Office Party Crew

Yesterday was my boss’s birthday and we are all going out this afternoon for our holiday outing. I’d made the Christmas cards months ago and realized I didn’t have a birthday card for him. The card came together quickly and easily with the great inspiration I found from three challenges.

Sketch Inspiration ~ CPS Card Sketches #150

Color Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 317 ~ Crazy Eight (use 8 colors)

Inspiration ~ Simon Says Challenge ~ Punch It

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Office Party Crew
Stamps: Dustin Pike Digi Image
Paper: DCWV (Rockstar, Metallic), Neenah Classic White
Ink: Copics, Spicas, Gold Marker
Accessories: Creative Memories Star Punches, Pop Up Dots
Challenges:
CPS Card Sketches #150
365 Cards Day 317 ~ Crazy Eight (use 8 colors)
Simon Says Challenge ~ Punch It

Button Celebration

I printed off several sheets of Dustin Pike’s images when I was caring for my mom last fall. I didn’t have the chance to play with them until recently. Most of the papers were from my stash and the card helped me use SEVEN buttons. Hmm, I can’t even see a dent in my button bucket. I have a long way to go to use up current supplies.

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 323 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday

I rotated the sketch for my card.

Inspiration ~ SophistiCat Challenge #18 ~ Spring

Bright colors and cheery yellow flowers seem Spring-like to me.

My Creation

Image Detail

I started coloring with SU markers and switched to Copics. This isn’t my usually paper and I wasn’t sure how it would work. The Copics actually worked best.

Inside of Card

I had this daisy die cut floating in the scrap bucket. It was the perfect compliment to the button flower on the front of the card.

INS AND OUTS ~ Button Celebration
Stamps: Dustin Pike Digital Image
Paper: DCWV (Indian Summer), Strathmore White
Ink: Copics, SU Markers and Spicas, Memento Rosebud
Accessories: Buttons, Daisy Heads Die (SpellBinders)
Challenges:
365 Cards Day 323 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday
SophistiCat Challenge #18 ~ Spring

"Bear"ing Spring Flowers

I’m doing a fairly good job of working with only images I’ve already stamped/printed and supplied within arm’s reach of my workspace. One of my main goals for 2010 is to really get organized in my crafting and USE what I have. I can’t go into any craft store (or aisle in a regular store) without finding things I have to get. Especially if it’s a good deal. I’m trying to limit my spending to quickly consumable items (adhesives mostly). I have more than enough paper, stamps, inks and embellishments). I kept this card somewhat generic so I can use it for a variety of occasions ~ birthday, love, thank you; it can fit many occasions.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Card Patterns Sketch #47

Color Inspiration ~ Charisma Cardz #3 ~ Fruity Colors

My Creation

Image Detail

I really Spica’d my image up (so hard to show in photos).

Inside of Card

INS AND OUTS ~ Bearing Spring Flowers
Stamps: Dustin Pike Digital Image
Paper: DCWV (Sweet Stack), Strathmore White
Ink: Copics (E30, 31; Y15, 17; G24; B21, 95; R81), Spicas (Chocolate, Buttermilk, Black, Sky Blue, Olive, Blossom)
Challenges:
Card Patterns Sketch #47
Charisma Cardz #3 ~ Fruity Colors

You Are Loved

Love is certainly in the air and popping up on the challenge blogs. I might be able to get a head start on Valentine Cards this year. I flipped the Crazy 4 Challenges sketch a bit to better fit with my lovey elephant. He looks like a guy who was just knocked over by cupid's bow and is now head over heels in love. You can play with the image too by hopping over to Dustin Pike's blog. Check the Ins and Outs below for the direct link.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Crazy 4 Challenges ~ Sketch

Inspiration

Doodle Dragon Studios Challenge #1 ~ Love

SO excited to participate in Dustin's first challenge. The only requirements are to use one of his images and follow the theme. I might actually get to play with the HUGE file of images I bought from him. FUN, FUN, FUN!

Crafty Creations Challenge #51 ~ Valentines/Love

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ You Are Loved
Stamps: Dustin Pike Elephant Love (January 14, 2010 freebie)
Paper: Neenah Classic White, Me & My Big Ideas (A Kid Like Me Pad), Deja View
Ink: Copics (RV000, 21; C00, 1, 3, 5); Spicas (Blossom, Clear, Black, Silver); White Gel Pen
Accessories: SU Ribbon, Deja Views Clear Cut Shapes (Baby Boy)
Challenges:
Crazy 4 Challenges ~ Sketch
Doodle Dragon Studios Challenge #1 ~ Love
Crafty Creations Challenge #51 ~ Valentines/Love

Dragon Birthday Cake

I bought some Dustin Pike digi stamps several months ago, and love seeing his work spread across blog land. A great bonus is that he treats readers to a freebie once a week (see the link in the Ins and Outs). I need a card for my father-in-law's birthday tomorrow and finally had the chance to play with Dustin's images. He’s also started his own challenge blog. Join in the fun and explore digi stamps!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge

Inspiration

KL Stamping & Scrapping Blog Challenge 313 ~ Appreciate a Dragon Day

365 Cards Day 325 ~ Imagine This: Chocolate

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Dragon Birthday Cake
Stamps: Dustin Pike Dragon Cake (January 6, 2010 Freebie)
Paper: Neenah Classic White, DCWV (Shimmer, Indian Summer), The Paper Studio
Ink: Copics (E25, 29; YR04, 31; R27, 29; YG11. 13, 23; W1); Spicas (Mint, Melon, Gold, Chocolate, Lemon, Orange, Lipstick, Pitch Black); White Gel Pen
Accessories: SU Ribbon, Misc Button
Challenges:
Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge
KL Stamping & Scrapping Blog Challenge 313 ~ Appreciate a Dragon Day
365 Cards Day 325 ~ Imagine This: Chocolate

Thank You Tess

Wahoo, I'm all caught up with my Stampin Up card kits!! I may still add something in Tess's hand, but I couldn't find anything within grabbing distance of my workspace that would work. If not, I'll just pretend she's practicing her pageant wave. :o)

Sketch Inspiration ~ Get Sketchy #21

Color Inspiration

All Sorts Challenge #35 ~ Brown & Pink

My Creation

Inside of Card

INS AND OUTS ~ Thank You Tess
Stamps: SU Tote-ally Tess
Paper: SU, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Ink: SU, Spicas (Chocolate, Red)
Accessories: SU Ribbon
Challenges:
Get Sketchy #21
All Sorts Challenge #35 ~ Brown & Pink

Baby Blue

 I colored several images this past weekend and have been enjoying myself as I try to find the perfect challenges to pair each up with. This sweet little angel is only blue in color; he just melts my heart.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Friday Sketchers #85

Color Inspiration

Stamp Something ~ Color Combo Something Challenge (Blue & White)

Colour Create #36 ~ Kraft, Blue, White (Texture Optional)

 My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Baby Blue
Stamps: Michael (Mo Manning Digital)
Paper: Kraft, Neenah Classic White, The Paper Studio (So-So Sweet Stack)
Ink: Copics (Y000, 11, 15; E00, 50; BG10, 13, 15); Spicas (Silver, Gold, Turquoise); White Gel Pen
Accessories: Creative Memories Circle Punch, Misc Ribbon
Challenges:
Friday Sketchers #85
Colour Create #36 ~ Kraft, Blue, White (Texture Optional)
Stamp Something ~ Color Combo Something Challenge (Blue & White)

Swinging Sisters

I made this for a good coworker and friend. She's a Catholic Convert and, I believe, knows the religion better than me! She's a real spit fire and always cheers me up, so I knew she'd love this image from Mo Manning.

Sketch Inspiration ~ PaperTake Weekly #32

Color Inspiration

Color Chef Challenge #35 ~ Black, Grey, Red, White

Inspiration

Little Red Wagon #11 ~ Polka Dots

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Swinging Sisters

Stamps: Joy (Mo Manning Digital)
Paper: DCWV, The Paper Studio, Neenah Classic White
Ink: Copics (RV000; C0, 1, 3, 5, 7; E00, 40, 50), Spicas (Clear, Black, Gold), White Gel Pen
Challenges:
PaperTake Weekly #32
Color Chef Challenge #35 ~ Black, Grey, Red, White
Little Red Wagon #11 ~ Polka Dots

Rough Day

This was such a fun card to create! I used techniques I've never tried and it really didn't take that long. I'm on a digi streak playing with all my new Mo Manning images, and this little guy totally cracked me up. I've seen lots of great homemade paper flowers out there and tried to twist it a bit by making buttons for my boy card. This image is so great, because depending on the colors, it could be for a boy or a girl. I had a little trouble with my small piece of glitter cardstock (center button) as it literally fell apart during the crumple stage. I pieced it together and figured it just adds to the 'Rough Day' feeling I was going for. ENJOY! Please stop and check out some of these great challenges. The Simon Says Stamp Challenge blog is looking for a few new Design Team members. It would be such an honor to join that talented crew - come join in the fun!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Whimsical Wednesday #18

Color Inspiration
Our Creative Corner Challenge ~ Blue & Green
Copic Color Challenge #47 ~ B97, YG07, W5

Inspiration
365 Cards Day 320 ~ In Stitches The challenge is to stitch on an image or paper to create texture. I laced up two ribbon borders along the lines of my patterned paper.
One Stop Craft Challenge #63 ~ Fancy Borders or Corners
I don't know if it qualifies as fancy, but the hand sewn ribbon edges and button border were fun and different for me.
Pile it On Challenge #2 ~ Tie it On
The challenge is to use 3 ribbons and include one or more other challenges in your card. I used 3 ribbons on the base of my card and ribbon ties in my buttons
Simon Says Challenge ~ Shabby Chic
I distressed the edge of the mat and photo image and used the crumple method (plus a bit of edge distressing) on the button layers. I thought the ribbon borders gave it an additional shabby chic feel, almost like I had to sew the pieces together to make the card.

Creative Inspirations Challenge #24 ~ Distressing

A Spoon Full of Sugar #87 ~ Lots of Layering The image is layered over ribbon and a mat, and the buttons are triple layered.

My Creation

Image Detail

Faux Buttons

I punched out 3 sizes of circles with my Creative Memories circle punches. I scrunched and sanded them, until some literally fell apart. I used a tish of glue to layer them up, punched 'button holes' in the centers and tied a ribbon lace. SUPER EASY and fun.

INS AND OUTS ~ Rough Day
Stamps: Sumpin’s Wrong (Mo Manning Digital)
Paper: DCWV (Shimmer, Glitter); My Mind’s Eye; Stampin Up, Neenah Classic White
Ink: Copics (E00; W1, 5; N0; YR00; YG06, 09; B95, 97), White Gel Pen
Accessories: SU Ribbon, Creative Memories Circle Punches
Challenges:
Whimsical Wednesday #18
Copic Color Challenge #47 ~ B97, YG07, W5
Our Creative Corner Challenge ~ Blue & Green
365 Cards Day 320 ~ In Stitches
One Stop Craft Challenge #63 ~ Fancy Borders or Corners
Pile it On Challenge #2 ~ Tie it On
Simon Says Challenge ~ Shabby Chic
Creative Inspirations Challenge #24 ~ Distressing
A Spoon Full of Sugar #87 ~ Lots of Layering

Baby Boy Dreams

I need a few baby cards to keep on hand (and one to send out to a now 9 month old boy), and this image from Mo Manning melted my heart. I am so grateful to all the AWESOME crafting blogs out there, as it was on one of them I found her artwork. Of course, I'd be up MoJo River without a paddle, if it weren't for the ideas everyone shares in blog land.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Mo’s Digital Pencil Challenge #14

Color Inspiration

Basic Grey Challenge #11 ~ Photo Inspiration

365 Cards Day 315 ~ Ad Inspired

Inspiration

Simon Says Challenge ~ Shabby Chic

Creative Inspirations Challenge #24 ~ Distressing

Crafty Creations #50 ~ Textures

365 Cards Day 324 ~ Musical Monday (A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes)

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Baby Boy Dreams
Stamps: Michael (Mo Manning Digital)
Paper: Basic Grey Ambrosia & Boxer, DCWV Summer Stack, Neenah Classic White
Ink: Copics (E00, 25, 33, 41; BG0000; B21, 24), Spicas (Clear, Chocolate, Baby Blue, Buttermilk), White Gel Pen
Accessories: Robin’s Nest Dew Drops (Mouse)
Challenges:
Mo’s Digital Pencil Challenge #14
Basic Grey Challenge #11 ~ Photo Inspiration
365 Cards Day 315 ~ Ad Inspired
Simon Says Challenge ~ Shabby Chic
Creative Inspirations Challenge #24 ~ Distressing
Crafty Creations #50 ~ Textures
365 Cards Day 324 ~ Musical Monday

Sisterly Birthday Love

My best friend from childhood will be celebrating her 40th birthday on Friday. When I saw this image I knew it would be PERFECT for her, since we share a common faith and love for life. I don't believe in those teasing 40th cards (mostly because it will be me in a few months) and know she'll get a chuckle of these gals.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch #36

I rotated the sketch for my card.

Color Inspiration

All Sorts Challenge #35 ~ Brown & Pink

Bee Crafty Challenge ~ Favorite Color Combo (use a Digi Image)

Pinks and browns are one of my favorite combos. I thought they worked well with this digi image.

Inspiration

Charisma Cardz Challenge ~ Anything New

This is one of my new Mo Manning digital images - love it!

365 Cards Day #322 ~ Girl’s Night Out

Nuns are girls - right? Looks like this group is having a GREAT night out!

Corrosive Challenge #47 ~ Let’s Go Digi

My Creation

Image Detail

I sprizted vanilla smooch over the entire card for some extra shimmer.

INS AND OUTS ~ Sisterly Birthday Love

Stamps: Joy (Mo Manning Digitial Image)

Paper: Neenah Classic White, DCWV, Basic Grey Sugared

Ink: Copics (R11; RV11, 21; E00, 25, 29, 31, 37, 41, 50), Spicas (Chocolate, Blossom, Silver), White Gel Pen

Accessories: SU Ribbon, Robin’s Nest Dew Drops (Beaches), Smooch Spritz (Vanilla Shimmer)

Challenges:

Midnight Madness Sketch #36

All Sorts Challenge #35 ~ Brown & Pink

Bee Crafty Challenge ~ Favorite Color Combo (use a Digi Image)

Charisma Cardz Challenge ~ Anything New

365 Cards Day #322 ~ Girl’s Night Out

Corrosive Challenge #47 ~ Let’s Go Digi

Milk Carton Treat Holder

Okay, my last card kit creation for awhile. I LOVE this die from SU. I don't have a Big Shot though, does anyone know if their dies work with the Cuttlebug or Wizard? Or if they have a milk carton type die? I work for a company that processes eggs and some of our products are packed in gable top cartons. These would make SUCH cute gifts for co-workers.

Sketch Inspiration

Our Creative Corner Sketch #48

The Fresh Batch Sketch

Stamps & Smiles Sketch

Inspiration

S2G’s Twisted Thursday #39 ~ Hugs and Kisses: ABC (Anything but a card) with the twist of Valentine’s Day

My Creation

INS AND OUTS ~ Milk Carton Treat Holder
Challenges:
Our Creative Corner Sketch #48
Stamps & Smiles Sketch
The Fresh Batch Sketch
S2G’s Twisted Thursday #39 ~ Hugs and Kisses
Stamps: SU
Paper: SU Eggcellent Egg Kit
Ink: SU Basic Black
Accessories: Mini Milk Carton Bigz Die, SU Mini Library Clip, SU punch

Treat Holder Card

I actually put this card kit together before Valentine's Day! I have a feeling the chocolate treat won't make it until then (it barely made it past the photo shoot). :)

Sketch Inspiration ~ Create4Fun Challenge #24

Color Inspiration ~ Cute Card Thursday #95 ~ Pink & Gray

Inspiration

Pals Paper Arts #25 ~ Inspiration Challenge

Inky Paws Monday Challenge ~ CAS

My Creation

The large heart is actually a pocket that holds a yummy treat.

INS AND OUTS ~ Treat Holder Card
Challenges:
Create4Fun Challenge #24
Cute Card Thursday #95 ~ Pink & Gray
Pals Paper Arts #25 ~ Inspiration Challenge
Inky Paws Monday Challenge ~ CAS
Stamps: SU I {Love} Love Jumbo Wheel, Teeny Tiny Wishes SU
Paper: All SU
Ink: SU Real REd
Accessories: scallop heart embosslit, Petal Card BigZ Die, SU Ribbon, SU Epoxy Brad, SU Word Window Punch

‘Love’ly Owl

Another SU card kit creation ~ I'm on a roll! Actually, I'm just trying to use up supplies before I buy more. I don't always get to go to my friend's card workshops, but I'll buy the kit of supplies. I have several kits piled up in a corner. These really fly together since everything is already cut for me. WAHOO!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Delightful Sketches #14

Color Inspiration ~ Stamping 411 Color Inspiration #106

Inspiration

Flutter By Wednesday #92 ~ Open

My Creation

INS AND OUTS ~ ‘Love’ly Owl
Challenges:
Delightful Sketches #14
Flutter By Wednesday #92 ~ Open
Stamping 411 Color Inspiration #106
Stamps: SU Love Bandit Set
Paper: All SU
Ink: All SU
Accessories: SU Linen Thread

Fishy Love for a Wedding

Another quick card using the supplies from a SU card kit. I had a little problem with the pigment metallic inks. I never let it dry long enough before I touch the images. I need to work on patience!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Sweet Sketch Wednesday #32

Inspiration

Flourishes Challenge ~ Feel the Love

2RedBananas Challenge ~ Think Round (Create something with curves)

365 Cards Day 319 ~ Tea for Two

As soon as I saw this challenge, I couldn't get the song Tea for Two out of my head. "Tea for two, and two for tea. Me for you, and you for me."

My Creation

INS AND OUTS ~ Fishy Love for a Wedding
Challenges:
Sweet Sketch Wednesday #32
Flourishes Challenge ~ Feel the Love
2RedBananas Challenge ~ Think Round
365 Cards Day 319 ~ Tea for Two
Stamps: SU Delightful Decorations
Paper: All SU
Ink: Metallic Pigment Inks
Accessories: SU Punches