Simon Monkey’s Around

I was so excited to get my latest bundle of ‘luv’ from Heidi at Simon Says Stamp. She set me up with the Whiff of Joy and Magnolia cuties I posted yesterday and this adorable set, Cool Monkey and Baby Love, exclusive to her store.

I can’t wait to play with it some more since I only used one image on my card. I thought Cool Monkey (with lips – you can customize the expression with the different mouth options in the set) would be cute with the sentiment from My Favorite Things. Since buttons were the challenge at Wacky Wednesday, I used them to create the ‘scallop edge’ from the sketch. If you have time, join in Sketch 4 You Try’s challenge and you could win $100 in Just Rite products. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Sketch 4 You 2 Try #31

Color Inspiration TCP Tuesday #69 ~ Orange, Pink, Blue and Green (optional)

Inspiration Wacky Wednesday #22 ~ Buttons Holey moley, there are 20 buttons on this baby, plus another 2 on the inside. 365 Cards Day 130 ~ That Tickles Me (use humor) My Creation Image Detail My monkey has lots of Spica accents for a bit of glitz. I added Diamond Glaze to her eyes and lips for some dimension.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Simon Monkey’s Around Challenges: Sketch 4 You 2 Try #31 TCP Tuesday #69 ~ Orange, Pink, Blue and Green (optional) Wacky Wednesday #22 ~ Buttons 365 Cards Day 130 ~ That Tickles Me Stamps: Cool Monkey and Baby Love (Simon Says Stamp), Twisted Sentiments (My Favorite Things) Paper: Neenah Solar White, Paper Studio, DCWV Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copics (E31, E33, R81), Spicas (Black, Gold, Pink, Clear), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Misc Buttons, Diamond Glaze, Pop Up Dot

House Mouse Sketch and Triple 365-er

I’d been doing such a good job keeping up on the House Mouse & Friends and 365 Cards challenges until mom went in the hospital. It felt good to get back into things just a bit. I'm behind on both blogs, but I'll try to make them up as I go along. I love to combine challenges but try not to combine several from the same blog in one card. It can be tricky over at 365 Cards since they post a new challenge each day. There's no way I'll get all of July's done in 2 days, so I broke down and combined 3 of their challenges into one card. One day I will stay current with their challenges. In May I'd completed them but had my time zone confused so I was late with my final post. In June I actually had everything in on time, but they missed my name for the monthly shout out. I'll need to really step it up if I want to complete a year's worth of challenges! Okay, on to my card. I had this image already colored in my stash and just added a bit more Spica and some Diamond Glaze to create ‘glass’. I tried a non-standard fold and closure for a bit of the unexpected. It took a bit of brain power to translate the sketch into the side-tie close, but I think I did okay. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ House Mouse & Friends #48 ~ A Sketch

Inspiration 365 Cards Day 152 ~ Peek-a-boo to You: Create a fun Flap 365 Cards Day 125 ~ It’s a Snap (Use some sort of closure on your card) 365 Cards Day 58 ~ Something’s Fishy My Creation The ribbon wraps all the way around the card (I used a smidge of liquid glue in a few spots to hold it in place along the edges and back). The main panel is raised on pop-up dots so the ribbon can slide beneath.

Image Detail

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ House Mouse Sketch and Triple 365-er Challenges: House Mouse & Friends #48 ~ A Sketch 365 Cards Day 152 ~ Peek-a-boo to You: Create a fun Flap 365 Cards Day 125 ~ It’s a Snap 365 Cards Day 58 ~ Something’s Fishy Stamps: House Mouse ~ Something’s Fishy (Stampabilities), All About Birthdays (H&M Stamps) Paper: DCWV Green Stack, PTI White, SU Wild Wasabi Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (C1, 3, 5; E00, 04, 31; Y15, 21; YR21, 65, 68; YG63; R29, 81; B21; BG20), Spicas (Pink, Orange, Silver, Clear, Gold).

Accessories: Diamond Glaze, Pop Up Dots, Ribbon (S A B I S – Snips and Bits I’ve Saved)

Another First ~ It’s a Magnolia

I love seeing all the wonderful creations using Magnolia stamps and have tried my hardest to win one of countless challenges. Let’s just say Random.org must be a dog lover for Cat Spicer never seems to be chosen. Simon Says Stamp to the rescue! http://www.simonsaysstamp.com Heidi has a nice assortment of Magnolia stamps in stock. Of course I had to pick out Tilda holding a cat. I was able to use another Midnight Madness sketch for my creation. (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 Challenge #10

Inspiration Scrappy Frogs Challenge #9 ~ Run around the Magnolia Bush: Use Magnolia stamp Cute Card Thursday #70 ~ Eye, Eye!: Use Eyelets I had a heck of a time with my eyelets. I’m not sure if it was them, my Crop-a-dile or, more likely, the user! 365 Cards Day 146 ~ Mirror Me (create symmetry on your card) 365 Cards Day 131 ~ Ad inspired I know you’re thinking how in the heck this inspired my card. The child standing at the sink made met think of a Tilda and the red dots inspired the color and ribbon. My Creation

Image Detail

Inside I left this pretty plain so I could write a short note to my friend.

INS AND OUTS ~ Another First ~ It’s a Magnolia Challenges: Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #10 Scrappy Frogs Challenge #9 ~ Run around the Magnolia Bush Cute Card Thursday #70 ~ Eye, Eye! 365 Cards Day 131 ~ Ad inspired 365 Cards Day 146 ~ Mirror Me Stamps: Tilda with Cat (Magnolia) Paper: DCWV (Pet & Summer Stacks), Neenah Classic Solar White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (R29, R81, G000, G24, C3, C5, C7, E00, E17, E31, E37, E50, Y000, Y21, YR21), Spicas (Melon, Pink, Red, Black), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)Accessories: Offray Ribbon, SU Metallic Brads, Pop Up Dots

My First Whiff of Joy & a Few Tips

I am so excited to actually OWN a Whiff of Joy stamp (I’ve had a few images in my stash from swaps) and had a very tough time picking one out from Heidi’s inventory over at Simon Says Stamp. I’m an avid reader and ‘auntie’ to several little girls who also enjoy reading, so this sweetie jumped out at me. I’ve really missed participating in Pricilla’s Midnight Madness challenges. I made 2 cards last night using her sketches and hope to have them posted by the midnight deadline today. Unfortunately, I won’t get to show you cards (yet) with the other 2 July sketches. I plan to still use them (they are so fun and help me think dimensionally) but will miss the DT call and July prizes. If you haven’t checked out her blog, get over there! She has an awesome DT and great sponsors – plus she’s an overall super sweet person. I was thrilled to be a random draw winner on a challenge and received the cutest packs of designer ribbon. Totally made my day! Okay, on to the card. (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 Challenge #11

Inspiration 3 Clovers Thursday Challenge ~ Bling I found the bling hearts and flower at the clearance endcap in Target’s electronic section. They were sold to be cell phone accessories. I find all kinds of GREAT deals by walking through areas I wouldn’t normally shop. I get lots of my jewels as discontinued cell phone bling and can cut out individual gems as needed or use the whole piece for a fraction of the price of the same thing from the craft store. Just a little hint. High Hopes Challenge #41 ~ Sparkle and Shine Stamp Something Challenge ~ Bugs, Butterflies or Other Winged Things My reading angel certain qualifies as a ‘winged thing’! 365 Cards Day 139 ~ Try a Technique: Paper Piercing I opted to paper pierce a ‘ribbon’ for the sketch. I just marked out the holes (in pencil) and then pierced. I’ve found that even using a piercing template I still can’t punch a straight line! I saw this great tip on Jessica’s blog (passed on from her friend Deb) using your ScorPal (don’t own) and the Cutter Bee Bug (own, but it’s still in the package). Wow! I think the Scor-Pal has moved back to my #1 spot on the wish list and Slice is now #2. My Creation

Image Detail

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ My First Whiff of Joy & a Few Tips Challenges: Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #11 3 Clovers Thursday Challenge ~ Bling High Hopes Challenge #41 ~ Sparkle and Shine Stamp Something Challenge ~ Bugs, Butterflies or Other Winged Things 365 Cards Day 139 ~ Try a Technique: Paper Piercing Stamps: Reading Angel (Whiff of Joy) Paper: DCWV Nursery Girl Stack, Neenah Classic Solar White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (C1, C3, Y000, Y11, Y21, B21, B41, G21, G40, E00, E02, E50, E55, RV000, R11, R22, R81), Spicas (Clear, Gold, Lemon, Black, Pink), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Berry Sweet Adhesive Chipboard (K & Company), Misc Gems (cell phone bling), Pop Up Dots

No Stamping Sketch for Simon

I'm down to the wire for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge, but still wanted to share my card. Every now and then I try to create something without using any ink/stamps. I necessarily start with that in mind but am amazed when it falls into place. I'm not sure if I'm thrilled with this card, but it was fun to play with the mylar sheet and iron-on image. What do you think? (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Simon Says Stamp Sketch Challenge

Color Inspiration Stamp TV Color Challenge ~ green, brown, white/vanilla

Inspiration 365 Cards Day 145 ~ Ad Inspired My Creation

Image Detail

JoAnn's had a huge stash of iron-on appliqués in the clearance bin. I have a difficult time passing by a good deal and thought I'd try to see if they could be used for cards. The bird was a bit tricky as some of the pieces were very thin (and broke off easily). I just glued the 'image' down but think it would also work to 'iron' it on the paper (on a low heat). I'll let you know how that turns out. I love this image because it's 'flocked' so there's added texture.

Inside

I used my 2 'scrap' pieces of the mylar and DP for the inside of the card. The white heart image is actually flocked on the paper which was cool. The shiny mylar transparency provides fun contrast.

INS AND OUTS ~ No Stamping Sketch for Simon Challenges: Simon Says Stamp Sketch Challenge Stamp tV Color Challenge ~ green, brown, white/vanilla 365 Cards Day 145 ~ Ad Inspired Stamps: NONE Paper: DCWV (Rockstar Stack), Anna Griffin Mylar Overlay (Darcey Collection) Ink: NONE Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Misc Ribbon (actually pulled if off a candle holder sitting near my desk), Epoxy Sticker (Anna Griffin Darcey Collection), Bird Flock Iron On (Plaid)

You Make the Flowers Smile ~ Take 2

I thought I’d play with this stamp set a bit more since I had it out. I’m pretty much a novice with the metallic rub on paints, but used them to add a subtle (okay, other than the silver) shimmer to my card. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun). The stamp set and rub-ons can be found at www.simonsaysstamp.com.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Stamping 411 Sketch 105 Inspiration 365 Cards Day 140 ~ Paint It I used metallic rub on paints to highlight the flowers on the burgundy panel. My Creation Image Detail See how the metallic colors shimmer. I didn’t try to be precise with the application (I used a cotton swab) and just added bits of color to the petals and leaves.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ You Make the Flowers Smile ~ Take 2 Challenges: Stamping 411 Sketch 105 365 Cards Day 140 ~ Paint It Stamps: You Make the Flowers Smile (Simon Says Stamp) Paper: DCWV, Neenah Classic Natural White Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black, Angel Pink, Bamboo Leaves), Copics (G28, R29), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials), Metallic Rub On Paints (Silver, Ruby, Emerald) Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Silver Ric-Rac Ribbon

You Make the Flowers Smile

I’m slowly coming back into the world of stamping. My mom has finished her radiation treatments and is starting chemo. Unfortunately I had to return home since I’ve run out of time off from my work place. Ugh. I won’t be able to be quite as craft dedicated as I was a month ago, but hope to escape a few times a week to release some stress. Crafting is the PERFECT outlet for me. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun). This card uses an exclusive Simon Says Stamp set called You Make the Flowers Smile. I used a bit of Flower Soft on the image which is also available at SSS.

I have to say that Heidi is one of the most kind hearted crafters/business women I’ve met since I’ve started my craft blog. She’s been brave enough to take me on as one of her Design Team members and was so supportive of me during my absence the last month. With the economy the way it is, I’ve had to really budget out my crafting dollars and am a bit picky about who receives them. If you feel the same, I can assure you shopping with Heidi at Simon Says Stamp will lift your spirit. She has the best products, prices and shipping rates on all the popular stamps (Magnolia, Stampavie, House Mouse, Penny Black, My Favorite Things and on and on. Plus she has the best accessories and shipping rates. The best part? She actually cares about her ‘people’ (Design Team, blog visitors, challenge participants and customers). Hopefully you’ll take a moment to visit her shop, blog and challenge blog.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Stamps, Paper, Glitter #19

Color Inspiration From Courtney’s Closet #50 The Pink Elephant Challenge #21 ~ Favorite Color Combo I LOVE purple and green together and use it whenever I can. I love that Courtney’s shirt had these colors so I could play along with her as well!

Inspiration 365 Cards Day 144 ~ You Raise Me Up (incorporate at least TWO ways to add dimension) I used Flower Soft for texture and dimension as well as pop up dots and brads.

My Creation

Image Detail I love all the texture in the card with the cardstock, flower soft and brads. Oooh, looks like the kitty hair is a bonus!

INS AND OUTS ~ You Make the Flowers Smile Challenges: Stamps, Paper, Glitter #19 The Pink Elephant Challenge #21 From Courtney’s Closet #50 365 Cards Day 144 ~ You Raise Me Up Stamps: You Make the Flowers Smile (Simon Says Stamp) Paper: DCWV Latte Stack, Neenah Classic Natural White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (V93, G40, C1) Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Stamping Up Ribbon, Misc Flower Brads, Heather Flower Soft

Offline for Awhile

Hello my dear cyber friends! I just wanted to let you know I'll be out of crafting commission for awhile. My mother became ill yesterday and I 'rushed' 350 miles to be with her (nothing like having your brother calling to say that mom's being taken to the ER and doesn't know who she is and can't speak). She's been battling Stage IV lung and bone cancer for 2 years. She's been doing wonderful and has her doctor 'perplexed' (his word) since she hasn't responded any where near text book. She likes to tell people she's out lived her 'original expiration date' of 6 months. Our family is very spiritual and we know the reason she's been able to remain on her own and going strong, even amid chemo and horrid side effects. God has been more than good to us and I know He won't abandon us now. Now it seems her cancer has moved into her brain and she's had quite a roller coaster 48 hours. She was brought to the ER with stroke-like symptoms but it wasn't until today they confirmed the brain cancer. She is pretty much back to 'normal' today; her speech and mobility have returned. They still don't know what caused the episode but are starting to treat the 100+ mini cancer cells in her brain with radiation. She was scheduled to start I.V. chemo next week to wage fresh battle on the lung and bone cancer. That's been put on hold while she receives 15 full brain radiation treatments. I brought my computer to the hospital, but not my crafting supplies. There just wasn't time to pack it all! :o) I do keep a few small cross stitch projects at her apartment so I can have something to keep my brain busy from fretting. I'll be staying with her through the weekend and probably through next week so I can help her adjust to the treatments. Hopefully she's improved well enough tomorrow to be released. Just needs to get over the severe headache and nausea that have been plaguing her all day. I know I'm just a speck in the grand world of crafting blogs, but I've been fortunate enough to have an AWESOME group of ladies become followers and always leave positive comments. Since I'm fairly active with my posts, I thought a few of you might notice I'm gone. If you have a moment, I ask you to say a special healing prayer for this Crafty Cat Chick's mom (her name is Carol). I'll keep you posted when I'm back on line. Here's a recent photo of us from our Relay for Life celebration at the beginning of June. Pay no heed to the make-up free, SUPER humidity frizzed whacko on the left; just note the beautiful spirit shining through the smile of my hero on the right. Mom's hair finally grew back after the last chemo treatment and she's sad to learn it will more than likely fall out again during radiation. We might have to pull 'Harriet' out of retirement (that's what we affectionately call her wig). THANKS for always making my day by looking at my blog. Farewell for now, Frizzy and Fluffy (aka as Cat and Carol)