Freshly Made Sketches #650

 Happy Monday Morning! It's a scorcher here in Central Wisconsin.  Temps in the 80's but heat index well over 100 degrees.  That is very unusual here and very likely to end with severe storms.  We're praying everyone stays safe.

Tomorrow we are going camping.  We are spending 3 weeks at the at Chain 'O Lakes near Waupaca, Wisconsin.  So, today is spent mowing grass, packing the camper and getting things ready to go.   

Before we leave, I wanted to enter a card into the current Freshly Made Sketches - #650  A Sketch By Judy.  

This is a card I created for my sister and her husband for their anniversary.   I have been reorganizing my craft room - something I'm constantly working on - and I came across a stack of black and white printed paper that was left over from a previous project. When I saw this weeks sketch, I knew they would work perfectly.  Just a little trimming and mounted on black cardstock and my card base was all set.  

The images I colored while on a previous camping trip.  I really had no project in mind.  I was just doing some random coloring, knowing I would use them on a project somewhere along the way.   Believe it or not, that butterfly image is from a stamp set I purchased at Dollar Tree a while back.  It colored up so beautifully.  I definitely will be using that on future projects.  All coloring was done with my Copic markers that go everywhere with me.  

I love to pop up almost everything and this card was no exception.  

Thanks so much for looking.

Joyce

With Sympathy and Prayers

 Recently, a good friend lost her baby brother to cancer - he was 44.  It was devastating news.  When he was born, she was like a second momma to him.  

I'm loving this set by Arjita Singh from Gina K. Designs called Sweet Memories.  Those flowers are just lovely and the sentiments are touching for some sad situations.  

For this A2 size card, I dragged out my much neglected Copic markers to color in the flowers and leaves.  I used a 3-D embossing folder to add dimension to the white cardstock, added a base of shimmery pink and mounted that to some printed paper from the Bo Bunny 6" paper pack called Pincushion.  The sentiments are from the same Sweet Memories set from Gina K. Designs.  I used Gina K. Designs Master Layouts 2 to cut out the white cardstock and the sentiments banner.  I fussy cut the "With Sympathy" sentiment and shadow.  I used 2 layers of foam tape to pop that banner to give it 

a lot of dimension. 

Happy Crafting!

Joyce

Sassy Cheryl Challenge #151 - Thinkin' Pink

It was quiet, laid back weekend here for us.  We didn't go to any super bowl party - my hubby has to get up for work super early  in the morning (3 a.m) so he stayed up through the half time show, then went to bed.   I'm obviously not going to bed at 7:30 so I stayed up to play my crafts a while longer.  That gave me time to finish a card for this weeks Sassy Cheryl challenge - Thinkin' Pink.

I love this adorable image - its one of my favorite Sassy Cheryl's.

This adorable paper is from My Mind's Eye - a 6 X 6 paper pack from the Lost & Found series called Madison Avenue.   These adorable pinks were the exact color I was looking for.

It's kinda late, so I gotta get going. Have a great week
Joyce

Sassy Cheryl Challenge #149 - Thinking of You

It's very, very cold here in Central WI (11 degrees - feels like 7) - its one of those 'stay in where its warm' kinda days.  Since I don't have to work today, I have the option of doing that.  I have the slow cooker going so the house smells cozy and between household tasks I'm getting some cards done.  Who could ask for more :)

Best of all - I had the chance to make a card for the latest Sassy Cheryl Challenge.  Yippy!!   Sassy Cheryl posted her latest challenge today and I am all over it.  Okay, I confess.  I cheated a little.  One other cold day I colored up several Sassy Cheryl images.  The stack was sitting on my work table just waiting to be put on a card.  When I saw what the challenge is - Thinking of You!! - this image was sitting on the top of the stack.  No Brainer! that this would be the image I would use.  I love this adorable little boy - Healing Hands Boy. This has got to be one of my favorite Sassy Cheryl's - it just warms my heart!!  The perfect "thinking of you" image along with all the flu and yuck that has been going around.  Yet another good reason to stay home where its cozy.

Here's my card.  Isn't he a cutie?  The vertical sentiment is from my LSS - The Stamp Shoppe.  Heidi has tons of sentiments, many of them unique and many verticals.

Here's a close up............

and something I don't do often - I even dec'd out the inside of the card....

Since I still have time left to this chilly day, I'm going to make some valentines for Send a Smile 4 Kids.  

What a great way to brighten the day of a child who is in the hospital.  

Thanks much for stopping in

Joyce

SOTW - A Moosage From Me

It's Monday again.  How did that happen?  Wow, these last couple of weeks went fast.  So much for things slowing down after the holidays.  Yikes!!

Its time to get back on track with the Stamp of the Week (SOTW).  As always, Repeat Impressions is featuring a great stamp - 1930-I A Moosage From Me.  This awesome stamp is 50% off this week - go here to see how you can snag this image at this super price. 

I love wildlife and outdoor stamps, so this image is just plain fun for me to play with.  Here's my card....

And the close up.....

You too can have this super image in your collection.  What better time to pick it up than when its 50% off.  Go here and snag it while you can. 

I am also submitting this card in the following challenges:

• Fairy Tale Challenge - Animals & Pets - Ends 1/18??
• Addicted to Stamps & More - Nature - Ends 1/15?

Thanks much for stopping by,
Joyce

MFTGUESTDT0113

I have been trying to participate in the monthly guest design team challenge at MFT.  This is a big challenge and quite out of my league but sometimes its fun to run with the big dogs even if I don't have any chance of winning.   This is not a random drawing challenge but completely based on talent.  The prize is huge ($200 worth of merchandise & you get to particpate as a guest design team member for that next month), the honor is even more huge (only the best get chosen) and best of all, MFT is one of my favorite brands out there.  Between the stamps and the dies, I am totally addicted.  There are some amazing cards already posted out there.

Here is this months sketch.....

Here is my entry into this challenge.....

This image is the MFT Pure Innocence - Mud Buddies.  Such a cutie!!

Here's a close up.... 

I always have fun participating in these MFT monthly guest designer challenges.  I never fail to learn something new and I am totally amazed by the other entries - many get pinned onto my Pinterest board for future inspiration.

I can't wait to see what the challenge will be for next month. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Joyce

Supplies:

Stamp - MFT Pure Innocence - Mud Buddies

Ink - Momento Tuxedo Black

Paper - October Afternoon

Tools & Accessories - Copic markers, Die-namics-Dainty Lace Border die, Glitter gems

DCC Challenge Wednesday

Happy New Year!

What better way to ring in the new year than to have a Designers Choice Challenge (DCC) at Repeat Impressions.   This weeks challenge was selected by Repeat Impressions Rock Star Joy and its a great one - snow. 

Here is my card.....

For this challenge I used 2 Repeat Impressions images - 8805-K Snowflakes & 4601-H Snowmen.  They work perfectly together to create this snow card.  I stamped both images with versa mark and then embossed them with white embossing powder.  The white looks amazing on the dark blue paper.  It doesn't show up in the photo nearly as sharp as it looks in real time. 

Now, don't forget, you can create your own 'snow' card.  Just link it here and you will be entered in a random drawing for a wonderful prize - a $25 gift certificate to the Repeat Impresssions store.  Go here to see the official rules. 

Please note that I am also entering this card in the following challenges:'

• Sandy's Craft Creations - Anything goes in blue and/or white - ends 1/31
• Wow! Embossing Powder Challenge - Ice & Snow - I am now a follower - ends 1/31

Thanks so much for stopping by in this new year!!
Joyce

MFTWSC104 - Baby Yourself

Yesterday we spent time with family watching the Packer/Vikings game.  That was a great chance to put some cards together.  I already posted the card I made for the Sassy Cheryl challenge, I have a few cards for upcoming design team posts and I made this card for the My Favorite Things weekly challenge. 

This is my entry for MFTWSC104 - You've heard me say it many, many times......I love the MFT Pure Innocence stamp line and this super cute set - Rinse, Lather, Repeat - is one of my favorites.  So cute.  The sentiment is from that same set but I altered it slightly.  The words come side by side but I stacked them to fit the sketch better. 

Here's the close up.......

Thanks much for stopping
Joyce

Sassy Cheryl #146 - Snowmen

Each week I try to play along with the challenge at Sassy Cheryl - one of my favorite challenges.  Most weeks, time gets away from me so its always a fun little thrill when I actually get a card completed for the deadline.  Good thing we had 2 weeks this time.  I'm still just sneaking it in before the challenge closes.

Their challenge this week is snowmen.   Sassy Cheryl has the cutest snowman images, so you know the card is going to turn out really cute no matter what you do. 

Here's a close up.  

I'm looking forward to doing more Sassy Cheryl challenges in the coming new year, but I'm glad I was able to sneak one more in yet in 2012.

Happy New Year!!!
Joyce

SOTW - Snow Skating

It's New Year's Eve and what better way to celeberate the coming new year than with the SOTW.  As usual, Repeat Impressions is offering a great stamp this week. 

Snow Skating - 4714-L



You can snag this super cute image this week at 50% off.  Go here to see the details

Here's my card

Not only have I used the SOTW but I've also used Repeat Impressions verse 4601-H Snowmen Fall. 

Here's a close up....

I've popped the banner to make it wavy and I used stickles on the hat brim and the cuts in the ice to give this image some sparkle.

Now is a great time to pick up this super cute image and at a great price.  Go here to find out.  

Please note - I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

• Dilly Beans Challenge - Winter
• Paper Craft Star - Snow

Thanks much

Joyce

What If? Wednesday - Sketch D2612

Did you have a great Christmas???   I know I did!!! 

I worked in the morning on Christmas Eve but in the afternoon we opened our presents to each other - my husband, our adult son and me.  We went to a very inspiring Christmas Eve mass and then came home and watched one of our new DVD's.  Just a cozy, peaceful inspiring evening spent with My Guys!  My favorite thing to do.

Christmas day was spent with my husband's family - and again, what a great day.

Today is my last day at the seasonal job that I have been working.  I will be disappointed to see it end - I've really enjoyed it.  I'm also looking forward to a few weeks to catch up while I continue my search for my next job. 

Actually, the next few weeks will be quite busy.  Our son was hired for a co-op in La Crosse, which is about 3+ hours from here.  Before January 7th, he needs to find an apartment, get moved and settled in.  Yikes!  That gives us about a 1 1/2 weeks to get things taken care of - not bad - but since he has never had his own apartment before (been in a furnished dorm for the last 1 1/2 years) he needs a LOT of stuff.  I'm glad I'm off so that I can help him out.  We head that way tomorrow to get an apartment - we can't leave town till we have something leased.  :)

Anyway, I'm rambling again.  I'm so glad its What If? Wednesday at Repeat Impressions.  Wow!  They have had some awesome sketches for us and this is one of my favorites. 

Here's my 'take' on this sketch....

I used the Repeat Impressions image - Brighten 8623-D from the Quartet Compliments Collection.   I love that collection!!!

and of course here is the close up......and a close up with bling at that. 

Don't you want to play along???  Create your 'take' on this awesome sketch, link it on the Repeat Impressions blog and you are in the drawing for a great prize - a $25 gift certificate to the Repeat Impressions store.  See all the rules here.  Be sure to take a peak at the store and you'll see what a great prize that really is. 

Please note, I am entering this card in the following challenges: 

• {Lawn}scaping Challenge - Make it Shine - ends Wednesday 12/26
• Sentimental Sunday's Challenge - Focus on the Sentiment - ends Saturday 12/29??
• Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - Emboss Me - ends 12/29 at midnight

As always, I hope I've followed the rules appropriately.  Sorry! if I have not.

Thanks so much for stopping by

Joyce

Supplies:

Stamp - Repeat Impressions - 8623-D Brighten

Ink - Momento Ink - tuxedo black

Paper - various card stock scraps

tools & accessories - embossing folders, bling circle - Recollections, various nesties, border punch - Fiskars

Magnolia-licious - Holiday Tag Challenge

If you know me at all, you know that I love to make gift tags.  They make a super quick project and they are a fun change of pace. 

Magnolia stamps are some of my favorite stamps.  So when I spotted the current challenge - Holiday Tags - on the Magnolia-licious Highlites Challenge Blog, I just had to play along.  In fact, I made two tags for the challenge. 

Tag #1

Tag #1 - close up

Tag #2

Tag #2 - close up



Now I have enough tags for the last of the Christmas gifts I am giving. 

Thanks much and have a super holiday!!

Joyce



Bellarific Friday 24 - Make a Tag!!!

One of my favorite projects to make is gift tags.  They always make a fun, quick project that is a great change of pace.  When I saw this challenge over on the Stamping Bella Blog, I just had to play along.  Tags........Bella's..........I'm in.......

Here's my Bella tag.

Here's a close up

Have a super day.

Joyce

Supplies:

Stamp - Bella - Snowbunnybella

Ink - Momento - Tuxedo black

Paper - Printed paper - Recollections 'The Ballet' paper pack, Purple glitter paper - DCWV, Card stock - Kraft paper, white, green

Tools & Accessories - copic markers, Glitter gem, Snowflake punch - McGill, Twine - True Hemp, Satin ribbon.  Die-namics die - Notebook Edge

MFT's - Round 2

This month, I had a chance to participate in the MFT monthly challenge and now I am even able to sneak a card in for the weekly challenge as well.  How fun!!

Our son just accepted a engineering co-op but its in a city almost 3 hours away from us.  It's a beautiful city - a place he was hoping to get the opportunity to live at some point, so he is totally psyched about  moving there and we're psyched for him.  He has never rented an apartment before and we certainly are no experts, having lived in homes for the last 25 years, but between the 3 of us, we hoped to figure things out.  Being the weekend, no one was available to show us around (we knew that going there), but we did accomplish a lot and we have a long list we are waiting for call backs on. 

Our son had to get back to school to finish some projects and study for semester exams and we headed back toward home.   We were exhausted!!  We had done a LOT in less than 24 hours.  When we got home, there was tons I could have done around the house but we both just crashed on the sofa to watch a movie.   That gave me the chance to get this MFT done. 

This is the sketch for MFT's this week..... They always have such good ones.

And here is my take on the sketch.   I love these A' La Mode stamps.   So cute and super simple to color.

Here's a close up.

So glad I got the chance to play along!
Joyce

Supplies:
Stamps - MFT - a' la mode - miss you a latte'. 
Ink - Momento - Tuxedo black
Paper - Authentique - stripe & paisley papers, Heidi Grace - Argylle, basic card stock - white, burgandy
Tools & Accessories - Cutter bee - piercer to achieve the "stitching", rhinestones, copic markers, paper flowers with brad in the middle.

My Favorite Things - Guest Designer Challenge MFTGUESTDT1212

I love to play along with the MFT's challenges - especially the monthly guest design team challenges.  It gives me a chance to use my MFT stamps - love them.  Especially the Pure Innocence line and the A La Mode line.  This is my entry in the MFT's Guest Designer Challenge - MFTGUESTDT1212.

With all the Christmas crafts I've been doing recently, I just wanted to create something completely different, so this baby image seemed like the perfect change of pace.  This is the A' La Mode image called 'Oh, Baby!!'  The 'Welcome Little One' verse comes from that same stamp set.

Here's a close up....

This is a 'simple is more' kind of card which is a great way to make this adorable image the focal point.  Each layer of paper is matted with this shimmery blue paper from DCWV and the plaid print paper is from the DCWV - Linen paper pack.  The velvet brads make a great soft, fuzzy touch. 

Thanks so much for stopping by

Joyce

Supplies:

Stamps - Image & verse - MFT - Oh Baby! for the A' La Mode stamp line.

Ink - Momento - Tuxedo black

Paper - blue flocked polka dot - Cloud 9 Design, Glitter print plaid - DCWV - Linen paper pack, Blue shimmer paper - DCWV

Tools & Accessories - Copic markers, flocked brads, piercer, Tim Holtz ruler for piercing

DCC Challenge - Anything Showing Thanks

Its DCC Wednesday at Repeat Impression - That's the Designer Choice Challenge.   Repeat Impression Rockstar Geri selected the challenge this time around and its a good one.  She has challenged us to create a project that shows "thanks".  With everything going on right now - the storms, the economy, this crazy election and with Thanksgiving just around the corner - its the perfect time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for in our lives. 

Here is my project.....

I love this super cute scarecrow stamp - Scarecrow & Friend - 3309-K and what better way to top it off than this classic "Happy Thanksgiving" verse - 1140-E.  

Here's a closer view of how easy it is to color this image with Copic markers or whatever pens or pencils you might use.

Now is your chance to play along and show your thankfulness.  Just create a project, link it to the Repeat Impressions blog and you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to the Repeat Impressions store. See the rules and the deadlines here.   I can't wait to see what you have created. 

I hope you'll play along

Joyce

Supplies:

Stampes - Repeat Impressions - Scarecrow & Friends - 3309-K & Happy Thanksgiving - 1140E

Ink: Momento - Tuxedo Black

Stamps & Accessories - Copic markers, SU! scallop border punch, fiber

What If? Wednesday Sketch Challenge - Iris Window

It's Wednesday....... What if? Wednesday to be more specific, so Repeat Impressions has a great sketch challenge for us. 

Here it is.

Here is my vision for this sketch.   I used Repeat Impressions image - Iris Window - 919-I.  I colored it in with my Copic markers and used my colorless blender to give the background a softer cloud-like appearance. 

Here's a close up of that gorgeous Repeat Impressions image - Iris Window - 919-I.  

Now is your chance to have some fun and play along.   All you have to do is create your interpretation of this sketch.  Link your card on the Repeat Impressions blog - The House That Stamps Built. You don't even have to use a Repeat Impressions stamp but we would sure love it if you did. Playing along is fun and you have a chance to win an awesome prize - a $25 gift certificate to the Repeat Impressions store.  See the full rules and instructions here.

Thanks for stopping.  More soon!!

Joyce

Supplies:

Stamps - Repeat Impressions - Iris Window 919-I

Ink - Clearly Better - Black

Paper - Heidi Grace

Tools & Accessories - Sizzix embossing folder, nesties, Copic markers, rhinestones, EK Success edge punch,

Magnolia - Pink! Lots of Pink

The October challenge over at Magnolia-licious Highlites Blog is all about 'thinkin' pink' in honor of breast cancer awareness month. 

Magnolias!!!! Pink!!!! I'm all over that. 

Here's my entry in this fun challenge. 

Here's a close up.  Do you think that's enough pink?  lol!!!

More very soon!

Joyce

Supplies~

Stamps:  Magnolia - Cross-Stitched Tilda, cross-stitched circle from the PTI Daily Design set,  Sentiment from the PTI - Tags for Spring set

Paper - DCWV, misc card stock

Ink - Momento - Tuxedo Black, Distress ink - Momento - Desert Sand

Tools & Accessories - Pink pearl flourish - Recollections, copic markers, pink ribbon, notebook edge punch - EK Success,

MFTWSC84

Here is the card I submit in the My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge - MFTWSC84.  I am totally addicted to their Pure Innocence stamp line.  So darn cute!!!  No matter what you do with them, they are just adorable.  This set is called Purfect and it is just that.

Be back soon
Joyce

Supplies:
Stamps - Image -MFT Pure Innocence Purfect, verse - PTI
Paper - Me & My Big Ideas, basic card stock
Tools & Accessories - Buttons, Copic markers, Momento Ink - Tuxedo black,

Meljen's Challenge #114 - Cards for Dad



Meljen's Challenge #114 - Cards for Dad

I wanted to participate this weeks challenge over here at Meljens.  They are doing a tribute to Dad.   I dug through my Meljen digis and found this litte car - so cute.  I thought these papers from the 6 x 6 Fly a Kite pack from My Minds Eye were the perfect mix of masculine and quirky to go with this cute little car. 

Since this is a guy card, I couldn't add any bling.  I had to add some sort of dimension so I stamped the "Happy Father's Day" sentiment on card stock and rolled it and inked the edges to make it look like ribbon.  Not a bad match at all.

Paper:  Printed paper  from the My Minds Eye - Fly a Kite pack, textured card stock from Echo Park, White Card Stock - Domtar Cougar paper, Card base from DCWV

Stamps:  Car image from Melje'ns Design's.  Sentiment is from the Hero Arts Month of June clear stamps set.  

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black to stamp the image and Desert Sand to distress the edges.

Accessories:  Corner Punch, Twill ribbon, copic markers.

Thanks so much

Joyce