Beautiful Butterfly

I used this weeks Mojo Monday sketch as the blue print for this card.  I was originally planning on zig zag stitching between the 3 columns of paper.  Then last night while I was studying the cover of the paper pack (they have smaller pictures of the patterned included on it), I realized they had a white strip "sewn" between them, I thought aha, I'm going to do that instead.  Here's a picture of the cover:

I cut two strips of cardstock at 1/4" by 5.5" (the card is 6x6 total) distressed the edges with Desert Sand ink and sewed them on top of the seam of the paper.  Then I used my fingernail to run along the edges to further distress it. 

I've been wanting to join in the fun with the Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenges, but always run out of week before I get there.  This week is my week, Challenge 132 - Romans 8:31b-32 - the challenge is create a card or project that uses everything, while I didn't use everything, I tried hard. 

This week, the challenge for Free for All Fridays at Split Coast Stampers is 'Caught a Bug', so we needed to include a bug or get well wish in our card.  I thought and thought about it, I don't really have many stamps that have a bug in them.  I've been wanting to join in the challenges at SCS, so I was determined to figure it out.  Then, bam it hit me, a butterfly is a bug and I have them (lots of choices there).   I stamped it in Crystal Blue ink, then rolled the edges in Desert Sand, and lastly dabbed Sweetleaf ink on using a finger dauber then stamped it.  It took a few practice tries before I perfected the look I wanted.  After I stamped it, I cut it out, then used Distress Crackle Paint on it before gluing it on the front of my card. 

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Linen Closet - DCWV
Cardstock:  Colonial White - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Chocolate, Desert Sand, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue - CTMH
Stampset:  Find Your Style - CTMH
Pearl Flourish - Zva Creative
Ivory Decorative Hat Pin and Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts
Clear Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint - Ranger
Pearl Opaques - CTMH
Vintage Button - Antique Store in Stillwater, MN

Beauty-Full Viva la Verve

I used the sketch from the Viva la Verve sketch challenge found on Split Coast Stampers, this is from March 2012, week #2. 

Also, this week at Use it Tuesday, the challenge is to use an un-inked stamp.  I've had this beautiful stampset from The Craft's Meow for a few weeks, and decided to put some ink to it.  Have you ever had an idea in your head, that you just had to put to paper?  That's what happened here.  I had it in my head that I needed to heat emboss the birdcage image in white embossing powder, and then sponge over it with different colors of ink.  So, here's what I came up with:

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Fairest of them All - Imaginisce
Cardstock:  Blush, Colonial White, Crystal Blue - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Blush, Sweet Leaf, Buttercup - CTMH, Versamark
Stampset:  Fly Free - The Craft's Meow
White Embossing Powder - CTMH
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge - CTMH
Cream Pearl Pen - Viva Decor
Embosslit Beautiful Wings - Stampin' Up!

Easter Pennant

This week, the theme at the 2 Sisters Challenge Blog is Spring is in the Air, we needed to use anything that reminded us of spring.  For me, one of the big marks of spring is Easter, so I wanted to create something to decorate my home for Easter.  This banner is really small, I used the Banners Dimensional Elements from Close to My Heart as the base.  The patterned paper was cut out using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge that's complementary to the Banners Dimensional Elements.  The banner is about 14 inches from the tip to tip of the Divine Twine, each pennant is about 2 inches tall.

Speaking of Divine Twine, this week at The Ribbon Carousel, the challenge is Anything Goes with Party Time Tuesday.  

Here's a close up of the first two pennants, I stamped "Happy" first.  On another sheet of cardstock, I stamped the Easter Basket, colored it with watercolor pencils, and cut it out.  I decided to use the handle to frame "Happy".   Since I didn't have a lot of space to work with on each pennant, I decided to go make rosette's to frame some of the letters.  Each rosette I cut one strip of paper 1/2 inch by 6 inches and then just accordion folded them (free hand because they are so small), glued the ends together, and made the rosette. 

I stamped some cute little Easter eggs on cardstock, colored them, cut them out, covered them with glitter, and used foam tape to adhere them.

Sorry about this last close up, it's pretty bad.  In my defense, I took the initial picture of my banner during the day, and when I sat down to type up my blog post, the picture didn't show the detail.  So I took some close up pictures, this one didn't work out so well.

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Lucy - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Stampsets:  Card Word Puzzle, Sensational Season - CTMH
Banners Dimensional Elements, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge - CTMH
Prisma Glitter and Watercolor Pencils - CTMH
Cotton Candy Divine Twine
Keepsake Felt Alphabet - CTMH
Circle Punch - Creative Memories

Whimsical Greetings

I used The Greeting Farm SCS Sketch Challenge #9 as the jumping off point for this spring themed card.  When I first saw this sketch, it reminded me of the rays of the sun, so of course I had to use yellow (or in this case Close to My Heart's Creme Brulee) patterned paper.  Here's a close up of the rose with the smaller butterfly, I included the others in this picture just because I like them. 

I have to confess that this is actually take #2 on this sketch for me.  My first try had the same Creme Brulee "sun", but had a different matting.  I had added some stickles to the stamped butterfly "trail" (I used Close to My Heart's Tulip to stamp it), and then I had to run down to the farm.  When I came home a few hours later, the stickles had turned it orange.  So I started all over, again.  I decided to use the challenge from The Shabby Tea Room - 'Bright & Beautiful Spring'.  I needed to use the colors lilac, blue, yellow, kraft, and a butterfly.  They had this absolutely beautiful photo as inspiration:

Supplies Used:
Cardstock - Kraft - Stampin' Up!
Paper - Key to My Heart, Life Delights - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Inks - Cocoa, Lilac Mist - CTMH
Stamps - Butterfly Wishes - The Greeting Farm
Pearl Opaques - CTMH
Embosslits Beautiful Wings - Stampin' Up!
Ribbon - unknown
Rose - Wild Orchid Crafts

Proverbs 3:5

I created this card using the Viva la Verve March Week #4 sketch found at Split Coast Stampers.  It's supposed to be a Clean and Simple (CAS) sketch challenge this week, I tried. 

I'm planning on sharing this card at Word Art Wednesday, they have a great free Word Art this week.  However,  I had my little heart set on using a Plain Jane scripture verse from Verve.  So, since I can use another scripture or encouraging quote in my project, I decided to run with it.  I consider Proverbs 3:5-6 my life verse. 

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Perfect Day - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Cocoa, Sorbet - CTMH
Stamp:  Proverbs 3:5 - Verve
Double Loops Punch - Martha Stewart
Mocha Opaques - CTMH
Early Espresso Bakers Twine - Stampin' Up!
Oval and Scallop Oval Dies - Spellbinders

Mojo Monday #233

I created this card using the Mojo Monday sketch #233.  I used a brand new stampset from the Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration called Elementary Elegance.  I inked the frame with Crystal Blue and ran the brush tip of my Rich Razzleberry marker around the edge of the stamp before I stamped it.  Here's the sketch:

This week at The Ribbon Carousel it's Baking with the Twinery.  So we needed to use baker's twine, one of my favorite ways is to wrap it twice and tie it in a bow on a button, like I've done. 

I also used the colors - Raspberry, Harbor, and Honey Mustard - from this weeks The Play Date Cafe.  I used some patterned paper from My Minds Eye for the Raspberry.  Close to My Heart's Crystal Blue for Harbor and Stampin' Up!'s Crushed Curry for the Honey Mustard.

Supplies Used:
Paper - My Mind's Eye
Cardstock:  Crystal Blue, Colonial White - Close to My Heart (CTMH), Crushed Curry - Stampin' Up!
Ink:  Crystal Blue - CTMH
Marker:  Rich Razzleberry - Stampin' Up!
Stampset:  Elementary Elegance - Stampin' Up!
Diamond Stickles - Ranger
Divine Twine
Double Ruffle Ribbon - Morex Corp.
Button - Bling Assortment - CTMH

Merry Monday Challenge #12

I had this stampset sitting on my work space from last week's Merry Monday Challenge.  I decided not to use it last week, and when I saw this week's sketch, I just had to use the snowmen along the bottom.  I made two cards, one I colored the hats with water color pencils, the other I used stickles on the hats.  The stickles won, they added that little something extra.  Here's this week's Merry Monday sketch:

Supplies Used: 
Glitter Paper - DCWV
Cardstock - White Daisy, Outdoor Denim - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink - Outdoor Denim - CTMH, Memento Tuxedo Black
Stampsets - Peace on Earth, Snow Friends - CTMH
Stickles - Waterfall, Platinum, Xmas Red, Lime Green, Diamond - Ranger
Blue Sparkles - CTMH
Deep Double Edge Punch, Snowflake - Martha Stewart
Orange Watercolor Pencil - CTMH

Cardabilities #51

I created this card using the fabulous Cardabilities sketch #51. 

I combined it with the Play Date Cafe's most current challenge - PDCC123.  I needed to use Teal, Electric Green, Tangerine, and Jeans.  I must admit, I had to think about this one for a few days.  I made a trip to one of my favorite stores - The Pine City Scrapbooking Company this week.  While I was there, I came across the floral paper that had Tangerine and Teal.  So all I had to do was add Electric Green and Jeans to the mix.  I also found some buttons that coordinated with the colors in my stash. 

At the Catered Crop, the featured ingredient for the Recipe Swap is Stitching.  I added some interest by stitching around the outside of my card.  I also stitched the small button right on the sentiment.  I faux stitched the other two buttons on the card.   

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Bloom - Authentique
Cardstock:  Outdoor Denim, Pear, Colonial White - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Sunset, Outdoor Denim - CTMH
Stamp:  Beautiful You - Verve
2" Scallop Circle Punch, White Hemp, Juniper and Outdoor Denim Buttons - CTMH
Circle Punch - McGill Creativity
Vintage Lace Seam Binding - J. & P. Coats
Tangerine Button - from my stash

Ribbon Carousel Challenge #44

As soon as I saw the sketch for this weeks challenge at The Ribbon Carousel, I knew I was going to do something for a guy.  It just so happens that I need a birthday card for the son of a good friend.  I just love this cheery paper.  I added some gold stickles to the candles for flames.

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Bugaboo Party - Creative Imaginations, Blue Petite Pinstripes - Paper Fever
Cardstock:  Sky, Sweet Leaf, Taffy - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Inks:  Sky, Sweetleaf - CTMH, Memento Tuxedo Black
Stampset - CTMH
Sweetleaf Ribbon, Button - CTMH
Gold Stickles - Ranger
Divine Twine

Viva la Verve March Week #3

I received an exciting message on my cell phone this morning, some good friends of ours had their baby.  Since they didn't find out what they were having, I couldn't decide if I should make a girl, boy, or gender neutral card.  I debated to long, they had a boy, and I had no card.  So, I decided to use the newest Viva la Verve from Splitcoast Stampers sketch to create this baby boy card.  Also, this week at the 2 Sisters Challenge Blog, we were to use Spots and Dots.  I've loved this polka dot paper for a long time, and was excited to have an excuse to use it.

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Portobello Road "Buddies" Perfect Paper - My Minds Eye
Cardstock:  Crystal Blue, Grey Flannel - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Inks:  Crystal Blue, Grey Wool - CTMH
Stampset:  Baby Love - CTMH
Brads - CTMH
Labels 1 - Spellbinders
Nesting Scallop Circles - Lifestyle Crafts
Chipboard Banner - Jenni Bowlin

Merry Monday Challenge #11

I took the liberty of changing this week's Merry Monday challenge sketch by replacing the oval with a circle.  I really wanted to use this cute image. 

Sorry this is so short.  It's such a nice day out that my sister and I are taking our kids to the park for a picnic lunch.  I really wanted to get this posted before I left.

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  Heavenly Blue, Pacifica, White Daisy - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Stamp:  Gift Givers - Stampin' Up!
Diamond Stickles - Ranger
Scallop Circle Punch - Stampin' Up!
Snowflakes Embossing Folder - Provo Craft
Snowflakes - CTMH
Skyland Snowflake Punch - Martha Stewart
Felt Ricrac - Multicraft Imports
Circle Punch - Marvy Uchida
Copic Markers - E00, E02, R27, R29, B24, B45, E33, E35, E37, B00

Mojo Monday #232

I created this card for my Great Aunt and Great Uncle's 60th Wedding Anniversary.  They are such wonderful people, we were sad that we couldn't fly out to Washington to celebrate with them.  So, I decided that I would make them a special card.  I used the Mojo Monday sketch #232. 

I stamped the heart in Breeze on a piece of Colonial White cardstock.  Then, I cut it out, sprayed it with vellum adhesive, and dipped it in prisma glitter.  I attached it with foam tape for some dimension. 

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Linen Closet - DCWV
Cardstock:  White Daisy, Bamboo, Colonial White - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Breeze, Chocolate - CTMH
Stampset:  Soul Mates, Card Word Puzzle - CTMH
Sparkles, Prisma Glitter - CTMH
Antique White Ribbon - Offray
Lace - Hero Arts

The Shabby Tea Room #105 - Spring is Near

Here's my card I created using this weeks challenge from The Shabby Tea Room:

The challenge was to create a card using the photo below as inspiration.  We needed to use 3 colors from the photo and dry embossing.

I used this fabulous sketch from Cardabilites:

I highlighted the embossing with platinum stickles, when I selected that color, I thought it would give it a wonderful aged glitter effect.  After I had everything glued down, I wished I would have gone with the clear diamond stickles instead. 

I'm also going to enter this card in these following challenges:
2 Sisters Challenge Blog - Challenge #82 - Spring Colors
Use it Tuesday - Challenge # 27 - Green

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Lucy - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Cardstock:  Sunny Yellow, Baby Pink - CTMH
Ink:  Bamboo, Pear - CTMH
Stamps:  Notably Ornate - Stampin' Up!
Platinum Stickles - Ranger
RicRac, Pearl Opaques - CTMH
Cricut Cartridge - Art Philosophy - CTMH
Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts
Top Note Die, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Scallop Punch - Stampin' Up!

Shabby Tag

This week at The Shabby Tea Room, the challenge was colorful confections.  We needed to use aqua, pink, green, and a tag.  I opted to make a tag as my project:

This week at the Ribbon Carousel, the challenge is called "Cause we FELT like it".  I happen to have some felt die cuts from Close to My Heart, so I pulled them out last night and found this cute bird.  I thought it would be cute (and a good use of space) to punch the wing from some paper and stamp the sentiment on it.  This morning before I snapped pictures, I was looking at my tag, and decided it needed something more.  So, I added some hand stitching on the tail of the bird and the flower.

Supplies used:
Cardstock:  Blush - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Paper:  Linen Closet - DCWV
Ink:  Cocoa
Stamps:  Sweet Expressions - Whipper Snapper
Mocha opaques, Heartfelt Whimsy, Embroidery Thread - CTMH
Lattice Rectangle - Spellbinders
Button Latte, Bird Punch - Stampin' Up!
Cotton Candy Divine Twine
Lace - Multicraft Imports
Vintage Seam Binding - from my stash
Cherry Blossom - Wild Orchid Crafts

Merry Monday #10

I just sorted through my pile of completed cards to separate out my Christmas cards and put them into a different box.  Because of the Merry Monday challenge, I now have 4 finished cards just waiting to be sent out next Christmas.  If I keep it up, by next fall I will have a great head start on my Christmas cards.  Here is this week's addition to my box:

I wanted the image to stand out more, so I double layered the frame and used foam tape to separate them.  Here's a close up:

I love the simplicity of this weeks sketch,  I've had a lot going on lately, so I was relieved that I could take this one a little easier.  I also love that I could dress this sketch up more if I wanted to (or had the time to).

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Holly - Making Memories
Cardstock - Cocoa, Garden Green, Colonial White - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Cocoa - CTMH
Stampset:  No Greater Love - CTMH
Sparkles - CTMH
Fleur de Lis Squares - Spellbinders

Mojo Monday 231

When I first found out about Verve stamps, I asked for suggestions about which stamp sets were a must have.  Someone on Splitcoast Stampers suggested Beautiful You, am I ever glad I listened to her suggestion.  At the moment, this is one of my most used stampsets.  I stamped the flower in second generation in Juniper ink behind both sentiments.  I used the sketch from Mojo Monday, and I combined it with the Catered Crop's Recipe Swap - Ravenous About Ribbon Recipe Swap.  Here's the sketch:

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Wings, Juniper, Sweet Leaf, Colonial White - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Vineyard Berry, Juniper - CTMH
Stampset:  Beautiful You - Verve
Bling Assortment, Juniper Waxy Floss, Sparkles - CTMH
Divine Twine
Pleated Ribbon - Maya Rd.
Sweet Scallop Tag die - Verve
Circles, Scallop Circles - Spellbinders

Merry Monday #9

Here's my card for this weeks Merry Monday challenge:

I wanted to play with some shimmer paint that I bought one year ago, so I decided to stamp the sentiment in Versamark and emboss it with clear embossing powder.  Then, using the emboss resist technique, I sponged the shimmer paint over it.  Unfortunately, there wasn't enough contrast for the sentiment to really pop out.  So I ended up sponging on some Sweet Leaf ink, that did the trick, and the shimmer paint still shows.

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Believe - Close to My Heart (CTMH)
Ink:  Sweet Leaf - CTMH, Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black
Stampset:  Share the Magic - CTMH
Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Sparkles - CTMH
Scallop Trim punch, Champagne Mist shimmer paint - Stampin' Up!
Ribbon - Target
Stickles:  Waterfall, Xmas Red, Gold, Lime Green - Ranger

Mermaid Anya

I was so excited to find out that I was last weeks random winner at The Greeting Farm's Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge #4.  I won my choice of a single stamp, I chose Mermaid Anya.  Fast forward to this week, I printed of the #5 sketch and was stewing about what to do with it.  Don't get me wrong, I love the sketch, but if I can't sit down and work on a sketch right away, I mull it over while I'm doing something else.  Anyhow, lo and behold, my stamp showed up in the mail that day, that was fast!  So I decided to use her on this weeks challenge. 

Also, at the 2 Sisters Challenge Blog, it's anything goes. 

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Amethyst, Pansy Purple - Close to My Heart (CTMH), Bermuda Bay - Stampin' Up!
Contemporary Mega Tag Pad - K & Company
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Stamps:  Mermaid Anya - The Greeting Farm, Sweet Expressions - Whipper Snapper Designs
Ribbon - Prima
Sparkles - Momenta
Scallop Punch - Stampin' Up!
Circles and Scalloped Circle Dies - Spellbinders
Copics:  BV00, E00, E02, V06, V17, BV04