Day 364 - Vicky's Style Challenge

Only 1 day to go... I just found this challenge 3-4 weeks ago and am having a blast!  I am so happy to hear that they will be continuing!

Day 364 - Vicky's style:  Soft, sharp and clean!  I love her card:

I chose to use a soft pink as well.  I had this pretty floral paper in my scrap pile and used it for the second card this week! 

I am so happy that Vicky used ribbon in her card, it gave me a chance to "scraplift" ribbon.  I saw a segment of Oprah's show yesterday and she was auctioning off some of her items.  There was a dress that had a belt-type thing-y (you tell. I am not up on fashion) that I loved and I thought that would be cute on a card!       Ta-da... I loved how it turned out! 

All paper can from scrap piles and the ribbon is from Michael's.  "Hello" stamp is from Studio G.

Day 362 - Amy's Style Challenge

The 365 Cards challenge is to make a card showcasing Amy's style, which is fun, bright and whimsical:

So this is the card I came up with:

I used a blue cardstock from my stash and also some Amy Butler paper from the stash as well!  I used a lime green textured cardstock to build the flower.  The die-cuts were made using the scallop circle and circle Spellbinders.  The leaves were made from a Cuttlebug die.  A Studio G stamp "thinking of you" was stamped in a teal blue ink (picture did not show this very well).

I scraplifted the following elements from Amy's card: pinwheel, double-buttons, circle and scallop shape.

Day 363 - Sophie's Style Challenge

This is my the closest to my style of cardmaking- clean and simple.  Sophie's example for the today's 365 Card challenge is below:

LOVE IT!!! However, I shouldn't scraplift the entire thing, so this is what I came up with:

I just LOVE using Kraft cardstock!  I think it looks amazing!  So I "scraplifted" that from Sophie's example.  She used the Swiss Dots embossing (my favorite), but I chose to use the Birthday folder.  The top part of the card is embossed, leaving the bottom smooth and ready for the Stampablilties birthday stamp.  To add a little something to the card, I colored the embossed present with pink ink.  A simple pink ribbon is wrapped around the front of the card!

Archive Challenge from 365 Cards

I am still trying to come up with a card for Amy's style challenge from 365 Cards.  However, since I am fairly new to the 365 challenge, I went back through some of the archive challenges and found one about a frayed knot!  I have never seen this technique, so I had to try it!

Everything came from my stash collections!  The stamp is from a clear stamp collection from Recollections.

I used the sketch from Mojo Monday's as inspiration, but did tweek some of it!

Day 361 - Kristie's Style

Today's 365 Cards challenge is to make a card using Kristie's signature style.  Here is the card she used to express her style:

Day 360 - Audrey's Style

Today's challenge at 365 Cards is to make a card using Audrey's style (stamps and/or bold). I used orange as my bold color and one that I hardly ever use.  This week's challenge at Practical Scrappers is to use stamps.

Yippee!!!

Just figured out how to have links within my post!  Now moving on to learn about placement of multiple pics.

Day 358 - Sunday Sketch

This is the card I came up with for the 365 Cards Sunday sketch challenge. When I saw the pinwheel that Gloria had on one of her cards last week or so, I just knew I needed to try it! And thank goodness she had a tutorial on her blog on how to do it. It is not too complicated, I just thought it would be harder than it really was!  This card also fits into this week's challenge at Frosted Designs (plaid and dots) and SophistiCat (embossing).

I used a textured cardstock for the square card. The scrapbook paper is a two-sided print from My Mind's Eye. I used two buttons for the center of the pinwheel. On the orange matting, I used the Swiss dots folder from Cuttlebug. To make the dots standout more and ran a darker orange ink pad across the top. The birthday stamp is from Studio G.

Day 359 - Gloria's Style (Vintage)

I found this challenge to be HARD!!! The challenge is to make a vintage style card and "scraplift" an idea from Gloria's card. (Wishing I knew how to incorporate links :] ).

I am not a fan of the vintage look, but I went through my stash of paper and came up with this card. I used a plain brown cardstock for the card. A stamp from Paper Studios was used on the edge of the card. I also distressed the rest of the card with brown ink. I took a piece of scrapbook paper (vintage map) and spray water on it and crumpled it. Once I flatten the paper, I rolled some of the edges and also used brown ink to "distress" the paper. I did the similar technique on the "Happy Birthday" paper. I "scraplifted" Gloria's use of 3 brads.

I still need to complete Sunday's sketch challenge. I should be able to catch up tomorrow! A chance of snow in Houston, so I think I will be staying in for the day. Don't want to take the kiddos outside, since we are just recovering from a minor bug.

Trying to work on Blog page

Learning the in-n-outs of the blog world. Finally, updated to the 3-column template. Off to learn some more tricks. A few days behind the challenge, but I have the ideas in mind-just have to pull them out!

Day 357 - Saturday's Sketch

Here is today's card challenge. I used an old scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby (too bad I got it on clearance- I LOVE IT). In fact all the paper I used were old or scraps, so I am not sure the brands of the other papers. The flower and circle die-cuts came from my Slice Machine. The ribbon is Paper Studio. The Hello stamp is from Studio G and I used a Cherry Red ink from Hobby Lobby. The center of the flower is covered with red glitter glue. It was the first time I ever worked with this and it can be messy on small projects, but fun!

I really need to spend some time figuring out how to use this blog website. I need to learn how to put the pics wherever I would like them to be within the text and the specific order to be in. I need to also learn how to include the links of website/blogs that I get information from! That needs to be my challenge for this weekend. But not today, the hubby and I are going on a date tonight-first one in a LONG TIME. Three kiddos sure do put a damper on date nights!

Day 356 - Friday's Sketch

I never really thought about making a card on solid white before, until the white-out challenge last week or so. I love the look of these cards! I am learning SO much from the talented cardmakers out there!!!!! I love looking around for new ideas (or at least new to me) that don't involve the Cricut!!!

This card measures 5x7 and is made out of a solid cardstock. The matting is a textured yellow with the scrapbook paper from American Crafts. The tree stamp is from Studio G (gotta love those dollar stamps) and the Thanks is from Stampablilities. The tree is mounted on pop-dots with a simple satin ribbon wrapped around the card.

Day 355- Thursday Sketch

I decided to make a masculine birthday card for Thursday's sketch. Most of my cards tend to be girl-y, so I decided to switch it up some!

I used kraft cardstock to make a 5x7 card. The patterned papers is from My Mind's Eye. Stampablilites and Studio G stamps were used, both stamped in brown ink. Raffeta ribbon was used to embellish the center of the card.

Day 354 - Wednesday Sketch

It is interesting to see what the final outcome of a card will turn out to be. I took the sketch from 365 Cards Challenge and started with a certain card in mind. It turned out nothing like what I have invisioned!

The card is made with a bright blue cardstock and a boy's scrapbook paper (both from Hobby Lobby). I used the Slice machine for the die-cuts. I also added some orange brads and cloth pins for aditional accents. Pop dots were used on the baby sign.

Day 353 - Tuesday's Sketch

With Tuesday's card, I worked on the distress ink technique. I am getting the hang of it... I think! I love this card. And this was the first card I got to use my SLICE machine!!!!

I made a square card using white cardstock. A corner punch by Paper Studio was used to round the corners. I used a group of patterned papers from "Me and My Big Ideas". I used green ink (Memento) to distress the paper. I used the Slice Machine for the oval diecut (paper unknown, came from the scrap box). A Studio G stamp was used for the sentiment. Simple buttons and ribbon were also added!

Day 352 - Monday's Sketch

So I have the cards made for the past couple of days and just now getting to post them! For Monday's sketch, I made a birthday card that would fit for a boy's BDay. I used sock monkey scrapbook papers (Recollections). I used a smooth red cardstock for the card and a bright green for the matting. I used a edge punch (need to get the brand/style) for the strip of paper in the middle of the card. I used Spellbinders (circle and scallop circles) for the diecuts. Cannot really tell in the pic, but the Cuddlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder was used on the scallop circle. A cut-out from teh scrapbook paper was used for an embellishment, as well as a simple ribbon and buttons. The stamp is from Studio G.

Day 351 - Sunday Sketch

I am so excited! I went to Michael's today and bought the SLICE machine. I don't have the Cricut, so this is getting me a step closer! And an added bonus...Michael's got MORE $1.00 stamps!!!!! They are SOOOOO CUTE! I used two of them in the card today!

I used a shiny textured cardstock for the card today. A mustard yellow cardstock was used for the matting. I used a 4 in. cut-out circle from a cute scrapbook paper (from Hobby Lobby - Paper Studio I think). Spellbinders were used to make the frame. The stamps as I mentioned before are Studio G. I used brown ink to distress the card. First time I used this technique throughout the card.

Have a Happy Valentine's day!

Day 350

So here is the card I came up with today. I had to complete it during naptime, because today is day 1 of a 3 day potty training method. What fun!

I used a textured cardstock for the card and the back mat. A two-sided patterned paper was used on the card. I cut the piece into 3 parts allowing the middle section show the reverse side of the paper. I used two ribbons layered around the card. A die-cut was used to stamp "Hello !" onto it! I tried to make a new paper flower out of circles and I think it turned out pretty good! (still need some practice, but not bad)

Day 349 - Use of Direction

This was an interesting challenge! It took me most of the day to figure one out and it turned out to be so simple.

I used a textured yellow cardstock to make the card. Two patterned papers were used to make the arrow. And Studio G alphabet stamps were used to stamp the saying.

Once i complete the card for tomorrow, it will be two weeks I have participated in this challenge! I wish I found it earlier!

Looking forward to Sketch week!!!

Day 348 - Keep It Simple Challenge

So I finished most of the house chores and since today it is rainy and cold here...I spent some time in my craft room. (Like I need weather to provide an excuse!)

Today's challenge is to keep it simple. Use blank cardstock and stamp a single image. One catch, you can add only 1 embellishment to the card!

Since my cards tend to be on the simple side of things, this challenge was easy for me.

I used white cardstock with a "It's a Girl" stamp for Recollections. I added a small button to the center of the flower.

So I am getting the hang of simple blogging. The next step is to learn how to add the links to the challenges I am participating in. Wish me luck!

Have a great day!

Day 346 and Day 347

I am caught up! Hip hip hooray... but now I have no excuse... I have to clean my craft room :(

I have two cards in this post for the 365 Cards challenges (Day 346 and Day 347). For Day 346 (Tuesday Trio), I also incorporated the sketch challenge from Mojo Mondays. The trio used in the cards were scallop, ribbon, and distressed ink. I have never really done the distressed ink, so I'm not even sure I did it correctly. I used Spellbinders for the scallop circle and the label. I hand-stamped the flower image and colored it with a watercolor technique that I am also new at!

For Day 347, I used my very first digi stamp. I used colored pencils to color the image. Spellbinders were used for the circle and scallop circle. Pop-up dots were also used to make the image pop off the page.

Now I am off to clean the house and the craft room. If I finish my "chores", I will get to reward myself and work on another first...chipboard mini album. I decided to tackle this project to focus on the birth have my new daughter. Hope it turns out great...fingers crossed!

Ad-Inspired Challenge Day 345

I found this challenge to be...well...challenging! But fun! I used the colors from the candy basket (pinks, browns, and a hint of red)! I also used different textures throughout the card (hey, each candy and nut have different textures right?)! I also embossed the cupcakes (sweet like candy) to represent the shiny coating on some of the candy.

Materials used were:

cardstock (smooth and textured), studio g stamps, embossing powder and ribbon.

I have been doing this challenge for over a week and am learning new things left and right! Cannot wait to learn more!

Day 344 (365 Cards) and Practical Scrapper - Brads Challenges

I never really considered the time it takes to creat a card! A "challenge" doesn't even describe it! But I am trying to stick with it! Here is the card I came up with the sketch for day 344 (yes, I am one day behind...but WILL catch up)!

I used textured cardstock for the card and smooth cardstock for the matting. Patterned paper is used for the backing. I also used coordinated scrapbook papers to make the paper flowers. The center of the flowers are a simple brown brad. A stamp was used for the "Happy Birthday". I also used baby blue ink to swipe across the the text to also bring out the blue. A EK Success edge punch was used at the bottom of the card.

Day 343 - Interacting Images

I know I am squeezing this one in the deadline! It has been a busy day (Super Bowl Prep and Yardwork)!!

Two image stamps were used as well as an alphabet set for the wording. I also used a mixture of textured cardstock and smooth cardstock to make the card! And as usual I used ribbon--gotta love ribbon!

Day 342 - Familiar Image

This was a hard challenge! But 343 will be harder!

I will have to come back and write the description! Have a screaming baby that wants some attention!

Day 340 (365 Cards Challenge)

So things are getting crazy around here, but I am still sticking to my challenges! Hoping to catch up today! Another simple card! Black textured carstock for the card and red textured for the matting! Hand-stamped and cut heart-images used on the card (the second heart is on pop-dots to stick out alittle).

Sorry for the poor description! Just got in from working a few hours in the garden and I am pooped!

P.S. My addiction to Michael's $1.00 stamps continue... they just got in new Spring and Easter stamps...so CUTE!

365 Cards - Day 341

So I actually made this card for Day 340 and went to post it this morning and saw that it fits into today's challenge! So now I will have to go back and make another card for Day 340!

Day 341- Use the Heart shape in place of a blossom.

I used my sizzix die cut for the heart shapes "petals". I used a Cuddlebug embossing folder on the white background. (I love the Swiss Dots folder!!!!!)

Off to make Day 340 card challenge!

I "LOVE" this card!

I am so proud of myself! I think this is the best card I have ever done! I have seen these paper flowers all over the place and decided to try it!

I made this card today with the following challenges in mind:

365 Cards - Day 339 "LOVE"

Mojo Monday - Sketch

Practical Scrappers - Die Cuts

Color Combo came from somewhere I am trying to find out which blog!

I used a textured cardstock for the card and matting. I used a Cuddlebug embossing folder on the matting. I used a stamp that I could last season from the $1.00 stamps at Michael's (my addiction)! I used a Sizzix die cut for the hearts and Spellbinders for the paper flower! I also inked the edges of the text and paper flower with a cherry red color. (The paper flower matches the text, but the lighting is making it look different! Gotta love cloudy day!)

I know these cards are simple compared to the beautiful artwork that many crafters do...that is my goal to reach that level. I have been making cards for a few years, but just recently have been inspired to learn some new techniques! And boy do I wish I had a Cricut!

Challenges Practical Scrappers and Day 338 (365 Cards)

I made this Valentine's card using the Color Scheme for the Day 338 challenge on 365 Cards and die0cuts for the challenge on Practical Scrappers. The card is made with red textured cardstock. The patterned paper is red and several different shades of pink! I used a simple lovebirds stamp, colored with pencils. I used the Spellbinders _Labels Three for the die cuts. A simple heart punch and ribbon were added to embellish the card.

I am finding these challenges difficult. I see all these beautiful cards out there and strive to reach that difficulty level! I will succeed, eventually!

MPS Sunday Challenge and 365 Cards- Day 337 Super Sketchy Sunday

Do I have to say it again?! I am having a blast with this New Year's resolution! I am loving the time I am spending doing my crafts! And these challenges-how can I pick which ones to participate in? I made this card using the Day 337 Super Sketchy Sunday from 365 Cards. Robyn's (MPS) challenge was to make a card for someone special. I chose to make this card for my grandmother! She is the one who has inspired me to start making cards. My dream is to eventually reach the same crafty level she is in!

The card is made with a textured cardstock (Hobby Lobby). The patterned paper is Amy Butler. I used a Martha Stewart edge punch.

Off to go work on some housework and then my reward will be to work on Day 338 Color Scheme!

Oh-to continue the Confessions of a Craftaholic...

I cracked again...I walked into Michael's!