Christmas isn't over yet!

I didn't want to make this card.  It made me make it... really!

I received the new HeroArts Cling Stamp Dot Flower Pattern and couldn't put it down.  Once I had this pattern stamped and die cut into a circle, it begged for a red frame.  Loving this scalloped circle from Spellbinders, I searched for red paper and try as I could, I couldn't help but get my hero Arts snowman and trees out.  The rest is history.  I never would have thought of using this background for Christmas, but now I can imagine it in emerald green and other bold colors.  I am very happy with this wonderful background stamp. Thank you again, Hero Arts - part of my stash for the Pin To Win Contest.

Recipe:
Hero Arts Dot Flower Pattern (CG335)
Hero Arts Joy Snowman (657781) Snowman and die-cut trees
Black Enamel Accents on the hat
Silver Stickles on the scarf
Distress Ink Fired Brick on white glossy cardstock embossed with heat tool
Diamond Stickles used on trees and dots in the middle of the flowers - more glitter.
Cuttlebug
Spellbinders Circles and Scalloped Circles
Glue Dots for trees
Pop Dots for Snowman

Pin to Win - I WON!

I won the stash from Hero Arts Pin to Win contest on Pinterest and received the wonderful items above.  I love my new stamps and had to make a card from my stash.  This was so easy and effortless and I never make cupcakes on my cards.  First for me.  I really love the colors.  A few pop-dots for the cupcake and a glue-dot on the stars.   As I work with my stash, I'll post them here and on my Pinterest Board..

I have that "tired ol' feeling", sure hope it's not the flu.  I want a little break in card-making, some sit-back and read a book or watch a movie time.

Thanks for visiting.

Second Post of the Day - WASHI TAPE

You should visit Small t Creations and enter her contest which is ever so easy.  You can see the prize on the right side of my blog.  Click, read and enter!

Did you know you could use Washi tape in your gift wrapping for Christmas, well, anytime!   Visit now!

Anything Goes + Red

My second entry for the Oozak blog challenge.  Anything goes plus Red.  I was going to use this Art Impressions image for Christmas, but he's going to a special person I need to thank.  He's fun to color and not too bad to cut out.  Love these kind of nutty characters.

Pattitudes: Tag Giveaway!

Pattitudes: Tag Giveaway!

Thank you for offering those wonderful tags.

I have a Facebook account, but I don't see any follow button.  I wrote that I liked your Facebook page, but I don't use Facebook much.  I am following two of your Pinterest boards.  :)   I am following your blog.  If you tell me how to follow you on Facebook, I'll follow you anywhere.  LOL

Arlene   - flickr - Clarian's Hawk * Arlene

Snowmen are fun, right?

I love this Hero Arts Snowman and die-cuts from the Hero Arts Holiday Sayings CL343 set.  There is so much you can do with this set.  Even the snowflakes are from the set.  Just torn paper for the snowy hills.  

I am entering this card in the Oozak challenge, Challenge#9 :: Anything Goes + Red.  Don't you love Oozak?  I do too.

And who couldn't enter the Crazy 4 Challenges?   Just create a card that features a snowman.  You should enter too.  The more the merrier!

Want to know what's up at Small t Creations?

Please visit Small t Creations as she has BIG NEWS and I'm spreading the NEWS!   And the NEWS is all about Washi Tape - yes - a favorite out there.  AND a GIVEAWAY.   What else could you ask for?   Yeah, I didn't know anything else either. Check it out!

$300... $300... $300... Yep, it's a $300 value split into two prize packages.  You have got to go NOW and leap over GO.  Small t Creations will be your next stop..See the prize packages on my side bar.

Santa got all torn up, but now he's dong much better

Not sure how vintage he looks, but I like the way this card turned out - like a card found all ripped up, but put on a newer background.  I am entering it into Our Creative Corner's challenge of Santa Claus is Coming!   The criteria is to do work in the vintage style, Santa Claus must be on it and add something red.  The Santa image is downloaded from the blog.  I colored the red with some Copic Toner Gray markers to make if feel more vintage to me.  Also grayed the white and cheeks.  I can't find washi tape around here, but got some craft tape from Michales, which worked out very well.  The red poinsettia strips and the music bars are craft tape.  I cut the base panel from a pad of K & Company Xmas paper I bought a year ago and the colors are just about an exact match for the music craft tape.  It looks like the music was stamped on the background.

Small T Creations is having a give-away

Tone is having a little giveaway on her blog! She won some goodies from Simon Says Stamp recently, including the Simon Says Stamp Exclusive Tall Forest Tree Die. She doesn't have a die cutting machine, so she is sharing the joy instead! :-) So this is what you can win:

Be sure to click on the graphic where you see the days and hours remaining in the raffle offer.

The winner will be announced on Thursday the 22nd of November.

CHNC and Just Some Lines Challenge s

There's always a challenge and I made a neat glitzy kind of masculine Christmas card for the CHNC Christmas card for a man or a boy.  .  I love my new Hero Arts stamps and matching die-cuts (Sizzix), so I grabbed one of my snowmen (have a bunch pre-cut and just grabbed handy stuff to make this card.  I had a leftover background (you can see the reindeer in the background and patched together a card from my table scraps.  I think it turned out to be lots of fun. I used Stickles Xmas Red and then a bit of Distress Stickles Barn Door.  A really nice combo on the scarf and berries on the hat.

Did you know the great gold covered die-cut behind the snow man is recycled gold wrapping paper that I saved and adhered to a recycled folder that had seen its use.  Happy days that Just Some Lines is also having a challenge to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Have fun!

Hero Arts & Target - This was Fun!

I do love the background on these cards and hope it comes out as layering paper or a digi paper.  And who knows, it may be out.

I used the wood block stamp as two separate stamps by using wonderful post-its to cover up the side I didn't want stamped after inking one of the words.  I always get at least part of the stamp inked, so post-its are my protection.   I  glitzed up the card with gems and a great little tree embellishment.  It turned out cute.

Hero Arts at Target? Yep

I checked with my local Target store and they only had two items from the Decorate It line for Target.  It's a small store, so I'll have to find a larger one to see more stock.  I did find one of the sets that I had really liked.  Isn't that a wonderful background?   The first card had to have a glittery red star, so my Red Stickles came out and I applied my Copic marker Lipstick Red (R29) to some of the clear gemstones in the set. I added some lace I purchased Saturday at Hobby Lobby.

On the second card, I turned the stars around and colored them with Copic marker Apricot (YR16) and placed a gemstone colored with the same Copic marker each star.  I like the size of the stamps which are perfect for this space.     Love the trees that come with this set.

Leaves...

Another post today?  I finished two cards this morning and find I can enter both into a contest.

Crazy 4 Challenges C4C156

Leaves, right?  Right!  Just make sure your entry has leaves.  Read the introduction and you'll find out why it's leaves!  

I have a dear friend whose mother is in ICU at a local hospital and not doing well.  I thought I'd do a little preparation, just in case.  Her mother always reminds me of flowers and gardens.  

Where is Autumn?

I don't know where Autumn is, but it's taking a vacation in California.  It's supposed to get to 100 degrees Fahrenheit here tomorrow.  I'm thinking Fall, but that's all that seems to be happening here.  Sharing with you a card that I used earlier this month and just loved the way this winter stamp looks in an Autumn scene. Yes, just change the colors.  Some Distress Inks, Scattered Straw and Wild Honey will do the trick with this Hero Arts Wood block stamp, Winter Scene, K5524.  I can't wait to try it as a winter scene!  

I'm entering this card in the challenge on "Love to Create Challenge Blog" in their Challenge # 34, Anything Goes.  There are almost 300 submissions now!  Just making the deadline.  I hope you visit this wonderful blog.  

September CCC

I'm not sure if this stamp is a new winter stamp by Hero Arts (may be from last year), but I've seen how beautifully the scene is when others in the Hero Arts Flickr group have used it. I had to use Winter Scene (K5524), but as an Autumn stamp, not winter.  The only reason I tried it is because of the September Hero Arts challenges for this month.

After clear embossing,, I used some Distress Inks and I love the orange glow on the scene.  You can't beat Distress Inks for color.  Spiced Marmalade is on top, Wild Honey and Scattered Straw sponged on.  I like the way the Hero Arts Cling Dots (CG139) adds depth to the kraft panel (which is part of a battered used file folder).  I really hate to part with it.  

Time for Tags

I have a new favorite stamping and die-cut set.... YES I DO!

I couldn't believe I actually got my hands on this wonderful set.at Archivers.  I hadn't even seen it in a catalog anywhere.  Last one on the wall and it was MINE!  Especially true when it's with a 40% discount coupon.  Can we say MIGHTY LUCKY?   Called Joy Snowman (657781), I love just about every single piece in this set and there are so many wonderful pieces.  Since I used left over pieces of Glitter paper, I thought it would be fun to just cut the paper any way and it would look good for trees.  I rather like the whimsical trees on my tags.  The upper cut shows the stamp that goes with this die-cut.  I just love the glitter and the happy feeling I get when I look at these.  I added some Gold Stickles to the red tree.  Lots of trying anything and everything I want here. Hope you like these glittery tags.  They're going on my gifts to my fellow workers for the holidays!

When Less is More

This week's challenge at "Less is More" # 85 is OVAL and Clean and Simple.  Here we go with my entry.

I love DaNami's Mimi in the Rain stamp and she fits wonderfully on an oval, so I've made her into a fall girl, ready for the wind and rain of California.  I think she looks ever so cute in the Copic markers I've chosen.  Since I was thinking Autumn, these colors just flew to my fingers.  I hope you like her as much as I do.

List of Products:

Hero Arts Everyday Sayings CL342
DeNami Mimi in the Rain
Copic markers Y19 (Napoli Yellow), YG61 (Pale Moss), E29 (Burnt Umber) and E57 (Light Walnut)
Cuttlebug
Spellbinders Ovals
Clear Gems colored with Copic marker Y19
Glossy Accents on coat and boots

Repetition, who'd a thought?

This was my second card for the Hero Arts 90 minute scramble today and it went fairly quickly because I had a scrap piece of paper and some repeated images I'd printed out of the Hero Arts Digital Design Kit, The Art of Style, just sitting on my desk, just sitting, minding their own business.  I was looking for something that was reminiscent of Autumn.  I love seeing (not wearing) Fall hats and when I saw these lovely women all in a row, I had to find a panel to put them on.  I colored the hats with the new Distress Markers by Tim Holtz, Wild Honey, Worn Lipstick, Crushed Olive and Vintage Photo, then embossed the sentiment and draped a line of clear gems under it.  Love these classy ladies.  And now they're joining Moxie World's Repetition Challenge.

Visit "The Daily Marker"

There's a chance for you to win stamps and a spellbinder die at Kathy's The Daily Marker.  Be sure to visit and check Kathy's blog, now!  

Kathy Racoosin teaches Copic Coloring Techniques for STAMPtember™ at Simon Says Stamp's.  I found a COOL WAY to use mini misters.  I want to stamp right now, but can't - be sure to find another way to use your Copic markers.

Get Well, Leona

My second post today:

To the mother of one of my very best (BEST) friends.  Her mother just had a quadruple bypass last weekend and I wanted to make a feminine, soft card for her and one of the challenges gave me an idea, so I'm also entering this in a challenge too.  Leona seems to be doing well - so glad she finally went to the doctor for chest pains.

I would love to receive this, but you can't keep everything.  I hope Leona will like this - I think she will.  I'll be able to drop it by tomorrow.

The music sheet is a piece of paper from the packaging from a Tim Holtz embossing folder (set of two folders in one package).  I rubbed the surface with Vintage Photo Distress Ink, attached it to the card, found this wonderful bow in a drawer, a tag and looked for one of my favorite digital Hero Arts ladies and made this quick card.  If it's not casual enough, I'll understand.  For the clean and simple things in life, take a chance and enter the current challenge and emboss your heart away.

CAS-ual Fridays, the CleanAnd Simple Challenge

A Bit of Paris ATC

It looks like I'm going Autumn in a big way!  I love these colors together.  Some Wild Honey, Mustard Seed and a spike of Spiced Marmalade make for some yummy colors and are quite striking with a couple olive green focal points on this Artist Trading Card, ATC.

This Hampton Arts stamp (Paris Diva) is stamped in black and heat embossed paper twice, so I could cut out and paper piece the lovely diva and wonderful car.  The Eiffel Tower is a die-cut and I placed it directly over the stamped image of the Eiffel Tower.  Gold Stickles lines the outside of the ATC.   I made this for Montly Themed ATC Swap on Flickr and I really hate to part with it.

I'm entering this ATC in:

 "A Blog Named Hero" for their challenge 

Challenge #11: Who's The Boss?

AND

"Totally Stampalicious!"

ANYTHING BUT A CARD!

This is my first entry into Totally Stampalicious!, but it does look fun.  

OOZAK SPARKLE

OOZAK SPARKLE - THAT'S FOR ME!

Enter a project with Sparkle at Oozak this month and let it sparkle!  I've embossed this gal over the Distress markers I used, color, emboss, color, emboss.  She's all shiny and sparkly.  I wondered how I would like the new Distress markers and I do.  The ink stays wet  a fairly long time and the colors are nice.  I used Worn Lipstick, tumbled Glass and Vintage Photo with some Stickles thrown in for extra sparkle.  This DaNami stamp just made me buy her; I couldn't help it.  The gift and Sentiment are from a Hero Arts Holdiay Sayings set, which has such great sentiments!  Have a great day!

Lawnscaping Time

I think this may be my first time entering the Lawnscaping challenget.  LOVE, LOVE the sketch.   I had to do two cards with my new Hero Arts Winter Trees stamp (in the circle) because I loved the look of the sketch.  I was at my LSS (The Stamp Art Shoppe) so I could grab this one.  I saw so much potential for some wonderful winter scenes, but look what I did with it.  The new September Hero Arts challenge (3 different challenge options) for me is using a seasonal/holiday stamp in a way other than its intended use.   I think this one fit the bill nicely.  I love the autumnal colors and design.  Colored those glass gems with Copic marker, Apricot.

WOW, I missed all of July so I'll have to be bold!

I do have a card that I may be using for the Card Chain Challenge at the Society of Stampaholics.  I like the CAS style of the sketch and thought my card turned out fun, but I'm not sure if I might try something else. You can try the color challenge or one of the themes of the month.  It's fun to receive a card from somewhere in the world once a month.  Please visit and I hope you will sign up too.

I was playing with the Hero Arts (HA) Neons and did use the HA Zig Zag stamp in Neon Yellow for the background.  Surprisingly, it rather melts into the background, but seems to give a warmth to the card.  The Neon Pink is outrageously bold and eye-catching, but it certainly works to make a cheery card.  

Betty Boop Time

I have a co-worker who just LOVES Betty Boop and I hadn't made one card last year of Betty Boop for her.  This year, her Christmas present will have Betty Boop cards.  I'm very pleased with how they turned out.  They actually surprised me.  My favorite is Betty in Purple, so I'm saving her for last.  I used Copic markers to touch up and change some colors on the images, but most are close to what I printed out.  I hope you enjoy them.  (smiles all around)

Some great inspiration

I really liked Card Patterns' sketch this week and as I began picking colors in the color inspiration from the Simon Says Stamp blog challenge kept popping up as the "best" colors to use.  I rarely make one card that I can enter into more than one challenge. I really like the way it turned out.  A little yellow and a bit of green with shades of pink.   I made this from leftover paper and ribbon with a flower made from a tissue paper box.  Yes, recycling is my middle name.  I left all that blank space alone too.  Good on my part.  I hope you like it.

I can't get buildings out of my Mind!

I can't get buildings out of my Mind!  After I made the first card, I just couldn't stop building cards with (yep) buildings.  The base cardstock is black with a panel covered with gold wrapping paper.  My May 31st post gives the low-down on making the card, but I couldn't stop. The wrapping is quite reflective and catches colors surrounding it.  Even after these, I still wanted to do more.  I checked the Hero Arts June sketches and was wondering how to work at least one building into it.  I thought maybe I could turn one of the sketches upside down and BLAM!  There it was perfect for a CAS card.  See if you can identify the sketch I turned upside down.  The card uses the colors of the French flag of blue, white, and red.  A friend wanted a card to send to his friends in France and I thought I'd use the colors for the building colors.  GOOD IDEA!  I entered the card below in the Hero Arts Flickr June challenge under the sketch portion of the challenge.  I imagine you're going to see more buildings.  

.  I used the wonderful Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline (S5573) and the new set Heyday Thoughts (330054).  I don't think I can make a card without using a distress ink. the blue on blue paper is Faded Jeans and the red on red is Fired Brick.   I embossed black paper with white embossing powder for the black and white building.  I really like the way this turned out, but was tempted to add something else, didn't but was severely tempted.  

No more Lily Pad Cards - sniff!

I have so thoroughly loved Lily Pad Cards with its cheery quips and wonderful challenges, guests, videos and of course the "CCC", Card Chain Challenge!  This is the last day, when I clicked on my link, I did not expect to the the "Gone for the Duration" sign up... so to speak.  So sorry to see them close, but at least I can join the CCC over at Deborah's Society of Stampaholics, from which it first appeared.  I have a badge on my side-bar, but it's too bad you can't get there by clicking, you'll have to take this link to the fabulous S.O.S. on your own two feet.

Die Cut Divas is doing a WRAP!

You all know I like to recycle and Paula, one of the Die Cut Divas divas, gave me the perfect challenge offering for June.  WRAPPING PAPER!   I have the not so hot and the SO HOT examples for you to think of how to use wrapping paper in your cards

DO YOU HAVE WRAPPING PAPER???  I thought this was a NO BRAINER, until I went to find some.  Since we have yet to unpack some of the items from the move, like our wrapping paper, which is mostly Christmas, I COULD NOT find any on the first try.  I found one scrap of wrapping paper on the next search and HIT PAY DIRT on the third.

First up is the "folk heart" paper - that's what I call it - not sure I really like the card, but, its basic background is wrapping paper.  I mounted a cut out heart on the Lacy Circle die-cut and added some buttons from some button ribbon, then some twine in red and white, blue and white, and pink and white.  I remembered the Hero Arts clear set "Just a Note" (CL404) with its scissors and push pin, mainly because the push pin was still on my desk.   It's a rather rowdy card, but all I could think to do (hadn't found the gold yet).


Now to finer flights of fancy.    I found this gorgeous gold wrapping paper left over from some Christmas paper.  It has a wonderful material-like back to it and was crumpled up in the bottom of my homemade paper stand, just like the paper for the folk hearts above.  BUT this was a dream.  I glued it to the back of a regular manila file folder, smoothing out most spots, but leaving that crinkled feel and texture to it.  It is difficult to ink up, but I like the results.  After I got my sun stamped (really the Hero Arts Cling Starburst Background, - 330056) I thought buildings needed to sit in the early rays of the morning or evening, as you prefer.  I stamped and white-embossed the buildings on black paper (Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline - S5573), cut them out and attached them individually to the gold panel with glue dots.  I don't have a cloud die-cut or stamp, BUT, I had just purchased a Hero Arts clear stamp set "Heyday Thoughts" (330054) and found my cloud (really a thought bubble) and a great hot air balloon.  OH JOY!  I used the clear "Hello" stamp from the Hero Arts clear set "Everyday Sayings" (CL342) to give a little hello.  I just couldn't put the panel on until I wrapped the black and white twine and tied a bow.  I am VERY HAPPY with this card.  I don't want to give it up.... sigh


If you can't find the die-cut on this card, it's the sun peeking behind the tallest building.

Time to visit small t creations

Here tonight to tell you about blog candy - yes, the best candy ever!!!! AND totally FAT FREE!   Just clink on the link for small t creations, right here and see how little creations make it big!  I love her "Warm Wishes" card set.  Simple and they make you feel warm inside.

Dust em' off # 2

I am one to never throw away something I've stamped unless I've tried and tried to bring it to life and it still, let's face it, sucks! I think I have redeemed an image stamped in Egyptian Gold, which faded into the background.  I wondered if I made a die-cut if it would be any better - NOT!  Come to save the day! - Superman, posing as Clark Kent, well-mannered ... -  no... STICKLES!  

I thought it couldn't do any worse if I put Gold Stickles all over the silhouette.  It's growing on me.  I added a Hero Arts ribbon with a few pearls and Voila!

I'm entering this into the Dust em Off challenge at A Blog Named Hero and the fabulous Die Cut Divas flickr group.

Recipe:  

Hero Arts Getting Ready CG265

Hero Arts Ribbon

Small Pearls

Cuttlebug

Nestabilities Lacy Circle

Nestabilities Circle

Egyptian Gold embossing powder - about 10 or so years old

Gold Stickles

Dust em' off # 1

What am I dusting off?  Stamps, what else?  Heaven forbid, the tables...  I haven't used the the Hero Arts stamp "Getting Ready" in quite a long time.  So, following the new blog, A Blog Named Hero, I decided to make two cards for their challenge since I had the stamp out.  I had a 6" X 6" pad of paper that I've lost the top to, so have no idea what company it's from or where I got it 4 years ago.  The paper I chose has ROCK and some other things printed on it and is a brown, orange kind of color - doesn't sound good, does it?  (You can see the word "ROCK" at the gal's feet).

I chose Egyptian Gold embossing powder first - didn't like it and will tell you what I did with it on my next post today.  I went for the White Embossing powder next.  What a contrast!  I then tied beige string/twine (I picked the string up at a local garden supply shop) around the panel and matted it to a dark reddish brown card stock.  The cream colored  note card is 5" X 7", which I distressed with Vintage Photo and stamped with the different stamps in the Hero Arts clear set "Paris", which I really like.  It's the newest stamp set I have.  The sentiment is perfect for a fun greeting for the "Getting Ready" image. On the note card,  I stamped the "Envelope Pattern" in Frayed Burlap and Antique Linen Distress Inks, then randomly stamped the Eiffel Tower, Fleur de Lis, chocolate box, and crown in Vintage Photo and loved the background, especially when I put the panel on top.  I then added a button die-cut  distressed with Vintage Photo Distress Ink (no idea what brand) with a real button on top under the twine.

After finishing the card, I realized I had an entry for the Die Cut Divas challenge for this month too.  If you use die-cuts or embossing folders, no matter what machine, come visit this group for fun, inspiration, and challenges!  And last, but not least, you can't leave flickr without visiting the flickr Hero Arts group.  Talk about fun and inspiration and challenges...

Not Rainy any more, BUT....

I had to use my Mimi in the Rain stamp again.  She's just adorable and works just as well on a small canvas, such as an ATC - Artist Trading Card..  I love the depth Glossy Accents adds to the umbrella.  Of course, you'd have to have rain-proof articles of clothing.   I'm entering this in Lily Pad Cards' Rainy Day challenge here.   This lady is going to be my Xmas card gal too.  It does rain in Northern California.... hehehe

A Blog Named Hero

I made this card for Hero Arts flickr group, A Blog Named Hero and Die Cut Divas flickr group challenges.  I made the kite all by myself, thank you.  hehe   This reminds me of a soft summer day - bicycles, kites and butterflies under a warm sun.

It's just a fun little card.  Hope you like it.

it's Raining Pearls - at least one!

The challenge at Lily Pad Cards: Make a card that’s got some rain or rain-related images/thoughts/product, etc.   There are no product restrictions.  I think this pretty rain booted gal is perfect for this challenge.  You can see the Eifel Tower on the kraft background which is distressed with Ranger inks Frayed Burlap and Worn Lipstick.  The umbrella is stamped on patterned paper and attached by glue dots.  I thought she should capture one of the pearls that rain down.  Hope you like her. :)

What a fantastic challenge - visit Lily Pad Cards!

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

When I went to a Stamp Convention in town about three weeks ago, I had to get this stamp by Denami.  I like the sketchy design of this wonderful image.  True, she's dressed for the rain, but as soon as I saw her, I thought of Christmas colors and the first card I made was a Xmas card.   The line across from the trees is not on the card, nor did I find it on anything else, but I'm not going to re-capture this image right now.  Doesn't she look fantastic in traditional colors of red, white, and green?  Her clothes and umbrella are dazzling with Clear Glossy Accents and fine glitter lightly dusted over the Glossy Accents while wet.

A bunch of scraps

A bunch of scraps and stamped images hogging your desk?   Yeah, they were and still are hogging mine, however, I did manage to gather FOUR (yes, count them, FOUR) scraps of paper - some with images to make a card.  The brown paper was cut in various shapes; the message was already cut out; the die-cut was sitting to the side and the glass gems were peeking out of another jumble of scissors and such.  I pulled them altogether and checked out the sketches for April on the Hero Arts blog and viola!    I also entered this in the challenge on A Blog Named Hero - new blog with tons of interesting things.

Products used:

Hero Arts "Manuscript Background - H2141

Hero Arts "Messages" - CG132

Hero Arts "Paris" - CL325

Clear gems colored with Copic Y19 - Napoli Yellow

Cuttlebug

Spellbinders Label 8 die-cut

So Many Flowers

I thought this was such a wonderful spring type of card.  I had pre-colored this Hero Arts wreath and was thinking in the round and also of the Die Cut Divas' new April Challenge.  I also saw the challenge at A Blog Named Hero, so I'm updating my blog to enter this in the wonderfully new blog.   I also quickly checked a great year old favorite, Lily Pad Cards and so this is going in the Simon Says Stamps challenge when I can load it in.  I added the Swiss Dots folder on the Spellbinders' Scalloped Lacy die cut for a little more texture and I love this card.  It is going to be difficult for me to give away; so full of spring energy.  Lots of dimension!  I'm entering this is the challenge today.

A Flower Challenge

I'm in the mood for FLOWERS!  Flowers for Hero Arts and a stamp challenge at Lily Pad Cards.  Simon Says Stamp presents a flower challenge.  This should get you in the mood for spring.  I look at this stamp and think, such a common, flower... and then a little tweaking and it's an absolute gorgeous member of the flower family.  I used Copic markers and a bit of Perfect Pearls spritzing on the flower - ok, more than a bit.  I found some dark purple beads in my jewelry making container and added those.  It was hard to take a photo of the flower as it looked hazy with all the shine from the Perfect Pearls.  I'm happy with the way it turned out.

A Kissing Challenge!

Bet that grabbed your attention.  I have been so busy and neglected posting for awhile.  Shame on me... so who could resist a kissing challenge?

Though not apparent, I kissed the kissed the Hero Arts stamp In the Garden (K5353) with the Hero Arts Dots and Flowers (S5213).  I inked the first stamp with distress ink Vintage Photo and pressed the other uninked stamp on top.  All embossing is done with clear embossing powder.  There is just a faint shadow of the pattern on this, but it is lovely (more noticeable to the right of the girl above the tall grass).  A pretty ribbon, some wonderful Nestabilities dies and pearls and I was delighted with the result.  I'm entering this in the Simon Says Stamp challenge at Lily Pad Cards Kissing Challenge.

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

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.