Birthday Card with Gold

 I made this card for a friend of mine who recently celebrated her birthday. I found a pretty snippet of striped paper (not sure who makes it) and a strip of coordinating cardstock to design the card. I used a mini stencil from Creative Expressions on the side with some distress inks to add a little interest, and added a die-cut golden stem along with the rosette that a thoughtful friend sent me. The sentiment is gold-embossed with a SU! stamp and die combo (also a gift from another thoughtful friend) and I added some small flowers done with a (R) SU! mini punch and added random clear gems to the centers and the sentiment panel as well. For the final touch, I added a ladybug brad to the center of the rosette and used a fine red marker to outline the dots on the sentiment panel.

Sharing this with these challenges:

The Stencil Fun Challenge for October - use a stencil *opt. Halloween

The NBUS Challenge #67 - never before used stuff (stencil, sentiment stamp & die)

the Triple B October 2024 Challenge - birds, butterflies, blooms. Use 1,2, or all 3

The Allsorts Challenge week #803 - use pattern papers

Thanks for stopping by to visit and I wish you a wonderful day.

Carol

Halloween Fun

 This is not your ordinary Halloween card but I think it will bring a smile or two. This hilarious looking pooch is by Unity and I colored him with fluorescent Copics to give him a Halloween "costume" with purple and green fur and a blue tongue. LOL I die-cut the image panel with a Lil Inker stitched rectangle and added 3 black candy dots. The twine is from Lawn Fawn, and the silver on black dotted paper is (r) from SU! 

I'm sharing this with the Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge for October 2024.

Also sharing with the Critter Crazy Challenge #91 -

A/G featuring a critter

Entering too into the NBUS Challenge #67 since this is the first outing for this stamped image.

Thanks for stopping by and keep smiling😉

Carol

You are Pawsome

 I recently received some fun crafty supplies from a thoughtful friend so I made her this thank-you card since she is a Dachshund mom. The little image, banner and sentiment are from an unbranded set and this was the first time I had the opportunity to use that sentiment and banner. It may also be the first outing for the ef too, I'm not sure if I ever used it before.  I added a tiny white star to the banner and die cut both the image panels with Lil Inker stitched rectangles. I used Island Indigo cardstock and a snippet of matching dsp to create the banner. The embossed panel was done with a Darice ef.

I'll share this with the Critter Crazy Challenge #89 - A/G featuring a critter.

Also sharing with NBUS Challenge #65 - never before used schtuff

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Wednesday is a good one!

Carol

A Summery Thank You Card

 A generous friend recently gifted me with 2 new small SU! embossing folders and I used one of them on this card. I had an old 12x12 piece of double sided Scenic Route Paper and used it to put this card together. I had a strip of red polka dot paper on my table that was a perfect match so I added that to separate the panels. I used a Nestabilities die set to cut the red and white flower panels, and added a punched SU! mini flower with a gemstone in the center. I added a die-cut fern behind it done with a Precious Maricke die and a snippet of green. The thank-you panel was done with a SU! die cut from the Chalk Talk Framelit set and stamped with a Unity sentiment. I added 5 green candy dots and called this one done.

Sharing with these challenges:

Allsorts Challenge Week #791 & 2 - Season's Delights or A/G (flowers are seasonal for summer)

the NBUS challenge #64 - Never Before Used Schtuff (the EF)

Can You Handle the Pressure? July 2024 - A/G Embossing with an optional twist of wings and things

Thanks as always for stopping by and my wish is always for the best possible day for everyone.

Carol

Merry Christmas in July

I finally used up the last of this great Kringle paper pad with this Christmas card. It's been one of my all-time favorite Christmas paper pads and I'm sad to see it gone - but on the other hand, it might be one of the only paper pads I've ever used up completely, so that's a good thing!

I used this week's Freshly Made Sketch to put this together. A very thoughtful friend recently sent me that Santa die, so I die-cut it with some red mirror paper as well as white, and then added the last of my liquid applique to the fur sections. I guess I'll have to search for a new place to buy that now since Jo-Anne's stores closed and I always bought the liquid applique there. The die-cut sentiment was also cut from red mirror paper and that die is by Sunny Studios.

 This was one of 2 inserts in the paper pad that I used for the inside of the card.

I'm sharing this with the following challenges:

Freshly Made Sketches#644

the Peace on Earth Christmas challenge #67 - A/G Christmas

the NBUS Challenge #64 - Never Before Used Schtuff (the Santa Hat)

Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a great day!

Carol

USA

 I recently won this fun stamp set and stencil by playing in the Allsorts challenge, and with July 4th almost upon us, it was time to make a card with my new goodies. The stamp set and stencil are both by AALL & Create. I used the red. white, and blue patriotic theme, except for the Statue of Liberty which was colored with shades of green Copics. I added a stitched die cut oval, circle, and rectangle to place the stamped images on, and added a few tiny die-cut stars from my snippets box to finish this card.

I'll share this with the following challenges:

The Allsorts Challenge Week #787 - Way to Grow or the A/G option

Just Us Girls Challenge#733 - A/G using a Stencil 

July 2024 Stencil Challenge - Use a Stencil *OPT Shades of Blue

NBUS Challenge #64 - Never Before Used Schtuff (stamps and stencil)

Colorful Options July 2024 - Flags -USA flags are red, white, and blue

My links are finally working again and all it took was a power outage to fix it. It looks like I was missing an update in trying to resolve that issue, but everything updated once the power was restored. Our power went off Saturday night at 11 and didn't come back on until after 7:30 the following morning, so I guess my computer needed that long rest 😏

Thanks for stopping by and make it a great day whatever you do.

Carol

Butterfly Thank You

 I recently had my Memory Box Darla and Vivienne butterfly dies out to have a play with them and this is one of a few cards I made. I used a brand new Creative Expressions Daisy Doo stencil to create the panel on the right, adding some tiny black dots to the flower centers with a black marker. The black border was done with a MFT notched border die and I added a thin strip of black to the other side of the polka dot panel. The sentiment panel was stamped with a Lawn Fawn thank you, and die cut with a Lil Inker die to finish this card.

Sharing with the following challenges:

The Allsorts Challenge week #782 - A/G or a Blast from the Past

The May 2024 Stencil Fun Challenge - A/G *optional Girly

The NBUS Challenge #62 - Use Something New (stencil)

Thanks so much for stopping by and as always, I wish each and every one of you the best possible day.

Carol

Birthday Balloons

 I found this stitched die-cut oval in my stash and decided a silver mirror birthday greeting would work with it, so I die cut the sentiment with a GMD set of birthday dies. The balloons were done with a MS balloon punch and I added some blue and white twisted twine for the balloon strings along with a few die-cut tiny silver stars done with a border punch from SSS. The background was done with a new Creative Expressions bubbles stencil I won recently and some blue distress ink.

I'll share this with:

  the Allsorts challenge week #777 - which is balloons or the optional A/G

the Word Power Challenge # 4 - use your sentiments

the NBUS challenge #61 - never before used schtuff (stencil)

the April Stencil Fun Challenge -  A/G using a stencil or the optional Spring/Flowers theme

That will do it for me on this Saturday but thanks for stopping by and I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Carol

You Amaze Me

Through the kindness and generosity of two wonderful friends, I received this beautiful die-cut image along with the fantastic embossing folder that I used to make this card. I sponged this intricate image lightly with some chalks to add just a touch of color to the eyes and lips and the flowers in her hair, adding some crystal Nuvo drops to the centers. I covered the entire image with clear Wink of Stella and added a tiny eye to the bird with a marker. The SB hand-drawn scallops EF was done on an old blank notecard that belonged to my mother. It was printed with her name at the top so I cut that portion off with a Lil Inker stitched rectangle die.  It has a neutral color and a subtle texture that seemed to work well with everything. The stitched sentiment die is by Gina K Designs and has an Altenew sentiment stamped in chocolate brown. I put everything on a brown cardstock base and called this one done. Thanks to everyone for sharing your wonderful crafting items with me - I'm always grateful for everything!

I'll share this with the Allsorts Challenge Week #775 - the theme is "For the Love of Animals" or - the A/G option. 

the Can You Handle the Pressure? challenge - A/G  embossing

with a twist of "birds." (There is a bird in her hair 😉)

NBUS Challenge for April #61 - never before used schtuff 

(This is the first time I used this EF)

I hope things are well in your corner of the world. I'm patiently waiting for Spring to arrive so that I can start complaining about how hot it is after this long stretch of rainy, gloomy, cold weather! 😏

Keep smiling, and thanks for stopping by!

Carol

Lucky Horseshoe

 I have been trying to use items I've had in my stash for ages, and with this card I've used an embossing folder by Darice along with a Kitchen Sink Stamps horseshoe stamp that I don't think has ever seen ink although I've had it for years. I stamped the image with 3 different green inks on white, then cut it along with a mirror green panel with MFT stitched circles. I added 8 tiny gold brads to indicate the nails in a horseshoe, then added a gold mirror shamrock to the top for a little extra luck. The sentiment panel was done with a TE stamped sentiment along with 2 layered panels using old and retired SU! punches, adding green brads to the ends. The diagonal panel was done with a Lawn Fawn plaid strip of paper and a MFT diagonal stitched die. We used to have horses years ago which is why I bought the stamp set and embossing folder in the first place, but I have no explanation for why they've been sitting unused for so long.

I'm sharing this card with the Double D Challenge -

Green/Clover/Shamrocks/Luck

also sharing with Can You Handle the Pressure? Challenge -

A/G using an embossing folder with an optional twist of "birds"

And also sharing with NBUS Challenge #60 - use never before used schtuff

(Horseshoe stamp)

Thanks so much for the visit and as always I wish you all a wonderful day.

Carol

Easter Treats

Two very kind and thoughtful friends sent me the products I'm using in today's post. Vicki of Stamped Smiles sent me this amazing folding carton die from Taylored Expressions along with that wonderful little sentiment die. Also my sweet friend Lynn  (who is taking a break from blogging) sent me this adorable little bunny die recently so I had to use him on these cartons. He's holding a tiny little egg with an itty bitty heart in it, so I die cut the heart in 2 different colors and swapped the negatives LOL These cartons are filled with Easter goodies and are going to my awesome neighbors. His is the green version, and hers is the one with flowers. I added 2 tiny sparkly stickers to the sentiment panels on each one and tied them with some vanilla colored twine.

I decided to create a basket to hold these cartons so I made one with pink cardstock and added SU! embossed basket weave panels to all 4 sides, along with an Echo Park die-cut Easter sentiment. I attached some pink ribbon to the handle and then attached it with my Crop-0-Dile and some silver eyelets so it will hold the weight of the cartons.

Here's the finished gift I'll be sharing with them on Easter.

         

I made another one of these box/baskets (which I'll share later) and I thought it would be easier to adhere the embossed panels before putting the box together. Well look what I did in my haste to make it easier! LOL I put the panel on upside down and didn't realize it until I glued the box together. LOL Before I took it apart to fix it, I thought I'd take a picture to show that I'm as human as everyone else and make big mistakes too! LOL I actually had a good laugh once I saw what I'd done 😄

 

I'm going to share this project with the NBUS #60 challenge since these bunnies and cartons are having their first outing. Darnell is also working on her monthly I.D.E.A.S. for 2024 and it's embossing.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your week ahead is a great one for you. Keep smiling 😊

Carol

Happy Winter

 We had a little bit of snow a few days ago and may be getting more of the white stuff early next week, so I figured it's a good time to make a card like this. A thoughtful sweet friend (thank you!) sent me this Cottage Cuts die recently so there's no time like the present to put it to good use. I die cut it in GinaK Blue Raspberry cardstock along with several other colors and yes, I actually paper pieced all those itty bitty negative bits to add a little color to the snowman. I pulled out a very old MFT letter stamp set and made the sentiment, matting each one with more matching cardstock. I added 2 die cut stitched snowflakes from Lawn Fawn, covering them with Diamond Stickles and adding a tiny blue gemstone to the center of each one as well as the letter "I" in the sentiment. The background was embossed with an older retired SU! ef that I've always been a fan of for wintry cards.

I will share this with the following challenges:

The Little Red Wagon Challenge #738 - show some snow

the Sisterhood of Crafters January 10th, 2024 challenge - icy cold

The Four Seasons January 2024 Winter Season Challenge

Craft Rocket Challenge #110 - use embossing

NBUS Challenge #58 - Never Before Used Schtuff

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you're keeping warm and comfy wherever you are.

I saw this sign today on my way back home today from the store:

Sausage jokes are the wurst . 😆 

Keep Smiling 😉

Carol

You Rock

 I bought this sentiment from Kat Scrapiness some time ago and never got around to using it for some reason. I created the background with a MFT Equalizer stencil and some purple ink and then die cut the shadow of the word with purple cardstock. I added a few purple gemstones and that's all this card needs. The large sentiment speaks for itself!

I'll share this with the following challenges:

A brand new challenge called Word Power #1 - make the sentiment the focus of the card

January 2024 Stencil Fun - A/G using a stencil - *optional birds

NBUS #58 - never before used schtuff (word die)

Here in the east we're expecting snow/rain for today so it will be a good day to stay warm inside and work on crafts. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day.

Carol

Good Bye 2023

I made this card with an Altenew Trio Fireworks embossing folder and some  pink mirror cardstock. I bought this folder a while ago but this is it's first outing, just perfect for the celebration that will take place later tonight as 2024 is ushered in. The celebrate sentiment was die cut with silver mirror card and a Lil Inker die, and I added some silver sequins and a tiny pearl for the finishing touch.

I'll share this with the following challenges:

The Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge - Party Time

The Alphabet Challenge - T is for Texture

The NBUS Challenge #57 - Never Before Used Schtuff (ef)

Thanks so much for stopping by today and for all the visits over the past year(s) and all the lovely comments you leave. I appreciate each and every one of you and I wish you all a blessed, healthy, and happy new year in 2024!

Carol

Howl You Doin?

 When I saw this cute image/stamp set from Lawn Fawn I had to cave in and buy it. I colored the image with Copics and die-cut him to place on the Lawn Fawn die-cut tag. I used a piece of beautiful Blue Knight paper that a friend shared with me for the tag along with some new Lawn Fawn flannel plaid designer paper die-cut with a Lil Inker stitched rectangle. I sent this card to my friend's hubby who recently got out of the hospital and I hope he's doing well.

I'll share with these challenges:

NBUS challenge #56 - never before used schtuff - stamp, die, papers

Critter Crazy Challenge #80 - A/G featuring a critter

While I had everything out on the table, I made a 2nd card using assorted designer papers

Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a great weekend as most of you will get an extra hour's sleep tonight when we turn the clocks back one hour. Keep smiling 😊

Carol

Christmas Cards

I recently treated myself to this new Creative Expressions Christmas sentiment die and paired it with some I.O. die-cut angels on a piece of green mirror card. I die-cut the mirror card with a Lil Inker stitched rectangle die and placed it on a white card base. I don't think this card needs anything else.

 I made a second one and used different angels or repositioned the ones I used in the first card, just to make them a little different. Sorry that mirror card picks up the camera reflection but I can't seem to find a way to eliminate that.

I'm entering the October Rudolph Days challenge  - A/G Christmas

 

as well as the Peace on Earth Challenge #50 - A/G Christmas

since the sentiment die is brand new, I'm also entering into

 the NBUS challenge#55 - Never Before Used Schtuff

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your day is a good one.

Carol

Christmas Card

 A very generous and thoughtful friend recently sent me a few sheets of this great designer paper along with a gift card for my birthday, so I immediately bought this fun little Picket Fence Santa image stamp set and paired them together to make this card. The designer paper reminded me of a night sky in snow and the sentiment in the stamp set was perfect, so that's how this card came to be. I colored the image with Copics and glaze pens; then added some liquid applique to the fur for a little texture. I fussy cut and placed him over the sentiment panel. That panel was die-cut with a Kat Scrappiness stitched die and the snowflakes were done with 2 punches and a die and dotted with diamond stickles for a little sparkle. (Thank you again for the wonderful birthday gifts my friend, you know who you are)

I will enter this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Christmas

NBUS Challenge #55 - never before used stuff

the Happy Little Stampers October Christmas Challenge - A/G *opt. stencil

the Allsorts Challenge Week #750 - add texture

Thanks as always for stopping by and I wish you a peaceful stress-free day. 

(I'd like to have one of those myself actually LOL)

Carol

Garden Gnome

I had the Inkadinkado Garden Gnome stamp set on my table and stamped another image from it for the first time. I colored it with Copics, adding Wink of Stella glitter for a little subtle sparkle. I added some yellow glaze pen accents to the little bee on his hat and used a gold paint pen for his belt buckle. The Pink Fresh sunburst stencil set got it's first outing too with this background and I added a Lawn Fawn sentiment to finish it. I used Lil Inker stitched rectangle dies for the image and card base panels, backing the image with a piece of black cardstock.

I'll enter this card into these challenges:

the July Stencil Fun Challenge - A/G using a stencil *opt. birthday theme

NBUS challenge #52 - never before used schtuff (stencil set, stamp)

We Love Stamping July Challenge - Fabulous Florals with *opt. A/G

Stamping Sensations July Challenge - Summer Flowers with *opt. A/G

the Happy Little Stampers July Stencil Challenge - A/G

Thanks for stopping by today and may this day be a good one for you!

Carol

Planted with Love

 A very generous and thoughtful friend sent me this adorable Inkadinkado stamp set a while ago and I was completely baffled as to how to use it, because my brain somehow only connects gnomes with Christmas. I finally bit the bullet and challenged myself to make a card with it and I'm pleased with how it turned out!

I colored the garden gnomes with Copics and glaze pens, adding some clear W.O.S. glitter pen to the fur around one gnome's cap. I added a tiny Lil Inker die-cut sun along with a tiny die-cut butterfly dotted with yellow glaze pens. The sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers, heat-embossed with white ep on a black die-cut stitched sentiment panel (first time I used the stitched sentiment die) and I stamped and colored a crow from the MFP stamp set and fussy cut him and placed him right on the sentiment panel. The background was created with 4 colorful strips of cardstock that were embossed with a retired SU! ef and I finally put this cute stamp set to use for a summer garden theme. The inside says "Sending you Sunshine."

I'll share this with the following challenges:

The Double D Great Outdoors Challenge - A/G with the great outdoors

The Four Seasons Summer July 2023 Challenge - A/G summer related

The Triple B July Challenge - Blooms, Birds, Butterflies (1, 2, or all 3)

The Sisterhood of Crafters - In the Garden

NBUS Challenge #52 - Never Before Used Schtuff (the stamped image and die-cut sentiment panel)

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope your garden is growing well this year. Have a great day!

Carol

Christmas Star

 I recently won a gift certificate by playing along with a challenge at Simon Says Stamp and I treated myself to this pretty star die as part of my prize. I die-cut it with some vanilla and mirror gold cardstock and added a golden pearl to the center. All the tiny "stars" were from assorted stamp sets and heat-embossed with gold on the navy card base which was die-cut with a Lil Inker stitched rectangle. The Noel sentiment from PTI was also heat-embossed in gold.

That's one more Christmas card added to the stash for this year and I'll enter it into the following challenges:

June Rudolph Day Challenge - A/G Christmas

the NBUS Challenge #51 - never before used schtuff (the star)

the Christmas Craft Creations June Challenge - heat  embossing

the Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge #42 - A/G Christmas

Thanks for stopping by and make it a great day!

Carol