fellowship group would go every year, ending up at someone's house for hot chocolate and cookies. I must confess, as much fun as I had going out caroling, the treats at the end were my favorite part! I used a Doodle Pantry set called Caroling Friends - the color version of course! Keeping it clean and simple so it mails easily.

Just a Note

I can't believe I'm about to say this but HOORAY, it's Monday! Crazy, I know, but hubby and I have decided to take a one room every weekend and really, really clean it - I mean throw away stuff that hasn't been used in years, scrub from top to bottom, you get what I mean. Yesterday, we tackled our master bath and boy does it look good!

All this cleaning kept me out of my stamp room though, so I had to whip up something quick and easy for the Incy Wincy Designs add texture challenge that Doodle Pantry is sponsoring. I used the set Phonograph - this is the featured set for our digital challenge which is still going on over at the Doodle Pantry Blog. That means you get this set free when you submit a project using a Doodle Pantry image. I'll let you in on a little secret, Laurie just added some new freebies to the shop and they are FANTASTIC!!! Go check 'em out HERE. The texture on my card is in the form of the Swiss Dots embossing folder. And I used the fabulous sketch I found at 613 Avenue Create. I did have to change it up just a bit with the placement of my sentiment and brads, hope that's okay.

Hope you have a wonderful today and thanks for stopping by.
 

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sending You Lots of Love

Welcome to a new Clean and Simple challenge at The Outlawz. This week we will be celebrating Valentine's Day, so our theme is to show us your hearts. I've gotta say, I've been having a rough week so my creative juices are definitely not flowing! This is actually my second card for this challenge. I took the sentiment you see here off the first card, because that was the only thing about it that I liked! I embossed the hearts layer then ran my ink pad over them to add the red. My first attempt to add the red was rubbing the ink pad onto the embossing folder itself...needless to say, I didn't like that outcome! Told you I've been having a rough week! I had to add the wonky stitching because that matched my mood!! The sentiment is from a PaperTrey Ink set called Heart-2-Heart #11. I die cut the heart, stamped it, added Glossy Accents, then popped it up. Clean and simple.  

Friday, February 8, 2013

Another Happy Birthday

I'm getting my birthday card stash well stocked!!!! Or maybe I'll send this out with my stack meant for Operation Write Home. Either way, I wanted to show it to you and submit it to two challenges before they expire. First up is Love to Create - they are celebrating their 1st birthday as a challenge blog so give 'em a big shout out!!! They have quite the list of sponsors this week offering some wonderful prizes. Their challenge this week is "Celebrate." I also want to join in on the February Anything Goes challenge over at Catch the Bug. Bugaboo recently celebrated their birthday too, and that's how I got this image, Happy Birthday Envelope. The sentiment is used as an oops cover upper!! It's been one of those weeks!!!! 

Happy Birthday

I am so far behind on things, it isn't even funny. No excuses, just lots of stuff happenin'. Welcome to our newest challenge at Color My Heart - Blush and Cranberry. Perfect pink and red shades for a Valentines Day card. I didn't have any good Close to my Heart stamps to make a valentine, so I went with a birthday. Besides, I've been wanting to ink up this stamp set for awhile now, Nursery Bash. Such adorable creatures, and who wouldn't love a pink and red giraffe?! I had to add the pop of black to make the other colors really stand out. Now I sure hope you can join us at Color My Heart, we would love to see what you create with Blush and Cranberry (or something close).

Two challenges I would like to submit this card to are:
Love to Create - they're celebrating their 1st birthday and "Celebrate" is their challenge theme
OWH - Midweek Throwdown - Cards 4 kids

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Sweet Giggles

 Welcome to Sweet Sketch Wednesday. As always, we have a fun and fabulous sketch for you to try. I love the layers...and the chance to use those pattern papers I've been collecting! 

We also have a wonderful sponsor, Milk 'n Coffee. They are generously offering our winner 3 free digis! Here's a little bit about them:

 
MilkCoffee Stamps is a digital image shop specialized in cute and girly images.There are 2 people behind this shop, Esmeralda and Nathaza. We are best buddies from our childhood with a common thing that we love so much: drawing. What we try to do is drawing various styles that suits different kind of tastes, so a lot of people with different style can still play along with our image for their cards.
Right now we have 8 talented DT ladies who always help us to have fun together with our weekly challenge at our challenge blog here. Also we have monthly colour challenge at our main blog. You can check it here. It's very nice to see a lot of people join and have fun at our challenge.
In the future we still want to make more cute images that is loved and used happily by many people.
 
 Here's my card using one of their sweet images, Rope Skipping Girl. Talk about fond memories. We used to jump rope every morning out at the bus stop and on the playground. So fun!! Talk about fun, join us at Sweet Sketch Wednesday for some fabulous sketch time fun!!! 
 

Love You

The first Wednesday of the month and we have a new monthly challenge for you over at the Fresh Brewed Blog - Hearts and Dots. Okay, so my hearts are pretty obvious, using the adorable Fresh Brewed Designs digital image It's Raining Love, but the dots are a little less so. And why is that? Well because I forgot the dots part of the challenge!!!! Yep, that's the truth! I could point out the dots on her boots and the dots in the centers of the flowered strip of paper and really stretch it by saying the bottom layer of pattern paper is just crazy shaped dots...but that may be pushing my luck!!!! Anyway, I hope you can join us for our month long challenge and share with us your hearts AND dots!!!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Hot Stuff

Snow, snow go away...and don't come back!!! My little chant doesn't seem to be working as we got more snow last evening which only means one thing...more shoveling needs done!!! Hubby and I tag teamed it last night, he did the driveway and sidewalks while I did the deck. I have my bird feeders hanging off my deck, so I always try to clear a path so I can get to them. A path turns into clearing off the whole thing! I actually had a hard time opening the door to go out onto the deck, the snow was that high!! Now you know why I'm tired of snow!

Enough ranting, let me share with you my card for the Sketch N Stash challenge. They provide a sketch to follow every 2 weeks and you must use your new or neglected stash. I haven't inked up this rubber stamp in quite some time, Caution Contents are Hot (large size) by Fresh Brewed Designs. I also pulled out a monthly subscription kit from Taylored Expressions. Time to use these up!! After all, I should used 'em up before getting more, right?!!!  The sentiment is also from Fresh Brewed Designs, part of the She Loves Lattes rubber stamp set released last month. Thanks for stopping by, it's time I hit the shower.
   

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Let's Go For a Ride

It's Super Bowl Sunday! All I know is I have lots of food to get prepared because that's the part I'm looking forward to the most this year! Sunday also means a new CAS challenge over at The Outlawz. It's a "short" challenge - since February is the shortest month, we are embracing it by creating a  short clean and simple card...one that measures 4.25" that is. I've gotta say, that is my favorite size card to make. It's just screaming to be made into a CAS style. Since the theme was open, I decided to use product from my stash that hasn't been used in a while. Both the stamp set and purple pattern paper is from Hero Arts. The sentiment is also from the same clear stamp set as the tricycle, but I had to do a little surgery on it. It was one long sentiment so I cut it to fit my card. A little sewing and some twine and my card is complete. Have some fun with us at The Outlawz  and create a "short" CAS card.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Hey There

Just a quick post, I want to go bed and hopefully will sleep. I had to share a card I made for the online card classes, Clean and Simple 2. I used a sketch from day 1 and the off set stamping technique from day 3. I had this background piece stamped but it was making me dizzy looking at it, so I knew I needed to cut it up smaller so it wasn't so distracting. Another fun technique for a quick and easy, clean and simple card.

Happy Saturday

It's the weekend...HOORAY!! And Doodle Pantry is sponsoring Sketch Saturday. It's a fabulous sketch, so give it a try for a chance at winning some Doodle Pantry fun!! I used a set released just yesterday, Daffodil and Sweet Peas. Actually, it's an older set that's been colorized. Isn't it beautiful?!! I found this scrap piece of pink paper (hooray for using up the scraps) but thought the card was looking too pink and white. So I made the square (a new die I just got from Lil' Inker Designs) in black for that much needed pop.

The Super Bowl is tomorrow and usually I'm excited to watch the game. This year, I'm more looking forward to the food instead of the game. My oldest is inviting some friends over so I better have plenty of food for these growing and always hungry teenage boys! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
   

Friday, February 1, 2013

Clearly Inspired Challenge


It's the first Friday of the month which means it's time for a new Clearly Inspired Challenge. This time we want you to get inky - show us some creative ways to use ink. I don't know that mine's very creative, but it sure was fast and fun to do!! I used a CDS digital set called Say Thank You and simply ran a distress ink pad down over the sentiment. So easy, I had to make two!! Pretty much the say design, just changed up the colors and accessories. A fun challenge so get out those ink pads or reinkers and show up your inky projects. This Clearly Inspired Challenge runs for three weeks with a chance at some fun prizes, one being a new featured digi. Check it all out HERE.  


Doodle Pantry Release

 It's the first of February (wait, when did that happen?!!) so I get to share the show off the release at Doodle Pantry -- well, two cards at least. That means you'll want to check out the whole release HERE at the store. My first card is Baseball Birdie. Is he not the cutest?!!! Being a sport fanatic, I think he's adorable!! I'll have to do the outline version in my team's colors and put a # on his jersey for my favorite player. 

Every month at release time, Laurie colorizes some older sets. This one is Swimming Mallard. I instantly knew I would make my Father's Day cards with this image -- one down, one to go. I used one of the digital papers in the set too - I love blues and browns for masculine cards.

Our Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge will be up and running starting at 12noon at the Doodle Pantry Blog. Make a project using a Doodle Pantry image and you will receive a digi set free - I don't want to ruin the surprise on what that set is, but I know you won't be disappointed!!