Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue!

That is the theme for the current Timeless Tuesday Challenge.  It was fun to dig through my stash to see what I had that fit the challenge.  Click HERE to go right to the challenge page.

Here are the requirements for challenge:

OLD - use something older from your product stash (paper, embellishments, etc.)
NEW - the newest stamp that you just acquired.
BORROWED - scraplift (not sure what that means) or CASE (I do know what that means) a 'design'
      from the Flourishes Gallery (*PLEASE link & credit the project inspiration piece from the gallery.)
BLUE - add something blue on it. 

For the 'old,' I used the pearl and lace ribbon a friend gave me a couple of years ago.  The 'new' is my new Botanical Bookplates Vol. 1 from Flourishes.  Here is the design I 'borrowed' from Cindy Lawrence.  Click on her card to go right to her design.  Click Flourishes Gallery to see more beautiful designs in the Gallery.

For the 'blue,' I used my Copic markers to color the flowers blue and used a couple of blue papers from my Down by the Shore paper from Fancy Pants.
 
And, here is my same but different CASE of Cindy's design.  I love that pearl and lace ribbon!

Stamp:  Botanical Bookplates Vol.1;  Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Copic Markers YG11,YG13, YG17, B00, B02, B05, YR02; Card Stock:  Classic White (Flourishes), Down By The Shore (Fancy Pants); Accessories & Tools:  Classic Bookplate Template Die (Flourishes), Pearl Basic Jewels (Stampin' Up!), Pearl & Lace Ribbon, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Until next time. . . happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Ephesians 5:14

Happy Birthday Flourishes!

It has been such fun participating in the birthday celebration challenges Flourishes has had over the past couple of weeks.  Today's is the Six for Six Challenge.  For all the details, just click HERE or on the image below.  It gives the recipe for this challenge.

It was hard to pick a stamp to use for my card.  I love my Swan Lake but I wanted to use one of the four great sets I had the privilege to win from the July release.  I decided on Dahlias.  It's such a gorgeous set.

Stamp Set:  Dahlias, Pinwheels and Popsicles (Flourishes); Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Copic Markers YG11, YG13, YG17, YR02, YR07, YR09; Card Stock:  Textured Peach (American Crafts), Hipster Patterned Paper (Basic Grey), Pear Pizzazz (Stampin' Up!), Classic White (Flourishes); Accessories & Tools:  Flower Lattice Embossing Folder (Sizzix), Limeade Twine (Doodlebug), Pearl Basic Jewels (Stampin' Up!)

Happy Birthday, Flourishes.  I look forward to many more years of creating with your beautiful stamp sets.

Until next time. . . happy creating!

Green and Yellow and Orange, Oh My!

That's right.  Colors that I rarely use but thought something different would be a nice change.  I tend to get stuck in a "blue" or "black and white" mode on occasion.  It's like I suddenly have a revelation that there are so many beautiful colors out there, why don't I use more of them.  So, here is a card that uses bright, cheerful colors.  It's one of my first attempts using my new Copic markers.

Stamp Sets:  Fabulous Florets (Stampin' Up!), With Gratitude (Flourishes); Inks:  Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap Distress Ink (Ranger), Copic Markers Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, Y19, YG11, YG13, YG17; Card Stock:  Daffodil Delight (Stampin' Up!), Poppy Paper Pack (Little Yellow Bicycle); Accessories & Tools:  Doily (Bo Bunny)

One of the things that I have always enjoyed since childhood is coloring.  I keep several coloring books and crayons on hand for my grandchildren.  When they come for a visit, I love to color with them.  With the Copic markers, it's so relaxing to sit down and color an image.

Until next time . . . happy creating!

Seize the Birthday

Okay, now that I've added several posts for today, I have one more for you.  Then, I'm going to take a couple of days off.  I've been playing catch up with all the challenges I wanted to join.  The Seize the Birthday: "Anything Goes" Birthday challenge is a new one for me.  I like that you can use any sketch and any colors we want for this one.

To find out all the details, just click HERE or on the image below.  You'll go right to their post about this challenge.  While you're there, be sure to look at all the great projects that have been shared.

For my birthday card, I decided to go a bit vintage.  These patterned papers from Graphic 45's Secret Garden are perfect for a vintage style card.  It puts me in mind of some of the pretty wallpaper my grandmother used to to brighten up her home.

Stamps Sets:  Sincere Salutations and God's Blessing (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Ranger); Card Stock:  Calypso Coral and Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!), Secret Garden (Graphic 45); Accessories & Tools:  1/4" Tangerine Tango Ribbon, Pearl Basic Jewels and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!)

Until next time. . . happy creating!

Festive Friday Color Challenge

Pink for a Christmas card.  Now that is one I would never have thought of on my own.  I suppose that's because blue is my favorite color so I tend to go down that 'blue' road when I'm thinking of colors.  There are many times when I have to talk myself into using other colors.  I think that is why I love all the challenges I've been participating in lately.  They are definitely getting me off that 'blue' road.

The current challenge for Festive Friday is a color challenge and all you have to be sure to do is use the colors of pink, white and silver.  It actually turns out to be a great combination.  You can find all the details about the challenge by clicking HERE or on the image below.

Here is the very bright and sparkly card I made for the challenge.

Stamp Set:  Cowboy Christmas (Flourishes); Ink:  Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Classic White (Flourishes), Secret Love Patterned Paper, Silver Glitter Paper (American Crafts); Accessories & Tools:  Decorative Label Punch, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Ice Cream Parlor Button (all Stampin' Up!), Pink & White Twine (American Crafts), White Doily (Bo Bunny)

The sparkle of the silver glitter paper doesn't show up well in the picture but it is very glittery in person.

Until next time. . . happy creating!

Timeless Tuesday #230 - Christmas in July with a Catch

The catch?  The card had to be semi-flat - no big bows or anything else that would make it a lumpy, bumpy envelope.  I used a banner that when put into the envelope will flatten out until you take it out.  The three pretty rhinestones shouldn't present a problem but I always add a light layer just so they don't poke through the envelope.

To get all the details about the Christmas in July with a Catch Challenge, click HERE or on the image below.

Here is the card I created for this challenge.  One of my favorite dies is the Peekaboo Frames from Stampin' Up!  Oh, and I absolutely love this silver glitter paper from American Crafts!  It's sparkly and shimmery and it does not flake off and get glitter every where.  Now that is something to happy dance about!

You can see the image once you open the little door on the frame.  I used the horseshoe from Flourishes Cowboy Christmas stamp set.

Stamp Set:  Cowboy Christmas; Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Copic Markers R22, R24, R27; E33, E37, E39; YG11, YG13, YG17; Card Stock:  Gumball Green (Stampin' Up!), Classic White (Flourishes), Silver Glitter Paper ( American Crafts); Accessories & Tools:  Peekaboo Frames (Stampin' Up!), Clear Rhinestones colored with Copic Marker R27

Until next time . . . happy creating!

Color Your World Challenge

It has been so much fun doing all of the challenges that Flourishes is having to celebrate their sixth birthday.  But, whew, it sure has been hard to keep up.  Today's Create With Me Monday challenge is one that had me pushing my limits.  Heather's tutorial was great; easy to follow and her photos helped me get an idea of what she was trying to convey.  I've not done much in the way of coloring backgrounds.  In fact, this is the very first time I have attempted to do it.  I think I need to do a lot of practicing.

To see Heather's beautiful card and her step-by-step tutorial, click HERE.  You still have time to join in on the challenge.

Stamp Sets:  Swan Lake and Garden Fairies (Flourishes); Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Faded Jeans and Dusty Concord (Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Ranger), Always Artichoke (Stampin' Up!), Copic Marker YR02; Card Stock:  Perfect Plum and River Rock (Stampin' Up!), Classic White (Flourishes), Secret Garden (Graphic 45); Accessories & Tools:  Twine

In all honesty, I'm not sure what look I was going for.  :-)  As I said, I'll just have to keep on practicing.  I really think it will be fun to create backgrounds to add a different look to some of my cards.

Until next time . . . happy creating!

A Christmas in July Challenge!

It has been so much fun following along with Flourishes birthday celebration.  Making a Christmas card in July when temperatures are in the 90s had me thinking of snow and Santa and all those gifts that I need to make.  It sure took my mind off of the heat.  The challenge was to make a Christmas card.  To see all the details, click HERE.

Stamp Set:  Cowboy Christmas (Flourishes); Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Copic Markers E33, E37, E39; YG11, YG13, YG17; R22, R24, R27; Card Stock:  Classic White (Flourishes), Frostwood Lodge (Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  3-1/2" Cherry Cobbler Tulle (Stampin' Up!), Corner Rounder

Until next time . . . happy creating!

CASE-ing Heather

Wow!  Challenges, challenges and more challenges!  I'm having a lot of fun working my way through all of Flourishes birthday celebration.  Heather is the one who introduced me to Flourishes.  We met when she came into the store where I work and we had a chance to visit for a bit.  Oh, she's also the one who started me using Copic Markers.  I think her work is beautiful so having a chance to CASE her design was a treat.

As you can see, I changed up the colors for mine.  I didn't have any pastel paper so I made mine using Paper Vellum and sponging the edges with ink.  Since it was covered with the other card stock, I didn't have to ink the whole thing.  It gave just the right hint of blue.  It was fun to go through my supplies and find something that I could substitute for the different items she used.

To see more of Heather's beautiful work, click HERE or on the image below.  It's the design I CASE-d.  You can also find her at her blog; Simply Handmade by Heather.  She truly inspires me.

And, here is my take on Heather's beautiful card.

Stamp Sets:  Sweet Nature and Anemones (Flourishes); Inks:  Marina Mist and Early Espresso (Stampin' Up!), Copic Markers YG 11, YG 13, YG17, B00, B02, B05; Card Stock:  Classic White (Flourishes), Paper Vellum and Polka Dot Parade (Stampin' Up!); Accessories :& Tools:  Adorning Accents Edgelits and Early Espresso Baker's Twine (Stampin' Up!), blue button

My blue flower needs deeper color but for a novice, at least I stayed inside the lines!  :-)  Come back tomorrow for a design for the next challenge on Flourishes.

Until next time . . . happy creating!

Pinwheels & Popsicles Birthday Fun!

Today's card is the one I made to fit the 10-Minute Thursday Creation challenge over at Flourishes.  It's part of their birthday celebration.  I also wanted to use one of the new stamp sets I won for being chosen one of the winners from the It's Sketchy - July Release Challenge.  I used the Pinwheels and Popsicles stamp set for today's card.  Actually, I won the entire July release and I can't even tell you how happy and excited I was.  Up until that time, the only Flourishes stamp set I owned.  Now I'm using the new sets and learning to color with Copic Markers.  I'm so happy!

So, without further rambling, here is the card I made for the 10-Minute Birthday Challenge.  I've been wanting to make an easel card for some time now and this was the perfect time.  Party lanterns and lots of pretty colors make for a very cheerful birthday card.

Click HERE to check out the Flourishes blog for all the details about this challenge as well as all of the others during their birthday celebration.

Stamp Set:  Pinwheels & Popsicles (Flourishes); Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Copic Markers V12, V15, V17, YR02, YR07, YR09, B00, B02, B05, Y11,Y13, Y15; Accessories & Tools:  Top Note Die, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch (all Stampin' Up!), Rhinestones, Red & White Cloth Brads, dimensionals

This was a fun card to make.  I'm still learning how to color and blend with my Copic Markers.  I'll just have to keep practicing.

Until next time . . . happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Timeless Tuesday - Make it a Mini

Making 3 x 3 card sets is one of my favorite type of card to make.  I had some black and white scraps of paper laying around so I used them all up to create these three little cards for the Timeless Tuesday #229 - Make it a Mini Challenge.  You can find it by clicking Here or on the image below.

I added a layer of white on the inside of the card and on the lower right, I stamped the little swans from Flourishes Swan Lake stamp set.  The vine image on the front of the card is also from the Swan Lake stamp set.  Each card was stamped using a different sentiment from the Sincere Salutations stamp set from Stampin' Up!  I even made the little envelopes to go with the cards.  They are so easy to do using the We R Memory Keepers' Envelope Punch Board.

And now, here are the cards and envelopes I made for the Timeless Tuesday Challenge.

Stamp Sets:  Swan Lake (Flourishes), Sincere Salutations and Tiny Tags (Stampin' Up!); Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  Basic Black and Whisper White (Stampin' Up!), Imaginisce Patterned Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Jewelry Tag Punch, Black Brad

Until next time . . . happy creating!

Mojo Monday 302 Sketch Challenge

My grandson wasn't here yesterday, as he usually is on Tuesdays, so I had most of the day to sit at my craft table and have fun.  The new Mojo Monday Sketch is one that I really like.  Because I so rarely make anything pink, I thought it would be fun to do so with this challenge.    For all the information regarding the current challenge, click Here or on the image below.

I used my Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch to make border on the square.  It's a technique I haven't used in a while but I always like the way it looks.  I wanted to add a strip of ribbon and a bow but I didn't have any that would look good with the pink.  As I said, I don't do much with pink.  Give me blue and I'm a seriously happy stamper.  And, now, here is the card I made.

Stamps:  Sweet Nature (Flourishes), Flower Shop (Stampin' Up!); Ink:  Raspberry Ripple (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Blushing Bride, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!), True Love Paper Pad (Basic Grey); Accessories & Tools:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Pansy Punch, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack (all Stampin' Up!), Basic Bow Embossing Die (Taylored Expressions)

Until next time . . . happy creating!

Festive Friday Snow Trigger Challenge

The challenge for us at the Festive Friday Challenge Blog was to create a project based on the word 'snow.'  When I think of snow, I think of Christmas and tree hunting.  As a young girl, it was always so much fun to go with the family to find the perfect tree.  Many times it would be snowing when we searched the timber.  Below is the inspiration given for the challenge.  You can click the link above or the image below to go right to Festive Friday for all the challenge details.

Here is the card I made with a soon-to-be Christmas tree waiting patiently in the snow to be taken home and decorated.

Stamp Sets:  Lovely As a Tree, Joy, Itty Bitty Backgrounds (all Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Whisper White Craft, Night of Navy (both Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Night of Navy, Whisper White, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (all Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  Snow Flurries Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz), Ticket Corner Punch, Rhinestone

Until next time . . . happy creating!

Life is Good: A Study in Black & White

Today I'm helping celebrate Flourishes 6th birthday by participating in the Birthday Celebration Challenge.  All you have to do to play along is create a project that is black and white.  You can click HERE to get all the details and find out how you can participate in this challenge, too.  You'll want to check often as they are having other birthday challenges coming in the next couple of weeks.  It's going to be fun!

When I started working on my card, I had no idea where I was going with it.  I just knew it was going to be all black and white.  I had spent Sunday afternoon stamping with a friend and she graciously stamped some Flourishes images for me so I incorporated one of them in my card since it was black and fit the challenge.  Stamps, dies, punches, embossing folder, ribbon and brad; here is my card for this challenge.

Stamp Sets:  Swan Lake, Magnolias (Flourishes), Trust God (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Basic Black (Stampin' Up!), Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink (Ranger); Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stacks (all Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  Ariana Sprig Die (Memory Box), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Black Brad, Curly Label Punch (all Stampin' Up!), 1/8" Polka Dot Ribbon, Smooch Pearlized Top Coat

Although you can't see it, the sentiment is from the Trust God Stamp Set and says, "Live Simply Love Generously Care Deeply Speak Kindly Leave the rest to God."

Until next time . . . happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Timeless Tuesday Challenge

Our challenge was to create a project that used clear acetate.  It was a fun challenge and I tried something just a bit different.  Instead of making a card, I made a clear petite purse.  I added some pretty flowered patterned paper to the sides so the Scor-Tape I used to hold the purse together would be covered.

To find out all about the challenge, head on over to the Flourishes website to read all about their Timeless Tuesday challenges.  You'll also get to see some of the other great projects others made.

Stamp Set:  Swan Lake (Flourishes); Inks:  Rose Red, Wild Wasabi (Stampin' Up! Markers); Card Stock:  Window Sheet Medium (Stampin' Up!), Basic Grey True Love, Water Color Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Petite Purse Die (Stampin' Up!), 1/8" Dark Rose Ribbon

It was a very hard project to photograph given I don't have an ideal set up to take pictures.  You can't see the flowered paper very well and the flowers on the front don't show off the color very well but it turned out well.  I did add a small tab of Velcro under the flower so the purse could be shut.  Add a bit of candy or a piece of jewelry and you have a very cute gift bag.

Flourishes - It's Sketchy July Release Challenge!

It's been fun getting involved in a few challenges again.  Today's card was made using Flourishes July Release Sketch Challenge.  I again used my Swan Lake Stamp Set from Flourishes.  I stamped the flower using StazOn and, after coloring it, I cut out the smallest of the flowers and used a pop dot to add it in the punched out area.  On the inside of the card I stamped a birthday sentiment along with the cattails from Swan Lake.  I also had the chance to use the new Pansy Punch and Flower Shop stamp set from Stampin' Up! 

Here is the sketch we were to follow.  Click on the image below to go right to the Flourishes website to get all the information about the challenge.

And, here is the card I created using the sketch.  It's blue.  Now why does that not surprise anyone!

Stamps Sets:  Swan Lake (Flourishes), Flower Shop and Beautiful Birthday (Stampin' Up!), Inks:  Midnight Muse Pad, Midnight Muse Marker, Wild Wasabi Marker (all Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Water Color Paper, Print Poetry Designer Series Paper (all Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  Pansy Punch (Stampin' Up!), pop dots, rhinestones

Until next time. . . happy creating!

Graphic 45 Best Wishes

Tonight I have my July Graphic 45 Card Class and I'm just now sharing with you the last card from the May group with you.  Because I have a little visitor today, I'll keep this post short and show you that card.  I'm completely taken by the Graphic 45 A Place in Time collection.

There you have the last May card.  I think for June, I'll just showcase the whole set so I can move on to the new ones I'll be making tonight.  With it being so hot and humid, there are only two things that will get me out of my nice cool house and that is work or a card class.

Until next time... happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

"I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Revelation 3:20

Swan Lake Chalkboard

Well, here I am doing yet another challenge.  I really love challenges.  They are a great way to be inspired.  This one is Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #227 ~ Going in Circles!  My scallop circle die and punch were perfect for this challenge as we were challenged to make a circle card or project.

Stamp Sets:  Swan Lake (Flourishes), Trust God (Stampin' Up!);  Inks:  Popcorn (Color Box Chalk), Basic Black (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Poppy Parade (Stampin' Up!), Chalkstock (Canvas Corps); Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Circle Bigz Die, Clear Circle Die, 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch (Stampin' Up!), Silver Mini Brads (Stampin' Up!), Pearl Shimmer Mist (Tattered Angels). 1/2" Poppy Parade Stitched-Poly Ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

I love the Swan Lake Stamp Set from Flourishes.  For now, it's the only Flourishes stamp set I have but I plan to rectify that in the near future.  They have some absolutely beautiful floral stamps that are on my wish list.

Secret Garden Thinking of You

Today I'm playing along with the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  If memory serves me, this is my first time contributing to this challenge.  And, it's a very special challenge.  They are celebrating their 300th sketch.  Wow!  Be sure to visit the Mojo Monday Blog.  You can click on the link above or the sketch photo below.

Stamp Set:  Garden Shed (Taylored Expressions); Inks:  Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up!), Antique Linen Distress Ink (Tim Holtz Ranger); Card Stock:  Very Vanilla and Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up!), Secret Garden (Graphic 45); Accessories & Tools:  Flower Box Sprigs & Flowers Die (Taylored Expressions), Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (Stampin' Up!), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (Stampin' Up!), Silver Mini Brad (Stampin' Up!)

Here is the sketch that provided the inspiration for my card.

 It was a fun sketch and gave me a chance to use some of my Secret Garden patterned paper by Graphic 45.

Celebrate Freedom!

When I saw this stamp set from Taylored Expressions, I knew I had to have it.  I have been working on an album honoring my oldest brother and it is a perfect fit for adding some dimension to the album.  For today, I made a CAS card simply to celebrate the 4th of July.  The die of the United States came with the Stars & Stripes stamp set.  I love it!  I live in a great country and am blessed to have the freedoms that I do.

Stamp Set: Stars & Stripes (Taylored Expressions); Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Midnight Muse (Stampin' Up!); Cars Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Midnight Muse, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  Stars & Stripes Die (Taylored Expressions), Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

May you all have a blessed and safe holiday.

Christmas in July

For the first time, I'm taking part in a, new to me, challenge.  It's the Festive Friday Challenge.  This week's challenge is an Element Challenge and all you have to do is create a holiday project that includes a tree element.  Here is the card I created for the challenge.

  To read all about their challenges, be sure to visit the Festive Friday Challenge Blog.

Graphic 45 Gift Card

One of my favorite things to make is a gift card holder.  This is the one made in May's group of Graphic 45 cards.  I know just the person I'll be giving this to with a Starbucks gift card.  She has a birthday coming up in July and loves coffee as much as I do.  Oh, and purple is her favorite color!

So, now I'm off to work on some other projects.  I keep saying I'm going to get them done and share them with you all but time seems to get away from me these days.  Now that I'm working again, I just don't seem to be as organized.  Plus, I'm working on a couple of scrapbook albums.  Until next time!