Thursday Morning

Ever have one of those days - right from the get go where its supposed to be sunny and the rain is drizzling, the kids are crabby and not ready to go to school, the housework is piled up and you've misplaced your to do list?!  Yep - that was my morning so I decided to unwind by getting some cards made - therapy with a good end result :)

 I have a ton of scraps of the Polka Dot Parade DSP left over from another project and was trying to think of a way to use all those little odd shaped pieces and then I came up with this.  I punched the triangles out with the Petite Pennants Builder punch and put them together in an alternating pattern.  I then added a little strip of Silver Glimmer paper.  The cute little santa is from the stamp set Tag It.  I used my Real Red and Old Olive markers to color it.  I then cut it out with the Chalk Talk Framelits.  I used a Rhinestone Basic Jewel so it would compliment the glimmer paper (see below).  The base is Baked Brown Sugar.

Challenge Link:
http://seizethesketch.blogspot.ca/

 I just love these colors together - don't you?  The base is Perfect Plum.  The flags are Strawberry Slush and Old Olive.  I stamped the images with Daydream Medallions and cut them out with the Floral Frames framelits.  I added a solid color medallion behind each stamped one for more depth (see below).  In the center of the Medallion trio is a Large Basic Pearl and over to the side is one of each size of the Pearl Basic Jewels.  The sentiment comes from the hostess set Simply Sketched.

Challenge Link:
http://kgiron.blogspot.com/2013/08/sweet-sunday-sketch-challenge-191.html

 I don't know why I make all these Halloween cards.  I think it is simple because I just love all the images in the Best of Halloween stamp set (August).  The colors for this card are Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Rich Razzleberry.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wished and then cut out with Bitty Banner framelit.  A smaller one is layered behind the larger one.  I don't have the Chevron punch so I made do with the retired Photo Corners punch.

Challenge Links:
http://abcchallenges.blogspot.com/

ABC42 'No Flowers'

Create any card you'd like without using any flowers.

http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com/

 My final card for the morning is one for a baby.  My baby is almost 7!!!  I just thought it fit so well with the sketch.  Baby Prints and Itty Bitty Banners are the stamp sets for this card.  The soft colors I used are Soft Sky, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, and Pink Pirouette.  I was in the mood to do some paper piercing so I gave a small touch to each scallop of the circle and used the Occassions Paper Piercing Pack to help pierce around the banner (see below).  Now, to find someone to share this card with!

Challenge Link:
http://retrosketches.blogspot.com/


Now, I should probably go find that to do list and check off a few things before the kids are back! Pin It Now!

Eleanor Duo

My dear friend really encouraged me this week.  I had a major personal disappointment and she really just went out of her way to let me know that she believes in me and supports me.  So this is the card I made for her.

This was for a Dynamic Duo challenge to use the colors Calypso Coral and Crisp Cantaloupe.  The sentiment is from a retired set called God's Blessings. I stamped it on Whisper White and cut it out with one of the Apothecary Accents Framelits. To make the larger frame for it, I traced the outside of the framelit with pencil on the Crisp Cantaloupe and cut it out with my paper snips.  The background was created using Everything Eleanor. I used the Triple Time stamping technique.  I think it is perfect for a monochromatic card.  Some organza ribbon and candy dots complete the look.

Challenge Link:
http://thedynamicduoschallenge.blogspot.com/


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CAS

Good Morning!  Here is a quick card I put together (at the last minute) for the CAS challenge.

 And I really do mean quick.  I put it together in less than 30 minutes and that included deciding which stamps to use!
Stamps: Very Merry Tags, More Merry Messages
Ink: Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Winter Frost DSP stack
Accessories: Silver 1/8" Ribbon, Big Shot, Window Frames Framelits, Mosaic Punch, Rhinestones Basic Jewels

I wanted to make the center ornament the focal point so it has some major bling!

Challenge Link:

http://cascoloursandsketches.blogspot.com/

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Addiction (to paper)

Okay - I admit it.  I have a serious addiction to paper right now.  Specifically, to entering blog challenges. Its a good thing for you - you get to see lots of examples.  Lucky for me, my family lets me feed this addiction - as long as I take a few days between each binge and spend time with them.  On to what I've created...Ready, Set, GO!

 Card #1
This is one of the cards we will be making on Monday at my stamp club.  I've used the Soho Subway DSP and Simply Pressed Clay to make the flower. I put some Crystal Effects in the center of the flower. The edge of the Very Vanilla layer is distressed and then sponged with Early Espresso.  The base is Summer Starfruit.  This card uses the Masking Tape/ Painters Tape technique.  Just lay your tape (sticky side down) on your ink pad.  I rub it lightly to get a good coat of ink.  Then lay it on your card stock where you want the color and you get a nice color block.

 Challenge Link:
http://www.createwithconnieandmary.com/create-with-connie-and-mary/

 Card #2
This card was inspired by the Friday Mash Up.  You could use the sketch or a school theme or both.  I chose both.  I used a black card base and sponged a little of Whisper White ink on it to give it a  chalkboard feel.  Next, I had some retired DSP that I cannot remember the name of with apples on it.  The grid paper DSP comes from Soho Subway.  The pencil I came up with all on my own!

Challenge Link:
http://www.fridaymashup.com/

Here's your Mashup Challenge:

1. Create a project with the "Sketch Liliana created."
2. Create a project with a "School Theme (books, pencils, rulers, numbers, etc."
3. Or Mash it Up and create a "School themed project using Liliana's Sketch. "

 Card #3
I really struggled with coming up with a design for this sketch.  When I finally decided to make a masculine card it seemed to come together quickly.  Sometimes I need to remember to pull out some of my stamps I haven't used in a while!  The pennant is from the Soho Subway DSP.  I seemed to be using that one quite a bit today, but as you can see - it really is quite versatile.  The stamped elements are from the set Clockworks.  Love my handy-dandy Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to line everything up in the little pocket watch.

Challenge Link:

http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/

 Card #4
After doing such a masculine card I needed to make a really feminine one.   The card base is Crumb Cake.  One of my favorite neutrals (actually, I pretty much love them all).  The DSP this time is from Epic Day.  The stamps are Oh, Hello.  I used a little bit of Basic Gray to outline everything.  A few mini brads complete the look.
Challenge Link:
http://www.palspaperarts.com/

 Card #5
I like building up my Christmas Card stash so time to cool it a bit with this frosty design.  The DSP is from the Winter Frost stack.  The little hexagon in the center of the ornament is one of the elements on the flip side of the big rectangle. I put a Rhinestone Basic Jewel in the center for some bling. The white square was embossed with the Modern Mosaic EF.  The design on the Smoky Slate strip is from the Modern Mosaic stamp set ( handy-dandy Stamp-A-Ma-Jig again).  The ornament is in the set Very Merry Tags in the Holiday catalog.  The sentiment on the bottom is from my old stand by Teeny Tiny Wishes.  Finishing off the look are three candy dots in Smoky Slate in the top right corner.

 Challenge Link:
http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/

 Card #6 (last one)
This card is definitely along the clean and simple lines.  I have to laugh a little every time I get this set (Perfect Blend) out to use it because I HATE coffee.  I used to not even be able to tolerate the smell of it.  Yet, I had to have this set when I saw it because many people I love ARE coffee drinkers so its fun to make cards that they will enjoy.  The base in Crisp Cantelope.  I used a yoplait yogurt cup (empty, of course) and inked it up with Soft Suede to make the faux coffee rings.  The cup was stamped on Crumb Cake and also Whisper White.  Then I hand cut the pieces of each that I wanted to use.  Cute!

Its amazing how creative you can be when you need to make fake coffee rings!

Challenge Link:
http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/


I'll be back in a few days to share some more creations with you! Pin It Now!

Welcome Fall

I just have one quick card for you today.  Sweater Weather is my favorite new DSP from the Holiday catalog so that was my inspiration for this card.

 This just makes me want to snuggle up with a good book and some hot cocoa!    I'm ready for fall after the almost non-existent summer we've had here in Northeast Ohio.  This is my fall mojo :)

Stamps: Truly Grateful

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand

Paper: Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry, Sweater Weather DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Houndstooth EF  Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Naturals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Hexagon Punch (for making the flagged ends)

Challenge Links:

http://www.mojomonday.blogspot.com/

http://abcchallenges.blogspot.com/

ABC41 'Lots of Layers'

 

'Lots of Layers' - this week we are creating cards with lots of layers.  Use at least 5 layers on your cards. (Not counting the card base) remember, your sentiment can count as a layer too.
 

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Sassy Flower

Hello again.  I have another quick card to show you.

 I again pulled out my handy dandy color coach for this one.  There were two color combos listed for Elegant Eggplant and I combined them for this cool card.  The base is Elegant Eggplant with a layer that has been distressed on the edges of Sahara Sand.  A little bit of retired Always Artichoke seam binding along with a hand made bow tops the card.  The almost square is Island Indigo embossed with pretty print and punched out with the Pansy punch.  The final touch is (another one of my favorites) a Simply pressed blossom that I colored with an aqua painter and Elegant Eggplant ink.  I put a dab on Dazzling Details in the center for some sparkle.  Sassy Salutations is the stamp set for this perky birthday greeting.

Challenge Links:
http://retrosketches.blogspot.com/


http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.ca/
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A little bit of this and that...

Did you miss me?  I have terribly missed spending time in my craft space but my beautiful babies are my top priority. However, they are back in school so guess where I am!  Here's a snapshot of them so you can see what occupies most of my time.

All smiles for going back to school!

This is the first card I jumped in with.  Its for a challenge for Dynamic Duos and CAS(E) this Sketch.  The back ground was made using the Oval Framelits to cut out an oval then I used a piece of the Modern Medley DSP and brayered Pool Party ink over it.  Both the zebra (Zoo Review) and the thank you (Sassy Salutations) are heat embossed with black embossing powder.  I tried to bleach the cardstock inside the zebra to make it white but I think my bleach is too old - it didn't lighten it up much. 

Challenge Links:
http://thedynamicduoschallenge.blogspot.com/


http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/ *** I did miss the deadline the participate in this challenge :(

Next we have the butterflies from Papillon Potpourri.  I've seen several of these cards and always wanted to try the technique and finally got around to it. All you do is stamp your image overlapping at the edge of the card and then cut around it.  You can see it a little better below.  I do love how it turned out.    This is for a color challenge for Color Throwdown and a challenge from Paper Players to make a one layer card.  I added a touch of Dazzling Details to the centers of the butterfies for a little sparkle.

Challenge Links:
http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com


http://colorthrowdown.blogspot.com/

 And finally, here's one for the Christmas collection.  Can I tell you how much I love the hostess set Warmth and Wonder!?!  If you would like to host your own workshop and earn it for free let me know!   This card uses the Northern Flurry embossing folder.  I sponged Whisper White ink over the snowflakes and around the edges of the Lucky Limeade to soften it up a bit.  Each little snowflake is stamped in Pacific Point and the edges are sponged with Early Espresso.  The big circle of Pacific Point was punched out with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  The layered circle inside with the reindeer stamp was cut out with the circles #2 die.  The finishing touch comes with the Simply Pressed Clay buttons that I colored with Island Indigo Marker.

Challenge Links:  

http://colourq.blogspot.com/

http://alwaysplayingwithpaper.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy and are inspired by today's cards.  See you soon!

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