Thankful

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day...my DH is off for 3 days so not sure how much stamping I'll get done but here's one I had actually finished a couple of days ago. Another quick pretty variation of this card. I'm glad I didn't post it because it meets, I think, Sharon Johnson's ssnotime106 Rich Autumn Leaves Challenge. Go visit and play along!

See how many changes you can find from my first card and list them, both omissions and additions. The first one to get them all will get this one in the mail, blank on the inside!

Have fun and thanks so much for visiting!

Blessings!

It's a Color Throwdown Sketch Challenge

Wow...the Color Throwdown this week is something else! Five, count 'em 5 colors !! Tammy Hershberger of Stamp Happy is the hostess this week and she's picked these awesome colors.

I have to admit that combining this many colors was a true challenge for me. I decided to combine the Color Throwdown #61 with Roxie's Sketch Challenge #247. The image I used is from a new SU Hostess Level 1 set called Country Morning. Three delightful images to color and a sentiment. Love it!

It kind of hard to see in the photo, but the first layer on the Choc. Chip base is the Rose Red, followed by some K & Co. DP that picked up all the challenge colors. The second olive layer is from the same DP pack. I used a Cuttlebug folder for the More Mustard layer and my inside is Regal Rose. I think I got them all! Whew!

I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and baby oil. I dipped my finger into a bit of Diamond Stickles and touched the flowers and the surface below to give them a bit of sparkle.

I tried to capture the sparkle but not sure I was able to. Click on the small image to see. Sorry, it's a bit blurry. :-(

Why don't you head on over to Color Throwdown and play along? There's an awesome prize from Gina K & StampTV!

Supplies:

Stamps - SU Country Morning, Circle Sentiments

Paper - SU, K & Co. DP

Accessories - dimensionals (image panel and sentiment circle), Martha Stewart border punch, PTI ribbon, Cuttlebug folder

Gratitude - CAS33

Yesterday was such a fun day for me. This card was chosen by the DT on SplitcoastStampers as the CAS Sketch Challenge for this week.

For those of you who may be newbies to SCS or stamping, CAS is Clean and Simple. Basically using a minimum amount of "stuff" and leaving some white space. White space doesn't have to be white as you can see here...it's space without any clutter that draws the eye away from the main focal point.

I decided to challenge myself and make another card using my sketch and a new $1 stamp I picked at Michaels and the sentiment from a new set by Making Memories called Autumn Splendor. I used a 50% off coupon and got it for about $4.00. This set is a bargain, ladies! There is an awesome snowflake that can double as flower, a fleur de lis, a lovely leaf, and the Gratitude sentiment I used here.

Overall card size is 5-1/2" x 3-3/4" . The tree is clear heat embossed although it's impossible to capture it in the photo. The center panel is popped up on dimensionals as is the image panel. Why don't you give this sketch a try and link your creation here...I'd love to see them!

Supplies:
Paper - Papertrey Dark Chocolate, First Fruits DP, SU Ivory, Tango Tangerine
Stamps - Michael's $1, Making Memories Autumn Splendor
Ink - SU Chocolate Chip marker, Tango Tangerine
Accessories - dimensionals, twine, clear EP, button, sponge

When I Count My Blessings....

We had the most fun last night!! One of our Bible study groups has a "Gourmet" Potluck Dinner every other month. Two couples host and each potluck is themed from food to decorations. Last night it was Latin night. The food was different and delicious. Everyone brings a part of the meal and helps with clean-up. Can't wait to see what our next hosts will "cook up". I forgot to take pictures of the tiny Pastel de Manzana (apple turnovers) I made. Each one only held 1 t. of filling but they were really good and so cute.

Good friends, good food, and lots of laughter are truly blessings! Now, speaking of blessings,
Regina, at The Cutting Cafe, has a brand new set out called "When I Count My Blessings, I Count You Twice".

You get 10 great sentiments for just $1.99. This "autumn Blessings" image is just one example. I copied and pasted it into Print Shop. I used the guides in the program to visually score my paper horizontally & vertically then moved the image where I wanted it to print. I changed the color to dark brown. Before printing, I reduced the print size in my printing program to 95%. Two cards with a single printing and it's straight every time.

Gotta love that! The dimensions of this card are 5-1/2" x 3-3/4". I stamped the leaves with PTI Summer Sunrise, then rock & rolled them in Tango Tangerine. I traced them with my Versamark pen then embossed them with clear embossing powder. I sponged each one with the Summer Sunrise, Tango Tangerine and PTI dark Chocolate, cut them out and popped them up on dimensionals.

You are some of my many blessings as well! Thanks for stopping by. Your comments are always appreciated.

Supplies:
Digital Stamps - The Cutting Cafe
Leaf Stamp - Michael's $1 spot
Paper - Papertrey Vintage Cream, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, DP
SU Tango Tangerine
Accessories - ribbon (Martha Stewart/Papertrey), embossing pen, clear EP, scalloped edge punch

Simon Says...:3..2..1, Stamp!"

Today's card is for the challenge on Simon Says Stamp.."Follow a Recipe" 3 embellishments, 2 papers, 1 image. The challenges on Simon Says are always so fun and original. Be sure to pop on over and play along!

My three embellishments are:

the ribbon, the anchor and the piercing in the corner.

Do you like those papers? The red one is from Papertrey's Men of Life, the blue one I made myself using SU Night of Navy and the Background Stars set from PTI.

That little anchor and the red ribbon are recycled from a gift I received at church a few years ago.

A good birthday card for a man and I know just who to send it to. ;-D

Thanks for stopping by. I love to read your comments!

Supplies:

Stamps: Inkadinkadoo Coastal, SU Circle Sentiments

Paper: SU Night of Navy, PTI Poppy Red,

Ink: SU Craft White

Accessoried: Scor-Pal, ribbon, anchor charm, dimensionals

Another Bible Study Name Tag

A quickie post today. I'm doing Beth Moore's "Daniel"....wow, so appropriate for today's current events. The homework isn't bad, similar to Esther, if any of you have taken that.

At any rate, I was asked to do the name tags again. I had to crop these down because the glare would have had you running for your sunglasses!!

I like to make the name tags reflect the study. If you'd like to see my Esther name tags, just pop in here.

I'd be happy to make either of these for your Bible studies! Just let me know. cookiebaker57@gmail.com

Blessings!

Clean and Simple Love in Pink and Suede

This week is just flying by! I had my beading class yesterday. As soon as I get a couple of projects finished, I'll share them with you. Some of the ladies have finished several projects already!! I only get to work on mine in the class but it's fun to learn something new.

This card is for the CAS (Wedding) and Color (Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede) challenges on SCS this week.

I don't need a wedding card right now so tried to make one that would also be suitable for either an engagement or anniversary. I scored the top part of the card where the ribbon is...hope you can see it. This card is 4.25" x 4.25".

I did need to "rough" up that stamp a bit. It has never given me a good clear impression so I "sanded" it down several time with a sanding block. BIG improvement. Try it if you have any stamps that don't take ink well.

Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies:
Paper- SU
Stamps - Inkadinkadoo (Michael's) and Flourishes "Flourished Words"
Accessories - Scor-Pal, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Spellbinders circle dies, Martha Stewart ribbon

Retro Apron - Cutting Cafe Style

Isn't this just the cutest card? Regina at The Cutting Cafe has done it again! She's designed not one but two adorable apron cards and a fabulous HUGE set called "From My Kitchen" with words and images just in time for the holiday baking season.

The cool part is, if you purchase the From My Kitchen set from now until Saturday, you get the apron templates absolutely FREE!!

I was still in my reto mood when I pulled out this Rockabilly DP from SU. The ruffle on the apron is popped up with dimensionals...too cute!

That cool Box is also a Cutting Cafe template. I didn't have time to bake today but I've figured I can get two big Chocolate Chip Cookies in there. I found those cute spreaders with the cherry handles at the Target $ spot last year. I just taped some of the matching DP to the sides and tied them up with ribbon.

Thanks for visiting!

Supplies:

Digi template and stamps from The Cutting Cafe

Paper: SU Rockabilly DP, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: dimensionals, button, embroidery thread, ribbon, clear acetate (for box top)

Keep your Fork - Moxie Fab

We had such a busy weekend that I totally didn't have time to post this. The crew over at Moxie Fab World have issued a challenge to make a card featuring a household item. Some of the inspiration images were so very retro. I fell for them immediately.

I've had this set from Crafty Secrets called Kitchen Classics for awhile. You can find it here. It's got lots of great images for recipe cards and dinner invitations plus some neat border stamps.

When we lived in Lou., Ky, there was a catering company called, "Keep Your Fork". I've always thought that was a great name. Perfect for a dessert invitation!!

This card is 5x5" due to the size of the forks. I heat embossed them in detail black.


Wait until you see what Regina has "cooked up" at the Cutting Cafe!! I'll have a sample tomorrow. In addition, World Cardmaking Day is coming! Get ready ladies!!

Supplies:

Stamps - Crafty Secrets Kitchen Classics
Paper - SU DP, Metallic silver, black, PTI Poppy Red
Accessories - Scor-Pal, dimensionals, computer (sentiment), brad, black & white embossing powder

It's "All about Cupcakes"

I just love that cupcakes have claimed their rightful place not only as delicious treats but as pieces of art.

Regina, over at The Cutting Cafe,
is having an AWESOME Special until Saturday.

Just purchase her super cute, All about Cupcakes digi stamp set and get any set you want FREE!!!

No small print...any set at all! How cool is that?
Time's a wastin' so hop on over and take advantage of this super deal.


This sketch is for CPS Card Sketch #132. The cupcakes, the sponged layers and the sentiment, are popped up on dimensionals. I lined the envelope to match...just love that!

I'm re-repainting my craft room and re-organizing my supplies so my posting may suffer a bit. Almost finished. The laundry room, for those of you wondering, :-) is nearly finished. DH is super tired after work so I've been patiently waiting but he's doing a super job! Cabinets, tile floor, countertops all in...just a bit of finish work to do. When he's all finished, I'll before and after pics.

Supplies:
Digi stamps from The Cutting Cafe
Inkadinkadoo sentiment
Ink: Prismacolor markers, SU RR, CC, MM
Paper: SU In Color 09 DP, Rich Razzelberry, Crushed Curry, Mambo Melon
Accessories: dimensionals, bling, Art Institute glitter, Liquid Pearls (frosting)

Yahoo! We have a Winner!!

Yahoo! We have a Winner!!!Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:4
Timestamp: 2009-09-09 00:02:26 UTC Louise said...
Ooh Charlene, it's great! Thank you so much for the chance to win the set too :)Louise x

Louise, email me at cookiebaker57@gmail.com so we can get your Cutting Cafe file to you. Congratulations!!

Eek - Up Popped a Spider!!!

Tonight's the night!! I will draw a winner for The Cutting Cafe's fabulously fun Halloween This and That. All you have to do leave a comment here for your chance to win.

In the meantime, why don't you "pop" on over to the Cutting Cafe
to see all the new images Regina has created.


My "little" creation today, really is a little creation. It's a "scrapling". A little card made from that 1-1/2" piece of CS you cut off when you want to make your card 4-1/4 x 4". The spider is an image from The Cutting Cafe's Halloween This & That. The idea is from the Limited Supply Challenge this week on Splitcoast. Let's see what you can do with your scraplings!


Supplies:
Stamps: The Cutting Cafe, Clear Mini Stamp (Michael's
Paper: SU Pumpkin Pie, Black, Pumpkin Pie DP
Ink: SU White Craft Ink
Accessories: dimensionals, bling, fishing line, glitter pen, distressing tool

Trailing Flowers

Sharon Johnson's ssnotime challenge this week is to stamp over your image. I needed a quick birthday card so I grabbed some of my punched flowers, some pretty paper and a gorgeous script font from Flourishes and done!

My camera is still acting up! Those leaves are really more olive...I'm still hinting for a new camera.

Don't forget to comment here to win the Halloween This and That set from the Cutting Cafe!!

Supplies:

Paper: PTI Aqua Mist, SEI Dill Blossom, Old Olive, Black

Stamps: Flourished Words

Ink: Versafine black, Old Olive

Accessories: 5 petal flower punch, oak leaf punch, ribbon

Boo! I'm Giving This Set Away!

This drawing is closed...we have a winner!! Thanks to everyone who played. I appreciate your comments..stay tuned for more Cutting Cafe creations and be sure to check out the other designers as well.

Did you ever struggle and struggle with a card that just wouldn't come together? Well, that's how this project started. I tried to make a card with this adorable Boo, did I scare you image from the Halloween This & That set at the Cutting Cafe . (This is one image from a HUGE set)

It just wouldn't cooperate!! Then it hit me...it didn't want to be a plain old card...This big BOO! wanted CHOCOLATE!!! Once I agreed to cooperate, it came together nicely. The Boo panel and the "O" are popped up on foam tape, cute, cute!

The template is Lauren Meader's cd holder from Papertrey Ink scored with the awesome Scor-Pal, of course!! Inside are some yummy chocolate mint sticks. My DH will love 'em.

Guess What!? Regina says I can give this super spooktacular set away to one lucky winner. Just leave me a comment and I'll draw a winner on Tuesday evening since I know alot of you will be away for the holiday weekend. Good luck!!

Supplies: Stamps - The Cutting Cafe
Paper - SU Pumpkin Pie, Black, Old Olive
Template - Papertrey Ink
Accessories - Scor-Pal, wiggle eyes, Stickles, flat backed gems, ribbon, foam tape, Basic Grey magnetic snap, Martha Stewart drippy Goo punch (Simon Says Stamp)

Whatchadoin' Wednesday?

Don't you just Adore this little girl's room? It's the inspiration challenge over at SUInk's Whatchadoin' Wednesday blog. I just love all the pink, the flowers, the butterflies...my granddaughter's room is pretty, just like this.


My friend, Gretchen, a avid photographer, confirmed that I need a new camera...I may not be able to wait for Santa.

Here's my take on the room...Oh so much brighter and happier IRL. I tried to incorporate the flowers, the butterfly and the whimsey of the room. This little fairy is from the retired SU Fairy Nice.


Supplies
Paper: Bazzill Textured shimmer pink, Imaginese Princess DP, SU Blue
Stamps: Fairy Nice, Circle of friendship
Accessories: PTI ribbon, Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle dies, MS butterfly punch, stick-on pearls, daisy, dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by!

A CAS Re-Do Challenge

Sorry I've been AOL for a couple of days. I started a new Beth Moore Bible study (Daniel), we're gearing up for hosting our marriage group, I'm taking a beading class, the weeds are verrry happy with all the rain they've been getting and life in general has suddenly gotten very busy!

Apologies for this awful photo! I'm definitely asking Santa for a new camera this year. My old Sony digital takes about one good shot and then the color goes wonky. This is more vibrant although muted IRL.

The challenge on SCS CAS (Clean and Simple) this week was to take an "old" card and re-do it.

I made these cards last fall but I never really liked the one on the left...just too busy. It didn't get sent for that reason, I guess. I decided to super simplify it using the same main image but changing the size of the card and leaving off the "clutter in the background.

I stamped the image in Tea Leaves Versamark Chalk ink then again, lightly in

PTI's Dark Chocolate. I ran my distressing tool around the chocolate layer.

BTW, if you purchased PTI inkpads and have been having trouble stamping your images especially with the Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush and Spring Moss colors, you can exchange the pads and reinkers for credit. PTI has identified a problem. There is a link here that explains the procedure you need to follow. They have the best customer service. So happy they've addressed this issue.

I forgot to post this card!! It uses the same layout just a different image and color palette.

Stamps: Papertrey First Fruits, Floral Fusion

Paper: PTI Kraft, Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream

Ink: Versamark Chalk Tea Leaves, PTI Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate

Accessories: PTI twine, buttons

Elegant Wedding Roses Gift Set

Remember these paper flowers? I couldn't wait for another chance to make more! Today's Inspiration Challenge on SCS gave me just the push I needed.

Here's my choice.

I was so happy a friend asked me to make another wedding day gift can for her...She said she gets the nicest thank you notes from the bride and groom! She tucks a gift card amid some excelsior inside the can along with a scroll that I print on vellum listing ways for the couple to use the can after the wedding.

Some examples are: saving for a special 1st anniversary trip, writing notes to be read on their anniversary, date night savings, etc.


The couple's photo always goes on top so it's very personalized. The happy couple's colors are black and white with red roses, of course. I have more roses trailing down the back. I spritzed the can and roses with silver Glimmer Mist because their invitation had a silvery sheen on black...gorgeous!



Here is the card I created to go with the can. For some reason, I just couldn't get a decent picture of it!

For those of you wondering about a tutorial, I used the book, The Paper Garden. Due to copyright infringement laws, I can't tell you how to do it here without permission from the author, but you can find the book and all the supplies at http://www.scrappilyeverafter.com/.

The rose requires a medium pear punch, a 1/2" circle punch, I used my MS leaf punch, and I used the tool kit on the site to shape and alter the punched shapes. I used the Crafter's Pick glue she recommends in the book which I found at Michael's. The book gives detailed pictures and clear, concise instructions.

Thanks for stopping by....your comments are always appreciated!


Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Wedding Day
Paper: Making Memories Sabrina, PTI white, SU black, Bazzill textured (roses)
Ink: Versafine black
Accessories: Scor-Tape, 1.5" & 3/8 " black satin ribbon, Spellbinders rectangle die , Silver Glimmer Mist,
"The Paper Garden", punch tools, punches



Charlene

A is for Ann, Adorable, Amazing, Awesome....

The girls at 365 Cards are hosting a Monogram Monday challenge this week so can you imagine how excited I was when I saw this A-shaped card template and envelope set from The Cutting Cafe!!

I just picked up this ADORABLE paper pack on clearance at Michael's (!) from Sassafrass Las called Hog Heaven and I knew right away this was the perfect card for this paper.

Regina has not one but 2 shaped cards, letter templates and envelopes templates in this incredible set. I used my Justrite stampers for the name, added some bling on the dots and then just cut images from the paper scraps for embellishments.

Here's another view so you can see how I used more scraps for the inside too...lots of room for "I love you's".....

Supplies:

Stamps: Justrite Stampers

Template: The Cutting Cafe

Paper: PTI Hibicus, SU Caribbean Breeze, Sassafrass Lass Hog Heaven

Ink: PTI Hibiscus, Dark Chocolate

Accessories: Sewing Machine, self adhesive bling, Spellbinders Circle & Scalloped Circle dies

Gratefully Clean and Simple

Drats...I really wanted to try to do the Papertrey Blog Hop but forgot it had to be posted by 7:55 p.m. There's always next month!

I took some homemade cookies to my 92 yr. old neighbor and spent about an hour just visiting with her. She had a severe stroke about a year ago and communication is slow but she still has her wry sense of humor and loves chocolate chip cookies. So actually, this card sums up how I'm feeling...grateful that I recovered from my "brain attack", grateful that I can walk, and talk and do the things I love.

This card is totally Papertrey. The leaf is from last year's fall set, First Fruits. I used three colors of ink to achieve the look of the leaf. I first inked it in Aqua Mist, then Ocean Tides, then lightly with Chocolate Chip. The base is Ocean Tides. I sponged the edges of the base and the sentiment panel with Chai. The image panel is popped up on dimensionals.

Gratefully,

Clean and Simple Pretty Shoes

The challenge for today's Clean & Simple challenge (CAS29) was an inspiration challenge. We were to go virtual shopping and choose shoes or bags...how fun is that?! I ADORE shoes. When we lived up north, I bought lots of them but here in FL...it's flip flops nearly all year which I'm sure are horrible for my feet.

This was truly a 10 minute card...quick and easy. I got these Alesa Baker stamps unmounted several years ago on clearance and am ashamed to say this is the first time they've seen ink. I know, I know....

Base card is 4.25 x 5.25 long ways. I made scores with my awesome Scor-Pal at 1/2" intervals at the top where the ribbon is tied. Color is SU's Tangerine Tango...great name for a shoe, huh? Easy, peasy.

Be inspired!