Trucks, Stripes and Dots Oh My!

This was a super quick and easy card to make; plus it used up some random supplies on my desk. I often forget to use rub ons and stickers as elements in my cards and they make things so simple. Lots of great inspiration to help me along the way. Please check out the links below and join in on the fun.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge #144

Inspiration

CCEE Challenge The stack of treats pushed me towards the linear design paper and the circle shapes of the treats also inspired me.

Crafty Creations Challenge #61 ~ Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday #105 ~ Dimensions

Since I usually make the typical one fold card, added an extra one really makes things pop. I layered circles and a button for even more 3D effect.

S2G Twisted Thursday Challenge #49 ~ Buttons

My Creation

INS AND OUTS ~ Trucks, Stripes and Dots Oh My!
Stamps: None
Paper: The Paper Studio
Ink: None
Accessories: Circle Punch, Button, Floss, Stickers, Rub-ons

Slick Spring Boots

This has to be one of my favorite color combinations. So much so, my craft studio matches! All shades of purple make me smile and pairing them with green is just so cheery. The sun has been shining in MN and I noticed a few blades of green grass sprouting (where the sump pump drains). It will still be a few weeks before I'll feel Spring has officially sprung, but it's certainly peeking it's head out. All supplies used for the card are from Stampin Up.

Sketch Inspiration ~ 2 Sketches 4 You

Color Inspiration

SophistiCat Challenge #27 ~ Recipe: Mint Green, Lilac + 1 other colour + Flowers

365 Cards Day 6 ~ Stampin’ Saturday (use more than 2 colors ink on image)

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 9 ~ Song Inspired: What a Wonderful World

This is one of my all time favorite songs. Springtime always lifts my heart, even if I step in a puddle. I can't think of anything more wonderful than PURPLE flowers on a spring day.

Saturday Challenge #75 ~ Spring Has Sprung

Charisma Cardz #12 ~ Spring Has Sprung

One Stop Craft Challenge #72 ~ Let it Shine

I used clear embossing powder on the boots and the background words to add shine.

My Creation

Image Detail

Thanks for stopping by!

Pastel Sympathy Card

One of my higher up co-workers recently lost his mother. I wanted to make a card a bit larger than the standard so all my office mates would have space to sign. Our company is donating a tree to be planted in his yard in her memory. It was just the 6 month anniversary of my mother’s passing and I know all too well the struggles one can face. I apologize in advance for the photos. I had a difficult time getting true colors with the shimmer pieces.

With Easter approaching and the promise of new life in our hearts, I opted for soft, ‘hopeful’ colors (if there can be any). The butterflies were a last minute addition. As I’ve mentioned they are HUGE in my life as signs from my loved ones in heaven and I always associated them with rebirth. The reason they were last minute, was that I had a HECK of a time adhering the pearl ‘twigs’. Glue dots were too big (even when I tried the roll ‘em up trick) and just didn’t want to stick to the metallic or pearl. I used a thin line of Stickles behind the lower branch hoping the bit of glitter that would show would add to the card. Well, it didn’t stick to the metal either. What the heck is this twig made of? As a last resort I used Diamond Glaze. It worked to adhere the twig, but it spread into a horrible looking blob on the ribbon. In addition the layer I’d added to the cross, bled outside the lines overnight. I awoke this morning to realize I had to try and ‘fix’ the card or start over.

I restamped the cross and added Stickles to a few points. The Diamond Glaze worked the way I’d wanted on the cross (it looked really cool with the Stickle ‘gems’ layered below), but the edges were far from crisp and the big drip really ruined it. I opted to leave the glaze off the cross this time. I was stumped on how to fix the blobby spots on the ribbon and thought I’d have to rip it all apart to replace the ribbon and then start the ‘how do I stick the twigs down without making a mess’ again. I was already late for work and needed a cup of coffee. I found the butterflies in a corner of my desk and gave them a try. They covered up the blobs pretty well and added a bit more hope to the overall theme.

Now that you know the back story, let's get on to the card!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Mojo Monday #131

Color Inspiration

Creative Inspirations #52 ~ White, Yellow, Green

Simon Says Challenge ~ Splash of Green

Flutter By Wednesday #101 ~ Green

Inspiration

Jacksonbelle Embellishments Challenge ~ Easter/Spring I used spring colors.

A Passion for PaperTrey Challenge ~ Spring My theme isn't spring, but I was inspired by spring colors.

365 Cards Day 2 ~ Tuesday’s Trio: Circle, Silver, Pearl I'm a bit of a rebel as the only real circles are the pearls themselves, but they are there!

Hand Full of Stamps #20 ~ Remove the Dust (Use your old supplies) The pearl picks have been in my stash for quite awhile. I found them in the clearance bin at Hobby Lobby in the wedding supplies aisle.

One Stop Craft Challenge #72 ~ Let it Shine I used shimmer white for the image, a few dots of stickles on the cross and the butterflies are all sparkly.

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Pastel Sympathy Card
Stamps: PaperTrey Ink (Everyday Blessings & With Sympathy)
Paper: PTI Shimmer White, SU Designer Paper
Ink: Memento (Bamboo Leaves, Cantaloupe)
Accessories: Diamond Glaze, Pearl Wedding Picks, Nesties, SU Ribbon, Vellum Butterflies (Wedding Supplies)

Spring-ey Birthday

This card just makes me smile! I love the colors, purple always brings a sparkle to my eye, and the slightly non-conventional card front is just enough beyond my norm to spice things up. I’m in LOVE with the dotted embossing folder (just ordered mine from SU) and have a feeling you’ll be seeing lots of ‘dotty’ creations once it arrives. The stamps and supplies are all from Stampin Up. This was from a card kit and SO quick and easy to make.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Stamping 411 Sketch #143

Color Inspiration

Spring and Easter bring with them such a fun color palette. I’m leaving my winter blues behind and jumping into pastels!

S2G Twisted Thursday #48 ~ Pastels

OCC Challenge ~ Think Easter

Allsorts Challenge #44 ~ Spring is in the Air

Inspiration

Totally Stampalicious Challenge ~ Polka Dots & Ribbon

My Creation

INS AND OUTS ~ SPRING-EY BIRTHDAY
Stamps: Well Scripted, Tiny Tags
Paper: SU Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, Orchid Opulence and DP
Ink: SU Orchid Opulence
Accessories: SU Ribbon, SU Embossing Folder

Mini Flower Card

This is another card from a recent card class. I did my flower a bit differently than the sample (it was ‘fringed’ layered petals). I really like the distressed and crumpled look, and the flowers are SO easy to create. Punch out various sized circles from scraps, ball up in your fist (great for any aggressions), unfold and further distress by peeling up the edges of the layers. I added SU chalks to each layer, but you can’t really see the subtle shading it gives in the photos.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #61

Inspiration

CCEE Inspiration Challenge ~ March 18th

I was inspired by the round nest and colors in the photo.

Day 12 ~ Circle Frenzy (Include 20 or more circles from at least 2 different sources on your card)

There are lots of circles in the designer paper I used for the backround (the center of each mini flower) and the flower is made of a stack of 4 circles.

Crafty Creations#59 ~ Spots and Dots

Stamp Something Challenge ~ Distressed Somethings

Your Next Stamp Challenge #12 ~ Distressing

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ MINI FLOWER CARD
Stamps: None
Paper: All Stampin Up Cardstock and Designer Paper
Ink: None
Accessories: SU Pastels on flower pieces, SU Button, SU Chit Chat Rub-ons

Cracking Chicks

I went to a card class last week and had a blast! I love getting a kit where all the pieces already coordinate, and then have the ability to take a suggestion and tweak it into something more my own. I hate to admit I have this stamp set (bought it last year) and have yet to ink it up. By playing with someone else’s stamps I realized how much I like it and need to play more in my own craft room. I love my monthly outing with friends and getting reconnected with my Stampin Up supplies.

Sketch Inspiration ~ CPS Sketch Challenge Week of 3/14/10

I split up my ribbon and text pieces.

Color Inspiration

Papertake Weekly Challenge ~ Lilac and Lemon

Pile it On Challenge #10 ~ Pastel Colors

Inspiration

CCEE Inspirations Challenge ~ March 11

Obviously I didn't go with the color scheme, but what else could I think of when looking at a plate full of caviar, but eggs?

365 Cards Day 15 ~ Ad Inspired

Again, I used the egg inspiration from this challenge.

ABC Challenge ~ P is for Paper Piecing The shells are paper pieced.

PaperPlay Challenges ~ Seeing Double Repeat an image (I went for a triple play).

365 Cards Day 13 ~ A Whole New Dimension: Use Paper Piecing to add dimension but don’t pop it all the way off the page. The photo doesn't show it very well, but the tops of the egg shells are lifted up.

Saturday Spotlight With Hidden Potential ~ You’re So Slick I used Crystal Effects on the shells and my chick's beaks.

My Creation
The yellow base was stamped with flowers. My attempt to make them pop with orange centers and yellow petals doesn't quite photograph well. It looks more like my card has the chicken pox!

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Cracking Chicks
Stamps: A Good Egg (Stamping Up)
Paper: SU Barely Banana, Whisper White and DPs
Ink: Versamark, Staz On Black, SU Markers (Only Orange, Barely Banana)
Accessories: Crystal Effects, SU Ribbon, SU Word Window Punch

Reading Leprechauns

I can’t remember which of the wonderful crafty blogs pointed me to this AWESOME website for images….and if you can believe it, FREE images. A huge thank you to whoever shared the link and major thanks to Elizabeth for offering such great images for everyone to use. They are perfect for card making; some have even been made into ‘real’ stamps at The Greeting Farm; or as coloring sheets for kids. I love that there are lots of school/reading themed images. I’m an avid reader and like that I can create themed cards for my friends. The 2 cards I made here are for librarian friends. Stop over to see Elizabeth Dulemba’s work at http://dulemba.com/blogger.html. Please see the great challenge links for each card. There’s still time to play along!

 Seated Leprechaun

Sketch Inspiration ~ Sweet Sketch Wednesday #40

Color Inspiration

Copic Creations Challenge #24 ~ Blogoversery: Use Your Favorite Challenge from the Past Year (I went with the GOLD challenge since I didn’t get to play at the time. )

Inspiration

Corrosive Challenge #55 ~ Good Luck

(Aren’t all leprechaun’s good luck? Especially when they come with a pot of golden books?)

Hand Full of Stamps #19 ~ Lucky 4 (Luck theme or 4 of same thing)

My lucky leprechaun gets to spend the day reading, and my ‘attempt’ at a ribbon clover has 4 leaves/loops.

Jacksonbelle Tuesday Challenge ~ Show Us Your New Stuff

I picked up this cute ribbon at Walmart recently.

My Creation

Image Detail

 Joyful Leprechaun

Sketch Inspiration ~  OCC Sketch Challenge

Color Inspiration

 365 Cards ~ Day 10: Wacky Color Wednesday Blue, Purple, and Orange

I know, I kind of let the colors explode a bit; but I can't have a tri-colored rainbow, can I?

Inspiration

Copic Creations Challenge #24 ~ Blogoversery Use Your Favorite Challenge from the Past Year

(I went with the recent GREEN challenge.)

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Seated Leperachaun
Stamps: Leprechaun 2009
Paper: The Paper Studio, Neenah Classic White, DCWV Café Mediterranean
Ink: Copics (G000, 02, 07, 09, 40; E00, 07, 25, 40, 50; Y08, 26, 28, 32; C5, 7; 100; BG000; B32; YR68; R29; V09), Spicas
Accessories: Ribbon (Walmart)

INS AND OUTS ~ Joyful Leprechaun

Stamps: Leprechaun 2008
Paper: The Paper Studio, Neenah Classic White, Recycled Gift Box
Ink: Copics (G000, 02, 05, 09, 40; E00, 07, 09, 25, 50; Y08, 21, 26, 28; C3, 5, 7; 100; BV00; B05, 39; R27), Spicas
Accessories: Gold Cording

Green Themed Friendship

I’m finally getting back to crafting and it feels so good! I played with a friend over the weekend and it was a blast to use her stamp sets. I forgot to keep track of my supplies (I guess I was having too much fun), but everything is from Stampin Up (stamps, papers, embellishments). The card is all about the color green so it fit into lots of the St. Patrick’s Day green challenges this week. I have a few true St. Patrick’s Day cards to share (hopefully later today), but used more of a rainbow theme on them.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Clean & Simple Challenge #82

Color Inspiration

Paper Pal Arts ~ Color Challenge

Color Chef Challenge #43 ~ Dark Green, Light Green, Cream or White

Colour Create Challenge #40 ~ Mint, Chocolate, Cream

Stamp Something Challenge ~ Something Green and Cream

Fussy & Fancy Friday #6 ~ Green

Cupcake Craft Challenge #82 ~ Going Green

Inspiration

Saturday Challenge #74 ~ Anything Goes

My Creation

Happy Hopper for JR

I made this for my nephew's 18th birthday. He's just a kid at heart and I wanted to remind him to stay sweet as he enters the adult world. This is a quick post as I'm down to the wire for the Midnight Madness Challenge - WAHOO, I love them!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #44

I simplified the sketch a bit for my card, but loved the ribbon tags!

Inspiration

Creative Inspiration Challenge #29 ~ Male

Crazy 4 Challenges ~ Masculine

My Creation

Image Detail

I added Diamond Glaze to the 'licked' lollipop and also the ends of the 'used' sticks.
INS AND OUTS ~ Happy Hopper for JR
Stamps: Happy Hoppers Happy Pops (Stampabilities)
Paper: DCWV, Paper Studio
Ink: SU Markers, Staz On Black
Accessories: Diamond Glaze, SU Ribbon

A Personal Note

 Hello there my sweet 31 blog followers, and any other readers who like to stop by. I've got lots of ideas in my brain and cards that need to be created; but I've been a bit distracted by life the past few weeks. I don't share lots of my personal life on my craft blog, but since it's what really makes me who I am I thought I'd open up a bit. If you are looking for a crafty creation, stop by again soon.

It's been a roller coaster few weeks. Sadly, we had to put one of our furry kitty babies down this past week. Our dear Otis stole our heart from the first time I saw him. Here's the photo I showed my hubby who instructed me to drive back and take the little guy home.

Otis has always been a bit sickly and his latest illness was just more than we could handle. It took several vet visits to determine he had feline stomatitis, which is an infection stemming from an allergy to his saliva and tartar in his mouth. There is some success when cats have all their teeth removed, but based on his poor health history; my hubby and I had to make the most difficult choice pet parents must face. Otey filled our lives and hearts with his sweet personality and is greatly missed. Here's a pic of him last month in his favorite spot in the house - in front of the fireplace. He was always cold and could have spent every moment sprawled out by the fire.

My sweet husband has supported me through some very difficult times the past month. I am so blessed to have him as my rock and look forward to better times for us ahead. He spoiled me on Valentine's Day with flowers and a teddy bear (delivered to my work) and showing up for the weekend when he'd told me all week that he had to work. (He works about 2 hours away and only comes home on the weekends, so it's always tough when he has to miss one of them).

This past week was filled with one of my highest honors, Auntie Duty. My sister friend had to travel for work and I was blessed to be able to step in and help out her hubby with kiddy schedules and transportation. What a pick me up it was to wake up these adorable cherubs every morning.

Diva holds her kitty George and Noisy loves up her fur baby Stripey. Little brother Krazy kept me on my toes.

It was WONDERFUL and helped remind me of all the blessings God gives me every day.

There's still lots going on in my world, but I plan to make it back to the studio this week. I'm in organizational mode there (which means it's total chaos), but I will clear off a bit of space to make cards for some very special people. Until then, I keep repeating my new mantra (I saw this in a DIY magazine and think I need to make my own version).

Thanks for hanging with me through my long post and for all the wonderful comments you leave for me. I treasure each one!