A Bit of This and That

2012-01-31T22:03:00.000-08:00

Simon Says Stamp Presents a Patterned Paper Challenge

Challenge posted January 27, 2012 on Lily Pad Cards. The challenge is to use patterned paper to make a card. How cool is that?

The prize. A $25 Gift Certificate from Simon Says Stamp!

The deadline. This challenge closes on Thursday, February 23, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The prize winner and four runners-up will be announced on Monday, March 5.

Now you have to let go of all that gorgeous patterned paper. I know how hard it is.

I do love the new Hero Arts clear stamp set "Special Time", CL579 with that wonderful clock face. Nestabilities always come in handy. Just pull out my little Cuttlebug and bingo! It's much prettier in person. There is twine coming from the top of the card to the top of the clock and the clock is popped up. I had lots of fun making this.

Everything goes with Pearls

2012-01-31T21:42:00.000-08:00

It's CCC time in the city... can't you tell? Lily Pad's February call to enjoy marvelous cards from all over the world lures me back every time! Make a card based either on colors, theme(s) or a sketch. I rather like sketches more than colors because I work too hard on finding correct colors.

I'm also determined to make a dent in my pattern paper and I love this kind of background. I made the entire card from two pieces of pattern paper, the darker piece from a Xmas pad on sale at Michael's over the holidays.

I liked the simple design and thought everything goes with pearls. I popped the Hero Arts sentiment (CG132), Messages. I hope my partner likes this because I really like the soft mellow and homey feel to it. The sketch just called CAS.

...Enjoying Life...: It's Giveaway Time!

2012-01-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

...Enjoying Life...: It's Giveaway Time!

Be sure to visit Barb's blog for a great give-away. She's a wonderful friend and I want you to check out her blog! Barb has always encouraged everyone and she's a terrific artist, so VISIT!

Hero Arts Blog Hop - you've come to the right place!

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all. The card above is an extra and I'm having trouble with my links if I don't pop in a photo here. Easier than redoing the whole post. This was my submission in the 90 minute scramble on the Hero Club Blog.on Saturday, January 7, 2012. This wonderful new stamp House K5545 stamped on some patterned Christmas paper, sentiment from All the Time CL584 and some twine adhered to black cardstock makes a really quick card. Now on with the show!

You should have arrived here from the fabulous Lisa Carroll. Lisa is one of my favorites and I know you love her work.

Hero Arts will be awarding prizes from randomly drawn comments. For a chance to win, simply comment on ANY of the stops along the hop on ANY day, including each day's starting post at the Hero Club Blog. The more comments you leave, the better your chance of winning.

If you find a broken link, you'll find a master list of the hop links at the Hero Club Blog. Also please report broken links to Tami.

You will be visiting the wonderfully talented Linda Wetterlin, aka ScrappinBari on Hero Arts flickr group next. But wait, please look at my cards and leave a comment here for a chance to win prizes from the Hero Arts blog.

I am thrilled to be included in this hop and can't say enough about Hero Arts. I've been using Hero Arts stamps since 1995 or so. Quality in every stamp and design.

I couldn't stop stamping with the Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline once I got some mojo going and found my black ink. My first card is done with no black ink, but touched up with a black Copic marker on the banner.

Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline S5573
Hero Arts Special Time CL579
Ranger Distress inks, Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap and Vintage Photo used on buildings and Broken China and Wild Honey on the sky and banner.
Glue Dots
Bent paper clip for a flag pole

I moved on to this little goodie. The rest of the sentiment from "Looking forward to spending time together" is stamped inside.

Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline S5573

Hero Arts All the Time CL584

VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad

Archival Ink - Jet Black

Ultra Detail White Opaque Embossing Powder

Nestabilities die-cuts Lacey Circles and I can't find the name of the label behind the circles, almost like a Labels 22.

Cuttlebug

Orange ribbons.

Same stamp and I found my black ink.

Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline S5573

Hero Arts All the Time CL584

Hero Arts Antique Engravings CL383 (butterfly)

Kraft Notecard

Nickol colored cardstock for the clock

Orange RickRack

VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad

Nestabilities Circle die-cut

Archival Ink - Jet Black

Again, we're looking at a skyline, but this is decidedly feminine.

Hero Arts Newspaper SKyline S5573

Hero Arts Special Time CL579

Pearls
Some luscious 12" X 12" cardstock that I have no idea where I purchased it. This was a very simple card, using patterned paper. This stamps like a dream.

Only one more and it's a girly one with a clock.

Hero Arts Special Time CL579

Hero Arts All the Time CL584

Hero Arts Cling Dots CG139

Hero Arts Watch Gears CG421

Nestabilities Lacey Circles

Cuttlebug

Glossy Accents

Rangers Distress ink Broken China

Foundation Note card from Michaels dollar section.

Pearls

Pearl lines from a Pearl pick for flower arrangements

White flower sponged with Broken China

The blue section was stamped with VersaMark ink and then I changed my mind about what I was going to do and rubbed Broken China distress ink over the stamped image of Watch Gears and it came out all mottled, which I rather liked. You can't tell, but I cut out the clock, the ringer is mounted on pop-dots and Glossy Accents makes this shine.

Leave a comment for a better chance to win a prize from Hero Arts and then click on Linda Wetterlin to visit her wonderful blog.

I love making Xmas cards!

2011-12-02T19:59:00.001-08:00

I'm entering this card into the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge # 140, Anything Christmas Challenge. I sponged the collage with Distress inks Fired Brick, Worn Lipstick, Peeled Paint, Broken China, Faded Jeans and Wild Honey. I used Copic markers to color in the holly and applied Red Stickles to the berries. Hero Arts Holiday Sayings and someone nice sent me this stamped collage. I think it's Hero Arts too. Love it.

My second card I made early this week. I thought I'd share it too.

Yellow, green and white? Well, it works for me. I was tired of not having a tree just like the one on the car, so I stamped just the tree (of course you still have the top of the car - simple solution is to CUT the tree out. I really like the way this turned out - I feel like I'm in a forest.

Hero Arts Car with Tree ( F5528) and Cling Dots (CG139) stamps gave me my car a forest setting. Copic markers are always my favorites. I hope you like it too.

CCC

2011-11-27T10:34:00.001-08:00

I thought the woman looks thoughtful, pensive, so I stamped the "Thinking of you" sentiment following the sketch for Lily Pad Cards and will be sending this card to my next partner.

Hero Arts Digital Design Kit The Art of Style - woman at the window
Hero Arts Special Note of Thanks CL499
Cuttlebug
Nestabilities - Lacy Circle
Pearls

Martha Stewart Scoring Board

Buttons, Buttons, Who's Got the Buttons!

2011-11-26T19:39:00.001-08:00

Not just a card... nope, it's a card holder! The paper was cut on my local stamp store's die-cutter - major die- cut machine, from a 12" X 12" card stock sheet. The bottoms fold up on the inside and are glued so they form pockets for about 3 cards and envelopes in each side pocket. I glued ribbon inside so it would tie on the outside - pre-cut slots for the ribbon. I used the Skyland Birds from my Hero Arts Digital Design Kit, The Art of Style, some light touches of Distress Inks Wild Honey and Broken China, and thought buttons would be perfect since it's not shipping in the mail. I tied embroidery floss in the button holes. I like the way it turned out. I have a photo below of the inside of another card holder so you can see how it's put together. I put together a total of 15 and I just found one I missed... sigh...

I'm entering this in the Lily Pad Cards Simon Says Product Challenge. Have fun stamping!

I love this little deer!

2011-11-19T09:58:00.001-08:00

I love using the Hero Arts Young Deer (D5234) and this great Hero Arts House with Plant (G5430) for scenes. Here I have wonderful snow drifts and even a Hero Arts tree from the Holiday Dolls (CL357) clear stamp set. I gave my granddaughter that little deer and stamped a ton of this darling for me. I hope having other items besides a woodland creature is ok for entering into Wee Memories contest which runs for TWO WEEKS! If not, I understand.

Oh NO! Not another tag???

2011-11-15T21:20:00.001-08:00

I had colored about 4 of these lovely Hero Arts Classic Holly (CG229) branch and then thought some of them were too close together when I had the "brilliant" idea of creating tags out of these. This is my first tag and I will be using the others as part of a gift bag to my friends at work. I've never created and given tags before, so it'll be a surprise. I curved the Hero Arts Christmas Sayings (CL343) for a tag sentiment. I love Copic markers and the vibrancy they bring to an image, so I had to use my Copics here.

I dearly love the butterfly die-cut (Prickly Pear) and had to use it with the Holly. A lot of Diamond Stickles on the butterfly and branch and Xmas Red Stickles on the berries to complete this simple tag. I am entering this is Lily Pad Cards challenge for texture.

A Penny Black Moment

2011-11-13T22:34:00.001-08:00

I just love this little bear - won him last year... I think he's a him... I used Frayed Burlap Distress Ink and Antique Linen - love the brown tones with this bear. The chimney is a red brown, just like they should be. hehehe I finally used my Martha Stuart thing-a-ma-jig, to create the stenciling on my card. Love the way White Enamel Accents adds texture and the Xmas Red Stickles is just perfect on the red hat. I'm entering the Penny Black challenge.for this month - All Creatures Great and Small. What a delightful title. I've read a wonderful book by that title a long time ago now by Alf Wight a British Veterinary Surgeon, who wrote under the pseudonym James Herriot. His books made me laugh so hard, I had tears in my eyes.

Tags, Tags, and More Tags

2011-11-11T18:14:00.001-08:00

Here's a little tag that had to happen - I love the paper and had just enough to make a little tag, with the help of my Cuttlebug and Spellbinder dies ( Tag and Olivia Alphabet). I bought some Glitter Paper from Michaels and have been having all kinds of fun. I'm entering this first tag in Casual Fridays challenge for a clean and casual tag as well as Lily Pad Cards for their texture challenge.

And here are the rest of the tags for the gang at work. Whew! Lots of work and glitter.

Frank's tag is all glittery with Diamond Stickles all over that cute Hero Arts Winking Reindeer (H5457). I used lots of Spellbinder die-cuts - oval, Olivia alphabet and base.

This is a tag for Jean and Mike - lots of glitter and shine. And you can't have too many die-cuts, can you? I used the Hero Arts House with Plant (G5430).

I just thought this couple was so cute and perfect for Angela.

Kevin's getting a car to bring a tree home. hehehe. This little Hero Arts Car with Tree (F5528) is so cute! I had to glitter a bit on the car and tree too.

Michael gets a sun behind his car, so he can have a sunny day to bring his tree home.

Patricia's tag is all about the curves. I really like the blues in it.

Richard got the odd colored tree, just because.... I just thought it suited him... not that he's odd, just liked it. The tree is from Hero Arts Holiday Dolls (CL357)

I hope you like them all. Rather glittery and shiny, but FUN!

Tags Galore

2011-11-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

This tag is for Ed - snow falling down and lots of glitter.

A tag for Ruby Duby - it just rhymes, not her real name. This little dear has a glittery red shirt.

A tag for Sneh - some snow people to make her day.

I wanted to create some glittery tags and surprise these wonderful people. I had this die for some time and never used it. When we had our October challenge (TAGS) on the Die Cut Divas, I just thought what a natural large tag this would make. And it is. The second tag is the same as the other two, but I sponged distress ink Wild Honey on it which made it all bronzy.

I'm entering Sneh's tag for the texture challenge at Lily Pad Cards - Simon Says Stamp is the sponsor. Hope Tags are ok. Night, night now.

Card Patterns again - take 139!

2011-10-31T23:23:00.000-07:00

I really must like sketches - I think a sketch leaves me the never mind about the sketch, it's already done, just fill the thing in with STUFF... I was pretty literal with my interpretation - not much interpreting done.... see mine... The map is from the Hero Arts Digital Design Kit, The Art of Style. I just love this disk. I printed it out in shades of gray, then sponged distress inks Wild honey, Broken China, And Frayed Burlap. I sponged Wild Honey and Frayed Burlap on the base card stock also. The Book Mark digital is from the same disk. The book mark is sponged with Milled Lavender, Broken China, and Frayed Burlap. I used a couple Copic markers to highlight the hair and a couple points on the lady's dress. The sentiment is a Hero Arts stamp from Everyday Sayings, CL342. Black Enamel Accents is added and the map sprayed with a mixture of Perfect Pearls "blue" in water. Nice and shimmery in real life.

Not much creativity, but I do have a card now ready for my annual card give-away at work to my fellow workers. I don't know, but there's something I really like about this card.

It's all about the texture!

2011-10-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

I used the October Hero Arts (HA) challenge sketch ideas for this card. Too late to enter HA's challenge, but I had to try this sketch and decided something done with my new Spellbinders dies would spire me. I chose cream colored card stock and the smallest die which I then stamped with this flower HA stamp from the Asian Fram set (CL275). I clear embossed them and found left-over blue card stock to start planting my flowers. I mounted the blue panel onto the same cream card stock I used for the die-cuts. Looks like a quilt to me. Added the twine and 5 large pearls for interest. The last pearl is hiding right under the bow, bottom right. When I finished, I thought, wow, looks like there's a lot of texture there... ta-da... Lily Pad Cards, here's my entry for your wonderful texture challenge. The sponsor is Simon Says Stamp - wonderful goodies at stake here.

Candy Time at Di's...

2011-10-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Di's? Di's Digi Downloads is having a great - no - tremendous candy give-away. And you'll love her digital designs. Stop on over to visit her blog and from there to her Challenge Blog. Be Happy, go visiting!

Card Patterns Sketch 138

2011-10-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just know what you want to do. Be sure to visit Card Patterns so you can enter too.

The circle just reminded me of a setting or rising sun. I guess mine is rising because it's a vivid yellow! Where I live, we go don't have snow in the winter, mostly rain, so I thought a sun was appropriate for us in California to tie our trees onto the car in the bright sun to bring it home. Diamond Stickles in the windows and on the car front light.

Stamps and supplies:

Hero Arts House with Plant G5430
Hero Arts Car with Tree F5528
ribbon
Cuttlebug
Lacey Circles die-cut
Embossing folder
Copic markers
Diamond Stickles

I like sketches!

2011-10-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a clean and simply fabulous sketch? Here's my simple take on it.

I cut quite a few of these die-cuts on my Cuttlebug and had to use one to frame this lovely lady from the Hero Arts Digital Design Kit, The Art of Style. I'm afraid I didn't see she was a bit crooked when I glued her down... oh well, a little bit - she's too pretty to throw away. I got that great Christmas ribbon at Michaels for 40% off last week. Later:)

Card Patterns 137 - YAY

2011-10-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy working with Card Patterns sketches. I have to toot my horn on this one - just love how it all came together.... Here is my loose interpretation of this sketch.

I have to admit, I don't like the bottom paper. But I know I won't get this photographed again until after the challenge closes at Card Patterns. It's too bad I didn't check the photo yesterday.

(Lawn)scaping Challenge - woo hoo

2011-10-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist the current challenge on the (Lawn)scaping Challeng Blog - no, it's not a resist challenge, but a paper piecing challenge. I wanted to make a Christmas card and this card went together so quickly, one thing followed another so easily. I love this paper - Heidi Grace and used the back for the deer (dotted green - yes it is as dark a ruddy green as it looks). But I like it. Pearls were perfect for her antlers. She needed a little scarf...

I found some wonderful ribbon I recently purchased at Michaels and the Hero Arts flowers are perfect. I hope you like it too. Sometimes a card makes itself... and this one did.

ATC - Apples with Shimmer

2011-10-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

SECOND POST OF THE DAY!

Wish I could tell you what manufacturer made this stamp. It is distributed by Greenbrier International Inc.and I might have bought it at The Dollar Tree or some other discount stores for maybe a $1.00. I painted the apples with Distress inks Worn Lipstick, Fired Brick, Shabby Shutters and Forest Moss. A Copic marker was used on the stem. The letter "A" had to be stamped on the front of the ATC for a trade on SwapBot.

To paint with Distress Inks, first take the stamp pad and press it onto a non-stick Craft Mat. If you don't have a Craft Mat, use glass or your acrylic stamping block. Spray mist with water. Take a paint brush and paint!

I love the Tim Holtz spray misters - perfect light spray. I have never used a better mister in my life. After I glued my cut out painted apples to the background, I applied Glossy Accents to the apple with the letter "A" on it, let it dry, then sprayed everything with a mixture of Perfect Pearls (green) over the background, waited and then lightly misted the apples. The sheen is just gorgeous. The apples look quite realistic.

That's why I couldn't wait to post a second post today - well, tonight!

CCC October 2011

2011-10-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

I loosely used the Card Patterns Sketch 136 by making four panels, using four different embossing folders. I used two different distress inks, Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, and Shabby Shutters to give some color as well as a left over strip of paper from a border punch. I put this panel on top of a pale lime green note card and attached a white piece of cardstock, on which I stamped Friend from Hero Arts Friends (CL351). Hero Arts flowers, some gems and lots of Diamond Stickles finish the card.

My Crafty Heart has CANDY!

2011-10-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd poke you to head on over to "My Crafty Heart" for Teresa's first Blog Candy event. ONE HUNDRED followers now and I'm sure still growing. A very talented card maker, you will see!

Yes, it is now my Favorite stamp!

2011-10-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

You may have guessed it - the House stamp is now my favorite stamp. Head on over to Lily Pad Cards to check out the video on how to make a Halloween house. I adapted the window cutting and layering of one stamped image over the same image with the windows inked. Glossy Accents highlights the windows. The white paper and blue note card are both embossed (Cuttlebug has been busy) with that wonderful swirl design. I cut the white cardstock and layered it the way I wanted it to look on the card, then put it through the Cuttlebug. I do love the way it turned out. House is stamped on light tan cardstock and lightly sponged with Distress Ink Vintage Photo. The trees are colored with Copic markers and stickles trim the trees. White Enamel Accents dot the tree. Some clear gems finish the night sky. I cut the door panels for windows set in the doors. Hope you like this.

Got a NEW stamp!!! Halloween is at Wee Memories

2011-10-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

I must say I held off buying this house long enough, but with 40% off at Michaels, I couldn't resist. Doesn't it look spooky? It's not supposed to be a spook house, It's the Hero Arts House with Plant, G5430, a charming Victorian-style house. I added a pumpkin where the plant stood and some fence and scary bats. I thought this was a rather batty Halloween card... wonder what's happening in those rooms..... oooohhh. The bats are an OLD Hero Arts wood block stamp called Bat Cluster, A224. The windows and yellow moon are covered with Glossy Accents... Spellbinder Label 8 set is so darn useful A little twine, gems and Copic markers finish this card. I am entering this card in Wee Memories challenge of Halloween projects. YAH!

NOW, I want to show you the house in a different setting, the chilly North! I used this same stamp for the Hero Arts Monthly Challenge going on NOW. One of the three choices was using non-holiday stamps to create a holiday card. The house is a given, but I also used the Envelope Pattern, S5507, on the trees I cut out as triangles and on the torn paper for the partly snowy ground. The Cuttlebug comes in handy for a nice swirly night sky. I made my snowman with the smallest Spellbinders circle die-cut I had and then an even smaller punch I bought at the Dollar Tree. Now isn't that an inviting house? So unlike the one above. hehehe

I'm not finished with my house decorating yet! You know how sometimes you get some paper in a stack you know you will NEVER use? Now I ask you about the rounded square die-cut.... who would have thought? Some left-over striped card-stock and there you have it... oh, the doors didn't stamp well, so I made them into long door panels. After I took the photo, I added door handles. The house was stamped on left-over text paper. See what versatility this house has? And I didn't get it until Friday night. I inked it up and started cutting yesterday... still have some more that are not colored in. Love those good ol' Copic markers.

Hope you like them.

October Die Cut Divas Challenge

2011-10-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have an easy peasy challenge for you over at the Die Cut Divas - going to put it up now!

Two options for you.

Option 1.Make a gift tag - any event, e.g. Christmas, Halloween, Birthday......

OR

Option 2.
Make a tag card - simple and easy.

Remember:
1. Limit of 4 entries for each challenge per month
2. Random Drawing will be held the last day of the month
3. If a moderator is not hosting a challenge for the month, the moderator can enter the challenge
To add you picture to this thread, copy direct link of your card on flickr and paste it here adding these square brackets on both ends. Like so… [your link here].
OR
o Link a picture of your card, make sure you have the photo of your card up. Click on "Share" above your card. Then click on the code below in the box labeled Grab the HTML/BBCode, Copy and paste the code below: This is the way I do it - very easy.

Have fun!

Here are some examples: Halloween card shaped like a tag. You can also make a card that has a pocket for a tag.

Prize for October: Some die-cut butterflies - about 20, solid colored blank cards with envelopes and 10 cards with patterns, 10 8 X 7 solid colored cardstock & a package of Xmas brads. I will add more to the prize as the month goes on.

I think everyone is thinking CANDY!

2011-09-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Second blog for the day! More, yes, more blog candy... Visit the Daily Marker - see the wonderful items in her candy box on my sidebar. What a great day! Now I have to finish a speech.... blah... hehehe

Ann's Cabin Creations - blog candy.....

2011-09-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Blog Candy time at Ann's Cabin Creations! See my sidebar for the give-away items - NEW Hero Arts Christmas Tag Stamp set, Hero Arts pearls and gems, and Doodlebug Doodle-pops Elf Sticker! You'll have until October 7th to enter - random draw! Go quickly and enter - nothing difficult... BLOG CANDY - woohoooo.

Card Patterns Sketch 133

2011-09-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

Not a snappy name, but I like the way my card turned out. I wish I could find the image again. I think it's wonderful. I followed the sketch pretty much to detail, using patterned paper as the 3 panel background. I like the way it turned out - serene. Hope you like it too. Take a peek at Card Patterns Sketch # 133.

Night Night! Happy Stamping.

Friendship, just a little bit of Friendship

2011-09-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

You know you can always use a "friendship" card. I used some die-cut flowers and leaves (made out of tissue boxes) and some Hero Arts (HA) images from Digital Design Kit "The Art of Style" and stamped a HA clear design note card and sentiments for fun with a wood Manuscript Background. The felt red heart was just perfect - received it in a wonderful swap. Used Copic markers for the digital images. A little punching along the side over top of Warm Lipstick distress ink and I'll give this to someone who needs cheering up... maybe accompany the card with a little vino! Entering this card in the Stamps R Us challenge and the flickr group Die Cut Divas challenge. Visit both places.

Primary Colors - Butterflies will do it everytime

2011-09-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Back To School - Primary Colours

I love the Prickly Pear dies and as I was cutting some butterflies, I thought "OH, this is perfect, grab some red, yellow, and blue paper and get these babies cut". I thought they would work well for a Get Well card too. I stamped Hero Arts Circle Design on the top of the butterflies - love that stamp on these butterflies. Since these are large butterflies I arranged them diagonally. It really is a sweet card.

I'm entering this card in the One Stop Craft Challenge of Back to School-Primary Colors.

CCC September - a great sketch!

2011-09-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

You'll have to check out Lily Pad Cards for the CCC Challenge. I love to do sketches and love the one for September! I scored lines on the top panel and stmped the dress in Vintage Photo on top of it, did a bit of distressing, some string and that marvelous shoe in the clear set from Hero Arts clear set (Glamorous). The top photo was taken in sunlight and the second photo in artificial light. The second photo is most color true. I think you can see the scoring on the first card much better. Come join the fun at Lily Pad Cards in trading a wonderful card with someone who enjoys card-making as much as you do.

Here's the scoop!

Make a card that uses at least one of the following three options. You can actually use two or all three, but you are only required to use one of them.

Color Palette

Sketch

(Pinched this from Paper Crafts latest great idea book, Card Ideas for Paper Crafters!)

one of the following themes:

Friendship

Autumn

Vintage

The deadline. You have until Friday, September 16, 11:59 p.m., EST, to make your card and link to it at the Lily Pad Cards CCC Challenge.

Card Patters - here we go!

2011-08-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

Card Patterns Sketches are so great to follow - makes for an unusual and lovely card. I had some creative moments here and loved putting green and pink together. Hero Arts "Just a Note" and "Joy Ride" sentiment are perfect together. It seems I'm always running. I did do a second card, but after photographing and NOT liking it, I added a butterfly, so will get that up tomorrow or later today. Have a great week!

A little fabric never hurt anyone

2011-08-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Not one, but two fabric butterflies grace this card for Lily Pad Cards challenge of using fabric or felt in a project. And I'm getting ready for Christmas too. I just wanted to keep this simple, no embossing folders, tags, etc. I thought the butterflies were enough to pull everyone into the scene.

Lily Pad, Lily Pad...

2011-08-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

Kathy's Lily Pad Palette - ooh, wonderful colors - see the colors first hand. I had to try this new digital image from Digital Two for Tuesdays. Here's where I got this sweet image and colored her with Copic markers. Just getting some photos up on Flickr tonight too. Have to hit and run!

Card Patterns Challenge # 127

2011-08-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

I love the brickwork in this digital stamp, such a lovely scene too. Check out Card Patterns for the sketch. I am too late to enter - just had too much going on, but I do like this card I'm not usually one for yellow, but I was just drawn to yellow for the image and took a Copic marker to color the Hero Arts white flowers. The little girl just seems to emerge from the center. I'm very pleased with her.

Kathy’s Color Palette

2011-08-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

Kathy’s Color Palette

Give it a whirl at Lily Pad Cards - enter now. I just really love this particular digital image. You can do so much with it - the DVD is from Hero Arts Digital Design Kit, titled The Art of Style. I'm not sure if it's still available, but I use so many of the images from this disk. Unfortunately, I use the embossing folders far too little. I think this particular one is so elegant. Hope you like my entry. Have a good rest of the week.

CCC - Lily Pond Cards - August

2011-08-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Lily Pond Cards Card Chain Challenge, (CCC). Woohoo - the cards are beautiful and you know someone who receives your card will respect your artwork. This is my entry for the August CCC. Each and every month is a challenge and who are the winners? Each and every one of us!... now how can you beat that? The sun flowers are a beautiful Stamp set and I can't find the set number. I swore it was a Hero Arts, but perhaps it isn't. I hope you can see the sketch in this card. See the CCC Sketch. I like the way this turned out.

There's a blog anniversary at Maureen's

2011-08-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Blog candy is a draw and you should check out Watermarks. Happy Blog Anniversary... Maureen!

Refilling Your Copics - Easy Peasy Way

2011-07-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Sharing a tip from "Techniques & Projects with Sketchmarkers" DVD. I purchased this from Oozak for less than $8.00 on sale. It's short and basic, but as they say, if you only got one GOOD thing out of it, it's worth it. This really is a basics, but very well done and I learned a lot. I've been learning piece-meal. So, on with the tip on refilling your Copic markers. Sketch markers have a refill for all of their colors, so match up your refill with your marker.
1.Open the refill bottle
2. Hold the marker with chisel end up
3. Hold the refill bottle in the other hand
4. Tip the refill bottle over the chisel end of the marker
5. Be sure the refill bottle is close enough to be able to drip the ink from the bottle onto the marker nib
6. Drip about 30 drops onto the nib (I've seen that you can drop up to 2 lines on the refill bottle)
7. Be careful and you won't have any cleanup afterward.
8. If you dripped some ink onto the marker, just clean with simple rubbing alcohol

Isn't this easy? You don't have to buy anything else or clean out anything after each use. Easy Peasy!

CCC July 2011

2011-07-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

I had to try the sketch for this month's Card Chain Challenge at Lily Pond Cards. I like this as I feel it's a combination of a little bit elegant and a little bit fun! A fun international challenge that brings us all closer together. Try it, you might like it.

Anything goes

2011-07-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have been picking packaging out of trash cans again.. oh no, oh my... Those legs are from....

my daughter-in-law's nylon packaging. Sigh....I cut them out and had to add them to this Spellbinder Label 8 die-cut. Die-cut is from a tissue box... You can see that I like to re-cycle. A fun card! I'm entering the Anything Goes challenge at Catch the Bug Theme contest. This was fun to do!

Lily Pad, Lily Pad, Lend me your..............

2011-06-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

You have got to head on over to Lily Pad Cards today... Such a funny challenging place to visit. The gals are pure FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They're having an easy challenge right now....

Go become a member for a chance to win a collection of Hero Arts stamps. YES! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, July 15! Aren't you even a little bit curious? Run, do not walk to Lily Pad Cards today.

Finished a card!!! Card Patterns #120

2011-06-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

I've been busy and then waiting for inspiration to strike... I had most of my card done, but needed to add just a bit of glamour - pearls. This sweet little girl from Hero Arts wanted to be used and so did the Prickly Pear butterfly die-cut (both the blue and lacy overlay)... yes they both couldn't wait. I border punched some printed out music paper and had to add little pearls to it.

AND NOW I'm off to put ice on my lip - just back from the dentist... but you can't keep a true stamper away from her desk for long.

GINGERSNAP CREATIONS - woohoo

2011-06-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

WOOHOOOO

tUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2011

Wrap-Up: GC103 - Scene Stamping

This challenge was definitely a hard one! Awesome art from everyone who played!

Thanks to the Technique Junkie Newsletter for their generous sponsorship of this challenge!

The prize for the Scene Stamping challenge is the wonderfulEmboss or Die CD from the Technique Junkie newsletter.

Our randomly drawn Home Page Artist this week is

Arlene of A Bit of This and That.....

I was so excited when I checked the blogs today - A random
pick, but I'm on top of the world! I do like the way my card
turned out. Hope you have a great day, I will:)))))))

YAY... I can type and upload and all that good stuff

2011-06-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

I couldn't access my dashboard in Blogger at all... bummer, as the old kids on the block used to say... do they still say "bummer" anymore? I finished a Christmas card... yes, dear, I'm building my stash.... and two ATCs.

LILY PAD May Arts Presents… a Ribbon Challenge

The wonderful image is from Kathy Martin and the sentiment is Hero Arts Christmas Sayings -CL343. I give out all kinds of cards as gifts during the season, but I think I'll give Xmas cards this year too. WOOHOOO!

The background for the butterfly was a wonderful watercolor panel from a lightweight cover on a paper pad. I thought the Prickly Pear die-cut was perfect on some leftover pattern paper. I dabbed White Enamel Accents on the spine.

Scraps I had on the table just seemed to jump out and attach themselves to the paper. Little Miss Starlet came off some panel of lotion and the other items were in a packet of things to be sorted and put away. The corrugated panel is from another lotion container. It's been given a once over with distress inks Broken China and Victoria Velvet. The star is from Lily Pad's download for a digital challenge with Shari Carroll. I dabbed White Enamel Accents and white Flower Soft on it. The hat is from Hero Arts Digital Design Kit "The Art of Style" colored with a Copic marker.

June 2011 Card Chain Challenge

2011-06-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

YES, I did get my card done... whew... Lily Pad, Lily Pad, oh, I'm singing your song.... ok, you don't want to hear my voice... not at midnight. The June Card Chain Challenge is ON! AND I'm IN! I really enjoy Asian images and wanted to color this lady very simply. She's part of a Kombac clear set (Rubber Stamp Concepts Super Size Kombac ). And not even one swish of Distress Ink behind the lovely woman for shading... gasp.... However, I did use Victorian Velvet distress ink to stamp a marvelous tree (Hero Arts Slanted Tree - K5094) on the background of the note card. The sentiment is from Hero Arts Everyday Sayings CL342), using only the word "friendship". I was gifted with this lovely heart and thought it fit there. Hope you like it.

Second Post, not the same as the first...

2011-06-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

You've got to visit CasUal Fridays for their Graduation Challenge AND Lily Pad Cards for their Digital Stamp Challenge for a download of some great cool film related things to play with! Since I don't have a Silhouette YET, I had to cut them out, but they are SO worth it.

I know these are unusual colors, but I was rather drawn to them in a color challenge - I forgot to add text, I was so busy with the colors. Oh well. I thought these were fun! Have a great day.

Remember this is my second post of the day.

More is Less, Less is More, - and I'll stick to that!

2011-06-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Less is More - I have just been intrigued by the challenge. I am entering the 4 little note-cards (4" X 4") cards and the second card as well in the Less is More. I wanted to try color on color too, so for myself, I made the second card.

On the small notecards, I took a beautiful Cherry Blossom image from Hero Arts Asian Elements CL228 and wiped distress inks Victorian Velvet and Frayed Burlap in various coverages of the inks and spray misted them, some wetter than others. I used small sentiments to tuck into the space below the largest stamp from Hero Arts Messages Everyday Sayings CL342 and an old birthday clear set - unknown number.

I used the same sets and colors on the second card, which I am very pleased with. It looks much better in real life, as they say.

Less is More!

2011-05-31T22:47:00.000-07:00

You can only use one block to strut your stuff.

I wanted to make a sample of how you can recycle and make some great cards in doing so for the Die Cut Divas on flickr. We're having a challenge there, so please come join the June challenge.

I also wanted to enter a challenge at Less is More. I hope my card is "less" enough. Here's my card. I made the flower from tissue boxes and cut the corner square from a corrugated lotion bottle protector sleeve. It's ok to use a rectangular card. I think square is more striking, myself and maybe I'll use a square card next time.

I'll show you some of the other cards I made also. The first one below is for my son and his wife's anniversary later this month. The sexy nylons are from her packaging.

Have fun and recycle, re-purpose!

June Challenge at Die Cut Divas

2011-05-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

I read on the Hero Arts blog of May 13, 2011 that Hero Arts won a 2011 Small Business of the Year award for their sustainability and green business. I know a lot more people recycle, re-purpose, or reuse items, whether it's wood planking from an old farmhouse or a doily for an embellishment on a card. I had already thought of my challenge for the Die Cut Divas flickr group challenge early in the month, but it still needed firming up. No matter what type of recycle, re-purpose or reuse of an item, the card must have a die-cut or be embossed with your machine. Any type of machine is fine.

What kinds of things can be reused, recycled, re-purposed? I use tissue boxes all the time as well as packaging for stockings for die-cuts. I love the idea of doilies, buttons, or stick-pins for flowers making the card scene. I now have a great button die that I love to use because it's not as thick and heavy as a real button. How about turning ribbon into flowers? Yes, that's not recycled, but it is re-purposed.

Have fun! I am publishing this early as I have been locked out of my desktop for about a week and I want to make sure I can get this up and running.

I'm in the mood for......

2011-05-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

LOVE, BABY!!! AND Stamping... hehehe It's never too early for Christmas stamping. Cas-ual Fridays wants some bling - I thought I'd do a little gift card and then had to do an ATC... yes had to. I thought I'd use a great sketch by Lucy Abrams - stamped the greeting on some ribbon following and am submitting the card and ATC to Lily Pad Cards. I hadn't used the Hero Arts Merry Christmas CL364 trees yet, nor the sentiment in Hero Arts Holiday Sayings CL343. The trees are stamped and clear embossed. The ribbon was stamped and cut. Simple and easy.

I used the same sketch at Lily Pad Cards, for my ATC. I wanted to try out the color challenge at THE PLAY DATE CAFE.and rather like the results - simple and attractive. The image has become a favorite of mine from Bugaboo Digi Stamps. You can barely see the Hero Arts Envelope Pattern on the background, but it's there and of course I had to use Tim Holtz distress ink, this time Vintage Photo.

I hope you liked these. I had fun and that's what counts too. Have a great weekend.

Ahhhhhhhhhh Vintage

2011-05-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

ATC above - Hero Arts Digital Kit "The Art of Style"

A few gems for the lady and just couldn't pass up those dragonflies.

Cuttlebug and embossing folders - YAY!

I do indeed love the vintage images. The Hero Arts Digital Kit "The Art of Style" contains so many wonderful digital images. An embossing folder certainly adds depth to a card and grabs immediate attention. I guess I can't do a card without using Tim Holt's Distress Inks. This one is Shabby Shutters, still a much used color and one of the first colors I purchased.

I'm entering both ATC and card into Lily Pad Cards, which is a new but exciting place to visit.
Let's hear it for bling and Casual for the Third Challenge at CAS-ual Fridays
I MISSED the last color challenge at The Play Date Cafe, but I loved their color combo and used it in the ATC and card. So thank you for those colors.

Wee Memories is in my MIND! (2nd post today)

2011-05-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love that watering can? I just really like the image - it's from Bugaboo and happened to be a free stamp so you can try before you buy. Well, I love this. I, of course, distress the oval - I can't help using those distress inks from Tim Holtz. I used a green die-cut I received from a trade and decided to use my leftovers from a previous flower card behind the die-cuts. I wanted some depth so stamped that same flower on the note card. The sentiment "NEAT" is from some stickers (below card in front) and the sentiment "You're so special" is Hero Arts. I found the dragonfly sitting on my desk and popped him on too. I found two black square stickers on a page of different colored and sized stickers. I think they came in a Christmas bundle in Joanne's one year. I'm entering this in Wee Memories challenge, so I hope you visit her blog and submit your artwork too.

Wee Memories - GIVE AWAY!

2011-05-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Anyone who hasn't been to Wee Memories is missing out! There's a chance to win Graphic 45 stamps and paper. I haven't heard of them, but I WANT TO!

Let's see the her blog hit 1400 friends, she's already are at 1340 friends! Imagine how exciting that is! You will love the challenges and what fun to enter a give-away.... you can't beat that!

Ok, Lily Pad.... I think you're name-calling!

2011-05-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Yeah, they are name-calling and they want me to call names too... Go see what it's all about at Lily Pad Cards. I don't have the exact post (May 14, 2011) because I'm not able to drill down into it to get the url today. Yes, I'm grinding my teeth... sooooo go make a suggestion or two on a name for the "thing".

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

2011-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Challenges with flowers are popping up like flowers! I unfortunately needed a Sympathy card and I found some unusual brownish red colored pattern paper and some outrageous lime colored patterned paper that I thought would work together... now as I write this, I'm thinking - WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Lime for a sympathy card? I think it works though.

I'm entering this card in three challenges listed below with those all important links too. I chose cream color card stock (so much more soothing than white) to work with. I stamped and embossed the flowers and cut them out (Hero Arts Hand Drawn Flower - CG285) and then stamped it on the card stock in Distress Ink Antique Linen, one of my all time favorites and most frequently used Distress Inks. I smeared Glossy Accents in the center of the large flower and added yellow seed beads (I promise to take another photo when the sun is out on that center flower). I used Black Enamel Accents on the center of the little lime green flower and added some pearls around the card. Right now, I'm falling into bed... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Crazy4Challenges.... C4C86

They say that ‘April showers bring May flowers’, so let’s see lots of flowers on your creations.

Whimsie Wednesday Challenge - No Colouring - check out Tobi's Place
CRAFT US CRAZY! MOTHER'S DAY AND/OR FLOWERS challenge

Casual Fridays and Hero Arts ATCs

2011-05-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

Is it Sunday or Monday? If it's Sunday, then this is my third post of the day and if it's Monday, it is the first post of the day.... It's Sunday night for me and I'm posting a couple things tonight before my head hits the pillow. I made my card as CAS for the Casual Friday challenge, as I could get it and I'm quite pleased with the result.

Here's the challenge: Use stamps, texty pattern paper, a page torn from your phone book,
or create your own..get creative! *we are looking for text, not just a simple sentiment*
Just incorporate text prominently into your newly created CAS project,

I used the Hero Arts Friend Definition as the background cardstock and then took a border punch to some wondered vintage style 12" X 12" paper. I popped-dotted the Hero Arts Sentiment right over the vintage paper which is pop-dotted onto the notecard.

I had made some fans after seeing the beautiful fan on Lavender and Roses. She took me to a tutorial that is easy to follow, so you too can make these easy fold fans too.

Two ATCs for Hero Arts and I'm too late for Wee Memories and paper-piecing, but I did finish them.

FIRST ATC:
I got the idea from Lavender and Roses - . There is a tutorial at Ginger Snap Creations that is easy to follow - I followed them, so they have to be easy. I used the Hero Arts Leaf Cluster CG288 as background in Victorian Velvet and Shabby Shutters Distress Inks. The little boy is paper-pieced on the Hero Arts stamp image Special Edition: Asian Dolls LP146
Because the fan is so large, I named this ATC "The Fan is All".

This second ATC, named "Summer in China" is another paper-pieced Hero Arts stamp image Special Edition: Asian Dolls LP146, but with a smaller fan and mounted on some wonderful cardstock I found at my LLS, The Stamp Art Shoppe.

Second Post today - Candy at Di's Digital Downloads

2011-05-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Do you like candy? I like candy and this one is FAT FREE! I would suggest visiting REAL soon as I believe the offer expires May 10th at Di's Digital Downloads.http://disdigidownloads.blogspot.com

Happy Mother's Day in the USA

2011-05-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there.... and I mean that in only the nicest way! I gave my daughter-in-law a card I knew she'd love. She gave me the package you see depicted here. She wore the stockings yesterday to a book signing and she loved it. I had the envelope right in front of her monitor for first thing in the morning. My granddaughter drew an image on paper and wrote "Happy Mother's Day" on it. :)))

Digital Challenge #1 - Lily Pad

2011-05-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

I absolutely want to hum and sing - it's a delightful day here... so, I've got a challenge to enter. I don't have a machine to cut out the wheelbarrow or fence, sigh, oh well, but I do have scissors and I'm tenacious... I found a cute large butterfly die-cut at my LSS and thought I'd pop it on this card along with a small butterfly die-cut.. I ran Shabby Shutters Distress Ink over the ground, rubbed Faded Jeans Distress Ink on the Hero Arts Clouds stamp and there you have the background. I colored the wheel with a silver pen and there you have my card.

Two for One!

2011-05-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

I finally got to sit down tonight and create a card to match two challenges... gads, that feels good and I'm sure for those out there who handle 10 challenges at a time, two is nothing, but for me... two is good!.

I chose the sketch for the Card Chain Challenge at Lily Pad. Choose a color palette, sketch, or theme. I went with the easy peasy sketch which has 3 borders and a sentiment. I had already inked up a card with the Hero Arts Circle Design CG219 in Distress Ink Antique Linen for another project that never was used. I had the sentiment, Hero Arts Messages CG132 stamped, embossed and cut out on my desk. I inked the Circle Design in Frayed Burlap and stamped it twice on the card to add just a bit more depth. Since the sketch has three borders, here comes the next challenge!

Crazy 4 Challenges, this week, has a great recipe to use 3 different designer papers, 2 flowers and 1 button. See how easily this fits in with the other challenge? How could it be more perfect... And I'm sure artistic license will allow me to add the flowers and button to the great design sketch at CCC. As soon as I saw the challenge, I knew I had to use the papers in the sketch.

Be sure to check out the two challenges and enter yourself. It's always fun to enter challenges.

A Gem of a Challenge

2011-05-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

A brand new challenge site for me - A Gem of a Challenge. Sounds like a great place and wait til you see the sketch. I finished this rather late, so my post is brief and to the point... well, somewhat. Here's my entry and I'm also entering this in the Die Cut Diva's challenge on flickr.

Card Cupid's Blog Challenge

2011-04-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Can you use a punch? I bet you can - that's it, use a punch, so off I go to Card Cupid's Blog. Come along with me. And if you want to know where I found this great image, visit Digital Two for Tuesday for this image.
Materials used for this card are listed below:
Hero Arts Envelope Pattern S5507
Digital Two for Tuesday - free digital image
Copic markers - Garnet (R39) and Dark Pink (RV34)
Hero Arts ribbon down left side of card
Distress Inks Frayed Burlap & Worn Lipstick rubbed direct from pad to paper
Cuttlebug
Nestabilities - Ovals
Gold Stickles on blouse buttons
Cloth buttons on oval edge - cut in ribbon leagth
Martha Stewart punch - right side of card

For Hannah and Die Cut Divas

2011-04-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Uploading for Hannah's 90 minute scramble...... I added ribbon, a die cut tag, inked with distress inks and colored the birds with Copic markers. There's some bright gold stickles on some of the notes and a nice little pearl for Die Cut Divas challenge too.

OK, I WANT to KEEP this card!

2011-04-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

You know how it is when the card you have in mind to create actually happens? Sometimes cards just happen, the feel, the mojo, the magic, whatever name you want to call it, is THERE and how sometimes, you just have to WORK IT!... Well tonight, picked up a couple of stamped images and digital images and found what I wanted to use almost immediately.

I really liked this sketch and I think it likes me too, so you may want to Get Sketchy too! AND then the very last hour of the very last day, I FINALLY got busy to make a card for Wee Memories Challenge 51. Using twine was the only thing I had to do and I found such wonderful examples from the DT member there. I never would have thought of winding twine on a circle. How crazy and delicious is that? This sketch just called for twine and so I'm entering this card in the Get Sketchy and Wee Memories Challenges.

SPRING - CARD TIME!

2011-04-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sending this card to ScrappinBari for the Hero Arts Spring or Easter Card swap. This is the first time I've made a folded badge, or whatever you call it. It seemed I was all thumbs, but finally made the circle lie flat... just takes practice, more for some than others, I can tell you!

I followed the Hero Arts sketch on this one. The April contest is in high gear and I based this card on the very last sketch. Since I was going to use this round "thing" I thought the background would be great with this Hero Arts Cling Circle Design (CG219) stamp. When I showed this off at work, people kept reaching to see what the circle was. It created such depth on the card. Then, the recycle part - the scalloped oval is yes - a tissue box that went through my Cuttlebug. Love those Nestabilities because they nest so well. Hope everyone is enjoying their spring weather.

Recipe for Success - Die Cut Diva Style

2011-04-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Paula has challenged the flickr group Die Cut Divas to a recipe challenge. My first thought was I'm not cooking.... second thing I did was read the recipe... all over at the Die Cut Diva flickr group.. Here's the recipe:

Nestie, die cutter of some kind or embossing folder
Ribbon,
Ink & lastly
2 embelishments like buttons, flowers etc.

As Paula says "easy peasy". I used my Nestie, ribbon, inked up a Hero Arts (HA) stamp from "Joy Ride" CL481, punched a hole at the end of each handle bar to add floss for streamers. and added a couple of pearls to the wheels. The bottom layer is stamped with HA "Envelope Pattern" S5507 to add a bit of texture to that layer. The other two layers are my recycled tissue boxes. I've had the stamped image and two die-cuts layered for two months and didn't have a clue how I was going to use them. Yesterday morning I knew I had to make the card the way you see it. Sometimes it works and.... well, they always work, don't they?

Found New Blog Candy... YAY Sugar Free....

2011-03-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Be Sugar Free, visit SugarPea Designs.... For the life of me I can't get the blinkie for her page on my sidebar, but I think it would be fun to go on over and say HI! Read all about the blog candy at SugarPea Designs... Looks like a great place for a visit any ol' time of the day.

There's a New Blog in Town!

2011-03-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

There’s a new challenge blog in town with articles, swaps, interviews, videos, challenges, great prizes and MORE! Check out Lily Pad Cards.

There's a blog hop going on too. Started March 28th and ends with opening day for Lily Pad Cards. I can't wait to see what's up.

Drink Up!

2011-03-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Over at Wee Memories, this week's theme is all about "ANYTHING" ... I guess it's time for an "anything goes" challenge! You can choose anything as your theme. I haven't worked on a wedding theme in ages and I am down to almost nothing on a short call for a wedding card. The card must be newly made after the challenge starts, no older entries will be eligible for the prize.
Deadline: The deadline for this challenge is next Friday, APRIL FOOLS day! ;) April 1st at 11:59 PST. The winners will be announced on Sundays. I had the glasses on my desk for some time and had to put them together with the black die-cut - I really like this - kind of refreshing. Now if only I remember where I got those glasses. Could be from my Hero Arts Art of Style CD. I do like the way the card turned out. The second photo shows three background stamps being used.
Supplies:

Hero Arts Manuscript Background H2141
Hero Arts Dots and Flowers S5213
Hero Arts Envelope Pattern S5507
I've had the wonderful glasses cut out form a year - may be digi-kit.
I think the sentiment is from an old Stampin Up set, but not sure.
Distress Ink Worn Lipstick
Pearls
Cuttlebug
Nestabilities Oval Scallops

Just Some Lines - figure that one out...

2011-03-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

There's a picture on Just Some Lines and that's the blog candy being offered - ribbons, handcrafted paper, some pretty things and a limited print of Gab by the seaside. This adorable print is so cute! .

To find out how to become the LUCKY WINNER of the candy, please visit Just Some Lines - some very simple things to do. THEN on 18 April 2011 at around 6am GMT time a random winner will be chosen and announced on the 19 April.

The candy is open to every where with worldwide shipping. Aren't you curious? Just the littlest bit? Go on, now, get to Just Some Lines. Their candy is FINE!.

Visit YOUR NEXT STAMP

2011-03-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

A surprise give-away by YOUR NEXT STAMP - yippeee.....Don't wait around - the drawing is the 23rd, Wednesday. Run Run Run!

While you're running, I'm running to bed... hehehe

Dutch Dare Card Challenge - FUN

2011-03-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

I found a sketch that I wondered if I could create something half way decent... settling on colors was the first thing, but after I found papers, I was off and running until I had to find a stamp... digi-kit to the rescue. I had some pre-printed Hero Arts images available to color in and I like it. Some Nestabilities Label 8 and Copic markers, pearls to dress up the lady and a background of one of my favorite block stamps now - the Hero Arts Envelope Pattern. Done! So go visit Dutch Dare Card Challenges now!

THE SKETCH!

2011-03-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

TA DA! My mind was awhirl as I checked out the wonderful submissions on Card Patterns today. That sketch is wonderful. I must have been inspired because it just seemed so simple to make and I guess it is a simple card, very literally taken from the sketch, just turned around a bit.

The two triangular panels are scraps, lovely scraps, yes, on top of a pale lime note card. The die-cut is a tissue box, the sentiment is on a kraft paper die-cut tag and some lovely cream buttons. I used a gel pen to outline the tag as well as a few lines on the flower and scraped the sides of the squarish panel with Stays-ON white ink. I wanted it to have some depth, so just used the bottle of ink on some of it. Popped the center and the tag up and I was done.

Stamps: Hero Arts Envelope Pattern S5507 & Friends CL351

A Two for One Moment

2011-03-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

As soon as I saw the challenge on Wee Memories, I knew I had to take part. The challenge is pretty wide open! If you like spring AND I LIKE spring, you'll enter too.

This week's challenge theme is "SPRING IS NEAR, GREEN IS HERE!"

AND when I saw Crazy 4 Challenges wants a tree, how could I go wrong. So I am entering this card in Crazy 4 Challenges C4C78 CREATE A CARD THAT HAS A TREE SOMEWHERE ON IT. This card is posted on flickr also.

Materials used:

A Stamp in the Hand "Country Tree Single"
Hero Arts Manuscript Background H2141
Hero Arts Friend Definition CG125
Hero Arts Envelope Pattern S5507
Hero Arts Special Note of Thanks (sentiment) CL499
Distressed Inks Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint and Vintage Photo
Note Card - palest of lime green color

I stamped the manuscript stamp with Shabby Shutters ink and clear embossed, then stamped over with the country tree in Vintage Photo & clear embossed

The green strip of paper is a leftover stamped with Friend Definition CG125 and over-stamped with the Envelope Pattern I think I used Peeled Paint on that.

March CCC REVEAL

2011-03-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

I joined the March CCC (Chain Card Challenge) at The Society of Stamp & Scrap-aholics. Glad to be back in the chain again. Deborah always has a great outlook on life and it shows on her blog. You get to choose either Colors, Template or Theme for your card and you send it to another participant for the month. You'll create and be created for... I hope that made sense. So many wonderful card makers around the world participate and you will find you'll want to do this over and over again.

Presenting my card for this card challenge... a little shabby chic based on Deborah's sketch. You know how you have to use new cardstock and stamps when you get them. I love the new Hero Arts envelope pattern stamp as it gives such a great look of texture. Donna has received this, so now I can post it. HAPPY DAYS!

Sketch and Color me in!

2011-02-28T22:13:00.001-08:00

Sketch and colors... oooh, oh my, nice and simple, sweet and fun. As soon as I saw this sketch, I knew I had to try it. This should be so much fun! Scoot on over to The Daily Marker to see the challenge. I really did have such fun with a Hero Arts Art of Style Digital Design Kit and a sentiment from a Hero Arts clear set Friends, # CL351. I had printed this particular print wider than normal and had it lying in my printed stash, just waiting its turn. I didn't have the exact Copic colors listed for the challenge, but I thought I could improvise and so I chose Powder Blue, B41, Buttercup Yellow, Y21, Chines Orange, YR09, and Dim Green, G40 as alternative colors. I hope you like it. Lighter and darker areas are still the same color, just not as saturated.

My mother has passed away

2011-02-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

My mother passed away February 13, 2011. She had Alzheimer's for many many years and it is a good thing that she has let go. Her body just ran out. It was a sad day for me and after we buried her today, it was a feeling of being able to let go myself.

I can now move on myself. I thought I would share this. My mother hasn't been here for years, no one behind the eyes, so hard to see your mother this way. It has been an emotional burden, knowing your mother isn't here, but her body still works. How very sad. I think the burden is lifting and I'm so glad we, her family and her friends could talk about her life at the Eulogy today. We talked about her love of dancing and her love of camping. A good ending to a life.

Cut it Out!

2011-02-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

CUT IT OUT at Our Creative Corner. You know how to cut, so cut it out... love this challenge title. I guess you can tell. But isn't that a fantastic challenge? I made an Artist Trading Card (ATC) where everything is cut out - I'll include the base because I hand cut it to the ATC size of 2 1/2" X 3 1/2" size... ok, I'll cut it out. This ATC is entitled "Just Me" as I made it for the Monthly Themed ATC contest on Flickr this month. There's me at the desk and me out enjoying the countryside.

I used two Hero Arts clear set stamps and a marvelous download from Digital Two for Tuesday.

Hero Arts Antique Engravings CL383
Hero Arts Artistic Borders CL322 - printed on patterned paper
Digital Two for Tuesday - (woman at desk)

Have a great day!

Gaal Creative - Why NOT black and white?

2011-02-16T21:19:00.001-08:00

You ask why? I made a guest post on the illustrious Gaal Creative February 16, 2011. Visit for the post and stay for the full spectrum of color, style and fun. A post on a wonderfully creative artist's site means a lot to me and Anne has so much to share. Her photography is amazing and she has a challenge each month. February's challenge is GET PUBLISHED! So many reasons to visit Anne, so DO!

Great little sketch at Card Patterns

2011-02-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

See how easy this sketch at Card Patterns is? I wanted to use the kiss technique (part of the Hero Arts Blog contest this month) and turned my panel 90 degrees from the sketch at Card Patterns because my image looked like it was just dropping off a ledge and someone threw it a striped line to save it.

I got a cute package of 12" X 12"paper from "Big Lots", a discount store and had to use the striped pattern first. New punch went to work too. I like the sketch and will probably use it this week again, but I never know when I will get time to enter a contest, so I'm going with this first card. There are little hearts stamped on the background in Distress ink Worn Lipstick - you have to love distress inks... well I DO!

Challenge on "Our Creative Corner"

2011-02-08T20:35:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK the host for "Our Creative Corner is Lori Rider and her challenge is to create a card or project using a tree image and a clean and simple (CAS) style. I'm so glad the they described what "CAS" meant - ta da! What qualifies as CAS? Well, that's mostly up to you - generally it will be a quicker/less cluttered/clean line style. If you're still not sure, then just aim for something simpler than you might usually make!

So my CAS card is really easy - I love distressing and I love how it turned out. I love my Nestabilities 8 die-cuts too. Don't you just love Rangers Distress Inks? Dusty Concord, Milled Lavender, Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint were used on the tree panel. Hero Arts Cling Dots and Friends sentiment complete the stamping on this card. Some gems, a little ribbon... voila.

Dedicated to Mike, a friend of Hero Arts

2011-01-18T09:01:00.001-08:00

In celebration and commemoration of Mike's life, I dedicate this post. Mike was battling cancer and has succumbed. He is at rest. People who knew Mike personally considered the world simply brighter with Mike in it. He was a good business partner and friend to Hero Arts.

We all feel a sense of vulnerability when someone passes away and must cope with the loss of a loved one. Even though I never knew Mike, I am sorry to see a bright flame put out and extend my condolences to his family.

Hero Arts Blog Hop January 2011

2011-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to be included in this week's Hero Arts Blog Hop. Check each day the week of January 10th, 2011 for the blog hoppinest fun and inspiration from the Hero Arts past hostesses! Definition of "hoppinest" is the best blog Hopping ever! But you'll never find that word in the dictionary. I just love the new 2011 stamps I received from Hero Arts to explore different techniques and designs.

If you find a broken link, you can always go back to the Hero Arts blog for the master list of blog links: Also, please email tami@heroarts.com and provide the blog address that has the bad link so we can fix it. Thanks!

You should have come from viewing the wonderful and talented Virginia and at the end of my comments, I'll pass you onto the next wonderful hop along the way.

Please leave a comment because every comment left along the hop gives you a chance to win new Hero Arts 2011 stamps!

This first card up is my favorite card of all and I didn't know what to do with it at first. Two inch blocks on black topped by 2 1/4 inch sparkly square on black background square. The Large Blossom, (CG271) was a late bloomer for me. I was fooling around with different embossing powders when I found some old glitter embossing powder that just pulled this whole card together.

First card up is "Joy Ride", (CL481) with a scooter a go go. A button, ribbon and background of Dots and Flowers (S5213) on the scooter panel and Cling Dots (CG139) on kraft. I embossed the scooter and used some black Enamel Accents on some of the dots. The sentiment is from the same new set.

Next card, we have the new 2011 Hand Drawn Flower (CG285) and some oldies, but goodies, Cling Dots (CG139) and Just Wanted (CL175) with a little Black Enamel Accents for the center. EASY PEASY. You can vary the look of the flower by arranging the three flower layers with the bottom layer showing in the spaces. It looks like you have many more layers.

I really like how this came together. I love the silhouette from (CG265), "Getting Ready". I stamped a sentiment from "Glamorous" (CL 269) on the tag on front and I glued a slim black scallop border on the inside of the card with a sentiment from "Glamorous".

A "Special Note of Thanks", (CL499) lets me thank you for visiting. I heat embossed the wreath and used pencils to color in. However, I wanted a whiter white, so I used white Enamel Accents on the petals, which really pop the flowers on the kraft background. The sentiment would be good for a get well, sympathy, or just sending caring thoughts.

Now remember to leave a comment because every comment left along the hop gives you a chance to win new Hero Arts 2011 stamps!

Thanks for visiting and now to Sue's Inky Fingers. ENJOY!

Playing with new stamps again?

2011-01-10T23:13:00.000-08:00

The blog hop has started and I can't wait for my team's turn on Wednesday. But you want to start hopping NOW... Go to Hero Arts to start hopping. You'll be dazzled by Monday's projects - I WAS!

To get you in the mood, I'm showing you a card I made with my wonderful new 2011 Hero Arts stamp, "Getting Ready", (CG265). This is such a fun stamp to play with. I've been in the glittery mood lately and wondered how this would look on deep dark green... A few clear gems, ribbon and sentiment complete the card. A Hero Arts stamp set about a year ago, "Marvelous" has a couple great sentiments and how perfect this one is!

Envies and the company they keep

2011-01-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

I am in a swap in Swap-bot for decorated envelopes - three - I couldn't imagine spending time on one, much less three... but oh well. When I finished them, I thought I'd put them away and look at them again, because I thought they were too too busy... they may very well still be too busy, but now at least I like them. hehe..

The flowers on the right are from the new 2011 Hero Arts catalog, "Special Note of Thanks"(CL499). I just inked up part of the stamp and kept stamping in Rangers Distress Ink Frayed Burlap. Then I colored some of the flowers in with markers and white pencil. I used a couple wonderful stamps - the large bird is an oldie and I'll have to look for the brand, the other birds are from Tim Holtz, and aptly title "The Birds." The third envelope has a new HA stamp too - "Getting Ready" (CG265) that is so cute. I used Distress Ink Vintage Photo to stamp and Antique Linen to swirl directly from the pad onto the card. A new Hampton stamp with three wonderful ladies is also stamped and colored in. I'm happy with them. Happy Stamping!

Just a Peek

2011-01-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with the Hero Arts stamps I received to demonstrate what you can do with those wonderful Hero Arts stamps in the 2011 Catalog. I think I can do without a stamp and then someone just does something awesome with it. I have been having a great time crafting with the new stamps. They don't leave my desk. I want them up where I can see and use them all the way to hop time. Be sure to come back January 12th for the big reveals that I'll share on my team's blog hop. It begins at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard time.

But to whet your taste buds, I created this today! I loved the new Card Patterns sketch for this week and am entering this beauty for their challenge. I wish I had more time, but I don't. The pink metal heart in the middle of the flower, I found at the bottom of my embellishments drawer - how lucky was I? The paper must be 10 years old, so I don't know the maker, but it could be from an old line of Dots products. This Hand Drawn Flower(CG285 just begs to be paper pieced. It's scattered with tiny pearls and the 4 two-inch squares received a pearl and purple gem. The sheer purple bow and metal heart jumped right on. The paper is much more purple than in the photo. I hope you join me tomorrow when I'll be posting some decorated envelopes.

Got a new stamp and it's perfect for ATCs

2011-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

My new Hampton Art stamp was a great find at Michaels and I really do like their arty stamps. Isn't this a great stamp and the Rangers Distress inks just add wonderful color and vibrancy.

I paper pieced the women and they are just grand ladies to work with.

Happy stamping!

BLOG HOP JANUARY 2011

2010-12-28T09:04:00.001-08:00

There's a blog hop coming up and I got to play with some awesome 2011 stamps right after Christmas. I'm still playing. I'm taking my time, adding a bit here, a bit there and can hardly wait to share them. But, I have to wait. I don't know the date I'll be linking up with our team, but am so excited about it. I only have two cards done, but I am happy with them. Remember, coming soon to your neighborhood, NEW STAMPS!

Tis the Season to be Jolly! fa la la la la

2010-12-20T22:50:00.001-08:00

I have been downloading a lot of wonderful holiday images from The Graphics Fairy recently. I've just fallen in love with the vintage look, the wonderful colors and had to affix them to cards... yes HAD TO! You can see why.

I love Santa's list, looked for my name, yes, I didn't see yours either... The woman at her writing desk is perfect for just about any situation from Thinking of you, Thank you, Happy Birthday, Just a line..... and on. The deer is perfect for a guy card. Getting ready to put my sleepy head down.

2010-12-14T06:32:00.000-08:00

Check out Wee Memories and their wonderful give-away Studio 3 Solutions is sponsoring this Christmas Wish giveaway by giving one lucky winner a Color Cubbie, so you will have to visit Wee Memories. That cubbie is on my Christmas Wish list, so visit right away.

Blog hop on Friday December 10, 2010

2010-12-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hero Arts is having a BLOG HOP and everyone is invited to join on Friday, December 10th for a fun-filled, inspiration-packed blog hop featuring ALL NEW stamps from the upcoming 2011 Hero Arts Catalog!

We’ll hop between the blogs of more than 20 Hero Arts designers and friends, previewing the new stamps and sharing idea after idea. You’ll be able to leave comments along the way for a chance to win fabulous prizes — 2011 Catalog stamps, of course!

I can hardly wait. Be sure to visit the Hero Arts Blog on Friday! I will be visiting all the blogs just like you.

USA only - The Graphics Fairy - Follow my link!

2010-11-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

Time to rise and SHINE! Get your ears perked up and get ready to go visit The Graphics Fairy and follow her directions to her private blog to enter the contest. I wanted you to see the gorgeous image that I've just downloaded and printed out.

Can you say "Best Buy Gift Card" - did I see lights go on? Run, do not walk!

Just sharing

2010-11-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

I keep visiting so many blogs because everyone has something different and wonderful to see. I've been creating also and not posting. The month has just gotten away from me, so I am posting NOW!

Hope all the U.S. people had a great Thanksgiving - I did. And I got to create too. The cards were easy and the tag was even more so. I printed out a marvelous vintage bird scene from The Graphics Fairy and distressed with Tim Holtz Distress Inks (can't live without them). The tag was some wonderful paper that I added the vintage girl to. Voila!

Visit Deidre! Great blog candy!

2010-10-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hustle on over to visit Deidre for some great candy - yes blog candy! She has a great blog and is so talented. Hustle Hustle Hustle!!!

She's giving away Joyeux Noel Clear Stamps by Papermania, Whiff of Joy Stamp, DCWV Chipboard Christmas Shapes, 4 Wooden holiday characters! and some red ribbon. I became a follower not long ago and love visiting. Hope you visit too.

CCC - October

2010-10-15T07:56:00.001-07:00

Have you joined Deborah's Card Chain Challenge (CCC)? It is really such a great feeling to receive a wonderful card from anywhere in the world made just for you. You become friends across the miles and I love to see when all the cards are published and you see such fantastic creations of art.

I usually opt for the sketch, rather than the colors because I have such a hard time finding colors and patterns that coordinate. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

I have to think you've been to Deborah's blog, because she is one of the wittiest persons I know. Her blog is full of sun and fun and some of the fun is remodeling... the remodeling is the other side of the fun coin.

I sent my card to Paula in the way down under. She is so sweet and is a co-moderator on Die Cut Divas, a flickr group for those who use a die-cut and/or embossing machine, such as the Cuttlebug. Visit our group as there is a challenge with some goodies going on right now!

Visit the Daily Marker

2010-10-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

A give-away on The Daily Marker blog... You have got to love those stamps on my sidebar and you too can participate in the drawing. Just click here to find out all about this fabulous give-away and the beautiful card.

I can't resist blog candy. Can you?????

Did I know I had a spam filter??? NO!

2010-10-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

I don't wade through comments to approve them and believed that all comments were being posted... not true - I had over 500 comments in my spam filter. This spam filter was all unknown to me until I clicked on blog buzz. I usually don't take the time to look at a lot of stuff and thought "wonder what this is" and discovered to my horror that I might have comments listed as spam that are not... well, I did. I found two that indeed are probably spam, out of over 500 comments.

When you are in your "DASHBOARD" there will be tabs that labeled NEW POST, Edit Posts, Comments... etc. Click on Comments and there is your spam... if you've never been there before, you may have more than you ever imagined. I've inserted the information at the top of my outrageously long list. You can click on individual comments or the "All" and tag them as SPAM or REMOVE CONTENT from the spam list. There's a check asking you if you want to remove or label it spam. Please check your spam filter if you allow comments without approving them.

Select: All, None

SPAM

DELETE

REMOVE CONTENT

I WON!

2010-10-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

I WON!

I was not prepared for the number of stamps in my prize package from Ayana's Creations. I loved the card Ayana sent along - see the butterflies.

All Penny Black stamps - I don't think I've ever had a Penny Black stamp so this is a first! I do have a favorite - that cute little bear lying directly in front of the butterfly card. He is so adorable. I colored him in already and dabbed some white Enamel Accents on the scarf, hat and part of a chimney (not seen in photo). I have to let that dry before I start my card.

New stamps and no time... sigh... Thank you so much Ayana.

Just for Jenny Cierley - Wedding Wishes!

2010-10-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

GOOD NEWS!

Hero Hostess Jenny Cierley is getting married October 10, 2010. Tami Hartley with Hero Arts gathered the Hero Arts flickr group into her secret classified information group so we can host a Flickr group virtual wedding card shower to celebrate this special day. Jenny & her fiance Jason will be married 10.10.10… - In Tami's own words, "how cool is that!"

When creating our card we could include something old, something new, something borrowed or something blue, even all or some...

Here's my creation - obviously something blue, something old is this sentiment from a 1995 stamp in my collection, something new is the new card stock on which the sentiment is stamped and I thought I could borrow your attention. Happy Wedding Wishes to the bride and groom. Go on over to the Hero Arts flickr group to check out the cards. The cards for Jenny and Jason should be tagged weddingwishes4jenny.

A Bit of This and That

Everything goes with Pearls

...Enjoying Life...: It's Giveaway Time!

Hero Arts Blog Hop - you've come to the right place!

I love making Xmas cards!

CCC

Buttons, Buttons, Who's Got the Buttons!

I love this little deer!

Oh NO! Not another tag???

A Penny Black Moment

Tags, Tags, and More Tags

Tags Galore

Card Patterns again - take 139!

It's all about the texture!

Candy Time at Di's...

Card Patterns Sketch 138

I like sketches!

Card Patterns 137 - YAY

(Lawn)scaping Challenge - woo hoo

ATC - Apples with Shimmer

CCC October 2011

My Crafty Heart has CANDY!

Yes, it is now my Favorite stamp!

Got a NEW stamp!!! Halloween is at Wee Memories

October Die Cut Divas Challenge

I think everyone is thinking CANDY!

Ann's Cabin Creations - blog candy.....

Card Patterns Sketch 133

Friendship, just a little bit of Friendship

Primary Colors - Butterflies will do it everytime

CCC September - a great sketch!

Card Patters - here we go!

A little fabric never hurt anyone

Lily Pad, Lily Pad...

Card Patterns Challenge # 127

Kathy’s Color Palette

CCC - Lily Pond Cards - August

There's a blog anniversary at Maureen's

Refilling Your Copics - Easy Peasy Way

CCC July 2011

Anything goes

Lily Pad, Lily Pad, Lend me your..............

Finished a card!!! Card Patterns #120

GINGERSNAP CREATIONS - woohoo

tUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2011

Wrap-Up: GC103 - Scene Stamping

YAY... I can type and upload and all that good stuff

LILY PAD May Arts Presents… a Ribbon Challenge

June 2011 Card Chain Challenge

Second Post, not the same as the first...

More is Less, Less is More, - and I'll stick to that!

Less is More!

June Challenge at Die Cut Divas

I'm in the mood for......

Ahhhhhhhhhh Vintage

Wee Memories is in my MIND! (2nd post today)

Wee Memories - GIVE AWAY!

Ok, Lily Pad.... I think you're name-calling!

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

Crazy4Challenges.... C4C86

Whimsie Wednesday Challenge - No Colouring - check out Tobi's Place

CRAFT US CRAZY! MOTHER'S DAY AND/OR FLOWERS challenge

Casual Fridays and Hero Arts ATCs

Second Post today - Candy at Di's Digital Downloads

Happy Mother's Day in the USA

Digital Challenge #1 - Lily Pad

Two for One!

A Gem of a Challenge

Card Cupid's Blog Challenge

For Hannah and Die Cut Divas

OK, I WANT to KEEP this card!

SPRING - CARD TIME!

Recipe for Success - Die Cut Diva Style

Found New Blog Candy... YAY Sugar Free....

There's a New Blog in Town!

Drink Up!

Just Some Lines - figure that one out...

Visit YOUR NEXT STAMP

Dutch Dare Card Challenge - FUN

THE SKETCH!