Mad Mice in the Summer Sun

WAHOO!! NINE challenges in one card. It helped that several challenge blogs are thinking summer. I’m down to the wire for the Midnight Madness Challenge (along with the 365 Cards challenge). If you haven’t checked out the ‘madness’ yet, STOP ON BY!!! The crew is so friendly and they are offering MAD MONEY (cold, hard cash) to a random winner this month. The pot increases if they reach their follower goal. This card was lots of fun once I got into it. I’ve done paper piecing before but never the added dimension of paper tole. The flower ‘shades’ were perfect for ‘popping up’. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch #7

Inspiration BananaSplitSunday Inspiration House Mouse #44 ~ Paper Tole 365 Cards 115 ~ Piece it Together Stamp Something ~ Embellish Something Challenge: use at least 3 embellies Stamptacular Sunday Challenge 13 ~ Party Animal (include an animal) Cupcake Craft Challenge #46 ~ Summer Spoon Full of Sugar #58 ~ Summer Everybody Art Challenge #46 ~ Summertime

My Creation

Image Detail Diamond glaze make the ice cubes look drippey in the sun. There are several layers to the flowers to add dimension. Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Mad Mice in the Summer Sun Challenges: Midnight Madness Sketch #7 House Mouse #44 ~ Paper Tole 365 Cards 115 ~ Piece it Together Stamp Something ~ Embellish Something Challenge Stamptacular Sunday Challenge 13 ~ Party Animal Cupcake Craft Challenge #46 ~ Summer BananaSplitSunday Inspiration Spoon Full of Sugar #58 ~ Summer Everybody Art Challenge #46 ~ Summertime Stamps: House Mouse ~ Beach Cooler (Stampabilities) Paper: DCWV (Summer Glitter, Spring), PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (R11, R29, R81, RV09, RV14, E00, E31, E55, Y000, Y15, Y26, YR21, YR65, W1, W3, W5, BG10, B41, BV11, YG63), Spicas (Red, Silver, Black, Clear, Lemon, Pink, Gold), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Diamond Glaze, Prima Rhinestone Embellishment, Misc Gems and Pearls, Bottle Cap Stickers Citrus Brights (Design Originals)

Four Seasons

This was REALLY challenging as I wasn’t sure how to incorporate all four seasons in one card. I thought about cheating and pretending I lived in southern Texas or Florida where just about all their seasons are sunny and warm. :o) Then I remembered this set from My Favorite Things and breathed a bit easier. Still had to futz quite a bit and the first take on the card was trashed. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~Sweet Sunday Sketch 24 I used a square instead of a circle for my image, but otherwise stayed true to the sketch.

Inspiration 365 Cards 121 ~ Four Seasons (incorporate all 4 seasons in your card) My Creation

Image Detail I popped up 2 of my trees and added Sepia accents to the bark.

Inside SUPER simple sentiment.

INS AND OUTS ~ Four Seasons Challenges: Sweet Sunday Sketch 24 365 Cards 121 ~ Four Seasons (incorporate all 4 seasons in your card) Stamps: Branch Out (My Favorite Things), Clear Stamps by Studio G (sentiment) Paper: DCWV, Neenah Classic Solar White Ink: Memento (Lady Bug, Bamboo Leaves, New Sprout, Angel Pink, Rich Cocoa), Tea Dye Distress (Ranger), Spicas (Pink, Clear, Gold, Melon), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Sepia Accents

365 Multiple Challenge ~ Days 116, 120 & 122

I told you I’d be posting multiple entries for the 365 Cards challenge. Last month I missed it by 1 hour since I had my time zone wrong in my brain. Barring sudden computer or internet issues, I should make the deadline. Oh crumb, I totally jinxed myself – didn’t I? (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration 365 Cards 120 ~ Sketchy Sunday

Inspiration 365 Cards 116 ~ Keep it To Yourself: Wedding Card (wedding card with no sentiment on the outside) 365 Cards 122 ~ It’s a Wrap (use wrapping paper) Seriously, I don’t own a scrap of flat or rolled gift wrap; however I have a HUGE bin of gift bags. I found a cute leopard print bag with this little cut out window in it. I covered up the ‘for you’ text with ribbon and my sweet mice to make a sassy wedding card. My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ 365 Multiple Challenge ~ Days 116, 120 & 122 Challenges: 365 Cards 120 ~ Sketchy Sunday 365 Cards 116 ~ Keep it To Yourself: Wedding Card 365 Cards 122 ~ It’s a Wrap (use wrapping paper) Stamps: House Mouse ~ Playing Dress Up (Stampabilities) Paper: PTI White, Misc Leopard Gift Bag, DCWV Base Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (E00, E31, E50, E55, BG10, C1, C3, C5, R11, R81, RV14), Spicas (Olive, Black, Pink, Clear), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Misc Ribbon & Flowers

365 Cards Days 117 & 119 Simple Silhouette Kitty

I’m determined to meet the June challenges at 365 cards, which is why there will be several posts tonight before the deadline. They’re really making me think creatively with the end of the month challenges. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Inspiration 365 Cards 117 ~ 1 stamped image and 1 sentiment (no patterned paper or embellishments) 365 Cards 119 ~ Silhouette My Creation I only used ‘ink’ to highlight my image. It was SO hard not to add layers or pretty ribbons and flowers!!

INS AND OUTS ~ 365 Cards Days 117 & 119 Simple Silhouette Kitty Challenges: 365 Cards 117 ~ 1 stamped image and 1 sentiment (no patterned paper or embellies) 365 Cards 119 ~ Silhouette Stamps: Cats (Inkadinkado) Paper: Stamping Up Ink: Memento Paris Dusk, Spicas (Clear, Silver), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: NONE

Tribute to Ethan Weiman

Earlier this week I saw the adorable images Pink Cat Studios released to honor Ethan Weiman. I’m just starting with digital images, but since the proceeds for these go to Make a Wish, I figured it was the perfect time to dive in. I can’t believe I didn’t try these sooner. I love being able to size the image, rotate, flip, invert, you name it, you can tweak it. I printed on a laser printer with my regular stamping cardstock and had NO issues coloring with Copics. I’ve finally started switching to acrylic stamps (so much easier to store) and now that I’ve found digital images I have a whole new world open for crafting. If you’d like to purchase Cowboy Ethan and Cowgirl Ava (plus sentiments), hope over HERE to Pink Cat Studios and check out Ethan’s story. Within a few clicks, you can start playing as well. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration Show us Your Sheetload ~ June This is the first time I’ve actually managed to make a card using the AWESOME resources at Sheetload. They give you a month to make something, but some times I still can’t meet the deadline.

Inspiration OCC Challenge ~ Stars Madelynn’s Twinkling Tuesday ~ Bling-a-ling-a-ling! My Time to Create Challenge ~ Honoring Ethan Simons Says Stamp Challenge ~ Happy Mail: Card for a Sick Child Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week Papertake Weekly Challenge ~ Delightful Downloads

My Creation

Image Detail I had so much fun coloring these guys. I added Diamond Glaze to the balloons and pony hooves. The accent stars are ‘stickled’ and I couldn’t help but add rhinestone belt buckles.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Tribute to Ethan Weiman Challenges: Show us Your Sheetload ~ June OCC Challenge ~ Stars Madelynn’s Twinkling Tuesday ~ Bling-a-ling-a-ling! My Time to Create Challenge ~ Honoring Ethan Simons Says Stamp Challenge ~ Happy Mail: Card for a Sick Child Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week Papertake Weekly Challenge ~ Delightful Downloads Stamps: Weiman Wranglers Digi Stamps (Pink Cat Studios) Paper: DCWV (All About Boys), PTI White Ink: Copics (C1, C5, C7, G28, Y000, Y11, Y15, YR04, R11, R22, R81, RV14, B24, B32, E00, E17, E31, E37, E55), Spicas (Sky Blue, Orange, Black, Gold, Pink), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: Stickles (Dark Blue, Copper, Baby Blue), Star Stickers, Rhinetones, Pop Up Dots

Blinged Out Bella

The original inspiration for this card came from a new Challenge Blog I found (Charisma Cardz). ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ made me realize I didn’t have and ‘congrats on your engagement’ cards in my stash. Problem solved. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Friday Sketchers #57 I took off the flower embellishment as there wasn’t much room (I used a standard sized card instead of a square). I think all the BLING add enough oomph.

Inspiration Charisma Cardz #24 ~ Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week Madelynn’s Twinkling Tuesday ~ Bling-a-ling-a-ling! A-muse-a-Palooza Week 2 ~ Ribbon

365 Cards #118 ~ I've Been Framed My Creation

Image Detail I went a little rhinestone crazy. I decked out Bella’s tiara but didn’t find the perfect gem for her ring. I used silver clear spica for a bit of shine.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Blinged Out Bella Challenges: Friday Sketchers #57 Charisma Cardz #24 ~ Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week Madelynn’s Twinkling Tuesday ~ Bling-a-ling-a-ling! A-muse-a-Palooza Week 2 ~ Ribbon

365 Cards #118 ~ I've Been Framed Stamps: Blingabella (Stamping Bella), Studio G Clear Stamps Verse Paper: DCWV (Glitter & All Dressed Up Stacks), Unknown White CS (from a swap) Ink: Unknown Black (from a swap), Memento Angel Pink & Rose Bud, Copics (E00, E31, R81, RV14, C1), Spicas (Black, Pink, Clear), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: SU Grosgrain Ribbons, Adhesive Rhinestones, Pop Up Dots

Patriotic Cool Cat

This was SUCH a fun card. I think I’ve even set a new combine-the-challenges record – EIGHT Wahoos! I’ve seen cool things done with digital images but had yet to try them. When I saw this Cool Cat image available for FREE from Hambo Stamps, I couldn’t resist. I have a thing for cats. I left the inside blank (I do this frequently) since I’m not sure who will receive the card. He’s such a cutie I may just have to pin him up by my desk for the season. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration Taylored Expressions Challenge #73 I flipped the sketch added the extra star element. It just didn’t flow right the other direction and the ‘blank’ space seemed to cry for a little sparkle.

Color Inspiration Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #12 ~ Red, White, Blue and a Star Too Inspiration OCC Challenge ~ Stars 2RedBananas Banana Split Sunday Challenge ~ Summer Everybody Art Challenge #45 ~ Male Papertake Weekly Challenge ~ Delightful Downloads Belli Challenge #68 ~ Patriotic Theme The Cat’s Pajama’s Inspiration Challenge

My Creation

Image Detail Cool Cat Image FREE DOWNLOAD I added sparkle with Spicas and quite a bit of Diamond Glaze for a water-ey effect.

INS AND OUTS ~ Patriotic Cool Cat Challenges:

Taylored Expressions Challenge #73 Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #12 ~ Red, White, Blue and a Star Too OCC Challenge ~ Stars 2RedBananas Banana Split Sunday Challenge ~ Summer Everybody Art Challenge #45 ~ Male Papertake Weekly Challenge ~ Delightful Downloads Belli Challenge #68 ~ Patriotic Theme The Cat’s Pajama’s Inspiration Challenge Stamps: Cool Cat Digital Image (Hambo) Paper: DCWV (Adhesive and Summer Stacks), PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (R02, R11, R29, R81, YR65, C1, C3, B24, B34, B41, BG10), Spicas (Turquoise, Red, Clear, Sky Blue), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Dark Blue Stickles, Bottle Cap Stickers ~ School Days (Design Originals), Pop Up Dots

Shopping Birthday

I'm starting to create a few more cards that don't require stamping. There are so many cute kits on the market that have paper & embellishments, I have to play. This card is made from a kit I found at Oritental Trading Company. They have some GREAT scrapbooking/card making supplies at low prices.

Sketch Inspiration 365 Cards 113 ~ Sketchy Sunday

Inspiration Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week My Creation

Image Detail

The arrow 'tip' is a popped up photo corner. The purses are brads.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Shopping Birthday Challenges: 365 Cards 113 ~ Sketchy Sunday Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week Stamps: All-About-Birthdays (H&M Stamps) Paper: DCWV, Oriental Trading Company Shop-a-Holic Kit Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Oriental Trading Company Shop-a-Holic Brads Accessories: Pop Up Dots, SU Grosgrain Ribbon

House Mouse & Friends Challenge #43

I work with an associate in New York who recently welcomed a new baby. He’s been out on paternity leave and we’ve only exchanged emails briefly. I don’t know the sex of the wee one, so I tried to make a gender neutral baby card. Talk about a challenge! All my supplies are either obviously baby boy or baby girl. I tried to cover all my bases and mixed blues, yellows, purples, green and a smidge of pink.

Sketch Inspiration House Mouse & Friends #43 ~ Sketch

Inspiration Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week My Creation

Image Detail I added a layer of sepia accents to the walnut shell and used Spicas and a white gel pen for highlights.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ House Mouse & Friends Challenge #43 Challenges: House Mouse & Friends #43 ~ Sketch Charisma Cards #25 ~ Open/Rubbernecker Week Stamps: House Mouse ~ Baby Blocks Paper: DCWV Nursery Baby Boy Stack, PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (E00, E31, E37, R81, Y11, Y15, Y21, C1, BG10), Spicas (Pink, Lemon, Clear, Turquoise), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: Martha Stewart Daisy Coaster, Sepia Accents, Crackle Pink Bella Dots, Blessings Vellum Quote Pack (Wal-Mart), Pop Up Dots

Neutral Wedding Mice

I don’t have much for wedding stamps, kind of like my graduation inventory, so I tend to use the same one over and over again. It’s not a big deal to the recipients, but I have to try and find new ways to keep myself from falling into a rut. Thankfully there were several challenges running that gave me several ideas. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Stamps & Smiles #20

Color Inspiration I know there’s a bit of pink in here, but I didn’t have much in the tan/bamboo category. I tried to keep everything to ‘shades’ of brown with a few pink high lights. Color Chef Challenge #11 ~ white & tan (bamboo) ABC Challenge ~ T is for Two Tone

Inspiration 365 Cards 112 ~ Everlasting Love: Create a wedding card, and use the word "Love" in the sentiment This verse is actually the familiar full baby phrase. I just taped off the last 2 lines so I could use it here. A Spoon Full of Sugar #57 ~ Wedding Cards High Hopes Challenge #36 ~ Use your scraps I keep a small ‘bucket’ on my desk and toss in any scraps (1/4 page size or smaller). I frequently pull pieces out. My Creation

Image Detail I did a bit of faux stitching to create a border around the couple and also to ‘piece’ together the background pieces. For some reason the white ink turned pink on the paper from Prima. I added Flower Soft to give the bride’s bouquet a realistic feel. Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Neutral Wedding Mice Challenges: Stamps & Smiles #20

Color Chef Challenge #11 ~ white & tan (bamboo)

365 Cards 112 ~ Everlasting Love

A Spoon Full of Sugar #57 ~ Wedding Cards

High Hopes Challenge #36 ~ Use your scraps

ABC Challenge ~ T is for Two Tone Stamps: House Mouse ~ Playing Dress Up (Stampabilities), Wedding Wishes (Stamping Up), Baby First (My Favorite Things) Paper: The Venetian Matstack (Pressed Petals), Nursery Tales (Prima Marketing), Pink Armadillo Stack (The Paper Studio), PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (RV000, R11, R81, E00, E31, E55, W3), Spicas (Clear, Black), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: Pop Up Dots

Birthday Chef

You may recall my recent wedding card using this image earlier in the week. Since I had it out, I figured I’d make a birthday themed card. As I mentioned, I work closely with an R&D test kitchen so I can always use a ‘food’ themed card. Not sure who will receive this, but I tried to stay somewhat gender neutral. The colors are good, but does the ‘bling’ make it too feminine? (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Sketch Saturday #56

Color Inspiration ~ Color Inspiration #55 My Creation Image Detail I added lots of Spica highlights and a bit of Sepia Accents to the cake and patterned background paper.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Birthday Chef Challenges: Sketch Saturday #56 Color Inspiration #55 Stamps: Voila (Stampin Up), All-About-Birthdays (H&M Stamps) Paper: DCWV Green Stack, PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and London Fog, Copics (C1, C3, E00, E17, Y26, YR21), Spicas (Gold, Silver, Black, Clear), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Crystal Stickers (Mark Richards), Droplets (Kaiser Scrapbook), Martha Stewart Cornice Edge Punch, Sepia Accents (Ranger), Word Window Punch (Stampin Up), Pop Up Dots

Lavender Bellarific Eloise

I just LOVE a challenge where I can use purple (it’s my FAVORITE color). I’m not partial to a specific shade of the royal hue, I’m an equal opportunity color lover. I received this image in a swap and had so much fun with her. Stamping Bella carries a line of Bitty Blooms as well which are similar. They are high on my wish list, but for now I’m happy to get images in a swap. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Bellarific Friday Sketch

Color Inspiration 365 Cards 114 ~ Lovin’ Lavender My Creation

Image DetailInside

INS AND OUTS ~ Lavender Bellarific Eloise Challenges: Bellarific Friday Sketch 365 Cards 114 ~ Lovin’ Lavender Stamps: Eloise Greengrass (Stamping Bella), Happiest Birthday Wishes (My Favorite Things) Paper: DCWV Nursery Baby Boy and Nana’s Kids Stacks, White CS (Unknown – from an image swap) Ink: Stampin Up Perfect Plum,Black Ink (Unknown – from an image swap), Copics (E00, Y11, YG03, C1, BG10, R81, BV00, BV02), Spicas (Clear, Black), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Pop Up Dots

Spoon Full of Sugar Gruffie

I had this image colored and ready so this card was super quick. Well, after I perused my paper stash about 5 times trying to find something that would coordinate. I fool myself into thinking I save time by coloring images ahead of time. That might work for most people, but it takes me forever to find the paper I want to use when I get around to using the image.

Sketch Inspiration Spoon Full of Sugar #56 ~ Sketch

My Creation

Image Detail

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Spoon Full of Sugar Gruffie Challenges: Spoon Full of Sugar #56 ~ Sketch Stamps: Gruffies ~ I Dream of Cake (Stampabilities), All-About-Birthday (H&M Stamps) Paper: DCWV Spring Stack, PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (BG10, E00. E29, E31, E37, W1, W3, R81), Spicas (Gold, Clear, Turquoise, Black, Orange), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Metallic Red Dew Drops (The Robin’s Nest), SU White Grosgrain Ribbon, Pop Up Dots