March 28, 2015

Inspirational Challenge - Colour Challenge

It's a new challenge started over at Inkspirational today and it's a colour challenge this time.  Use Neon!  Luckily I happened to have some neon inks. :-)


This will be a fun challenge and I hope you will all join us.  I actually have two cards to share with you today.  I made one and then ended up making another from some of the scraps of the first card.  Take a look...





So, the first card I made by die cutting the word happy and using it as a mask.  I sponged pink and blue neon ink (Hero Arts) then stamped some circular patterned stamps (Studio G) in the same colours over top.  Then I splattered some watered down black ink.  I removed the mask and stamped the birthday (STAMPlorations) in black.  I then attached my panel to my card base with some foam dots.  My second card was made using the happy mask.  I loved how it looked after I had sponged and stamped all over it.  So I took a white card base and splattered some watered down neon blue ink.  I then put some bright purple striped washi tape (Scotch Expressions) on the bottom edge.  I adhered my happy die cut and then stamped the birthday in black.  I like how both of them turned out but I think I like the second card the best.

I hope you'll be able to join us Ink girls and make some bright neon cards.  Check out the other DT girls projects as they are fabulous.  So, is the card our guest designer, Michelle, made.  Visit her blog, I Card Everyone and leave her some love.  :-)

I'm going to link up to the following challenges with just the second card:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - anything goes
Seize the Birthday - anything goes
AAA Cards - bare naked CAS



Thanks for visiting and have an awesome day!


March 23, 2015

Purple Blossom

Well, I did as I said I would and started sketching again.  This time I decided to sketch some flowers. I've coloured two so far and will be sharing another card soon.  This time I decided to use my Spectrum Noir markers to colour in my flower.  Not sure exactly what kind of flower it is but I thought it was pretty in its simplicity.  Take a look...


Once I had drawn and coloured it I fussy cut it out.  I stamped my flourishes (Inkadinkado) in mellow moss (SU!) then I adhered my flower.  I stamped the sentiment (Fiskars) in black.  I like how the flower is the star of the card and goes off the edge a bit.

I'm going to link up to the following challenges:

CAS-ology - cue card is Blossom
Addicted to Stamps and More - anything goes
Fusion Card Challenge -  I went with just the inspiration photo.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a fantastic day!

March 19, 2015

The Big 4-0

So.  Today is a big day for me.  Or so I'm told.  Today I turned 40.  Wow, that's weird to say.  40?  Funny, I don't feel 40.  Okay some days I feel 80 but those are rare bad days.  LOL.  I've never been the type of person who gets depressed at getting older.  It just a part of life.  And (most of the time) I don't feel (or act) my age.  :-). So, turning 40 doesn't upset me at all.  But I do find it strange and a bit hard to wrap my head around the concept.  I mean, 40 is the age of a true grown up, right?  I know I'm married and have a child and I've got lots of responsibilities and that. But I've always thought of myself as a kid still, for the most part.  I probably always will.  And you know what?  I figure that's a good way to be.  As long as I don't get completely irresponsible.  ;-). So I'm going to enjoy being 40!

Well, enough about that.  Let's get to a card!!  Just a nice CAS card to share today.  Take a look...


This is quick and easy to make.  I stamped my feather and sentiment (STAMPlorations, Trendy Feathers set) on a black card base and embossed in silver.  Then I scored some lines around the edge of the card base for some added interest.  Easy peasy!

I'm going to link up to the following challenges:

STAMPlorations - Anything Goes challenge
Addicted to Stamps and More - anything goes.
Time Out Challenge - CAS (with optional twist of black and white with one other colour.  I didn't do the twist).
AAA Cards - Bare Naked CAS


Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a great Thursday!

March 17, 2015

One Layer Christmas Card Challenge #6

Hey everyone! Its that time again to start and challenge over at One Layer Christmas Card Challenges!  I really hope you'll join us this challenge.  It's anything goes, as usual, with the twist of using circles.


You don't have to use the twist but if you do you get entered in for the prize drawing of an ARTplorations stencil.  How cool is that?!  Let me show you my card...


So first I stamped my large dotted circle (Neat and Tangled, Party Dots set) in SSS Sea Glass blue ink.  Then I created a smaller circle stencil by cutting a circle out of a piece of paper and sponged Memento Teal Zeal.  I then stamped my tiny trio of dots (Neat and Tangled, Party Dots set) in Memento Nautical Blue.  I then stamped a snowflake (Hero Arts) on the stenciled circles in white ink.  Then I stamped a smaller snowflake (Technique Tuesday) in Memento Flannel Grey stamping once full strength and then stamping again to get a lighter grey.  I stamped the sentiment (Clearly Besotted) in the same grey.  Lastly, I added a few sequins (Neat and Tangled).

So, I hope you come on over to the blog and join in on the fun.  Be sure to check out the other DAt members cards too they are all amazing!  :-)

I'd like to link up to the following challenges:

Christmas Card Challenges

Winter Wonderland - Blue Christmas
Little Tangles - Anything Goes



Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a fantastic day!

March 15, 2015

Hawaiian Birthday

Hey everyone!  If ever I needed to dream about warmer, sunnier weather it would be today.  It's March 15th and we are currently having a blizzard.  A blizzard!!  Apparently March is determined to go out like a lion.  Sigh.  Will winter never end?  Okay that's enough of my whining.  At least it's not as cold as it was.

Anyway, today's card is one that makes me think of a fun tropical vacation somewhere.  Like Hawaii!  I'd love to go to Hawaii.  It's one of the places my husband and I have on our travel bucket list.  :-). Here's my card...


So in used an old stamp by Stampcraft that has four different stamps on the same block.  I've always liked the Hawaiian shirt stamp.  I stamped it in four bright colours then fussy cut them out.  I took a square piece of white cardstock and scored lines on it.  I matted this With black and attached to my white card base.  I stamp the sentiment (STAMPlorations) in black.  Then I attached my shirts with some foam dots.  I think it turned out rather fun!  :-)

I'm linking up to the following challenges:

Time Out Challenge - inspiration picture below.  I was inspired by the brightly coloured frames and the white panel wall behind them.


CAS-ology - cue card is "Tropical"

Thanks so much for dropping by for a visit and I hope you have a fantastic day!

March 14, 2015

Inkspirational Challenge - Designer's Choice

It's time for another challenge over at Inkspirational and this time it's Designer's Choice.  Our very talented teammate, Yvonne, has chosen a really cool theme for this challenge.


Now, I wasn't sure at first what "She Art" meant so I googled it.  This is what I found out.  It is typically a mixed-media art piece that features a female image and an empowering or heartfelt quote. Okay, I can do that.  :-). It turned out to be pretty straightforward, once I figured out what stamps to use.  Take a look...


I used an old stamp by Rubber Stampede that is called "girl in repose".  It's quite a lovely stamp.  I masked off a strip of my card base and stamped my girl stamp in soft suede (SU!). I then sponged the same ink above and below. Then I took a baby wipe and blended the ink a bit. I also use some water and a paint brush to blend.  I stamped my script stamps (7 Gypsies/Hampton Art) in the same ink stamping off to make some more subtle. I then stamped some leaves (Clearly Besotted, Autumn Flowers set) in Perfect Plum, Mellow Moss and Brocade Blue (all SU!).  Some show up more than others.  Then I sponged and baby wiped some more and once dry, removed the mask.  I added a bit of washi tape (Recollections) and stamped the sentiment (SU!).  I'm quite please with the results of my first She Art project.

You should definitely check out the rest of the Ink design team's She Art as well.  All fabulous!  Hope you'll all take the plunge and join us.  :-)

I'm going to link up to the following challenges:

Little Tangles - anything goes


Craft Stamper Magazine - Take it, Make it challenge - use a stamp.

I'd like to take a moment to welcome a few new followers.  A big shout out to Maria of Maria's Merry Makings, A.J. of Rutabaga Pie Designs, and Shawna of The Grand Stampede!  Thanks for following me!  Check out their lovely creations, you'll be inspired, trust me.  :-). And welcome to the new email followers too, whoever you are!  :-)

Thanks so much for visiting and have a fantastic day!!

March 10, 2015

One Layer Christmas Card Challenge #5 Reminder

Hey everyone!  Today is just a reminder that you still have time to whip up a one layer Christmas card to add to your stash and link up to One Layer Christmas Cards Challenge.  It's anything goes with an optional twist of glitter.  So, make it with or without glitter but just make it!  LOL.  Okay, I can't quite make the drill sergeant work.  But hey, you'll get another Christmas card done for your stash.




So, my card is once again in non-traditional colours.  I stamped a variety of snowflakes (large one is an old foam stamp, medium one is Hero Arts and small one is Technique Tuesday) using my glue ink pad and on some I used brightly coloured flocking powder and the small snowflake was embossed with gold glitter embossing powder.  The sentiment (STAMPlorations) was embossed with the same powder.  The flocking powder really gives a cool texture and I like how the colours show up on the black card base.  :-)

I'm going to link up to the following challenges:

Jingle Belles - inspiration picture.


Virginia's View Challenge - all things embossed.


Well, I hope you all have a lovely day and thanks for stopping by!

March 08, 2015

Super Hero

Well, I have a card today that turned out pretty much as I envisioned it.  That doesn't happen too often.  Usually, I end up deviating greatly from my original design.  :-). Anyway, this card would be great for the man or boy in your life.  Check it out...


So I stamped my sign post and sentiment (Neat and Tangled, On The Corner Set) in Memento black ink and coloured it with my Spectrum Noir markers.  Then I cut it out in a circle shape. Using some vellum I cut a spotlight shape and adhered both to my black card base.  It's pretty simple to do and I think it looks pretty cool.  :-)

I'm going to link up to the following challenges:

Little Tangles - anything goes


Addicted to Stamps and More - CAS
Craft Stamper - Take It, Make It a Challenge for March - use a stamp.

Well, thanks so much for visiting today and I hope you all have had a great weekend!

March 07, 2015

Oh, Happy Day!

Today I have a card to share that utilizes my drawing skills again.  It's been a while since I've really drawn anything so doing some drawing on these past two cards has been quite nice.  Makes me realize how much I miss it and need to get back into it.  :-). Don't get me wrong, I love my stamps and I will continue to stamp my little heart out but I think I'll do some drawing and painting again too.  I'll do some on cards and maybe some other things too.  :-)

Anyway, here's my card...




So I drew my three shamrocks in pencil then traced over with a fine tip black sharpie.  Then I coloured them in with my Spectrum Noir markers (CG2, LG5, JG6).  Then I masked off my shamrocks and stamped a small dot (Technique Tuesday, Flurry Set) in yellow (Memento) then splattered some watered down Mellow Moss (SU!).  Then I took my mini coral stencil (TCW) and sponged on some glossy accents.  I wanted the stenciled part to be subtle.  Then I took my heart stamp (Verve Stamps, Hoppy Easter Set) and stamped it to look like a shamrock using StazOn dove grey ink.  Then I stamped my sentiment (STAMPlorations, Sketched Blooms Set) in black.  I added a few sequins (Neat and Tangled) for some sparkle.  Lastly, I attached my panel to my card base with some foam dots.

I'm going to link up to the following challenges:

Spectrum Noir March challenge - use a sentiment.
Addicted to Stamps and More - create a CAS card.
Less is More - colour challenge, Yellow and Green.
STAMPlorations - monthly challenge for March - Stamps and Stencils.
STAMPlorations - sketch challenge #29


Sparkle and Shine Challenge -


Curtain Call -


Well, hope you are all having a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for stopping in for a visit.

March 03, 2015

Spring Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Hi there!  Just wanted to get a quick post in to link up to the Spring Coffee Lovers Blog Hop.  This would be my first time participating.  Now I do have a confession to make.  I actually don't drink coffee.  I like coffee flavoured things like chocolate and ice cream but have never enjoyed coffee itself.  Except for one type of coffee drink I had once at Tim Hortons.  It was sweet and good and I can't remember what it was now.  LOL.  Thats okay I'd still go for coffee with any of you but I would just have hot chocolate instead.  :-). Anyway, maybe because I don't drink coffee, I don't have any coffee related stamps.  So I broke out my drawing skills and created my own!  Check it out...


So I first drew my coffee mug in pencil.  I then used broken china, walnut stain, and tea dye distress inks like water colours and painted my mug.  I originally did a background too but didn't care for the results so I saved my mug by fussy cutting it out.  :-). I splattered some walnut stain and broken china ink on my white card base and added some washi and glitter tape.  I stamped my sentiment (Clearly Besotted) in timber brown StazOn ink.  Then I attached my mug with foam dots.  I'm quite pleased with the results.  I think my colours are springlike with the warm earth tones and the pretty bright blue.

I'm going to link up to the following challenges as well:

Addicted to CAS - code word is distress.
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - anything goes
City Crafter Challenge Blog - use washi tape.

I'd like to take a moment and welcome two new followers. A great big welcome to Ellie of My Creative Moments and Shirley-Anne of Stamping For Joy.  Both wonderful card artists and well worth a visit!  :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a fabulous day!

One Layer Christmas Card Challenge #5

It's challenge time over at One Layer Christmas Cards again and this time the twist is something that we all love. Especially, for Christmas cards!


Glitter!  Glitter and Christmas cards go together like bread and butter, in my opinion.  :-).  Once again I decided go non-traditional in my colour scheme but rather than going bright and bold I went with soft and monochromatic instead.  And of course a touch of glitter.  Check it out...


So I create my scene by masking off my rectangle and sponging on some black and grey inks on my grey card base.  I stamped the branches stamp (Penny Black) in grey and then black.  I added some more sponging of black ink in the bottom corner and a little bit of purple and blue sponging to the sky.  I added some white on the branches to mimic snow with a white gel pen and then splattered some white paint all over.  I removed the mask and made a silver glitter tape (Darice) frame by trimming my tape in narrow strips.  Then I stamped my sentiment (STAMPlorations) in black.  I love how this scene turned out.  Like a misty, snowy night during the holidays.  :-)

I hope you will all join us in this fun challenge.  Please come visit the OLCCC blog and check out the awesome glittery projects by the other DT members too.

I'm going to link up to the following challenges:

Thanks for visiting with me and I hope you have a lovely day!