April and Card Chain Challenge Reveal

 

April  Reveal for the Card Chain Challenge

I think I used one of these dogs on a card before, but I have now used four of these handsome dogs in all sorts of poses with one of the sentiments in the set which I know I never used.  I hope my recipient likes this card as the black background is quite bold for me, but I think it fits some dogs in an abundant array of poses. 

Supplies:
Brass & Bliss Yoga Dogs Bundle (stamps & dies)
Sunny Studio Slimline Scalloped Frame Dies
Copic markers
Starform Transparent Glitter stickers - both the long chains around the black die-cut and the stars

I'm not sure which die I used for the sentiment
Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes"

NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff) - sentiment & 3 of the dogs

A March Creative Crafters Visit

  The Creative  Crafters starts a monthly challenge every 15th of the month and I've made a stencil to make a beautiful flower as inspiration for this month. 

This challenge is always "Anything Goes".  
Be sure to join The Creative  Crafters challenge! 

I went with a birthday card for a guy and just pulled out some great striped paper with a "Thinking of you" sentiment on the outside and a "Wishing You a Happy Birthday" on the inside.  I've used this Balloon die before, but it's been some time now.  I think it makes a great panel for birthdays or other celebrations. This was a fast card to put together for one of my sons.  No Coloring, just picking papers.

Supplies:
Elizabeth Craft Designs Big Balloon no longer on ECD site
Waffle Flower Essential Sentiments stamps and dies or combo

Vagabond die cutting machine

I'm entering the following challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited entries

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (3/3)

Love to Craft Challenge ‘ “Always Anything Goes” (3/8)

Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” (2/8)

Love Those Pretty Papers  (3) 

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (3/3)

March 2026 Happy Days with Morgan's ArtWorld

     "Anything Goes" March 1st to March 27.

You can use any image or project you have posted in February to enter Morgan's ArtWorld challenge. 

For purchasing Morgan's ArtWorld Images, please visit the website at:
Morgan's Fitzsimons Art Studio    

Join Morgan's ArtWorld Facebook 

I like the colors I chose for this lovely lady.  I truly like coloring and Morgan's images give me a chance to do just that.  I wasn't sure if the deep red-violet I used on the sleeves was going to work, but it did.  I used the same color, only went over the patterns in the peacock pattern on the back to darken it.  I was amazed at how different the colors turned out on the image.

Supplies:

Morgan's Fantasy Fae 24
Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangles
Kat Scrappiness Ades of Teal Enamel Dots

Copic markers
Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges:

DL. ART "Anything Goes (monthly 1st of a month) unlimited, not 2 in 1 day

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited entries

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (monthly - begins LAST day of a month)

NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff) #84

Creatalicious Challeges "Anything goes" w opt twist (3)

A Cut Above (3) always a die, different themes starts 1st Monday

I'm Starting With Flowers This Month

  Happy March 1st!!

The Die Cut Divas are playing with products from Gina K Designs,

Gina K Designs is offering a $25 gift card to their store as the March 2026 challenge prize. Our challenge theme this month is: 
Spring is Coming

Make something that will tell us that Spring is Coming.\ and make sure it is either Dry Embossed or cut with your Die-cut machine.  

I don't usually play with flowers, but I had to play with this stencil and I really do like the way my card turned out.  Here in California, the flowers are already blooming, so I associate the coming of flowers with Spring.  Yellow flowers mean friendship, so this card could be used as a friendship card while saying lots of love to a friend.

Supplies:

Gina K  Designs (Stencil Floral)
Waffle Flower Essential Sentiments Combo (stamps & dies) (hello)
Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangle Dies from a long time ago

I think Licky Clover, Spiced Marmalade, Squeezed Lemonade oxides and maybe a light swipe of peacock Feathers distress oxide ink.
Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering at least one challenge.
NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff) #84

Love to Craft Challenge ‘ “Always Anything Goes” (monthly on the 1st)

Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” w opt twist (monthly on the 1st)1

Another cute Sunbird Spark card

Let's talk cute digitals here. 

Sunbird Spark is a Vancouver (Canada) based paper craft supply company and the creator of the patented Stencils 360°™ stenciling tool.  I happen to be using one of the cute digital sets and put together a cute little scene.  All I use is a Word document to build my scene.  The little dino seems to be happy reading his books.

The Die Cut Divas' challenge theme this month is: Use New Crafty Item

Sunbird Spark is giving a $20 CAD gift card as the prize.  

Be sure to enter your project by 9:00 p.m. Pacific time tonight at Die Cut Divas.

I thought I'd give this image a little Zen feel with the background.  She's sitting on the floor with the baseboard behind her and the wall in faded rose.  I used some Glossy Accents on the clock and bottle which I didn't catch on the photo.  I didn't add anything else but a sentiment as I thought the background created enough contrast on its own.

Supplies:
Sunbird Spark Zen

Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangles (no longer on ECD site)
QuicKutz Nesting Ovals
Copic markers
Vagabond die cut machine

Be Creative and Enjoy Creative Crafters in November

   The Creative  Crafters starts a monthly challenge every 15th of the month and I've made a Christmas card as inspiration for this month. 

This challenge is always "Anything Goes".  
Be sure to join The Creative  Crafters challenge! 

I thought I would like this tree die, but guess what?  I LOVE this die.  So easy - only two dies and I just spread snow on top of the white layer.  (TRUE SNOW, that is). You could use glitter paper too.  This is the first time I've used the tree.  It's perfect for filling an A2 card size.

Front of Card

Inside of Card (even easy for me - LOL) 

Supplies:
Kat Scrappiness Snowy Layering Christmas Tree Craft Dies
Karen Burniston House and Fence Pop-Up

Aleene's True Snow
Distress Ink
Copic markers

I'm entering the following challenges:
NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff) - the dies

Love to Craft Challenge ‘ “Always Anything Goes” (4/8)

Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” no w opt twist (4/8)

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited (11-2025)

Merry Little Christmas Challenge (always Anything Christmas Goes) 6

The 12 months of Christmas challenge - "Anything goes" no w/opt twist

Card Chain Challenge for September

I truly couldn't think of what to do from this selection, but as I pasted the options in, I discovered that I 

I just couldn't think of anything but "Friendship" and so I went with a friendship card. This card was not the card I intended to make, but I fell in love with it.  I die cut the larger dies twice so I could glue them together at the top to create a card.  I think the phrase is actually meant for the back of the card, but I thought it was too good not to make a note inside as I figure a card maker would find it funny.

If you can't read it, here's what the sentiment says:
I write
"made with love"
on my cards because "made with cursing

way too much money
and lots of alcohol" 

won't fit on the label.

Supplies:
Elizabeth Craft Designs Postage Stamp Squares
Karen Burniston Postage Pop Up Dies 
Birch Press Awesome Ticker Tape Messages - Hello Friend  
Riley & Company Made with Love
Waffle Flower Postage Collage Winter View Elements dieL
Lawn Fawn Car Critters Stamps & dies
Lawn Fawn Hay there, Hay rides mice add-on stamps & dies

I'm entering the following challenges:
NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff)

Altenew in August

It's Time for Altenew in August

 The Challenge at Die Cut Divas this month is to make a Z Card.  

I made a "Z" card simply by folding the front of my card in half.  I didn't take measurements so I can't tell you measurements for the embossed half-panels if you wish to add panels.
I did use a die cut for the inside blue panel.  

Here's how my Z card looks like a "Z" card.  You see the "Z"?  A Clean and Simple "Z" for me.

Front of Card - I actually fell in love with this Altenew combo. I used some shiny blue paper which really added to the depth and texture of the background panels. I added Crystal Drops instead of coloring the stamens. 

Inside of Card - I thought cutting the die with no stamping might work and I'm so happy with the results. . I put glue on the un-inked die cut and matched it up with the outside die cut and pressed the whole card down very carefully.  When the card is closed, you don't see the die cut or message.

Supplies:

Altenew Build-A-Garden: Pristine Peonies & Add-on die bundle
Altenew  Angled Mosaic 

Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangles - not on ECD website anymore

Nuvo Crystal Drops Gloss - Dandelion Yellow
Copic markers BG0000 & G40 - I picked up the wrong marker, so there is some blue under the green on the left side of the flower. 

vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited

Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” not doing opt twist 2/8 )

Love to Craft Challenge (always Anything Goes) (2/8)

Love To Scrap Challenge (always Anything Goes) 2/6

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (1/3)

Ally's Angels  "Anything Goes"  (2/5)

June and Time for Morgan's Artworld

    "Anything Goes" June 1st toJune 27.

You can use any image or project you have posted in March to enter Morgan's ArtWorld challenge. 

For purchasing Morgan's ArtWorld Images, please visit the website at:
Morgan's Fitzsimons Art Studio    

Join Morgan's ArtWorld Facebook 

A bit of fantasy today.  I chose to work with Firefly Greyscale.  I used milled lavender distress ink to shade the background first and then some pale blues for the clothes, Copic colors B0000, B000 & B00.  I didn't think it needed anything else this time around.  I just couldn't get these colors out of my mind.  

Supplies:

Morgan's Artworld Firefly Greyscale
Elizabeth Craft Stitched Rectangles
Distress ink Milled Lavender
Copic markers

Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges:

DL. ART "Anything Goes - unlimited, (not 2 in 1 day

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited

Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” not doing opt twist (5/8 )

Love to Craft Challenge (always Anything Goes) (7/8)

Love To Scrap Challenge (always Anything Goes) 3/6

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (2/3)

Ally's Angels  "Anything Goes"  (2/5)

Poppies in June

 Poppies in June

This month we're having a color challenge.  Use at least three or more colors from the color palette, plus optional black/white and skin tones (on people).  Remember to also use die cut and/or dry embossing on your project to qualify. 

I came as close as I could (with glitter paper) as I could with the colors. I do love this die set as it's so versatile with just the dies that come with the set. I love using glitter papers with them, but have used regular colored stock.  The sentiments do come from other sets.

First Card

Second Card

Both cards together

Supplies:
Poppy Stamps Snowglobe no longer on the site - sorry
I love all of Poppy Stamps pop up cards.  I've bought some more - LOL
I believe all the sentiments on these cards are Elizabeth Craft Designs and are older dies.

Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges:
Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” not doing opt twist (3/8 ) Love to Craft Challenge (always Anything Goes) (6/8)

Love To Scrap Challenge (always Anything Goes) 2/6

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (1/3) Ally's Angels  "Anything Goes"  (1/5)

May 25th With a Challenge

  Let's see the categories, please!

Project: Card for a Student - Graduation stamps & dies used
Colors: Modern - Blue & Pink
Element: Clothing - bow tie & cap
Random: Abstract Blob(s) - Sprays created blobs of color

Supplies:

Sunny Studio Grad Cat stamps & matching dies
Smooch - Silver
Dylusions Ink Spray After Midnight and Funky Fuchsia
Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangle set (older die set)
Copic markers
Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges:
NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff)
Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” not doing opt twist (3/8 ) A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes (monthly 1st thru 27th) UNLimited

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (monthly - (3/3) Love to Craft Challenge (always Anything Goes) (5/8)

Craft Roulette Time for May 9th

I had time to play at Craft Roulette again. 

What are those rascally parameters again?

Project - A7: Size A7 card made
Colors - Floral Wreath: Love those Distress Oxides on the card edges
Element - Lyric(s): Happy Holiday - song lyric
Random - Cinco (meaning 5): I count 5 words on my card

An A7 card is not the usual size I do very often, but I was up for the challenge and this card went fairly quickly.  I thought about adding something more, but I really like the clean and simple feeling I get when this is not really a clean and simple card.  I chose the oxide inks I felt gave me what I'd want to see my my floral wreath from green to yellows, roses, etc.  I had just received a Waffle Flower order with the plaid texture, so I used that die and cut it out with the Stitched Rectangles die.  I don't think I've EVER used the largest rectangle die until now. 
I colored some leftover paper in the same oxide ink colors I used on the background and cut the "Happy Holidays" die and snipped off the "s" on the end to fit the parameters.  It was just a happenstance that all the words added up to 5. I checked my ribbons and chose one that I thought would work and somehow it does.  It grounds those darling elves.  I had already stamped the sentiment the pair are holding and die cut it.  I colored the pair with Copic markers. Another Christmas card in my stash.

Supplies:
Kat Scrappiness Santa's Helper stamps & matching dies
Kat Scrappiness Happy Holidays
Waffle Flower Sweet Plaid Texture Die
Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangles (older die no longer available)
Distress Oxides Picked Raspberry Squeezed Lemonade, Twisted Citron & Wilted Violet
Copic markers EE01, E02, E13, E15, G21, R27 & 29
Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges:

Gem of a Challenge - "Anything Goes" (4/4)                       

Love To Scrap Challenge (always Anything Goes) #173 (4/8)

The Paper Funday Challenge - ATG/Option (1of 6)
Love to Craft Challenge (always Anything Goes) (2/8)

NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff) #74 (Waffle Flower die is new)

Christmas Cards All Year Long Songs of Christmas (Happy Holiday is a Christmas song

Merry Little Christmas Challenge (always Anything Christmas Goes) 1/6

Peace on Earth Xmas "Always Christmas & Anything Goes"

 

Thank You to Altenew

 

 Altenew is giving a $50 gift certificate to the  
 winner of Die Cut Divas April Challenge

Below is my inspiration card.  I've had to send out 6 Birthday cards in one month so it had to be a birthday card.  This is only one of the freebies that Altenew lets you try.  

Supplies:
Altenew Color Some Blooms printables

Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangles
Copic markers
Sentiment in my stash (happy birthday)

Vagabond die cut machine

I'm entering the following challenges

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes Park Hopping My Happy Place - Hamamatsu Flower park FarmQuestGeneralStoreChallenge   (2/5)farm projects - many farms cultivate flowers Digi Choosday - "Anything Goes"

December Card Chain Challenge

It's all in for the Card Chain Challenge in December!  I can't wait to see everyone's interpretation of the grids in their diagonal, vertical or horizontal choices. 

Let's start with the my choice of line or diagonal.  I chose:

Slim Line: I made a Slim Line card with Whimsy cardstock
Sleigh: My sleigh is one of Elizabeth Craft Design's (ECD) sleighs
Stencil: A Snow stencil was used with Aleene's True Snow
Sparkle: Nuvo - Glitter Drops - White Blizzard in the windows
Santa: Whimsy digital stamp set - Santa

This really was so much fun to work on, but I had taped the greeting paper to the wrong side and had to pull it up.  That's why there are two pieces of thin paper on the inside pages.  
The packages on the outside were made of a pretty package that held stamping products.  LOL

Inside of card

Supplies:
Whimsy Designer Paper "Frozen"
Whimsy digital stamp set "Christmas is Coming" 
ECD Santa's Sleigh, (there were 2 other Santa's sleighs that I have.  The sleight and presents on the front are from this set while some packages on the inside from from an older sleigh set.  
Stencil:  I don't have the package anymore for the snow
Sentiments: I think they are both ECD.

I'm entering the following challenges.

Love to Craft Challenge ‘ “Always Anything Goes” (3/8)

Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” w/o monochrome opt (3/8)

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (monthly - (3/3)

January's Morgan's Artworld 2025

   "Anything Goes" January 1st to January 27th

You can use any image or project you have posted in January to enter Morgan's ArtWorld challenge. 

For purchasing Morgan's ArtWorld Images, please visit the website at:
Morgan's Fitzsimons Art Studio    

Join Morgan's ArtWorld Facebook 

It's still time to bundle up in different parts of the world, so I thought I'd spend some time working on this little girl.  

Supplies:
Morgan's Artworld digital "Winter 6"
Scan N Cut the image (then cut off arms)
Vagabond die cut machine (Oval & Rectangle dies)
Elizabeth Craft Designs Rectangle Stitched nesting dies (not avail)
Copics
Nuvo Crystal Drops Gloss Simply White

Spellbinders Oval Nesting dies

I'm entering the following challenges.

Love to Craft Challenge ‘ “Always Anything Goes” (2/8)

Mix It Up Challenge Blog Anything Goes” w monochrome opt (2/8)

Lost Coast Portal To Creativity (2/2) bright & cheerful look

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes UNLimited

Crafts Galore Encore - "Anything goes" (monthly - (2/3)