A Little Birdie!

     I have been having stamping withdrawal!!!  Two weeks ago I had the privilege of working with Kelley and her husband Rick of Our Daily Bread Designs at the Gateway Stamping Convention.......what fun it was to help them out and get to know them both.  They have doing shows down to a fine science and it was exciting staying till the end and helping them take things down.....I so admire organized people. 

      Of course, since it was a stamp convention I had a lot of fun getting some new stamps - but not so fun when that thing called 'life' kept me too busy these past two weeks, and I couldn't get into my stamp room.  Had a few hours today (which I may not have again for a week) and decided to get something done.  I loved this new paper Susan Winget paper I got from K & C Company and dug out some old Stampin Up Eggplant Envy to so with my new stamp from ODBD - Bird and Butterly Labels.  This card will be entered in the Our Daily Bread Design Challenge this week as well as the Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge.  The second picture shows the hand detail I used, but I decided I liked it only going part of the way around, just a little something different.  I also used a stamp from the Bird Borders and Corners  (ODBD) set on the inside of the card and envelope.  

Supplies:  ODBD stamp and coordinating Nestabilities, Stampin' Up Eggplant Envy Ink, DP, ribbon left on a bag at the store from J Jill, Edge punch

Flag Day (FLLCJUNE11)

     My husband and one of my co-workers both have Birthdays on Flag Day next week.....so I started making cards for them today.  Most years I make my DH a golf themed card, as he loves to golf!!  This year I wanted to change it up a little.  Flourishes is sponsoring The Stars, Spangled Challenge during their new release, asking that we use the colors of our countries flag (for me the USA - red, white and blue)......so I decided to jump into the challenge with this card.  Now that I have this out of the way for him I need to start working on Fathers Day.....hmmm, maybe that will be a golf theme!

Challenges:  Flourishes FLCCJUNE11

Supplies:  CS, Versafine Black Ink, Ala mode white, ribbon, rhinestones, CB EF stars

Sentiment Only

     This picture doesn't really do justice to this card.....but I am happy with it.  The challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs was to use a sentiment only - no images......I jumped at the chance so I could use some dies and bling.  

     This weekend I will be attending the Gateway Stamp Convention in Collinsville, Illinois.  It will be my last since we are moving - I have been attending for 6 years now.  This year will be a special experience for me as a few months ago I contacted Kelley at Our Daily Bread Designs to see if she might like some help, and she wrote me this week to say, yes, I could help demo.......I'm sure it will be work, and may even get a little tedious at times, but I am thrilled to be helping someone who has a great product that I enjoy using.....there will even be time to do some shopping!!!  If your from the area be sure to stop by and say 'Hi' - there are lots of vendors, demos and product to purchase. 

Challenges:  Our Daily Bread Design ODBDSLC63 - Sentiment Only
                       Make It Monday - Anything Goes
                       Stampin Sisters in Christ - something new (Recollections Rhinestone Circles)


Supplies:  Floral Doily Motifs Die, Grand Big Scalloped Circle Die, DP, ODBD Sentiment, Recollections Rhinestones, VersaFine Black Inc

Friendship is Timeless

     Wow - being on vacation has really put me behind in my stamp room.....Good news is we sold our home while I was at the ranch before the sign could even be put in the ground.  Praise the Lord on that one...now we have to hustle to Atlanta and start looking for one to move in to!!

     I have a girlfriend who is having some knee surgery today - I made her this card to cheer her up.....she is very athletic and I hope she is up and running soon.  I was going to use my 'confidence is sexy' stamp on the inside because this little lady looks so full of joy an happiness as she rides along.....but I found a better sentiment on friendship to use.

     I just love this Mo Manning stamp and have been itching to use her......she will be used again soon as she is such fun to color and as I said I love how she exudes happiness and joy as she goes about her day!!! 

Submitting this to Dream Valley Challenges for their challenge to use a stamp this week.


Materials used:  Kraft paper, CS, Nesties Oval and Scalloped, Cuttlebug EF, Mo Manning Stamp,  Inky Antics Sentiment, Copics

It's a PAR-TAY - over at the Outlawz - no sunscreen required.

http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/

Getting our Cowgirl on!!

     No cards to post this week - my DD and I have been playing cowgirls all week at the ranch - Yee Haw!! Met up with some friends from Germany and had a great time.  One more fast ride today and then a guest rodeo tonight and we'll be done.  It will take a while for us to quit smiling.  My gift to several of those I know here was to make sets of cards for them (what a surprise they all had a western motif).  Looking forward to getting some things done in my stamp room this week.

Birthday Divas

     Working ahead on some birthday cards.....which rarely happens but I decided to break down and buy myself the new Grand Caliber and a die so its been killing me to not play with them!  This was a fun stamp I purchased from Verses Rubber Stamps - when I saw it I immediately thought of my 'book club' buddies...we have been know to have a glass of wine during our dinner conversations at book club - most of us are older and we have one young un we tease regularly about all the things she needs to know to age gracefully :)  - I have also been in the mood to make an easel card so when the time was available I had a little fun in my stamp room. While I wanted to layer - I didn't want the layers to look like they were all stacked neatly, so I made them skew some to the right and some to the left, it reminds me of an optical illusion.  The yellow pearls were added because I think sometimes you need a little surprise color in a card and this was mine.   

Supplies:  Grand Caliber, Grand Big Scalloped Circle Die, Tag die, ribbon, metal stickers, CS, Verses Rubber Stamp, Memento Ink, Brilliance CS, Copics, Embossing folder.


Challenges I'm entering:  Dream Valley, anything goes - Paper and Such Design, birthday - Ellephantasticschallenge, birthday - Some Odd Girl Blog, shapes, Craft us Crazy, something new or special - Crafty Creations, anything goes - Papertake Weekly, punches and dies,

Thank You

Since blogger was down for a day it looks like my Thank You to Angella Crockett at our Daily Bread Designs Blog didn't get posted.  What a surprise when I found out she had chose my 'Count Your Blessings' with a flower as the 'Customer Card of the Day' this week!  If that wasn't enough the lovely things she said about both me and my work was very uplifting.   The Our Daily Bread Blog and Angela's blog are one of my favorite to visit for ideas and inspiration, their design team members are really gifted.  Thank you for the honor - it just made my day!!

Embedded Embossing

     Another wild and crazy week in my house.....I did however, get to spend most of Mother's Day playing in my stamp room and this is one of several creations.  The challenge required embedded embossing and this is something I have been wanting to play with.  I had fun doing this and I actually made three cards, very similar with this technique.  Pink is one of my fav colors so that made it even more fun.  Entering this in the challenges over at Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge SLC 59 (embedded embossing) and, Stampin Sisters in Christ  for their challenge to make a card with 'all things beautiful'.  I'm not one to use lots of bling (not because I don't want to I just never seem to leave enough room) - this week I found some space to put some pearls on.

Supplies: DP, MS punch, EF and Cuttlebug, Grand Calibur and Fleur De Lis die, pearls, ODBD Sentiment, Memento black and angel pink ink.

Finally Friday!!

     Not a fancy card, by any means today, but at least I feel like I was able to play.  There is soooo much going on around here getting the house ready to put on the market that I feel like I have little to no time to stamp. When I'm not cleaning closets and talking to workmen I am on the internet looking at homes in the Atlanta area.....sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode, they ALL begin to look alike.

      My Mothers Day gift to myself is to spend the day stamping and playing. I have a long list of cards to work on and I am looking forward to it.  Today's card is one of many I want to get ready for our church bookstore, who has graciously bought my cards to sell.....they are in need of a few more.  I used my new Our Daily Bread Designs frames and matching Nestabilities.....thought I should add a little something so played around making a crinolin flower with some netting, this makes a nice soft flower and one that should mail easily.

     Wishing all you Mom's an early Happy Mother's Day.....sadly my mother and my DH mother have been gone for many years, but we will be thinking of them Sunday.  

Supplies used: CS, Stampin Up More Mustard, Ribbon, ODBD sentiment and frame stamp, Nestabilities, Crinolin and netting for flower, brad.  Cuttlebug EF


Challenges:  Craft Your Passion  - Anything goes
                   Dream Valley Challenges:  Flower
                   Make It Monday  - Anything goes
                   Craft us Crazy  -  Flower
                   Divas by Design - Anything goes

Thoughts in German

     In less than a month I will be at the ranch riding.  I will be meeting up with some friends from Germany that  I have not seen in over a year, and I am very excited!!!  Because we haven't seen each other in so long I wanted to make a special gift for my friend Michaela, and thought a set of handcrafted cards for her to use when she returned home would be nice.  It didn't seem right to use English on them, as I assume she will be sending them to German friends or family, so I asked a friend to help me with German - I am hoping she likes them.  This is one style and I will probably work on making another style for her also. 

     It has been a crazy week as we get the house ready to put on the market.  There are painters here and I am working hard cleaning closets, and packing up excess stuff.......right now I think stamping keeps me sane!!!

Supplies used:  Cardstock, a western stamp from my many (can't remember who it is by), Memento Ink, Copics in Warm Gray, Browns and Yellow.  My computer for the sentiment.

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge 85

     Its Saturday night and it has been a long week of rain and storms here in the St. Louis, Missouri area.  Please take a moment to say a prayer for those in the area where a  tornado hit last night.....it was only about 15 miles from me and my heart goes out to those who lost homes and belongings....while it is fortunate that no one died, and true that belongings can be replaced, I can't even begin to imagine what they must be feeling and going through, not only today but the next several weeks as they begin to clean up after such destruction.    

     It has been my goal this week to get a  card done for the Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge 85 and finally had a few minutes to sit down and play.  We were to use versa mark or color on color someplace in the card....I decided to keep it very simple and stamped my background stamp from Heartfelt Creations in versamark and then stamped it again in versa fine black and cut the sentiment out.  I mounted this on some lovely silver paper, that really doesn't show up in the picture and put a few rhinestones and a sweet little butterfly on the card to complete it....certainly nothing fancy, but a card I know I will use. 

     Easter Blessings to everyone!!!

Just Because

      Had to send something out to my son in California and I know he always enjoys getting a card from me so I took about 20 minutes to throw together a card to send.  Nothing fancy but masculine looking.  Love my kids they are always sooo supportive of my work, thanking me when I make a card for them, and always praising my work.  All those years wondering if your doing the right thing as a parent and then they grow up and your proud of who they are, and so happy to have made it through those tough times.  

Supplies used:  Our Daily Bread Design Anchor Stamp, CS, Cuttlebug and Nesties, Copic markers to color.

Pretty in Purple

     I am not sure why it took me so long to break down and  finally order some stamps from Lily of the Valley.  I admire them on a pretty regular basis as I travel throughout blogland. - they are soooo cute I debated over and over about which to get - which is probably why it took me so long to place the order. Since I have a friend with a Birthday soon I opted for the friends one!!! I knew I would be using purple and that worked out just great with the challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon RRR#22 (if you haven't visited this site you should they have awesome ribbon) . My friend has dark hair and wears lots of purple, and plum colors - I on the other hand tend to be a little bright in my clothing choices, hence the blond in pink. Couldn't help but bling it up a little and add a touch of ribbon (also a requirement for the challenge) ...as I wanted something 'girlie' looking!!  I finished off the inside of the card as well....Her birthday is in June, it is nice to be working a little in advance.  I ran my background paper through my CB in an EF it gives a fun texture to the paper - making it almost look like fabric.  Working with my copic's was fun!!!  I am also entering this in the Tuesday Throwdown Challenge for 'Sparkle and Bling', and the Paper Sundaes #64 challenge  'Childhood Memories'.

Supplies used:  Cardstock, Lily of the Valley Friends stamp, Memento ink, Copic markers, Multi liner, Spellbinders  Label 17, Rhinestones from Michael's, Ribbon, Stampabilities sentiment inside, Embossing folder.  

"Bee" yourself.

     This week I wanted to play with a new Magnolia stamp, my Copic markers, and make a card with a frame. I also wanted to push myself to find challenges at several blogs to enter my card into.  The sentiment inside says: "Be yourself, everyone else is taken".   

     With the lack of sunshine the other day I reached for some bright colored paper to cheer me up.  You might notice that Tilda and the little bee match!  A big black stripe would have overpowered that little fella.   My original plan was to use some new flowers I made from crinolin, that I saw at the Funkie Junkie blog,  but I liked the shape of these better....having made some of her flowers I look forward to making another card to use them on.  She had a great tutorial on these, and you can use your Copic markers to color them with. 

     I was excited to hear from my friend Pat that there is a Scrapbook convention this weekend over in Illinois and we are going to head over there tomorrow......Stamps by Judith will be there along with many other vendors, hope I don't have too much fun $$$$.  

Challenges I am entering this card in:       Stampin Sisters in Christ - Children's card
                                                                    Tuesday Throwdown #43 - Spring Theme
                                                                    Paper Sundaes (PSC63) - Spring Theme
                                                                    Creative Inspirations Paint - Spring
                                                                    Dream Valley Challenges - Something with wings


Supplies used:  DP, Sizzix die, Nestabilities, MS circle cutter, Magnolia stamp, Copic markers, pearls. flowers.  

Blessings

   During the last month I participated in some blog hops at RubberNecker Stamps and Our Daily Bread Designs and was thrilled to be a winner at each.

    Over the weekend I played with my new 'Morning Glory Frame' from RubberNecker......I really liked this stamp when I was visiting their blog hop and did a little happy dance when I realized I could order it after winning!!  My original plan called for another stamp inside the frame I created, but then I received the new Scripture 7 set from Our Daily Bread and wanted to use this stamp instead for the ODBD Blog challenge  to incorporate a frame in a design. I did a great big Happy Dance the day I won this and wonder if I haven't used up my luck for the year, maybe I should have bought a lottery ticket last week when that BIG money was up for grabs - LOL.   Just had to bling this up a bit with some of the new shiny's I bought at Michael's.....since pink is a favorite color of mine I am liking this card. 

      This frame will be used a lot these next few weeks with my new Scripture set and some others I ordered from ODBD as I start making card sets to use as gifts.   I had hoped to do more than one challenge this week but then I start playing and get so into what I am doing the week just flies by.....maybe next week!!  

Supplies used were, RubberNecker Morning Glory Frame, Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture 7, CS, Embossing powder, Oval Nestabilities to cut frame and foam square to mount and layer.  Recollections Rhinestones.

   

Happy (Hoppy) For You

Needed a card for a friend and was inspired by the spring like weather we have experienced the last three days. This past weekend I finished the Copic Certification class here in St. Louis and have been wanting to play with my copics ever since! As I travel the blog world I have been smitten with Magnolia stamps and recently found a store that sells them....I really had to control myself and not go crazy (trust me I showed great restraint). This little bunny was one of my purchases, I think he is just adorable.

I kept the coloring pretty simple on these images.....one thing I realize is just how many more copics I need (LOL - want) so I can get more depth.......placing an order right after I post this.

Decided to be brave and enter this in the Magnolia-licious Challenge - this isn't quite on par with the great work I view there but I decided to get my feet wet, so to speak, and jump in with those big girls. They give me something to aspire to.

Supplies used: Radiance smooth CS, Memento black ink, Magnolia stamps. Copics: lets just say a bunch.

It's a Girl Thing

What a crazy weather week here....first 3 inches of snow on Monday and then 80 degrees yesterday...today it is cool and cloudy. Not complaining just justifying being in my stamp room coloring :)

Have had this digital stamp from Mo's Digital Pencil for a while and wanted to make a 'girlie' card. She is soooo adorable. When my kids were young a group of us would get together every Friday - one of the kids favorite things to do was pull out the 'dress up' box and go to town putting things on....even my son got into it with capes and fun hats. Couldn't help but think of this when I was coloring little Ruby here. I used my prismacolor pencils and gamsol. The sentiment is from my computer.

I am going to enter her in the Stampin Sisters In Christ Challenge this week.

Supplies: Ruby from Mo's Digital Pencil, Nestabilities, DP and vellum, Pearls from Michaels, Prismacolor pencils, gamsol.

Howdy Partner

Woke up this morning to some very unexpected snow - three inches of white slushy stuff!! Just the excuse I needed to play in my stamp room - LOL - maybe we should run a poll on 101 reasons to play with our stamps I would love to hear what everyone has to say on that subject.

This little doggie is a digital from Meijens Designs. I just fell in love with this digital since it can be pink for a little Cowgirl Doggie or blue for a little Cowboy Doggie. Always looking for an excuse to play with my Copics and couldn't wait to get them out today....as always it was fun. Each time I use them I learn more and more and wonder what took me so long to try them. I really like how the background behind this puppy turned out - I ran my EF through my CB with some TH Distress Ink and I really think it has a nice aged look to it.

Now its time to do some good old housework (ugh) - then I can come back and play some more!!

Used my Sizzix letter die and my Spellbinders for the frame (ran two together through the Cuttlebug to obtain this look). The background for the doggie is some beige paper run thr my Cuttlebug with the Paisley EF that I dabbed with Tim Holtz Pumice Stone for an aged look.

Awesome Blog Candy at Angelwood's Crafting Corner

Some fabulous blog candy available at Angelwood's Crafting Corner. Had an awesome visit there today to view a young artist in the making!! Be sure and visit.

Spring is around the corner!!!

Wow - what a crazy week! The weather has been all over the place, but in general on the cool side. The sun has peeked out very little and rain seems to be the norm.....yuck! I think I am in definite need of some vitamin D. This may explain the bright colors on my cards this week :) As I began to play with my copics, creating some pretty little springy flowers, it seemed that only vibrant backgrounds called out to me - seriously I fought this urge as it took me way out of my usual comfort zone, but I followed the call and created some pretty intensely colored cards!

WARNING - you may wish to put some sunglasses on before viewing, and please note the creator of these cards is not responsible for your eyes being overwhelmed by the brightness - LOL!!

Challenges I am entering the second card in: Outlawz Girlz CC0308, Our Daily Bread Designs SCC51 and Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge 79

Materials used: CS, DP, Sizzix die, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug EF, Stamp by Stampa Rosa, Copic Markers YG17, G14, R43, RV10, YR15, Y13, Y15, Y17, Y38. Ribbon and embellishments.

Button, Button, whose got the button???

All week I have wanted to get a card ready to enter in the Stampin' Sisters in Christ and Our Daily Bread Designs Challenges. Wow I have almost let the week slip by me. Tuesday I worked and Wednesday I went shopping at a new stamp/scrapbooking place with my friend Pat....its so nice to have someone who shares the same enthusiasm I do for this craft and is willing to drive miles to look at paper and stamps with me. While we were shopping I was sooooo excited to find some Magnolia stamps and new funky ribbon - as I told Pat even if I don't use this ribbon I'll enjoy looking at it and thinking of things to do with it - and surprise, surprise it is exactly what I wanted when I finally put my card together.

The challenge at SSC required buttons so I knew I would be including some in my design. I don't often purchase buttons because when I go to use them they are never quite the color I want. Blog hopping last month I discovered an exquisite card by Angella Crockett at Body, Mind and Spirit, Stamps - her buttons actually matched her design paper because she makes her own. This lovely lady also had a tutorial on her blog showing the process step by step.....so I jumped right in and made some, and today I am using them on my card. Posted below is a close up of these cute little homemade buttons. This is the second time I have made my own buttons and what fun it is to use different shapes - even changing the ribbon or thread tied through them can change their appearance......Thank you Angella for taking the time to share your creative talent thru a tutorial. There is so much to learn from so many of you - thank you for sharing your ideas and talent!!

Products used were DP, ribbon, die cut, bling, punches, crystal effects, ODBD sentiment stamp, and angel stamps from Michaels. My angel image was inked up with Stampin' Ups Rose Red and I stamped her on a scrap sheet first to mute the color under my sentiment.

Call of the Desert

I need to get my 'Western Fix' out of the way every few weeks....until I can get my boots in the desert dust this summer, so I got my'Cowgirl' on when I saw a sketch at Splitcoaststampers - SSC 321 - that would work for a card I was making. I think next time I will experiment and use some girly colors. In the meantime its always good to have a masculine card in my stash, although this one will probably go to Carol in the office at the Ranch. Last time we talked she said she was out of the cards I had given her and could use a few more.

Wish I could remember who designed the main stamp, I can only remember that I bought it at the Gateway Convention in Collinsville, Illinois a few years ago, and have had the occasion to use it several different ways. The sentiment and barbed wire are from Marks Finest Paper.

Put my brown CS thru an EF and stamped my image twice so I would have two of the desert scene - then I cut four of the six images into squares. I stamped barbed wire, several times across and dirtied the edges of the sentiment to give it an aged look. I used my corner punch on both the card and the layers. Then I used some pop ups to raise the sentiment up over the lower image.

Peace

What a great weekend. Family from Chicago came to town and spent the night before going to a hockey game here between our 'Blues' and their 'Blackhawks' ....it is always good to spend time with family. It was a real treat to cook for them and catch up on all that is happening in their lives. Two days away from my stamp room has me catching up.....today I worked on a card I will enter in the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge 76, and at Our Daily Bread Designs for their challenge 49 and then I'll add this card either to my stash or some that I am taking to our Church Bookstore. Just a little side note, I used Stampin Ups 'Glorious Green' for the angel which I think is rather appropriate.

While I enjoy checking my blog and the ones I follow for inspiration - I really enjoy getting up Sundays and looking to see what the devotionals will be at Stampin Sisters in Christ. They always enlighten me and draw me into the Word. So many nice ladies with some great talent.

For this card I used my sizzix die for the corners, some cs I had laying around, bling from Hobby Lobby, the angel stamp is from Stampin Up 04, and the words are Our Daily Bread Design. Ink is Stampin Up Glorious Green.

Keep It Simple Sister

What a great devotional this week over at Stampin Sisters in Christ....Heb 13:5. Patti J challenged us to be satisfied with what we have because He will not forsake us. Her stamping challenge was to Keep It Simple Sister - a one layer card. You would think it would be easy to keep it simple, but I really had to think about it. How could I create a one layer card without my dies, and DP - oh my.....then so many thoughts began to swirl around.....all leading to technique upon technique that required, step after step.......I was not feeling the simple. Then I remembered a style of card I had done years ago and thought why not tape and stamp. No fancy words or bows or embellishments - just one layer all on its own. Truly a 'Just Because' card to be sent with words of encouragement written on the inside......Thank you Patti - this challenge and the devotional have helped me remain a little more focused in the present this week and grateful.

Used CS that I taped off with removable tape then masked the areas and used a brush to put a little color in each square. Covering each area I then took an old floral stamp and stamped in each area....a one layer simple card!!

Chocolate Delight Birthday

The last few days have been hectic.....I've needed to work on some cards, but I have also needed to pick up my stamp room. Recently I have been having a lot of fun cutting and stamping and I fear letting it get too out of control.....lots of stamps to file and paper to pick up. Then there is the lovely weather (unseasonably warm) that has been tempting me to get outdoors and walk. Today I took advantage of the sunshine and did a 5k - it felt good, the treadmill just can't recreate the hills and sunshine.

Finally sat down to make a birthday card for a friend. As a fellow chocolate lover I thought she would enjoy the M & M theme. You can't tell from the picture but there are some little clear acrylic stickers over some of the candies. I am also posting this to the Papercraft Star Challenge Number 33 this week.

This card is pretty simply done. Used my Nestabilities to cut everything but the paper. Added a few embellishments with the rafia and acrylic stickers.

Stylish Blogger Award

It was a pleasant surprise today when I checked my blog to have the Stylish Blogger Award passed to me from Handmade with Love by Sarah. She left this with a lovely comment about my card. I am to list 8 things you probably don't know about me and pass this on to 8 other lovely ladies. I realize that not everyone is comfortable posting information on their blogs and understand if those I pass this on to choose not to list something we might not know about them, but I hope they will know that I sent this because I enjoy and follow their blogs because they inspire me with all the great work they do.

1) Red is my favorite color

2) I lost 32 pounds and have kept them off for over four years now!

3) The older I get the less I care about a clean house, especially if it means I can stamp.

4) My day just doesn't get started if I don't have my coffee.

5) My best stamping buddy is Pat

6) Everyday I have a piece of dark chocolate mmmm!

7) I always cry when the National Anthem is played.

8) I know not what the day holds, but I know He who holds the day.

The following are 'Stylish Bloggers'

addINKtive Designs

Crazy for Daisies

Francie's Fancy

Inspired to Stamp

Lady & the Stamp

Handkrafted by Stephanie

Poetic Artistry

Th-INK-ing of You

Cool Daisy's

About a year ago I got up enough courage to purchase some Copic markers....it looked like you could color and create such beautiful images with them, but I was a little intimidated. Slowly, but persistently I have begun to incorporate using them on my cards. It has helped to watch some great tutorials on line and check some great blogs. I am really excited that a class is being offered in St. Louis in March and I have been accepted to become 'Certified" I can hardly wait to learn more about these fabulous tools. I worked with their cool colors this week for Challenge No. 43 - "Were Cool" and will be submitting this card. I still have a ways to go using these markers but boy are they fun!!!

My image is Stampendous, and the border is a MS punch. Colors used were B32, B63, BV00,Y38, Y13, Y15, G05, G14. I spritzed the stamped layer with Tsukineko shimmer sparkle.

Unconditional Love

I decided to make this card for the Stampin Sisters in Christ. The devotional this week was on 1 John 3:18 and our cards were to show love without using words on the front of the card. I couldn't think of any greater love than His for us.....

I am also using this card in the ODBDSLC47 Anniversary Challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs it meets their challenge to use dies and punches. Inside I stamped 'Darkness cannot put out the light, it can only make God brighter' with an ODBD stamp.

Used on this card were plain cs, Nesties, MS punch, Stampabilities image, ODBD words (inside) ODBD stamp as a background, and a small heart punch.

Vintage Valentine

Took one of my grandmothers old postcards and reduced it on my copy machine onto Expression CS. Ran it thru the CB with a die and then layered it. Ran the background thru also using a Sixxiz EF. Added a little ribbon with some pearls. The inside has some die cut edges with a valentines sentiment. This is a great way to use old postcards. I think she is awfully sweet looking.

Denim Delight

I worked on this card to submit to Stampin Sisters in Christ . Challenge 74 Psalm 23. Thought I would try something I have never attempted with making my own flower. Seems whenever I buy an embellishment its not quite the right color and I struggle to use it, so after watching some tutorials I made a modified version of the Tim Holtz flower (this one is only 5 layers to allow it to lay flatter for mailing). It was exciting to be able to make it from denim DP to match the background I was using. Of course I needed some leaves and was stumped for a while until I ran some hearts off on my Cricut and cut around the edges then used the McGill stylus to shape them...all in all I am happy with this attempt - its always fun to be challenged and learn something new. Sometimes I spend so much time looking at everyones blogs being inspired it feels like my head is going to explode when I finally sit still and get a card going. Thank you for looking, I always enjoy feedback. Right after adding this I noticed a challenge at Mark's Finest Paper Speedy's Challenge 41 for handmade flowers :) so I added this to that challenge also.

Used my Cricut, McGill stylus and mat, ribbon, CS, Nestie, MS Daisy edge punch, and a stamp from Stampabilities. If you want to see the tutorial on making this flower I suggest you go to You-tube and watch the various tutorials they have. I watched Pinkaboo6691 and found her easy to follow.

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

Began this card yesterday for the Papercraft Star sketch challenge 31 . It has been quite a personal challenge!! I have wanted to work with my Kitchen Sink Cowboy Boots stamp and the process began....and what a process. KS stamps are several stamps that layer over each other with different grades of color....probably easy for those who have done it, for me it was work to get these boots 'just the way I wanted them'. Finally got them 'just right' and began to layer and get my design ready. At this point I am pretty inky and - 'yes' - I got ink on my design :( Not one to give up I turned this, in my mind disaster, into a positive. Reaching for my VersaMark ink pad I stamped over them there boots and then used clear embossing powerder on them, heated them up and cut them out. Not what I had planned, but I think it turned out well......funny how just when you think you have it all figured out your have to change your plans.

Inks used were Color Box Chestnut Roan, stamped off for layer 1 and full strength for layer 2. Memento Rich Cocoa for layer 3 stamped off and full strength for layer 4...and Versa Magic Jumbo Java for layer 5. CS was ran through my CB with a paisley EF and nesties were used for the boots background, which I then daubed over with some Rich Cocoa. Ribbon is from a friend in Rockford, IL and then added a little charm.

ODBDSL46 Challenge

The weather here has been crazy....we are suppose to be under a 'blizzard' warning, but it looks like we are on the lower edge of the precip line and will not get the large amount of snow originally predicted. Twenty five miles north of here is a different story. We have already shoveled the driveway twice from all the sleet we received. Of course, the weather means I have had plenty of time to stamp and play - today I worked on several cards. This one is being submitted to Our Daily Bread Design for Challenge 46 "Blue"......I have wanted to do something with this paper and ribbon for a while and was glad to have the chance to play. After hopping the Our Daily Bread Designs blogs this morning I am anything but 'blue' - I instead feel very peaceful and used their stamp for my design. I need a 'just because' card for a family member and I think this may work.

Received the "Shining The Light Award" for this card at Our Daily Bread Design this week - Thanks ladies that means a lot to me.

Wings of Prayer - ODBD Sketch Challenge

This week was a sketch challenge at Our Daily Bread Design. I was in awe of the many beautiful cards I viewed. Angels bring messages from God and I have several I enjoy getting all inky to use on cards. I have also been working on some of those cute little tissue box holders featured in a Splitcoaststampers tutorial and plan to make one for a friend who is close to the Lord and is undergoing chemo. This card will go with it. Thanks for looking.






My stamps are ODBD words, and Inkadoo. I used my nestie to cut the first oval and then sponged in Lovely Lilac around it while it was still in the nestie. Also used a Tim Holtz die, ribbon and rhinestones.

Challenge #73 - Jeremiah 31:3 (Vintage)

Another snowy morning - it is cold, but pretty outside. Checked out a few of my favorite blogs after church and was inspired by the devotional on Jeremiah at Stampin Sisters in Christ .

The challenge was to make a vintage card. I have had this small white frame for some time and have wanted to use it. I recently bought some lovely soft rose colored paper that I thought would work nicely and began to play. This is what I came up with, I hope you enjoy her. This morning (Monday)I tweeked her a little and reloaded the photo,so if you viewed this at SSC first you might notice the card looks different. Sometimes you go with an idea and then sleep on it and just know you have to make a little change. The ribbon looked too plain, and I decided it needed some color behind it - so I punched out the darker colored cs and placed it under the ribbon, looks a lot better to me and I'll be happier with it as a whole when I give it away.







The stamp is Art Impressions stamped on Radiance CS, colored with copic markers. I used a Fiskar corner punch and some pearl embellishments along with some old flowers....the ribbon was a very cheap after Christmas purchase. No special technique just a fun challenge.

Young at heart

We had over six inches of snow last night and after shoveling the driveway this morning I decided to do something relaxing....that means I hit my stamp room for a little fun. Papercraft Star had a challenge using some fun colors, ribbon and stamping so I decided to make a birthday card for a friend and submit it for their challenge. I especially like the sentiment as I realize that 'growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional'. I think I like this statement because I haven't outgrown liking to cut, paste, stamp and color!!





Used some Tempting Turquoise CS that I ran thru the CB as well as stamped on. The background is Raspberry CS....this little stamp was only $1.00 from JoAnn's and I think she is especially cute. Other items used were my nesties, ribbon. and copic markers.

Flowers of Faith

I created this for the Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge. I used some new paper I just bought that makes me think of spring, and one of my new stamps from Our Daily Bread Designs. The sweet little lady is from KK Designs.

Simply Mellow Yellow

It is cold out today and the sun has only peeked out a few times, guess that is what inspired me to use yellow ochre for my card!! Of course, yellow reminded me of "smiley faces" so I used a stamp with such a saying to reflect that also. I am entering this in the ODBD challenge 'with wings' at Our Daily Bread Designs. Later, when I have a little more time I am going to do this same card with more color. I used my CB, a Penny Black and ODBD Butterfly Stamps, ribbon and Nesties.

SNTODBD26 All Creatures Great and Small

I made this card for the Our Daily Bread Design Stamping in Time challenge SNTODBD26 All Creatures Great and Small. I found this paper at Michael's and immediately thought of Isaiah 53:6 - We all, like sheep, have gone astray......a shepherd watches over his sheep and I know my Shepherd watches over me so I thought it was appropriate to use this stamp with the paper.

Our Daily Bread Design Butterfly Corner Stamp

Was really excited today when I got my new stamps from Our Daily Bread Designs. This butterfly set is so pretty, I look forward to making lots of cards using it. Have plans to clean the storage area in the basement with my DH tomorrow - I just couldn't go to bed until I got this done. (I have already used this stamp black on white and its awesome with words from the Faith set) I am using this card for challenge ODBDSLC43 at Our Daily Bread Designs as well as Stampin Sisters In Christ Challenge for a project that has wings.




After stamping the Butterfly Corner Design in Memento Ink on my Radiance CS I colored it with copic markers and then used my Martha Steward circle cutter to cut a 3 1/4 inch circle that I mounted on a black scalloped circle. My white background was run thru the CB and then I put my ribbon on and mounted that all on black cs over my card. I stamped the butterfly from ODBD and colored it in B32 and E55 with my copics mounted it over the other butterfly with the wings bent upward. I feel like a butterfly inspires hope so I searched my word box for 'hope' and stamped it on an oval I cut out and mounted over a black scalloped oval.

SC314 and CC301 Splitcoaststampers Challenge

I made this card for a friend who has been going through a lot this last year. I used red, black and white for CC301, challenge and the layout from the SC 314 challenge. Hope to stay busy in my stamp room since I don't have to be back at work until next week.

To keep the white background from being too plain I stamped it with a background stamp and used my CB on the red paper for some texture, then I used a Fiskar punch to create the lattice look. Personally I enjoy these colors together....and was happy to see them as part of the challenge this week.

Western - SC313 Challenge

My goal this year is to participate in the challenges on Splitcoaststampers.  This was my first attempt, it was fun and I look forward to doing many more.  This one will now be sent to a friend at the ranch.

The Cowboy is from the Southwest Cowboy set from Marks Finest, and the word stamp is Stampabilities.  I used some burlap and horse paper I had laying around and cut the edges with my deckled scissors.  I thought the brads were a nice touch.

Sunflower Surprise

I just had to make this card and share it.  Christmas morning as I peeked into my stocking I was totally surprised to find this stamp in a set by Stampendous (Sunflower Bouquet)!!!  My husband really surprised me - I never expected him to go into a stamp store and actually pick out  a stamp for me......after 30 years of marriage he continues to surprise me :)

I used Memento Ink to stamp on my Expressions paper and then colored it in with Copic Markers.  Used my latest Nestabilities  Beaded Oval as a background.  Found some awesome BoBunny paper that I ran thru the CB with some vines for a background and then put it all together.  There is a single sunflower in the set and I will use it to stamp on the outside of the envelope when I give this away.