Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

It was time to get reacquainted with another favorite....Rhubarb!  Scrapping Everyday Miracles 2nd Birthday Bash Card Challenge #4 is to make a Thanksgiving or Christmas card using a sketch they provided.  One of my favorite Rhubarb images is Rhubarb's Stocking so that's what I used.

I made a frame using Spellbinders Deckled Rectangles Large & Small.  After I backed it with some patterned paper I added Rhubarb to the center with some thin pop dots.  I used another die to make the snowflake and topped it with a flat metal dot.  The sentiment is a sticker from the Echo Park Season's Greetings paper collection.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Recollections, Bazzill, Core'dinations
Patterned Paper:  Echo Park (Season's Greetings)
Stamp:  Sweet 'n Sassy Digi (Rhubarb's Stocking)
Tools/Embellishments:  Copic Markers, Best Occasions Metal Dots, Offray ribbon, Spellbinders (Deckled Rectangles Large & Small, Create-a-Flake Four) Sakura pens (Glaze, Green Star, Clear Star)

I'm entering this card in these additional challenges:
Sentimental Sunday #163 - You've Been Framed (frame your image)
The Kraft Journal - Pretty Papers
Fab 'n Funky #179 - Christmas in July
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #215 - Christmas
Shelly's Images - Christmas
Crafty Ribbons #52 - Anything Goes (must use ribbon)

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'm not really ready to think about Christmas but....Rhubarb was fun to visit.  :)

Happy Birthday, Cocoa!

I haven't made a card with my old friend, Cocoa, in awhile.  I am taking part in a couple challenges and thought he would be perfect for them.

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps July Release Challenge #3 is to include a border on your card.  I used one of the Sweet 'n Sassy Lacey Eyelet Border dies to make a border between the patterned paper and the cardstock.  I also used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch (SSS219) for the card design.  Cocoa was colored with Copics and then die cut using the out-of-the-box technique. 

Scrapping Everyday Miracles is having a 2nd Birthday Celebration.  They have 5 card challenges as some of their celebration events.  All the cards made for the challenges are to be sent to Cards for Soldiers.  This is an organization that sends blank cards to soldiers for them to send to their loved ones back home.  This card is for Challenge #1 which is to make a birthday card using at least 3 patterned papers.  Since glitter and lumpy embellishments are to be avoided, I just used a glaze pen on Cocoa's nose and resisted the urge to add embellishments to the flower centers.


Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), DCWV (blue)
Patterned paper:  unknown (it's been in my stash for awhile and was part of a RAK)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy Digi (Peek-a-Boo Cocoa), Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big)
Ink:  Versamark
Tools/Embellishments:  Stampendous embossing powder (White Opaque), Uni-ball Signo (white pen), Sweet 'n Sassy die (Lacey Eyelet Border), Spellbinders (Classic Ovals Large & Small), Copic markers, Sakura glaze pen

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'll probably be back several times this week at there are other SNS July Release Challenges and Scrapping Everyday Memories Birthday challenges.  See you soon.

Butterfly Spotlight

I have a different type of card to share with you today.  I've seen a couple cards recently that were clear.  I really like them but haven't made one in a long time. When I saw this week's challenge at Flourishes to use acetate on your card, I decided now was the time.  I also was introduced to a great sketch challenge blog, Tuesday Morning Sketches.  They are having a birthday celebration (Happy Birthday, TMS) and have 4 different sketches to choose from this week.  I chose to use sketch #4 but added the bow element to help cover where the acetate is attached.  Sketches are for inspiration and don't have to be followed exactly...right?  :)

I also wanted to try a "new to me" technique I've seen around blog-land and decided to try the Spotlight Technique.  It was kind of fun and certainly adds a dramatic touch.  Beate has a great tutorial on the Spotlight Technique over on SCS.

I lined the interior of the card with a lavender dotted paper and added a place for a note.  The decorations on the front hide it from view.

I used the space behind the front decorations to add a Scripture verse.

Here's a view of the inside of the front panel of the card.  I learned that photographing a clear card with a white background can make cropping/editing it a challenge.  It's hard to see where the card ends.  Maybe I'll try a black background next time. 

Note to self:
When making clear cards in the future, and when using a thick transparency instead of clear "cardstock",  add patterned paper or cardstock to the bottom edge for stability.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Express-it, Creative Imaginations (Lavender)
Patterned Paper:  NRN Designs (Purple Floral), Art Impressions (Dotty Lavender)
Stamps:  Flourishes (Picking Wildflowers), Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Our Refuge)
Ink:  Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Copics:  V04, 06, 09; YG03, 05; R20; YR21; E29, 50; Y11, 13, 15, 17, 21
Tools/Embellishments:  Transparency (brand unknown), Spellbinders (Circles Large & Small, Lacey Circles), Doodlebug Stitched Grosgrain ribbon (Lilac), CM Fine Tip Black pen, Fiskar's Border punch (Apron Lace)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches #206 (TMS206) - 4th Birthday Sketch Challenge
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge (FTTC228) - Seeing Clearly (use acetate on card)
Tuesday Throwdown #155 - Use Spotlight Technique
Going Gray with Scrap Creations - Use ribbon & bow
Crafty Ribbons Challenge #52 - Anything Goes with Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today.

Be Thou An Example

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."  This verse is a great reminder that even those who are "young" have a responsibility to be a good example.  I think we short-change young people so often by thinking they are not capable of being responsible and just assume they couldn't possibly know what they are doing.  This verse tells us that young people are to be responsible and can be an example to "older" people in how they talk, how they treat others, and in the way they conduct themselves.  Let's remember that we're all an example....the question is are we a good one or a bad one?

I used the SCS sketch #443 for my card this week.  I cut a fancy tag die cut in half and used it to frame the sentiment panel.  One of the vertical panels was embossed with an embossing folder.  I stamped a solid butterfly stamp in green ink and then stamped over it with a dotted butterfly in a darker shade of green.  The butterfly was fussy cut and given a body and antenna ends of pearls.  A rhinestone flight path and rhinestones on the fancy tag finished off the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill
Patterned paper:  Basic Grey (Picadilly 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (Scripture digi), Studio G (butterfly stamps)
Ink:  Memento (Bamboo Leaves, New Sprout), 
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders Fancy Tags 3, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Victoria), pearls (Stampin' Up), rhinestones (Prima)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Shopping Our Stash #109 - summer themes or colors
Crazy 4 Challenges #193 (C4C193) - Let's Get Wordy
V's Sweet Ideas Challenge #13 - Summer

Thanks for stopping by today.  I do hope you'll come back soon.

Happy Anniversary {Butterflies}

I thought this card by Cards4Joy on SCS, was a great design and decided to CASE it.  Actually, I liked it so much, I made two different versions. I swapped out a few things to make it my own but kept her overall design.


Version #1 - White embossed card base

I embossed the card base and added a matted patterned paper strip.  The edges of the strip were die cut with  a Spellbinders Classic Edges die.  I did not use one of the inserts on this card.  The butterflies were stamped, colored with Copics, fussy cut and inked.  They were adhered only in the middle so the wings could be folded up for dimension.  There were given a strip a pearls for their bodies.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill, Paper Trey Ink
Patterned Paper:  MME (Graceful Circles)
Stamps:  Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big), Studio G
Inks:  Memento (Toffee Crunch), Versafine (Vintage Sepia)
Copics:  R81, 83, 85, E25
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Fancy Tags 3, Classic Edges 2, M'bossabilities embossing folder - Whimsy Side A), Recollection pearls, Zutter Corner Rounder

Version #2 - Green Card base

I used pre-embossed  cardstock for the card base.   The rest of the card construction was like version one except I used an insert on the die cut edges, the butterflies' wings were accented with Stickles and I added faux stitching to the card base.

This card also got some interior decorating.  I added a pocket on the left inside panel so that a gift card could be tucked inside.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill, Paper Trey Ink
Patterned Paper:  MME (Graceful Circles)
Stamps:  Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big), Studio G
Inks:  Memento (Toffee Crunch), Versafine (Vintage Sepia)
Copics:  R81, 83, 85, E25
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Fancy Tags 3, Classic Edges 2, Classic Decorative Inserts 5), Stampin' Up pearls, Zutter Corner Rounder, Stickles (Star Dust), Uni-Ball Signo Broad White pen, CM Fine Tip black pen

I'm entering the following challenges {even though I have two cards, since they are of the same design, I'm just entering once per challenge}:
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Aud Sentiments #84 - Use 2 words only
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #214 - Bride, Wedding, or Anniversary

Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a great weekend.

For This Child I Prayed

We know several couples who have had or soon will be having little baby girls.  I made a card for one of them tonight.  I wish all cards went together this easily.  :)

I adhered the gingham paper to the white panel (round the opposite corners first).  Then I used an oval die to cut a "window" in it.  I used the same die to cut out the middle of a floral oval die cut.  I used this die one more time with a scalloped oval to finish the frame.  After assembling the frame, I adhered it to the gingham panel.  The Scripture was attached behind the panel with pop dots, then the entire panel was adhered to the card base with more pop dots.

The little bear was colored with Copics and fussy cut.  The flower got a pearl center and the butterfly was accented with stickles.  Crystal Effects was used on the bear's nose.  The bear was attached to the card front with pop dots.

The frame was accented with pink bling and pearls. 

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Express-it (image)
Patterned Paper:  Frances Meyer (gingham), American Crafts (solid pink)
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (Scripture), StampArt Design by Kathryne (Baby Bear's Butterfly - bonus image)
Copics:  E11, 25, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37; R81, 83, 85; Y11, 13, 15, 17, YG03, 05; BG10
Embellishments/Tools:  Spellbinders (Petite Ovals Large, Petite Scalloped Ovals Large, Floral Ovals), pearls (Stampin' Up, Oriental Trading), rhinestones (Recollections), SU Crystal Effects, Stickles (Star Dust)

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Sentimental Sunday #161 - All Things Digital (both the bear and the Scripture are digi stamps)
Pile It On #26 - Bling
Catered Crop - Die Cuts/Punches
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Clear It Out Challenge - Theme:  Make Someone's Day, Stash:  Sparkly
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Delightful Challenge - Use a Critter
Divas by Design - Cute

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you're having a good start to your weekend.

Blessed is the Nation

It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  As usual, it's an anything goes challenge.  We'd love to have you play along with us.  You may link up to five family-friendly projects per week. Each week we have a free Scripture digi for you to download.  You are NOT required to use the freebie in your project.

This week's focus verse is Psalm 33:12.  The first part of this verse says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."  America has been blessed because she was founded on Christian principles.  What a comfort to have the Creator of the universe watching out for you.  God can only continue to bless America as she follows His principles.  It makes me sad to see our country turning from the Lord and His Word.  That road is not a good one to follow.  May each of us do our part in following God's Word, bringing honor to Him and praying faithfully for our country.




This week I chose to use the MOJO Monday Sketch (MOJO300) for my card.  In celebration of our country's birthday, I chose to use a red, white and blue color scheme.  Here is a close up of all the layers.  I included lots of faux stitching around most of the layers.  The red circle is emobssing with a Cuttlebug Swiss Dot folder.

I used lots of pop dots between the layers. As you can see in the picture below, it gives the card lots of dimension.

I even did a little interior decorating and included a little more faux stitching.  I think it adds a nice finishing touch when your project just needs a little "something."

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (blue, red)
Patterned Paper:  Fancy Pants, Sassafras Lass
Scripture Digi - WordArt by Karen Murray
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Deckled Rectangles Large & Small, Circles Large & Small), pens (Uni-ball Signo Broad White, SU Stampin' Write Night of Navy), baker's twine (The Twinery), ribbon (Offray), Best Occasions metal dots, button from stash

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
MOJO Monday (MOJO300) - sketch
Wags & Whiskers #107  - Cute as a Button
Sentimental Sunday #161 - Use digis
Simon Says Stamp & Show - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion #169 - Red, White & Blue
Digi Darla #69 (DDC#69) - Red, White & Blue

Chocolate Coffee Cards #42 - 4th of July
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown #154 - Patriotic
Shopping Our Stash - Red, White & Blue
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
ODBD Shining Light Challenge #160 (ODBDSLC160) - Red, White & Blue
Simon Says Stamp - Patriotic


Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll come back soon. 

Happy Birthday, America!!

Happy Birthday, Cupcake

I haven't paper pieced in awhile and it's been even longer since I paper pieced with regular stamps.  I decided that this cupcake image would be perfect for that technique.  This card is made entirely of scraps.  Even the card base is what was left over after making another card.  After paper piecing the cupcake and cherry, I colored the cherry stem & leaf with copics.  I added Crystal Effects to the cherry and stickles to the leaf & frosting for some sparkle.  I found some waxed thread on clearance recently and used it for the buttons.  I really like this type of thread.  It's SOOOO easy to thread thru the buttons. I untwisted the ends of the thread a bit after knotting.   The sentiment is embossed with Versamark and white embossing powder. 

{For those friends who know me well, yes, the two strips that aren't matted are unusual for me and yes, I wish I'd matted them.  :)  }

Lesson learned:  I tried rounding the corners of the card AFTER adhering the background paper and matting.  My rounder didn't go in as far as I thought so I didn't get the look I wanted.  Since I was using scraps, I didn't have enough to re-do the card so I'm living with it.  :( 

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections, Bazzill, DCWV, Express-It
Patterned Paper:  MME Miss Caroline (Dilly Dally)
Stamps:  Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big)
Ink:  Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black
Copics:  E25, G28, N0, 1, 3, BG10, Colorless Blender
Embellishments/Tools:  buttons (Making Memories, Basic Grey), CM Fine Tip black pen, Silver Creek Leather Co. waxed thread, Stampendous Embossing Powder (White Opaque), Spellbinders (Circle Small, Eyelet Circle), Crystal Effects, Stickles (Star Dust)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sweet Stop Sketch 217 (SSS217) - sketch
Tuesday Throwdown #153 - Glitz & Glimmer (add some sparkle and/or shimmer)
Clear it Out Challenge - Paper Piecing/Scraps
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
4 Crafty Chicks #148 (CCC148) - Cupcakes
Wags & Whiskers #107 - Cute as a button (use at least one button)

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you'll come back soon.

Precious and Few...

I've recently seen some cards with embossing on vellum or parchment and have wanted to give it a try.  When I saw the 3rd door in the Door Inspiration challenge at MFP SpeedyTV, I knew the time had come.  Here is my card inspired by that door.

I embossed the floral flourish on parchment paper with Versamark and opaque white embossing powder.  I cut black door frames using my paper trimmer and also cut rectangles in each side of the gatefold card base.  I used scortape to adhere the parchment panels to the black frames. 

I adhered these frames to the card front and used another set of black frames to cover the opening on the inside.  I added a pearl for the doorknob to each gatefold panel.

For the inside, I embossed sentiment and another flourish on white cardstock with black embossing powder and matted it with a floral oval.  A few pearls were added to the floral oval and one to the flower center.  Since there is not much room for a note to the recipient, I thought in this case, the message could be written on the back of the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (black), Fiskar's Parchment Paper
Patterned Paper:  Bo Bunny (Enchanted 6 x 6 pad)
Ink:  Versamark
Stamps - Inkadinkado - Floral Flourishes & Expressions
Embellishments/Tools:  Spellbinders (Petite Ovals Large, Floral Ovals), Stampendous Embossing Powder (Opaque White & Midnight Black), Queen & Co Pearls (snowflake)



I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
MFP SpeedyTV Inspiration Challenge #17 - Doors
Catered Crop - So Shapely {Die Cuts/Punches/Shapes)
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Crafting When We Can #47 - Keep It Simple
Divas By Design - Pearls

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope the rest of your weekend goes well.

Happy {Flowers} Birthday

This card started with a sketch from Papertake Weekly and I tweaked it a bit (rotated it 90 degrees and took out the small strip) to make it work for me.  I used papers from my stash that I bought from a yard sale so I don't know who made them. I did lots of layering and used two strips of diagonally striped paper to make my chevrons.  I covered the seam with ribbon.  The flower centers are black bling.  A little embossing, a little faux stitching and some photo corners complete the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock - Georgia Pacific
Patterned Papers - Unknown
Stamps - Sweet 'n Sassy Digi (Happy Flowers), Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big)
Ink -  Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Copics - YG03, 05; R81, 83, 85; BG10
Tools/Embellishments - Fiskars Decorative Corner Lever Punch (Bracket), M-bossabilities embossing folder (Splendid B), Morex ribbon, Want2Scrap bling (black), CM Fine Point Black pen

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Stampin for the Weekend - Anything Goes
Inky Impressions #114 (IIC114) - Anything Goes
Craft Lovin' Challenge #2 - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - sketch #80 - rotated 90 degrees
Sister Act Challenge #12 - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by to visit today.  I hope you'll come back soon.