Friends Friday!

     Been out running with my DH all day, so I figured I best get my Friends with Flair post hooked to the linky at Unity.  I just hate when I miss a Friday.  Have you been over to Unity and checked out all of the new releases.  You really should, you know.  While you are there, click on the blog link and see all of the fine work on the FwF post.  Tomorrow, we should also see the new Kit of The Month, and that should be really exciting!  Okay, on to my card.

     I used and oak tag base, a scrap of designer fall paper from my stash, and my August KOM.  There were some Copic markers, and SU! inks involved and a Sakura clear stardust pen.  I also added Crystal effects to my letters and leaf spots.  I tried out my new piercing mats from SU!, around the pumpkins.

     That is about it from me.  I feel a nap coming on.  Hugs.......

Flowers!

     The new challenge over the The House That Stamps Built, (DCC829), is to create a card with flowers.  Again I am using stamps from my huge collection of unmounted stamps.  Gee, I just wish I had a clue whom to give credit to.  I love this blossom branch, and the sentiment is so lovely!  Thanks makers, whoever you are!

     My card base is Melon Mambo from SU!, layered with Pure Ivory PL card stock.  The striped dp is a scrap, but the soft dp that I stamped my flowers on is from Creative Imaginations/ Iron Orchid, Beach Cottage pad.  I also wanted to try out my new white gel pen, which is from the Mitsubishi Pencil Co.  It says Signo Uni Ball on the cap.  It says Pigment Ink UM-153 White.  Phew!  It flows so nice!  It was one of those last minute grabs as I was checking out at the stamp store.  Best grab ever!  I cut apart a flourish of Recollections, champagne pearls to use as my embellishment.

     Please be sure to check out all of the lovely creations that the Rock Stars have created to inspire you.  There is a lot of time to join in on the challenge, too!  Have a super evening.

Babies!

      Just found out that my DD and her new hubby are going to become aunt and uncle the beginning of 2013.  The second part to the good news is that Shaun's sister and DH are expecting twins!   I think our family gatherings are going to take on a life of their own.  To celebrate the happy news, I decided to send them a little card.  Everything I used is digital with no designer info.  Just wanted to share.

     The Dr. said that what ever sex the babies are, they are identical!  It sounds like we might find out in 2 weeks.  It is going to be an exciting holiday!  Happy pregnancy, Danielle and Rob!

House Mouse Monday Challenge #127 + some photos

     Howdy, all of you House Mouse lovers!  It is time for a new challenge.  This time, the theme was chosen by team mate, America.  Her theme is Back to School/ At the Office.

     For my card, I used a white base and blue card stock from DCWV.  My paper is digital as are my school elements. My HM stamp this time is called Class Clown, and he is new to my collection.  Me thinks he will be juggling many things during his life!  LOL!  My apple is coated in Glossy Accents and all of the metal is outlined with a Sakura Stardust pen.  Image coloring was done with Copic Markers.  The only additions are Pop Dots, and a twine bow.  The photo looks so much better when you click on it and make it larger!

     Now, on to the photos I promised of the OWH card party I attended on Saturday!

     Yes, this is me standing near the table of finished cards.  My friend Carol took this shot.  Thanks, Carol!

  

There were so many gorgeous creations!

They are all packed with love to send to the troops.

     Okay, I am out of here for now.  I must get to work.  Thanks for  stopping around.  I always enjoy your visits.

Art Impressions Challenge, One Layer

     Here is my entry for the one layer card challenge over at Art Impressions.  I used quite a combo of AI stamps, to create my scene, so here is my list.

Palm Trees: H-1001
Crab AA-1011
Sand E-1006
Dot clump AAA-1368
Cloud line H-2724
Grass AA-846

     I used a combination of sponging, and colored pencils w/ OMS.  I added some extra lines with a Zig marker, and my white accents were added with a white gel pen. My only addition is a sheer ribbon and bow.    I did not have a proper AI sentiment so I just used a small word stamp from MM.  The sun is created by using the negative piece from a circle punch, and sponging the hole.

     Have a super Monday!  I am home playing today, as my car is in for inspection.  Off to my next project!

August Rose Challenge....Inspirational Photo

     Glorious Sunday morning, stampers!  It is time for another Rose Challenge.  This month, Sue Rose is taking a turn being hostess of our challenge. (Thank you, Sue!) She has come up with this wonderful, abstract piece for us to gaze upon and be inspired by.

     My card is a combo of card stock layers from Pure Luxury.  When I looked at the photo, I saw Poppies, gorgeous red and salmon Poppies!  The set I decided to use is from Nina Brackett for Gina K. Designs, called Hugs and Prayers.  That took care of the Poppy part, but I also used another Gina K. set, called Lean On Me for my sentiments and leaf border.  Inks used are Versafine and Memento.  The border was created with the Fiskars Threading Water border punch, and red pearls.  I kept it on the simple side.  I am unsure of how many of the Rose's will be joining us this month, but their blogs can be found on my sidebar.  ~~~~~>

      Yesterday, I had the great pleasure to be invited to an Operation Write Home, card making party.  I was such a blast, and I got to meet some amazing new stamping friends.  Everyone had made up card kits in advance, and we got to choose what we wanted to put together.  The table was heaped by the end of the session!  I really learned so much, and I hope to be able to put together boxes of my own to send off to OWH.  I look forward to having a card count, and photos to share with you very soon.

Friends with Flair

     Happy Friday, all!  I was a bit sad that I did not get a chance to link up, last week.  Here I am back, and ready to play with my new Unity KOM, called Colors of the Season.  Be sure to link up your Unity creations to the Friends with Flair linky.  There are 2 chances each week to win a prize! We are heading into my very favorite time of year, and you can always tell because the bees get drunk, and the nights get cooler.  I really love the new Halloween stamps in this kit, so it is no surprise I chose them to ink first!

     My card base is soft sand Pure Luxury.  The boo paper is a scrap, but the RiverRock gingham is from K&Co. I stamped my images with Versafine ink on a heavy ivory stock.  Fussy cutting the bat was fun.  For my embellishments, I used hemp twine, and black half dots.  My bat and sentiment are lifted with Pop Dots.

     That's it for now!  As always, I appreciate you stopping by!

House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge #126

     I love me a good House Mouse Challenge!  This time the challenge is called Double Take, and we are asked to use a stamp that has at least two mice acting out!

     I used a stamp called Tin Can Showers (HMKR1035), and my sentiment is called Joy Doubled (FR1100).  I purchased that sentiment to go with a holiday image, but I thought it fit the challenge.  My card base is white, and the designer paper was a gift from my DD.  I think she said it was SU!  Coloring is done with Copic markers, and sponging is with Memento and SU! ink.  For embellishments, there are Prima mini flowers, gems, a button, and embroidery floss for a bow.

     The inside is decorated, and has a tuck flap element for a secret message.  This was another little giftie from my DD.  I have to use these goodies...... right?  Do you find yourself saving things?  Whenever I find one of those saved items in my stamp room, I say to myself, "Today is the day"!

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Animal Antics

     For my second post of the morning, I would like to enter the Simon Says Stamp Challenge, called Animal Antics.  Of all the wonderful animal stamps that I am lucky enough to own, I was drawn to this digital image of a Lab sleeping in a lawn chair.  I was visiting a friend, and she printed it off for me.  There was no designer info with image, so if anyone has a clue, I would love to know and give credit.  Thought it would make a sweet get well card.

     My card is a base of Sweet Corn Pure Luxury card stock, topped with designer paper from Basic Grey's Koshi Collection.  My sentiment are also digital, both inside and out.  They are from Create with TLC.  My coloring was done with Copic markers, and my sponging is with SU!  inks in So Saffron and Pool Party.  I added white twill ribbon and iridescent green pearls, as accents.  The images were cut out with  Spellbinders Labels Two dies, and a ticket corner punch, and piercing template from SU! were used on the front sentiment.

     You may just see me again before this day is through!  Stop on back, I love when you visit!

Art Impressions Challenge #76 Flowers

Here is an entry for the Art Impressions Challenge this week.  The theme is flowers, and since I am lacking in the AI flower department, I came up with something a little different.

My card was created with an oak tag card stock, a piece of garden patterned 8 1/2x11 older, garden printed designer paper, a digi,  pre-colored image from Dearie Dolls (girl in sunflower dress), and a wonderful flower sentiment stamp from PSX. I popped my little doll into her flower habitat and think she is adorable!  One of my very favorite things to do is to half pop, just like she is leaning forward with the top half of her body.  You can tell by the shadows behind her head.

Had a great weekend here, which included a visit from my daughter and her husband.  We took a trip to my favorite stamps store, cooked, shopped, and she was a darling and helped get all of the flower beds back in shape, after this long, hot summer.  Thanks, Dee!  Hope you had a good one, also.  I plan on playing catch up on my challenges today.

Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge #30

Since I have off work today, I wanted to stay caught up on my favorite challenges. Some of the kids are coming home this weekend and I may not get time to concentrate.   This week at Joan's Gardens, there is a white on white challenge, or when you read the detail and requirements, you might be singing White Christmas!

Here is what you need to include:

Use a Christmas theme
Make it all white
Include a bird, deer, bear, etc....
Make it sparkle with Stickles or glitter

This is going to be a crazy "what I used" list:  I just kept layering!  I made an A2 top fold in white, layered on an embossed panel, using the Countdown 5x7 Cuttlebug folder.  I hit the tops of the numbers with Versamark, and sprinkled on clear embossing powder.  Next I added a half paper doily and white twill ribbon.  I decided I wanted a different texture across the bottom, so I punched out a Pine Needles Broader from MS, and tacked it under the ribbon.  I then punched out 2 MS Himalayn Snowflakes, added small flower punches and pearls to the centers.  They were coated with Diamond Stickles and popped to the corner.  I had to decide how to add a sentiment, and I remembered the Cuttlebug folder with the Christmas words, and added the Happy Holidays edged with the Stickles.  An SU! bird was punched and perched on the edge of the sentiment.

I hope if you click to enlarge the photo, you can see the sparkle!  This was my first all white card, and it was such fun!  Thanks, and be sure to visit Joan's Gardens to check out the challenge

Art Impressions Challenge #75 Any Sentiment

     Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!  I didn't think I was going to get my challenges started, but life finally cooperated and here we go......

     The Art Impressions Challenge #75, for this week, is to use a sentiment.  I have had this cling mounted sentiment from Art Impression for years (P2134), and I just love what it says.  I also wanted to try out a new Art Impressions rose stamp (J2528), I recently won in an auction.  For the rose, I paper pieced the flower, and colored the leaves with Copic Markers.  My card stock colors are Ivory, Sweet Corn, and Innocent Pink Pure Luxury.  I used a Sizzix EF (sorry I don't know the name), and double sided designer paper from my scrap bin.  I accented areas with a Sakura Stardust pen for sparkle. I did some sponging with SU! inks.

     My second card is a thank you I needed during the weekend, for my DH's boss's wife.  Hubby had done her a favor, and she showed up with a weighty Jewish Apple cake, for his trouble.  It was delicious!

     I have a diamond punch, and I found some inspiration from an old Take Ten magazine.  I just ran with it.  I punched out the black diamonds, and used the negative to sponge the back row of diamonds with So Saffron SU! ink.  I then staggered the black diamonds and added letters from The K&amp,Co Letters to Go takeout box.  My papers are all scraps, and for embellishments, I used mini brads, Prima flowers, and black gems.

     That's it for now, and thanks for stopping by for a visit.  I really look forward to them!

A Little Distressed

     Today I want to add my creation to the Friend with Flair linky, over on the Unity Blog.  This is my favorite part of Friday's!  Please be sure to check out all of the amazing work that is posted there.

     I also created this card with the new challenge at Joan's Gardens #29 in mind.
Here are Joan's requirements:

Use purple and green.
Make a thank you card.
Include a bird.
Use music in your theme.

     Here is what I used:

Stamps:  Unity (bird) from Life Becoming, Clear Dollar (thanks)
Ink: Distress Ink  Seedless Preserves
Embossing:  Craft Too music folder inked
Card stock:  White, Fresh Asparagus Pure Luxury
Designer Paper:  basic Grey Plumeria
Embellishments:  Chip Board frame, K&Co Tags to Go, pearl headpin, edged ribbon, paper roses, punched leaves

     Okay, that's it for now.  Have to keep shutting down the computer due to bad storms.  May not get to do much commenting until tomorrow.  We really need this rain, so I will not complain.  Have a wonderful, creative, and safe day!

Black, White, plus One

     When I was at the local stamp show, a few weeks ago, I hit one of the bargain booths for bling and stuff,and they had stamp sets for $2.  One of the sets I grabbed was an Inkadinkado clear set of dog inchies. They are 98774 Dog's Life.  So many cute little images, that I just could not leave it behind!  I had to have some fun playing, also!

Here is what I used:
Card- black and white, and Melon Mambo from SU!
Designer Paper:  Basic Grey, Little Black Dress
Stamps:  Inkadinkado-Dog's Life
Punch:  MS- Modern Garland Corner
Embellishments:  Prima flowers, Raspberry twill, gems

     I would like to enter this over at The House That Stamps Built.  Rock Star, Patti J. is hosting a challenge for black, white, and one other color.

     Time to head out to work.  It will be a joy to go today, since the humidity is low.  They say we are back in the soup tomorrow!  Keep Cool and Carry On!

Just For Fun!

     Happy Monday.... not!  That was one long, hot weekend.  We had storms last night and it did nothing to cut the humidity.  I looked this morning and it was still at 98%.  Anyhow, I spent most of the weekend here in the studio just playing.

     I chose to load this one first, because it used lots of stamps and I want to clear my desk top.

Stamps:  bowl, Darcie's Country Folk-goldfish, Inkadinkado-fish food, Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers- rocks, Art Impressions- dots, Stamps by Judith- and lastly is my sentiment from Rubbernecker Stamps.

     I started with a base of Chocolate Kiss Pure Luxury card stock, and added a layer of Basic Grey Konnichiwa from that collection.  Coloring was done with Copic markers, and sponging is with SU! So Saffron and Pool Party.  I added jute twine and a fish skeleton charm.

     I just love being able to combine so many stamps and different companies to get a final creation! Have a wonderful start to your week.  Maybe if I start looking around, I can find an anything goes challenge to enter this in?  Any ideas?

On the Lake.....

Here are a few photos that my DH took this morning down by the lake.  The neighbors are into the aquatic plants, and they are starting to bloom!  This called for the donning of the chest waders to get close enough.

Thanks so much for coming by to see all the pretty plants.  Don't you just love all the colors and shades?

It's Finally Friday!

Hi, everyone!  This is going to be a quick post, as I can't possibly miss my Friends with Flair entry this week, over on the Unity blog.  Check it out, you could win a sweet prize!    

Here is what was used:
Card Stock:  Soft Sand and White Pure Luxury
Designer Paper:  K&Co
Punches:  Butterfly from MS, and my 1/2 corner rounder
Stamps:  Unity Dream Tree, Sentiment and pattern on butterflies, KOM 10/10
Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa
Embellishments:  Purple Pearls
Distressing:  Colored pencil and OMS

I think that covers everything!  Hope you all have a fun weekend planned.  Not sure about here.  Glad you stopped by!
 

Second Post of the Day.....

     Phew, I almost didn't make it back like I promised!  This will be my Art Impressions post for their new Challenge #74, Fabric or Stitching.

     I Used my white card for the base and embossed using the Argyle embossing folder.  I layered, pierced and faux stitched a piece of textured Melon Mambo from SU!.  My stamp is from Art Impressions and is # P2025.  I stamped in Versafine ink and clear embossed before coloring my balloons with Copic marker. The balloons were coated with Crystal Lacquer.  My image was cut out using Spellbinders Labels Ten die, which is sponged with Melon Mambo ink, and edged while still in the die with a Zig marker.  The fabric is from a piece I got in a Fat Quarter.  I cut a strip off, and frayed the edges before tying it into a bow.  Black pearls were added to the corners of my image.

     That's it for me tonight.  I am so glad I got my AI card finished early this week!  Have a great evening!

This Weeks Challenge at Joan's Gardens

     Morning everyone!  I am fortunate to be home from work today, and got a quick jump on the challenge over at Joan's Gardens.

Here are all the details:
Use red and black
Use and embossing folder
Use a flower as your focal image
Have either a stamped or die cut border at the bottom.

     The card stocks are Pure Luxury from Gina K. Designs.  I recently  got a pad of Authentique Carefree paper, so I was anxious to try it out.  For an embossing folder, I used the Moroccan embossing folder by Cuttlebug.  The stamps used are from Heartfelt Creations:  HCPC 3403 Shabby Chic Lace Precut Set, HCPC 3318 Daisy Patch Flowers PreCut Set.  There are also diecuts behind my flower, and they are the Mini Flourish from Cheery Lynn.  There is a single ivory pearl in the center of my flower.

     Wow, that was fun!  I may be back with another card, since I have the whole day to play!  Have a super Thursday