Good Luck!

I have another Sneak Peek for you today from Ethereal Forest Designs.  I used the sketch CPS154 from Card Positioning Systems to create this little Good Luck set to tuck into my DH's suitcase when he goes away on a business trip.  He's hoping to win an award so I want him to know I miss him and will be thinking of him.  I think the Ghiradelli chocolate will be a welcome treat.

I used the Clover Pot image for the card and just the pot image for the little Matchbook candy holder.  The sentiment comes from the St. Patty's Sentiments.  Both images that will be available when the Ethereal Forest Designs store opens on March 1st. 

Supplies:

Paper - SU Certainly Celery, Ruby Red, Ballet Blue,  Black, Crate Paper Brunch Collection

Stamps - Ethereal Forest Designs digital

Ink - Prismacolor pencils/baby oil

Accessories - glitter, brads, Scor-Tape, dimensionals, shamrocks from stash

  

There's No Place Like Home

I've had a secret for a  week or so but haven't been able to share until now.     Whooooopppeeeeee!

Ok, got that out of my system...I am going to be a CAS (Clean and Simple) Guest Designer in April!  SCS has been having a CAS Olympic challenge.  I made it through two rounds but got cut in the final...You can go see the heavy competition and see why.  There are some awesomely creative people in the world of ink and paper.  

One of my goals this year was to make a design team and make an effort to try out for something on SCS.

I am totally and completely on my knees and thankful for the awesome blessings I've been given...and all at once too.  I'm getting too old for this much excitement!

My friend, Patty, loaned me that adorable birdhouse, an oldie from D.O.T.S but sooo easy to paper piece.

I just stamped a bunch, paper pieced the houses, colored the stand and ivy, played with punches and ribbon.  Truly 10 minutes and done. You could change the sentiment to suit any occasion!

         

I'm thinking of having a regular blog feature on Sundays.  Clean and Simple Sunday. SCS sponsors the CAS challenge on Monday so you'll be all practiced and ready, LOL...me, too!   What do you think? 

BTW, a faithful commentor, Mandy, has new blog candy you may want to check out.  There's a photo in my sidebar.  Good luck!

Supplies:

Paper - Papertrey

Stamps - D.O.T.S, Papertrey Home for the Holidays (I inked just part of the stamp) wink,wink

Ink - Versafine, marker

Accessories - MS punch, buttons, ribbon, glue dots, twine

Extra, Extra...I've Got Big News!!

I've been asked to be part of the amazing team at Posh Designs Scrapbook Store!  I'm so excited to join the talented group of women at Posh Designs.

Join us on the Posh Designs blog where you'll find bi-weekly sketch challenges and team samples to inspire you.   

Here's the sketch that was posted today.  I'll have a sample to share with you soon.

The challenges are bi-weekly so you don't have to rush and  Posh Designs Scrapbook Store is giving away a $25 gift certificate to one lucky winner!  How cool is that?  Can you say SHOP-PING?  So get creating then head over to the Posh Designs blog to link up your project.

Want even more fun?  Join the  Posh Designs Forum where you can set up your own page to post your creations, ask questions,  get inspiration and meet others who share your passion for paper.  I'll see you there!! 

 

It's Sneak Peek Week for Ethereal Forest Designs - Pat the Bunny!

Isn't this pink bunny the cutest?  This is one of the digital stamps available March 1st from Ethereal Forest Designs.  This new line of digital stamps also features sentiments to go with most of the images. How cool is that?  You can print them out as is, re-size them, or print directly on your cardstock, as I did here.

I printed this little "Easter Bunny"  twice, directly onto my Imaginesce DP after re-sizing him in Word.  I printed the sentiment directly onto my cardstock using PrintShop.  I cut out the entire bunny from one image and only the eggs from the second image.  I popped up the eggs with dimensionals after coloring and glittering.  The bunny is also popped off the card.  Flower Soft Polar White gives him a fluffy looking tail.  Easy peasy!

This little Easter Bunny is entered in :

the Easter challenge at Die Cut Dreams.

Your Next Stamp - Spring Colors

Stamp Something - Touch of Spring

Inky Impressions - Think Spring

You'll want to be sure to check out what these other talented designers have done with the cute images from EFD this week.  I'll have another sneak peek for you on Friday. 

Darsie Bruno, Melissa Craig, Shirley Chillman, Carla Hiebert, Audrey Gonzales, Betty Roberts

Make sure to watch for the  Ethereal Forest Designs Blog Hop beginning March 7st. 

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah Classic White, Imaginesce Princess DP, SU Regal Rose

Accessories: Martha Stewart punch (I LOVE this punch), Art Institute glitter, dimensionals, ribbon blossom, markers, Flower Soft Polar White

Faith, Hope, Love - Casing JovialJudi

Today's Featured Stamper Challenge over at SCS is to case the uber talented jovialjudi.  Wow!  This lady has the most awesome gallery!   The rules require that you change at least 3 things...I changed a few more on mine because these cards are for my DH (will tell you about that in a minute).  Here's Judi's card:

Can't you almost TASTE that yummy cupcake!?

and here's mine:

These cards are for men, so I couldn't add any bling or ribbons and my DH asked for a clean and simple style. This fits the challenge at PALS to KISS (Keep it Simple, Sweetie)  I changed the panel size, colors, and left off her embellishments.  Thanks for the inspiration, Judi.

Now for the why.... I've been thinking about Challenge 26 over at Stampin' Sisters in Christ all week, to show God's love.  My husband has been working with Samaritan's Purse in their efforts to help the Haitian people recover from the earthquake.  The media will never tell you about what this organization is doing.  They are building homes, using the best materials, for the people of Port au Prince...hundreds of  homes.  If you have it in your heart to help, I know they would put the funds to good use because we've seen it. 

My DH has been priviledged to be able to help them procure the materials through the company he works for.  He has been so blessed and blown away by their love for the people and the hard work they're doing to restore the Haitian people to dignity, that he wanted to send Samaritian's Purse execcutives personal thank you notes.  This is my small contribution to him.

My tears flow as I write.  Blessings.

Supplies:

Paper - PTI Kraft, black

Stamps - PTI Simple Blessings

Accessories - dimensionals

Downhill Run

This card is for a Clean and Simple challenge on SCS and the Crafty Creations Challenges to use stitching on your creation.    If you haven't tried sewing on your creations yet, you really should.  It's easy and fun.

The CAS challenge required us to use a slope...as in the Olympics..you know ski slope, luge, etc.  Problem is,  I live in S. Florida and my mind doesn't do snow in February, actually, after our short but freezing stint in MN, my mind doesn't do snow and cold anywhere!!!  My brain and body just shut down and I EAT.  Now, here in good ole' sunny FLA, we're growing strawberries, tomatoes and oranges but man oh man has it been cccccold here. We always get some chilly, in the 30's weather, but not for this long.  I know, I know, "quit whining!"  My kids are digging out of the snow.  

This card is all PTI...you can click to get a closer look. 

Supplies:

Paper - Papertrey Aqua Mist, Ripe Avocado, Ivory, Bitty Box Basics DP, Green Tea Leaves DP

Stamps - Button Bits

Ink - Versafine, SU marker

Accessories - sewing machine, PTI buttons, Aqua Mist ribbon, butterfly punch

Good News Came in Two's Today!!

   

WOW!  What a short but exciting week it's been!!  I feel so very blessed.  First, I am so humbled to have been chosen for the Ethereal Forest Designs Team.  I will be joining some very talented ladies in this new digi design venture.  Stay tuned for a Sneak Peek and a Blog Hop beginning next week.

 

 

 

Next up, I was humbled to be chosen as a "Shining Star"  on the Stamping Sisters in Christ blog.  You can click over to see my card and for details on the card, you can go here.  Even those of you who don't blog, can use these challenges as inspiration points to get your Mojo going.  ;-)

 

Thanks for sharing my joy.  One of my prayers for the New Year was to concentrate on more challenges and Design Teams.  You can imagine my amazement when I was asked to be one team without even submitting an application.  When we ask in faith, He listens.  This is icing on my cake.  Thank you for allowing me to celebrate a bit.

 

 

Daisy Doodles Ebony and Ivory

 "Ebony and Ivory", you know the Michael Jackson song about black and white?  Well, the challenge at Daisy Doodles  is to use only black and white. This is a new digi line...pop on over, I bet you'll find something you love. 

For some reason, this wasn't as easy for me as it sounded.  I started with one idea and ended up somewhere else.  Do you ever do that? 

This Barbed Heart is a Daisy Doodles digi stamp available at The Digital-Ink Co.   I printed it out on Neenah Classic white, added a bit of coloring with a SU black marker.  I cut my ribbon ends blunt because I was thinking this looks like a tuxedo...I covered the barbs with pearls. The sentiment was stamped with SU white craft ink then heat embossed with detail white EP. Now those are heartstrings I can live with!!

Head on over and play..you've got until Saturday, Feb. the 27th.  Jules is giving away a free stamp!!

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah Classic white, SU black, SU Specialty DP

Stamps - Daisy Doodles and unmounted rubber 

Accessories - stick on pearls, dimensionals, ribbon (Target wedding dept.), SU marker, Detail White EP,  SU punches

 

Wishing You Sunshine

Get your sunglasses out ladies!  I figured we could all use a little sunshine about now.  This is a quick 10 minute card today for the Clean and Simple Challenge (CAS54), "Wishing for Spring" .  I combined it with the Featured Stamper Challenge, once again casing the awesome Laurie (FS158).  It's actually a bit softer IRL but for some reason I just can't get the yellow right. 

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah Classic, Bazzill Textured Yellow, SU glossy white

Stamps - Papertrey Blooming Button Bits

Accessories - Spellbinders scalloped circle die, K&Co. daisies, Cuttlebug dotted swiss folder, sheer ribbon, dimensionals

Thank You for Being My Friend

I just ADORE pink and black.  I think you can tell by how often I use it!  This little gift set was made specifically to meet a bunch of challenges.

First of all is SCS Featured Stamper challenge (FS158).  Laurie's cards ROCK!  Make sure you visit her SCS gallery.  An older Ways to Use it challenge WT222 is to use the crinkled flowers on your card.  Scroll down to see how I made mine.

Next up is the Our Daily Bread Designs challenge ODBDSLC2 to use pink or red and bling and using their fabulous Friendship set.  This is the first time I've used their stamps and I'm super impressed with the quality of the rubber and cushioning.  I got a good clean image every time with little pressure.  In order to pump up the shine, I sprayed the tiny roses, the butterfly and the big rose with spray adhesive and sprinkled them with Art Institute glitter.  Lightly on the card and heavier on the big rose.

The sketch, in addition to Laurie's card is for Posh Designs Scrapbook Store's sketch Challenge 8(PDSS8).  Be sure to check out their challenges.  They're bi-weekly so you don't have to rush and their designers give some fantastic inspiration to get you going.  Be sure to check out their store while you're there!

The Cupcake Inspirations challenge (CIC46) .  Lots to spark the imaginations...deeeeeep chocolate, almost black, inspired the black on my set.  Lots of pink, butterflies and flowers too.  What's not to love?  I've been wanting to do one of these challenges forever...mmmmm, cupcakes!  I think my yummy box could almost pass for one.

                                                                                     

Here's a close up of the big rose on the Tiny Box I made using this super cool set from The Cutting Cafe.  This little 3 x 3 inch box is perfect for giving any kind of tiny gift from a few delectable chocolates to jewelry and it goes together in just minutes.  I don't think you can tell but I scored the top of the box every 1/2" all the way across to give it some depth since I didn't use designer paper.  I wanted my big rose to take center stage.

I made the rose using The Heart Flower Printable set and Cutting file.  Talk about versatility!  This set has every size flower you can think of!!  I cut mine in three colors, using Papertrey's Pure Poppy, Sweet blush and Hibiscus Burst.  I used 2 of the small flowers, 5 medium and 3 large.  I crumpled up each flower individually, unfolded each then layered them on a scrap piece of foam.  Next I speared them in the center with a piercing tool and inserted a jeweled brad.  After I secured the brad, I sprayed the flower with adhesive and gave it a liberal coating of glitter.

Whew...off to dinner with some friends.  We have a Mystery dinner every other month.  So much fun.

Love to know what you think.  Hope you found some inspiration here.

He Made Me a Valentine!!

My dear sweet adorable husband of 41 years made me a Valentine!!  I just squealed with delight (and a bit of envy if the truth be told) when I opened it this morning.   Yesterday, he asked me to point him to my Valentine bin and to cut him a couple of sheets of paper, then he chased me out of my studio.  I mean, I was told not to step foot into that room....period!

I had this sketch from Posh Designs Scrapbook Store Challenge #8 on my work desk.  When I saw this card, I knew immediately that he'd used this sketch...darn!  He beat me to it!!  He chose to use some rub-ons for his "Be Mine" and  the little heart flowers beneath it.  They're shiny and glittery but I couldn't capture the sparkle in the photo.   The focal point image came from a sheet of stick ons I had picked up on clearance at JoAnn's a couple of years ago and hadn't used.   (Please tell me you do that too!  I'm trying to be better about using what I have.) 

I told him his card would qualify fot two challenges because Our Daily Bread Designs current challenge is to use red or pink and bling.  He didn't know I have a couple of ODBD stamp sets...probably a good thing 'cause I'm going to use them for this challenge!! 

See those cool flowers around the card?  Those come from the awesome Cutting Cafe's Heart Flower Set.  Wait until you see what I did with them tomorrow.

I think the competition around here is getting tough so I need to step up my game!!  I would love it if you ladies would shower him with some comment love.   Those of you who know him, know what a sweetheart he is.  I'm one lucky lady.

Roses on the Wall

First of all, sorry for the late post.  My DH had a day off and I have a hard time creating when he's here so I spent the day cleaning up my craft office and organizing my paper..lots of paper!  I had to make room for some new papers so will putting some 6 x 6 coordinating packs on the For Sale page soon. 

Now for my card.  This is for Sketch Challenge267 on SCS.  I picked up a little sheet of rose images several years ago at Big Lots.  Yes, she said, shamefully, several YEARS ago!!  I think this looks like pictures hanging on the wall or at least that's what I was going for. LOL!


I loved them but just hadn't had the inspiration to use them...until last night (after you know who went to sleep).  I cut them apart, covered them with embossing liquid and let them dry overnight.  The button and stitches were printed on the paper.  I added some interest and texture by using a real button sewn with twine then antiqued with some PTI Chai ink.  I sewed the stitches on the bottom panel with embroidery floss.  The light panel is SU Confetti Cream antiqued with the same PTI ink.  I "hung" my painting on grosgrain ribbon.  What do you think?

Supplies:
Paper - Bazzill Texture, SU Black, Confetti Cream
Ink - PTI Chai, SU black marker
Accessories - Plaid antique glass embossing liquid, grosgrain ribbon, die cuts, foam tape, button, twine, embroidery floss

Now for the ribbon winner!

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2010-02-11 11:38:35 UTC

http://acreativeneed.wordpress.com/
Wow, how wonderful Charlene! Well done and congratulations on joining their team! They are lucky to have you and your incredible talent!

P.s you cas/case my coffee card and any other for that matter! ;)
hugs,Deena
  

Congratulations, Deena!!  Just email me with your snail addy and I will send your ribbon right out.

 

"And the Two Shall become One"

Don't forget to leave a comment/follow here for your chance to win my big bag of ribbon today!  Also, head on over to Digital-Ink Co. for your chance at the Big Prize! 

 

Mark 10: 7-9 "7. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8. and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. 9. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (NASB)

This verse is the Challenge #25 verse at Stamping Sisters in Christ this week..I wanted to play because the verse was our memory verse for the marriage group my husband and I host in our home every Friday.  We're doing a study by Gary Smalley..an old one but full of wisdom.   I flipped the CPS153 Sketch for this layout. I played the CAS53 challenge again too...can you guess my candy?

The Stamping Sisters challenge is to make a project using things in 2's.  2 buttons, 2 brads, 2 colors, 2 designer papers....get it?   I have 2 colors, 2 ribbons, 2 crystals, 2 people, 2 layers (center panels are popped up twice),  I ran my cardstock through my Big Kick 2X to emboss it and I always have to stamp that couple twice to get a good solid image! 

Supplies:

Paper - PTI white, Bazzill pink, SU black

Stamps - Stampendous, Papertrey Wedding Day

Ink - Versafine black

Accessories - Spellbinders rectangle die, foam tape, pink crystals, ribbon

 

CAS53, CPS153 Creamy Marshmallow Magnolia

I know...you're wondering where the marshmallows are right?  The Clean and Simple Challenge (CAS53) this week is an inspiration challenge called Candyland.   We had a whole store to choose from!

When I saw these Marshmallow Peanuts, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. 

I made this Magnolia using the book, The Paper Garden. 

These are made using a variety of punches and a few tools.  I'd love to do a tutorial for you but this is copyrighted material.  Once you have the proper tools and the punches, the rest is pretty easy. 

The layout is the challenge from Card Positioning Systems for this week.  Papertrey Ink is hosting the challenge. 

Don't forget to check yesterday's post to find out how you can win $75 worth of prizes from the Digital-Ink Co. 

                                                    

Big News, A Big Giveaway, A Big Contest and A Little Valentine Love

First, a Little Valentine Love....Isn't that little Monkey just the cutest?  I will give you all the details in a minute but first.....

..

The BIG News...I've been asked by the talented ladies at Digital-Ink Co. to join their team of super talented designers.  I have a link on the sidebar so you can go and visit all their blogs.  Be prepared to be inspired.


 For those of you who may not know Digital-Ink Co., they are a team of very talented stamp creators who have joined together to bring you some awesome digital stamp creations...their blog links are on the side bar as well.   Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to receive a free stamp with every issue and get all the latest sales and news about new stamps.

Ok, now for my Little Valentine Love...Monkey Around Love set...That adorable little monkey can be found at the Digital-Ink Co.   He's the creation of Sue from Beary Dust Stamps.   The challenge at Digital-Ink Co. was to make something that inspired Love.  I re-sized my little Monkey Around and printed out several images.  He's colored with Prismacolor pencils and baby oil.   I colored 4 heads and 4 arms so that I could cut them out and give him some dimension using foam tape.  And yah...since he's new, he qualifies me for the challenge at ABC Challenge blog to use something new and the Crazy 4 Challenges to create a Valentine themed card AND the Digital Tuesday challenge to use an animal!   Here's a closer look...

The sweet Scalloped Card and bag/box template came from The Cutting Cafe.  I think this bag template is my all time favorite.  It holds more than the other templates out there and comes with a variety of shapes for the window...how cool is that?  If you love him as much as I do he will be in my Etsy shop.  Now keep reading for The Big Contest!

Supplies:  Stamps - Beary Dust Monkey Around

Templates - The Cutting Cafe

Paper - Papertrey Ink

Accessories:  printer, clear acrylic sheet, foam tape, Prismacolor pencils, baby oil, white marker, ribbon, Spellbinders circle dies, bling

Now for the Big Giveaway and The Big Contest..scroll down for the details.

.. 

Just make a Valentine/Love inspired creation and link it here.  If you use the word "Wish" you get 2 entries.  Be sure to follow all the directions including posting this giveaway image on your blog.  Make sure to sign up as a follower while you're there so you can get in on future contests/giveaways.  To make the celebration even better and celebrate my new DT spot with the Digital-Ink Co....just leave me a comment and follow my blog,  and I will draw a winner using Random number selector on Wednesday,  Feb. 8th. for a grab bag of ribbons...lots of ribbons! 

Free Digi Paper and a SCS Inspiration Challenge

If you've never participated in one of the Inspiration Challenges on SCS, you're missing out on gazing at some fabulous websites that you might never visit on your own.  This week's challenge is called Erte. (IC218)  There's supposed to be one of those little dashes above the e but this old lady doesn't know how to do that.

I  decided to take this challenge literally...not sure yet what I think about it, but it was challenging for sure...I've got a floor full of little dots and pieces to prove it.  Want to see it?

You want to know what I like best about it?  It's that uber cute paper underneath.  Regina at The Cutting Cafe has designed two great paper sets that match the Stampin' Up colors perfectly.  I colored in some of the flowers on this one and this one....

And that big flower?  Well, you get that plus 2 more in the Colored Flowered Set.  I just stamped some polka dots on it and added a simple sentiment.  Quick and simple.

The second set of colored papers is called Colored Mini Polka Dots Background and is also in SU colors.  How cool is that? 

Now for the FREE part.  Regina wants to say "Thank you" to all her faithful customers, so, until Monday, February 8th, you can get both of these super sets absolutely FREE.  If that wasn't enough, she's also got a contest on to win 2 more sets.  So why are you still reading?


 Head on over to The Cutting Cafe and find out how you can get your free paper and participate in the challenge.  Of course, if you want to stay and leave a comment, I'd love that too!!