Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Final Cardabilities Reveal ... #132

Hello Dear Friends!
It is time once again for the new Sketch Reveal 
at the Cardabilities Sketch Challenge Blog and sorry to say ... the final reveal!

Karan has a VERY busy crafting life at the present time so I'm sorry to say she is having to close both her Cardabilities and Sketchabilities blogs.  And I'd like to take a moment  to extend my thanks and appreciate for the opportunity to be on such a fabulous design team!
Wishing Karan nothing but the BEST in her future endeavors!!

Here's my card and today's sketch ... I hope you'll come join us!


Our wonderful sponsor today is
 Heartfelt Creations
Website: https://www.heartfeltcreations.us/
Blog: https://www.heartfeltcreations.us/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartfeltCreations

 I hope you'll take the time to pop over to the Cardabilities Challenge Blog!
Not only to be amazingly inspired by the design teams creations but
also to extend well wishes to our leader Karan Gerber!
I for one will certainly miss these amazing sketches and I'm sure will
frequent these links to find past sketch inspiration . . .
Blog: http://cardabilities.blogspot.ca/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Cardabilities 
Pinterest : Designers: https://www.pinterest.com/karangerber/cardabilities-designers/ Pinterest:Sketches: https://www.pinterest.com/karangerber/cardabilities-sketches/

 Challenges to share in today . . .
613 Avenue Create Challenge - ATG w/twist - use color Sapphire 
Cheery Lynn Designs Challenge - Anything Goes
Crazy 4 Challenges - Blue

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun at Cardabilties!
As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Heartfelt Creations dp, Medium blue cs
Stamps/Ink:  SU Script background stamp / Tim Holtz 'Frayed Burlap' and 'Faded Jeans' distress inks
Dies:  Sue Wilson Finishing touches 'Maiden Hair Fern' #CED1433, Memory Box 'Stitched Scalloped Circles #30047, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Live, Laugh, Love' #B564
Accessories:  The Crafters Workshop 6x6 Mini Butterfly Collage stencil, Martha Stewart 'doily' border punch, pop dots

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Enjoy those Fall Colors

Hello Dear Friends!

WOW is this month flying by!!  Whew!
It's been a whirl wind for me ...
A month of birthdays, retirements, craft shows and visiting with crafting friends!
Busy but FUN!!

Anyways ... today I have a card to share which was created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog and will be perfect for a quick note to a friend who loves the Fall season and bicycling.


 The dies I have used today are:

OMG ... SO many possibilities when you have die cuts to use in creating cards!
For the coloring of my leaves, I created a colorful panel using Ken Oliver 'Color Burst'
then once dry I did my die cutting and assembly.
Pretty easy peasy  ... you gotta love that!!!

Inside

 I also die cut a Sue Wilson 'Maidenhair Fern'  #CED1433 from my colorful panel for the inside of my card.  Did you notice that my oval panels are 'reversed'?  Another fun aspect of these amazing dies.

Challenges to share in:
Cards in Envy Challenge - The Colors of Fall
Crafting from the Heart - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion Challenge - Anything Goes
Make It Monday Challenge - Autumn Colors
Classy Cards n Such - Feeling Fall-ish

Well, I still have a lot to get done today so I'd better get moving!

Thanks for stopping by and remember to come join in our challenge fun HERE and be sure to check out all the new dies being showcased for the upcoming holiday season at the Dies R Us Store!

As always ...

Friday, September 25, 2015

Believe

Welcome Back Friends!

I have a quick and easy card for you today that I created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog!


Now it doesn't get much easier than this card.
I've simply taken a white card stock panel 1/2" smaller all the way around  than my card base, place a punched circle of masking medium in the upper left corner for the moon, then sponged all over with various blue shades of ink.
Removed the circle to reveal the moon then added these two beautiful die cuts.
and
Memory Box 'Fancy Believe' #1280.

At the time of this posting the Memory Box 'believe' die is Out of Stock but there are others available that will work just as well.  Simply go to the store ... type BELIEVE into the search box to see those available.



Keeping this short and sweet today but before I go please remember to come join in the fun at our Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  You could be the lucky winner of a DRU Store Gift Voucher!

Challenges to share in:
Crafting with an Attitude - Anything Goes
Crafty Girls Creations Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Wishing you a fabulous weekend!
I'm headed over to the Barberton Masonic Temple to set up for a 2 day craft show!
Wish me luck!  LOL
As always . . .

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Sisterhood - Pumpkin Patch

Hello crafting friends!
Today I have a card to share for the newest challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters!  Diane is our hostess today and she has chosen PUMPKIN PATCH as the challenge theme.  

Here's what I came up with . . .

While at my crafting get together with friends in Indiana a few weeks ago, my friend Bette Henson let me die cut some of her latest dies.  The pumpkins are by Cheery Lynn Designs ... 'Fall Pumpkins' #B240 and the brown die cut frame is Spellbinder 'A2 Valiant Honor' #S5-217.  Of course, when I got home I immediately went online and placed an order for both of these dies sets!  LOL ... my friends are such ENABLERS!!


I must admit, I don't do many Halloween type cards but when I do, I always turn to Crafty Secrets for their fabulous seasonal images.  This adorable vintage Halloween image comes from the Halloween Image & Journal Notes Booklet.  There are  32 pages of amazing vintage Halloween images for the amazing price of only $2.95 while supplies last!!!  Be sure to pop over to the Crafty Secrets Store to see many more fabulous sales going on right now!!!  

I hope you'll come join in this fun Pumpkin Patch challenge
at The Sisterhood of Crafters!

Challenges to share in:
Creative Card Crew .... Fall
Deep Ocean .... Autumn
Die Cuttin' Diva's .... Pumpkin/Scarecrow
Fan-Tastic Tuesdays ... Color Me Autumn
City Crafter Challenge ... Fall has Arrived

 
That's it for me today ...
LOTS to get done before this weekends Mum Festival/Craft Show!
As always ...
Thanks for stopping by and ...

Recipe:
Papers:  Orange cs, Yellow cs, Brown cs
Image:  Crafty Secrets
Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs 'Fall Pumpkins' die set, Spellbinder 'A2 Valiant Honor' die set, gingham ribbon, pop dots

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Get Well . . .

Hello Friends!
Today I have a card to share that was quick & easy to create and would be a good card to have on hand.  It seems these days I'm always in need of a Get Well card to send in hopes of lifting the spirits of a friend or family member who is under the weather.


This card was created in a matter of minutes.
I have used the Darice 'Quilt Blocks' embossing folder for the background and one of the many fabulous word dies available at the Dies R Us Store.  You can find a huge variety of word dies from various companies available ... simply type the word you are looking for in the SEARCH box and it will show you what is available for purchase at that time.  
Unfortunately, this fabulous DieVersions 'Express Edges - Get Well' #DVE-028 die cut is no longer available but I'm sure you will find others that would fit your needs just as well.

Did you realize that Dies R Us has Embossing Folders?  Yep ... click HERE to see what's available.  There's even stamp/die sets available ... we are quickly becoming your ONE STOP SHOPPING site!  Product changes DAILY so be sure to stop back often to see what's new in the store! 


Here's a peek at the inside!
This is one of my favorite Get Well sentiments!  Everyone seems to be in such a hurry these days and most people don't really give themselves the time needed to heal & get healthy properly.  So this sentiment by Verses Rubber Stamps is just a reminder of that fact!

We have a new challenge running through the 28th over on our Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  
The theme is  HOT COLORS.  
Why not come join in the fun!!  YOU could be the next winner of a gift voucher to the Dies R Us Store!!

In need of inspiration?
Then you'll want to pop over to our Dies R Us Inspiration Blog 
where the team shares a new sample Monday thru Friday 
using dies from the Dies R Us Store! 

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you're having a wonderful week!
As always . . .

Monday, September 21, 2015

FALL

FALL ... beautiful FALL!

Hello Friends!

I warned you last week that I'd be sharing more Fall cards using some of the beautiful images from the Crafty Secrets SUNFLOWER collection and today I have one of those creations for you.

This beautiful digi set comes in two shades ...
black/white as well as brown/white.
Be sure to check out THIS post to see how you can change your PNG files to a different color palette.

Once again I have used my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for coloring.
A sprinkling of Fall leaves and I'm happy with the outcome of this creation.
I have left it blank inside so it could be used for a variety of occasions!
Maybe a birthday card ...
or just a note to a friend that makes you smile! 

Challenges to share in:
Cards in Envy Challenge - The Colors of Fall
Dream Valley Challenge - Autumn Colors
Love to Scrap Challenge - Anything Goes
Make It Monday Challenge - Nature
Our Craft Corner Challenge #1 - Autumn Color


Please be sure to pop over to the Crafty Secrets Store to see what wonderful product is available.  I have no doubt you will love it as much as I do!
Then why not come join in our challenge fun at the Crafty Secrets Blog on the first Monday of each month.  NO theme ... only requirement to win is to use ANY Crafty Secrets product on your creation.  If by chance you are NEW to Crafty Secrets, there are several freebies offered for you to play with and join in the fun!

Thanks for stopping by!
Have a great day . . . As Always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Teal cs, Old Olive cs, Rust cs, Wine cs, Red cs, Yellow cs, Brown cs
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, White Gelly Roll Pen, Pop Dots, X-Cut die 'leaves', Memento 'bamboo leaves' ink, sponge dauber, Die Versions 'elegant font' letters die, ProvoCraft 'honeycomb' embossing folder

Sunday, September 20, 2015

The colors of Fall . . .

Happy Sunday Everyone!
I should be working on tissue box covers for the upcoming craft shows next week but instead I just had to make this card.  Earlier in the day I was creating backgrounds to use on a design team card but then realized it didn't have enough of the theme color showing ... SO I created another background panel for my DT card and here's a quickie card I just made to share with you.


Yep, I broke down and purchased some of the new Ken Oliver 'Color Burst'.
WOW!  I just LOVE them ... such beautiful, vibrant color and SO EASY!!!

Challenges to share in:
Di's Digi Design Challenge - Fabulous Fall Colors

This card is packaged and in the sale box!
I bet I hear some Oooo's and Aawww's when folks spot this one!  LOL

okay ... back to work!
Playtime is over!  LOL
As always . . .

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Oh to be 13 again . . .

Happy Weekend Everyone!
It's a busy time of the year for me in preparing for the several Fall craft shows I like to participate in.  And it's also time for one of my favorite neighborhood young ladies birthday!  You've seen Ms. Olivia & her sister, Ms. Emily, from time to time on my blog and this week Ms. Olivia is THIRTEEN! 

WOW!  She was only a year old when we moved into the neighborhood and Emily wasn't even born yet.  We've really enjoyed watching these lovely young ladies grow!  And, how honored are we to always be invited to their family birthday parties.  I always try to make a SPECIAL card that reflects WHO they are from year to year and here's what I've come up with for Ms. Olivia today.


I recently ordered a couple of the new Ken Oliver 'color burst' sets and thought I'd give them a try today!  LOVE how the backgrounds turned out ... such beautiful color and I think Ms. "O" (as we call her) will love it!  The 13 background panel was computer generated in Word10 and the Happy Birthday die I used is Creative Expressions 'Sue Wilson'.

Challenges to share in:
Crafty Catz Challenge - Special Occasions

Unfortunately we won't be able to join the party this evening.
I'm hosting a surprise Retirement party for another friend ... but hopefully I'll get home in time to pop over for a piece of cake!  LOL

I'd better get movin' ... lots to do before heading out this afternoon!
Thanks for stopping by!
As Always . . .

Friday, September 18, 2015

A Winter Scene . . .

Welcome Back!
Today I have a quick & easy winter scene created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog!  I'm always amazed at how quickly I put together a card with the use of these fabulous die cuts purchased at the Dies R Us Store.
The possibilities are ENDLESS when using die cuts!!


Step 1:
Using a white card stock panel, sponge your favorite shade of blue ink (I've used Tim Holtz 'broken china & faded jeans' distressed ink).  ** I have circle punched a piece of masking medium (post it note will work too) and put it on my white card stock before sponging to create a moon.

Step 2:
Tear a couple scraps of white card stock and adhere one in front of the other, leaving the upper portion unattached so you can insert your trees.

Step 3:
Die cut 2 sets of the Memory Box 'Evergreen Trio' #99240 die set in your choice of green card stock shade ... I've used SU Old Olive.  Position one set in between your snowy panels and the second set in the background.

Step 4:
Die cut your favorite woodland critter and position in the foreground.  I have used the Marianne LR0377 Mama Moose and Baby (sorry Marianne dies are not routinely carried at our store.)  But there are several beautiful DEER dies available that would work perfectly in this scene!   Just type DEER in the 'search' tab of our store to see what's available.

Step 5:
Lastly add some 'snow'.  I've used Liquid Pearls for my snow effect.


 I hope you've found inspiration in today's card creation and remember you can stop by the inspiration blog any week day (Mon-Fri) for a new inspiration sample from one of the design team members!

Challenges to share in:
As You Like It Challenge - Favorite Die & Why (This tree die can be used to give dimension to any scenery card ... perfect for those difficult 'guy' cards!)
Crafty Girls Creations Challenge - Always Anything Goes 
Southern Girls Challenge - Layer it Up

There's a new challenge up at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog!
The theme is a 'Photo Inspiration' using HOT COLORS ... be sure to come check it out and then join in the fun!  YOU could be the next winner of a $10 gift voucher to the Dies R Us Store!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
As always . . .

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Cardabilities Reveal #131

Hello Dear Friends!
It is time once again for the new Sketch Reveal 

Here's my card and today's sketch ... I hope you'll come join us!

You will have until September 28th to join in our challenge and please be sure to review our rules.
One rule I'd like to mention is:  your entry can be shared with only 3 additional challenges in order for you to qualify for our prize. 

Our wonderful sponsor today is
 Heartfelt Creations
I happen to LOVE the products that Heartfelt Creations handles and have enjoyed creating with some of them for today's card creation.  Full listing will be shared at the end of this post.

Challenges to share in:
Craft Your Passion - Always Anything Goes
Not Just Cards Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun at Cardabilties!
As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Hunter Green cs, Heartfelt Creations design paper
Stamps: Heartfelt Creations 'Classic Leaf ' stamp set #HCPC3546, Heartfelt Creations 'Birds & Blooms' stamp set #HCPC3644
Dies:  Spellbinder Shapeablities 'Medallion Seven' #S2-024, Impression Obsession 'Border Duo 1' #DIE017, Heartfelt Creations 'Classic Leaf' die set #HCD736, Heartfelt Creations 'Birds & Blooms' die set #HCD1-756
Accessories:  Heartfelt Creations thick pop dots, Martha Stewart 'branch' punch, Heartfelt Creations Flower Making Kit, Wilton paper doily, Memento 'Bamboo Leaves' ink, Tim Holtz 'Scattered Straw' distress ink, Tim Holtz 'Broken China' distress ink, Tim Holtz distresser

Dies R Us Inspiration - Home 4 Christmas

Welcome back friends!
Today I'm sharing a holiday card created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog!  Christmas is really not THAT far away and I typically send out around 60 cards so there is no time like the present to get them started!  

You'll want to be sure to pop over to our Dies R Us Store for all your holiday dies.  There are SO MANY wonderful dies available through 40+ companies and I have no doubt you will find exactly what YOU need to create your holiday cards.
 
Here's a list of the dies I've used on today's creation:
CharmingXmas - Precious Marieke 'Village Ornament' #PM10037 (sorry ... sold out at the time of this posting)
Sue Wilson 'Italian Collection Decorate Frames'  #CED1503
Sue Wilson 'Finishing Touches Classic Rose' #CED1407 (leaves)
 Impression Obsession 'Alphabet Plain Upper Case' #DIE158
Memory Box 'Classic Numbers' #98362
Poppystamps 'Classic Ribbons' #1005


Holiday cards are always so pretty with a touch of sparkle
so I've added diamond Stickles to the roof of each building as well as the flower centers.





Remember you can stop by this inspiration blog every weekday Monday through Friday for new card samples using dies carried at the Dies R Us store.

We also have a challenge blog with a new challenge theme posted on the 1st and 15th of each month.  Won't you come join in our fun?  Who knows, YOU might be our next lucky winner of a gift voucher to the Dies R Us Store!  
Wouldn't that be awesome ... just in time for holiday shopping! 

Challenges to share in:
Make My Monday Challenge - Black/White + hint of another color
 Where the Heart Is Challenge - Add some Text
Christmas Card Challenge #41 - Anything Goes Christmas

Thanks for stopping by today!
I hope you're having a fabulous week!
As always . . .



Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Black cs, the Paper Studio 'Harper's Boutique' dp 
Accessories:  Darice flowers, Stickles, Memento 'Bamboo Leaves' ink, sponge dauber, white gelly roll pen (faux stitching), Tim Holtz black fine tip marker (faux stitching)

Monday, September 14, 2015

Fun Crafting Weekend!

Good Monday Evening!
As most of you know, I left last Thursday morning headed to South Bend, Indiana to link up with crafting friends for a weekend of sharing projects, techniques, food & laughter!  And let me tell you we did a lot of ALL of those things!
I love getting together with these ladies!!!  
Unfortunately this time around we were missing two of our friends!  Diane Hover had plans with friends up in the U.P. and poor Gretchen Wilson was busy, busy working on doing some bathroom remodeling ... I'm sure she'd have rather been crafting!  LOL!

Thought you might like to see a few things we were working on!
I didn't have a 'finished project' to share this time but did want to show the ladies a few techniques.
The BOKEH technique (this panel will be turned into a card at some point)




The WHITE WASH technique.  Trying different papers & ink colors.




And the STAMP OVER STENCIL technique.  
This panel will also be turned into a card before long!

Joan Fricker shared a really awesome technique where you used PAPER NAPKINS,  STICKY POWDER and WOW Embossing GLITTER.  Isn't this a beautiful panel?  Check out Joan's finished card on her blog post HERE.  
You can click any of the images to enlarge.


And here's a FINISHED CARD that Joan showed us how to make.  You can see her original card on her blog post (shared link above).  I 'tweaked' mine a little from her original.  



How about this adorable card 'tote' that Bette Henson shared.  
I'll be making a few of these for upcoming craft fairs I'm sure!


Bette also shared this fabulous gift card holding card which we made template samples from and will create when we have more time in our own crafting areas.  What a beautiful card!  YEP ... another one I need to get made before my shows ... YIKES that's only a couple of weeks away!




Last but not least is Judy Studer ... Judy ALWAYS has some amazing projects to share!
She is the QUEEN of FOLDS and DIRECTIONS!
This is Judy's card (GORGEOUS) and we have made a template sample to create this card on our own.


Another cute 'box pouch'!
I don't know how she figures all this stuff out!  LOL
ALWAYS unique and FABULOUS!

Being with this group of ladies is always inspiring and helps to really get my mojo fired up!
I'm happy to say that in just a few weeks I'll be making the 5 hour drive again and headed to Michigan to spend some fun, crafting time with Diane Hover (one of the missing cogs in our crafting wheel ...  from this weekends gathering).  

Sorry for the long post but just had to share these fabulous ideas with you
in hopes of jump starting your creativity today!

Hubby's hollering for dinner so I'd best get movin'!  LOL
As always . . .