Thursday, April 5, 2012

Rainy Thank You

I have been noticing now that it's spring, a lot of the card challenges are asking for themes of "April Showers" or "Umbrella".  I don't have anything with that even among my Cricut cartridges I wasn't seeing anything that might fit.  But I'm not sure I would buy anything with this theme either.  Anyhow, I do have my trusty box of leftover card fronts just waiting to be "up-cycled" into something new and found this cute little image.  
    Once I got the card together, I had no idea what type of card this would serve purpose for.  Too dark for a Birthday and not cheerful enough for a Get Well.  And I don't have a sister that this might work for either. So I just decided to throw a Thank You on it and call it a day!
Image:  old "Up-cycled" card front
Sentiment:  CTMH "Random Thoughts" set
Clouds:  Going Places cartridge  (1 1/2", 1 3/4")
Raindrops:  stickers
Design:  Unscripted Sketches #152
Challenges Entered:
Unscripted Sketches - Sketch 152
Charisma Cardz - Chipboard or stickers
Oldie But A Goodie - April Showers
Crafting for All Seasons - April showers
Alphabet Challenge blog - Dry embossing
Pixie Dust Studio - Clouds

Sweet Sunday 155

Image - "Up-cycled" card front
Banner shapes - Art Philosphy, Banner 1 (1 1/2")
Sentiment - Merry Christmas by Recollections
                                          

Challenges Entered:
Christmas Cards All Year Round - Photo inspiration

CAS 184

I love the Clean & Simple sketches!  They are so "simple", and straight to the point.  Plus you can use these sketches over and over and can look different each time!  This sketch is going in "The Book"!  (I keep a binder of favorite "Go To" sketches.)
Stamp is from the "Happy Birthday" set by CTMH.
Flower is a punch
Design is from Clean & Simple sketch 184.
                                                 

Challenges Entered:
Clean & Simple - sketch 184
ColourQ Challenge - Color challenge 
(Blushing Bride, Peach Parfait, So Saffron, Pear Pizazz, White)

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Spring Hello

Image is an old card front.
Sentiment stamp is from the "Goody-Goody Gumdrops" set from Stampin' Up.
Design is from The Sweet Stop sketch 152.
Challenges Entered:
Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Spring or Easter
Stamptacular Sunday - Pastel colors
Tuesday Throwdown - Pastel colors
Stamping with the Dragon - Spring
The Crafter's Cafe Challenge - Spring w/pastel colors

Easter Bunny

This is a fun Easter Bunny scrapbook page that I did for my son's scrapbook.  Turned out okay.  I got that bunny cut from an old Easter card, I just cut him out and he fit great on the page!  I had that Egg paper forever and knew that I had to fit on an Easter page somehow!  I had to make all the other elements on the page more prominent to make up for the size of the picture I had.  We didn't get very good pictures that day as Andrew was NOT liking the Easter Bunny and my daughter Grace was not that impressed with him either.
Please don't judge me based on the date of the actual event!  I am not a "current" scrapper.  In fact I had those letters cut a long time before I even put the page together.

Challenges Entered:
Incy Wincy Designs - Easter and/or Pastel colors
Love to Create challenge - Bunnies, chicks, or jelly beans
The Stamping Boutique - Pastel colors
My Craft Spot - Easter
Craft Us Crazy - Anything but a card
Simply Create Too - Eggs and/or Bunnies
The Paper Shelter - Easter theme
Challenge Me Happy - Anything goes

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Chase Your Dreams

Card only post:
Chase your Dreams stamp is "Playful Expressions" by TPC Studio.
Star stamps is from the "Wishing Star" set from CTMH.
Star cricut cut done with Art Philosphy cartridge, Star 4 (1 1/2")

Design is from sketch by The Perfect Sentiment challenge, sketch 6.  Another twist to the sketch challenge was to use an "Uplifting" sentiment.
Challenges Entered:
The Perfect Sentiment - sketch & uplifting sentiment
Southern Girls Challenge - Sentiment / Quote

Blast Off!

This was a fun card to make, I just hope it's not too "busy".  Even so, I think any little boy would love it anyway!
Stamps:  "Robots" by Recollections
Cricut Cut Starburst - Art Philosophy cartridge, Star 5 (2 3/4", 3")
Design - Sketch 65 from My Favorite Things
Challenges Entered:
My Favorite Things - Sketch 65
CES Challenges - No Girls Allowed
My Sheri Crafts - BDay card for child under 5
Celebrate the Occasion - Child's Birthday

Monday, April 2, 2012

Bottom Thank You

I have been dying to use this stamp set!  I bought this set about a month or so ago and it's been calling my name!  There's several others in this set that are just waiting to be inked!
    I thought this would be a great image to try out the "spotlight" technique.  Not sure if I did completely right, but I like it anyway!!
I forgot to take a picture of the inside.  The inside greeting says, " . . . It's A Lot Bigger Than My Heart!"

This stamp set is from Stampin' Up and it's called, "Not So Seriously".
The design came from Freshly Made Sketches, sketch 28.  As you can see, I just rotated the sketch.
Challenges Entered:
Sweet Stamps blog - Spotlight technique
My Time Made Easy - Pretty Pallette #51 (green, orange, white)
Catered Crop - Brads

Happy Anniversary

Things have been busy around here.  I am going to school full time right now and have 5 classes this semester.  Well, I have exams in 4 of them this week!  YIKES!  So I have had to spend the last few days getting some serious studying done.
   So I am caught up and am ready to get back to some crafting!

This was a really simple card and I am always in need of anniversary cards in my stash.
Stamp used was an old single wood block "Happy Anniversary" stamp.  I have no idea who made as the brand name is not printed on the block.  But this is my favorite anniversary stamp that I have!

Challenges Entered:
The Stamping Boutique - Sentiment focal point
Shopping our Stash - Circles or dots
Shelly's Images - Stripes
Hiding in My Craftroom - Anything goes
Ladybug Crafts - Spots and Stripes
The Poodles Parlour - Going "Dotty"

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Bunny Hop

I got a brand new stamp set this past weekend and couldn't wait to use it.  The set is from CTMH called "A Hop".  It has the cutest bunny that I had to have.  So I'm glad that I will have plenty of time during this Easter season to be able to use it.

Stamp set - CTMH "A Hop"
Sentiment - sticker
Design - Sketch Saturday sketch
Challenges Entered:
Sketch Saturday - sketch
My Time Made Easy - Color challenge (daffodil, aqua, pink, eggplant)
Whimsy Stamps - No patterned paper
4 Crafty Chicks - Easter
Use it Tuesday - "Unused" stamp

Let It Snow

This card was a bit of a pain.  There was a challenge calling for a "Ribbon Frame".  I wanted to try it out and it was a bit more of a pain that I thought.  I'm sure there must be an easier way, because I don't think mine was!  This was another "upcycled" Christmas card.  I like being able to reuse them.

Sentiment was a sticker and I had the ribbon on hand from since forever ago!

Challenges Entered:
52 Christmas Card Countdown - Christmas patterned paper
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Christmas card featuring a house

Thank You Berry Much

I was finally able to use my "challenge" stamp set enough to qualify it to be useful and will put back into the collection.  I told myself I needed to make at least 3 cards with the set, using 3 different stamps from the set.  I have succeeded and look forward to challenging myself with the next set.  I have so many stamps and want to make sure I actually USE them.  So this has been a fun challenge for myself.  Which set will I pick next?!

This card was fun to make as I was trying to use this old paper with fruit on it.  I figured since I was using this fruit stamp set that I would be able to use this paper some how.  Well no such luck really.  It was complicated to use, and to be honest, is really ugly.  So when one of the challenges this week was to use "hideous" paper, I thought I will have to use it no matter what!  Turned out pretty good actually, although I don't think I will be keeping the leftovers, they are going to the recycle bin!
Design was based on the sketch from The Sweet Stop, sketch 151.  The stamp set is Stampin' Up!  Sentiment is from "Fruity Phrases" and the strawberry is from "Fruit Medley" (2-step stampin'). Oval was cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge (oval 3, 2" & 2 1/4").


Challenges Entered:
Hiding in my Craft Room - Hideous paper
Tuesday Throwdown - Image outside of frame
Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

"Quilted" Card

I like this quilted technique for cards.  My grandmother is a quilter and this will end up being her Birthday card this year.  I know she will love it!  Plus it features her favorite color . . . Blue!  I think this will keep me at the top of the "Favorite" grandchild list!
I made my quilt block 4" x 4" and cut all my squares at 1" and then halved them for the triangles.  I followed the pattern called "Sarah's Choice" that I found online.  It may have another name, but that's what this particular site called it.  I look forward to making more "blocks" for future cards with different designs.  Now I have a purpose for all of my tiny scraps!!

The sentiment is from CTMH "Celebration" stamp set.

Challenges Entered:
Friday Mashup - Quilted card
Peachy Keen Stamps - Faux stitching
Party Time Tuesdays - Anything goes
Creative Belli Blog - 3 shapes (square, triangle, rectangle)

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I Love Chocolate Bunnies

I really enjoyed working with this sketch and this super cute digi image.  But I almost had to scrap the whole thing!!  I had a major stamping snafu!  Luckily I was able to "correct" the error and modify.  WHEW!

The design was based on the sketch from I Spy Sketches and the digi image is from Whimsy Doodles called Love Chocolate Bunnies.  The sentiment is a sticker that I forgot I had until I was "scrambling" for a fix for my card.  I have several more (good to know).
Challenges Entered:
I Spy Sketches - Sketch 8
Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge - Spring (digi image)
Sentimental Sundays - Spring/Easter (w/sentiment)
Ribbon Carousel - Anything goes (w/ribbon)
Pollycraft - Chocolate
Getting Cricky - Easter
Paper and Such - Spring/Easter
Top Tip Tuesday - Spring or Animal
Scrapbooking Queen - Easter & Bunnies

Monday, March 26, 2012

You Rock

This was a fun card to make, but a little difficult as well.  I haven't worked with these "layered" Cricut images much and this one had a lot of detail pieces.  But I did my best and also checked out some YouTube videos to and learned some tricks for next time.
I cut the girl out with the Rock Princess cartridge at 3".  The text was cut using the Alphalicious cartridge at 3/4".  And the star was cut with the Art Philosophy at 2".  I also applied some crystal lacquer to the star to give it some shine and dimension.  (It wasn't dry yet when taking this picture though!)

Design was based on the sketch from My Favorite Things sketch 64.
Challenges Entered:
My Favorite Things - Sketch 64
Die Cuttin Divas - Music theme
4 Crafty Chicks - Music inspired

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Flowers Galore

Well I am proud to announce that I have actually won a couple challenges this week and was featured in another!!  Yahoo!  I was wondering when all of my work would "pay off"!  Here are the links to my "wins"

52 Christmas card Throwdown  for Kitty Christmas
Catch the Bug Challenge Blog and Birthday Sundaes for Doggy Birthday

I will bask in the glow of my win for a day or so.  I never win anything, so this is a real treat for me.  Hoping that this is just the beginning and will see some more in the future!

On to my latest card.  This was a struggle for me as I was challenged to do a "circle" card.  I have been shying away from these for some reason.  But once I got going, I found out it wasn't so bad.  I was so pleased at how it turned out and so grateful for my Cricut!!
I based the design from a sketch I found on Mojo Monday's blog Sketch 221.  I was following along with the color challenge at Catch the Bug Challenge blog, which worked out great because Blue is my favorite color.  Stamp is SU! and from the "Goody Goody Gumdrops" set.  I colored the flowers with colored pencil and glittered the leaves (hard to tell from pic though).

All cuts were made using my Cricut and the Art Philosophy cartridge, (the best cartridge to date).  Card was cut using "Circle 2" at 4 1/2".  Circle layers were cut with "Circle 1" at 4 1/4" and 3 1/2".  Flowers were cut using "Flower 6" and cut at 1 1/2", 1 1/4", and 1".  Leaves are "Leaf 1" and were cut at 1 1/4" & 1 1/2".

Challenges Entered:
Simon Says Stamp - BINGO (flowers, glitter, brads)
Pixie Dust Studio - Favorite things (Blue, brads)
Raise the Bar - In the garden
Catch the Bug Challenge blog - Color challenge
Stampin' for the Weekend - Anything goes
Lily Pad cards - Flowers
Sweet Stampin' - Anything goes
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Handmade flowers

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Popsicle wishes

I fell in love with another digi image!  It's even better when it's a freebie too.  Double Bonus!!  As soon as I saw this image I immediately printed it out and went to work.  I need to tweak the colors of the popsicle for next time, but is okay for now.

The digi image came from Pattie's Creations, called "Popsicle Trio".  It's her free image for the month of March.  Be sure to head over and grab it!!  I paper pieced the colors of the popsicles and then added my own "custom" sentiment.  I put the words together that are on the set from CTMH called "Random Thoughts".

I had a lot of fun with this card and see many versions of it in the future.  Many different colors and may even use some patterned paper.  Who knows?!

Challenges Entered:
Pattie's Creations - Anything goes
The Paper Shelter - Paper piecing
Less is More - Pick 3 challenges
(Week 40 - Red & Orange; Week 33 - Anything goes; Week 51 - Cut it Out)

Friday, March 23, 2012

You're One in a Melon

Good Friday morning!  I just have one little card to post today.  Not sure if I will get to any more today as I have a lot of laundry to catch up on!

This card was made with the stamp set that I have been challenging myself to use this week.  I love the cherries in the set, but wanted to use the other fruit as well.  So I stamped up the watermelon and went on my merry way.
The design is a sketch from Tuesday Morning sketches and I got the color combo idea from My Time Made Easy.  Stamp sets are from SU!  The watermelon is in the "Fruit Medley" set (2-step stampin') and the sentiment is in the "Fruity Phrases" set.  I ended up stamping a Thank You on the inside as well.

Challenges entered:
My Time Made Easy - color challenge (rose, cherry, gray, black)
Lia Stampz - Anything goes w/sentiment
The Crafter's Cafe - Ribbon and/or Lace
Shopping our Stash - Buttons and/or Bows

Thursday, March 22, 2012

CAS Circles

Well I channeled my friend Sara again when doing this card.  This is her signature style, clean and simple, stamped background.  I need to work on this and get better at the "randomness" of the stamp placement, but I'm working on it!
All stamps are Stampin' Up!  The lined circle stamp is "Polka Dots & Petals" set, the flower is "Big Flowers" set, and the sentiment is "Create a Cupcake" set.  The ink pads were also from SU!  I used Rich Razzleberry, Marina Mist, and More Mustard.

Challenges Entered:
The Play Date Cafe - color challenge (Raspberry, Harbor, Honey Mustard) 
Hiding in my Craft Room - Keep it simple
Crafty Purple Frog - Anything goes

Big World

I was looking around the Internets for a digi image that I could use for a challenge.  I'm new to the "digi image" world and do not have very many.  So I was trying to find (a free) one that jumped out at me.  So I found this cute Earth Day image and fell in love.  Although, I didn't know what to do with it.  Do I make an Earth Day card?  Who would I send that to?  Then I had an idea!!  It's not very often that these cute puns come to me and was glad that it found it's way to me!

"I Love You as Big as the World!"  Brilliant!  Pretty cute idea huh?  I am pretty proud of myself for coming up with that.


Although, I wish I had that sentiment as an actual stamp, but had to use a font and print out.  I'm sure if I fussed with it more it would have come out better, but I don't have that kind of time.

The design was from a sketch from Taylored Expressions.  The cute digi image is from Melonheadz.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, Earth Day is April 22.

Challenges Entered:
Sweet 'n Sassy Digi challenge - Digi image w/green
2 Sisters challenge - Spots & Dots
Scrapbooking Queen - Digi image w/green
Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sweet! Cherries

This card was made using one of the stamp sets that I have "challenged" myself to use this week.  The set is from Stampin' Up! and is called "Fruit Medley" (Two Step Stampin).  The main reason I purchased was because of the cherries in the set.  I live in "Cherry Country" so it is only appropriate that I have some cute cherry stamps!

After much fussing with what colors and cardstock I was going to use, I finally got a result that I am very happy with.
The design was based on the sketch from The Sweet Stop sketch challenge.  The sentiment came from a Fiskars stamp set called Fresh Fruit.  I stamped the inside with a cute birthday greeting from CTMH (Card chatter - Birthday).

Sketch:
Challenges entered:
Sweet Stop sketch challenge - sketch w/green
Stamp, Scrap, & Doodle - green & white
Simply Sunday Challenge - Green, white & another color
By the Cute & Girly - "In the Kitchen"

Spring Bunny

I love using my Cricut to make cards and not just cutting letters for my scrapbook pages.  These challenges are great for getting me to "go outside the box" with my Cricut and actually use the many different cartridges along with all of the different stuff on them!

The design was inspired by the sketch from My Favorite Things.  The bunny cut is from the Doodlecharms cartridge and was cut at 3 1/2".  The stamped sentiment is from CTMH "March Word Puzzle".  Of course I had to add some fun googly eyes and a cute pink nose.  I just used black marker for the whiskers and mouth.  It was great to be able to use that leftover piece of "grass" paper.  I have been holding on to that scrap since making an Easter scrapbook page for my daughter about 2 yrs ago!! (ps, I still have a little bit left!)

Challenges entered:
Bitten by the Bug 2 - Bunny or chick cricut cut
Sweet Stamps - Easter / Spring
Cutie Pie challenge blog - Pink w/rabbits
Clear it out challenge - Easter/Spring (use up pastel papers)
Oldie but a Goodie - Easter/Spring

Kitty Christmas

I know you may be confused by a Christmas card right now, but it's true, I made a Christmas card.  Now let me explain, there are a few sites that do card challenges for just Christmas cards.  So I thought this would be a great way to get some cards done early and not rush at the last minute.  Plus this may help me "flush out" my actual design for my cards this year.

I am a recycler of cards.  All cards.  When I receive cards for Birthdays and holidays I will display them for a while and then I will "cannibalize" them for "parts".  It may be the ribbon, the cardstock, or image, but I put them in a special box and will resort to them in times of need.  Well my Christmas parts are overflowing and will be using these Christmas challenges as a way to actually use these parts.  They are still very useful and I hate to throw things away that can be "reused".

So here it is, my part recycled card:
The stamped sentiment came from CTMH "December Word Puzzle".

Challenges entered:
52 Christmas card throwdown - Christmas feat. animal
Christmas Cards All Year Round - 2 green patterned paper
ABC Christmas challenge - Furry/Feathered friends

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Doggy Birthday

OK, this is the last card for the day (maybe).  This was a fun card to make.  I don't have a lot of "kid" birthday cards, so this was a good one to start a stash.
The design was based off of the sketch from Catch the Bug challenge blog.  Another element of the challenge was to use one of their digi images, so I used the "Scruffy Puppy".  I got this image when it was available as one of their freebies (yay me!)  I popped the puppy image out with a 3D foam square and colored the image with colored pencils.  The bones on either side of the image are cutouts from some paper.  The sentiment is from CTMH "Happy Birthday" set.

Here is the sketch inspiration:
Challenges entered:
Catch the Bug challenge blog - sketch & digi image
The Paper Shelter - For the boys
Cute Card Thursday - Birthday
Totally Papercrafts - Male card
Birthday Sundaes - Animal birthday card
The Kraft Journal - Anything goes w/Kraft
The Pink Elephant - Get "Krafty"
The Poodles Parlour - Anything goes
Paper Playtime - For the guys w/sentiment
Forever Friends - 3D, animal

Blue Butterfly

This card was inspired by my friend who had made one many years ago.  She is such an awesome artist, which makes it difficult to stamp with her sometimes because she is so darn good, and my stuff pales in comparison next to her "works of art".  But I learn a lot from her and take her artsy ideas with me.  So Sara, this card is for you (not literally, just figuratively!).
The stamp background (Sketched Daisy) and butterfly image (Sketched Butterfly) are both by Stampendous.  I used colored pencil and colored in the small hearts on the background and the butterfly.  I then put crystal lacquer on the hearts to make them stand out a little bit and add some sort of extra "dimension".  I then stamped a simple Happy Birthday on the inside.

Challenges entered:
Do You Stack Up? - favorite color (blue)
Incy Wincy Designs - Things with wings
Love to Create - Anything goes
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Handmade background
Stamping with the Dragon - Things with wings

Robot Birthday

Good Tuesday (or whenever you are reading this) to you!  I have a few cards to post today, so I will get down to it!

This card was based off of the design sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday.  The robot stamp is by Recollections, and I am loving this set so far.  The stars were cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge (1/2", 3/4", star 4).  The "gear" came from an old die cut sheet that matches some paper (that I am still waiting to do a scrap page with) that I bought a couple years ago (Yikes!).  The ribbon fibers are old item as well!  I got them for Christmas from my "crafty" friend, and I would have to say that was at "least" 5 years ago!  I think it was about time I used it!!        I also stamped the inside with a birthday sentiment.

  Challenges entered:
Play Date Cafe - color challenge (teal, green, orange, blue)
Tuesday Throwdown - "Hoarded" item
Crafty Calendar challenge - Old "forgotten" item

Monday, March 19, 2012

Happy Easter card

Was able to come up with a cute card this morning.  In addition to the website challenges, I have imposed my "own" challenge in the mix.  I tend to use the same stamps over and over, so I am pulling out 2-3 sets per week and will only use those sets for week.  Exceptions are sentiments and any challenge that is asking for a specific type of item.  It will be interesting when I am only working with certain sets and will have to get creative.

Here's the first card of the week:
The design came from Ribbon Carousel Challenge, image and sentiment came from CTMH Seasonal Thoughts.  Large scallop circle was cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge (3 1/4", Circle 2)  The flower image is a sticker that I put on cardstock and trimmed.  I have so many stickers, so when I see an opportunity for one I try and use them.
Challenges entered:
Ribbon Carousel Challenge - sketch & ribbon
My Sheri Crafts - Easter
Perfect Sentiments - Easter w/sentiment
There She Goes - Easter w/animal
MyGrafico - Easter or Spring
My Craft Spot - Spring w/scallop

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Vintage Typewriter

Here is one more card for the day.  Wanted to enter a couple more before time ran out today!  So I threw this one together.  This was the first time using my new Stampin Up! stamp set "You're My Type".  I definitely need to play with it some more because the typewriter didn't stamp as well as I would have liked, but didn't have the time to really fuss with it.
I based the design on the sketch from MoJo Monday 232 and the color scheme was from Color Throwdown (certainly celery, baja breeze, really rust, kraft).
Challenges entered:
Mojo Monday - Sketch 232
Color Throwdown - Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, Really Rust, Kraft
Peachy Keen Stamps - orange, brown, green

Rainbows & Buttons

This card turned out to be not what I had first envisioned, but I'm okay with the end result.  It's more along the clean & simple design and I got the Rainbow & Buttons on there to qualify for some challenges.  It was truly a challenge for me to incorporate a rainbow theme onto a card.  It's a color combo that I do not work with at all.  But here it is:
The design was based off (loosely) of the sketch from Pixie Dust Studios.  I cut the petals from the Art Philosophy cartridge (1 1/2", petal 2), then stamped with versa ink a flower/petal image from the Serendipity set from CTMH.  The Birthday greeting is from the Happy Birthday set from CTMH.

Here is the sketch:
Challenges entered:
Hand Stamped Sentiments - Rainbows & sentiment
Raise the Bar - Grouping of 4 (buttons)
All Sorts Challenge - 3 in a row
Lily Pad - Inspirational Photo (rainbow & buttons)