Two TG Day Cards made for CKC blog with October kit and for CCMWF gift

Thanks Giving Day cards made for cat enthusiasts

Unusual color combo with pinks, browns/bronze, gray, and black taken from the CKCB October 2018 kit to be copied and also from a new arrival in today's mail from the CCMWF Facebook group. About 10 days ago I participated in a sketch challenge and the administrator of the group sends out card kits for those who did submit card photos. When I saw the papers she sent I immediately thought of a small pile from my October kit that would coordinate well. So voila!

Here's the card kit I received from CCMWF's administrator:

This photo below shows the stack of papers from my huge October "All About Autumn" kit that I used to supplement (all except the 5" square base cards which is more old stock). I used part of the top left pile:

Link to CKCB October kit reveal with a blog hop:

https://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/2018/10/october-2018-counterfeit-kit-challenge.html

The rose gold metallic floral print cardstock was cut to 3/4" wide and 5" long. The mesh rose gold/bronze gems were divided in half vertically so that I could pair with that metallic paper. The black patterned paper and the light gray with white dot one were cut to about 4.75" squares with the AAA kit papers being 4.25" squares (paisley print and a deep russet brown). From the above photo's top pink damask paper, I cut 2.25" deep by 4.25" wide sections that were used on the inside panel completed with a heart and home type text stamped message. Add some leaves from my embellishments part of the AAA kit and the pink metallic ribbon-chokered black cats from the CCMWF card kit to finish off the front. One more view of the cards:

Glamorous Thanksgiving Day cards for two girlfriends/cat owners (or is it owned by cats?!!) are ready to mail in November! Did you notice that one opens on the right side and the other lifts up from the bottom edge? I just love to tweak. I can't even copycat my own stuff!!

Becca S from the USA heartland

PPCC blog 386 for 27 June 2018

Happy Birthday card using orange, black, gray, and brown tones

I think I might save this for August for my brother's birthday even though he's a truck driver, not a professor. However, the image is too funny...I have to use:

PPCC blog #386 challenge blog's design team example card for inspiration is why I'm posting about this. PPCC's challenges' theme is always anything goes, so crafters can create any theme, color, style of paper crafted creation to be eligible for one of the prizes or to be part of a top 3 honor selected by one of the DT members. For the current challenge post and to learn more about participating, use this link:  https://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/2018/06/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-386.html

Half of the DT crew had a chance to select an image from Dr. Digi's and I was part of this group. Besides providing some of the DT with images for the week, they are also providing one of the prizes. The PPCC blog post for #386 will have their link and the prize details.

The other half of the DT crew have used Star Stampz Images, so be sure to see what both teams have created by using the PPCC link. And Star Stampz Images have also provided one of the prizes (details and links to their store on the #386 post).

Two more photos of this cute card:

I've colored his hair and eyes to match my brother's. He wears glasses but not anything close to Professor Wigginson's. And my brother doesn't have a mustache, yet I like this masculine image and felt it was timely to make early for my brother.

Design notes:
a. orange cardstock base= The Paper Studio/Hobby Lobby
b. black with white polka dots (stick-on) paper bought at Dollar Tree
c. black ribbon with orange center stitching= Studio G
d. butterscotch cardstock behind the image= Colorbok

Still crafting in the USA heartland, Becca S

Sketchy Saturday 19 may 2018 challenge entry

Let's Do This...lunch...day trip...hopefully sometime soon to have girl time with a friend

Dimensions: 5" square

Card base: medium pink square card (Studio G)

Designer papers: old stash

Other supplies: pencil, ruler, scissors, mesh gems, planner stickers, glue stick, staples and stapler

Layout design: Sketchy Saturday challenge blog from Laurel Seabrook Designs

link:  https://laurelseabrookdesigns.blogspot.ca/2018/05/sketchy-saturday-with-pattern-happy-and_19.html

illustration of sketch:

Use the link to see the inspiration card made by Laurel! Make your interpretation of this Sketchy Saturday 19 May 2018 and post it to her blog.

Still crafting in the Midwest heartland, Becca S

CTD #473 for December 18 of 2017

You want a challenge? A mega CHALLENGE? Then what about a THROWDOWN?

A Throwdown about color! CTD #473 is happening now! 

http://colorthrowdown.blogspot.com/2017/12/color-throwdown-countdown-473.html

There is wonderful inspiration creations by the design team, so check it out if you have time before the December 18, 2017 deadline.

This is what I created for the challenge:

Main products:

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Scrapbook-Paper-Crafts/Paper-Cardstock/Printed-Paper-Packs/The-Mint-Berry-Cardstock-Paper-Pack/p/MB52038

https://www.unitystampco.com/joy-to-the-world/

Did you notice what I did to the patterned papers to add the "kraft"/beige color? I meticulously used a brown colored pencil to lightly apply a kraft beige color element to the selections. Does it work? Could you tell?

I love the results!!!! Just a hint of Christmas with the gingerbread foam stick-on for the front and the stamped Joy to the World sentiment on the inside.

Advent ATC 13

December is Advent season and for day 13 it is "Joy to the World"

Music staff print paper
Joy to the World rubber stamp
teals and browns
micro thin decorative tape with same teal color

The stamp was a gift received 2 days ago from an awesome and very thoughtful crafter/blogger. She also sent me one of her hand-crafted Christmas cards with a personal note written inside.

This rubber stamp is from Unity Stamps. Doesn't it look like it is on an ornament?

The teal music print paper is from The Paper Studio by Hobby Lobby. The 2 different brown papers are from Colorbok. Deco tape is by Jot. The number stickers were part of a scrapbooking kit purchased sometime in the past 6 years. Black dye ink pad is part of the Studio G line by Hampton Arts.

Constructing this ATC I tweaked the "rules" by enlarging the overall dimension. The top cinnamon brown paper layer is the correct size for an ATC of 2.5" x 3.5". But due to the size of the stamp, I felt like I needed to lengthen and widen a bit more with another bigger base layer. So there is the chocolate brown cardstock bottom layer.

The diamond was quickly made with a stencil from the Folk Art Decorative Icons set by Plaid. Ruler, pencil, and black marker completed this quick to make ATC.

Keep checking back as I make more with different themes to celebrate this Advent.

Becca

CTD 471

CTD 471 metallics challenge

CTD=Color Throwdown; go to their blog to get details and see the inspiration photo

http://colorthrowdown.blogspot.com/2017/11/color-throwdown-471.html

http://colorthrowdown.blogspot.com/2017/11/color-throwdown-471.html

Must use: black, white, gray, and gold

"Shine like a star--new year wishes" card

1. Finished folded card size is 5" x 7".

2. Supplies are: 

*white cardstock for base using Georgia-Pacific 110 weight cardstock

*gray cardstock scrap from Colorbok

*butterscotch/gold cardstock scrap from Colorbok

*black dye ink pad from Studio G/Hampton Arts

*Inspirational Quotes Advanced Coloring book by Bendon

*iridescent gemstones

*metallic gold deer from gift tag by Christmas House

*lettering for inside panel sentiment was used from different stencils from a Bible journaling set by American Crafts

*markers= black, gray, yellow

*colored pencil= black

3. Technique tricks:

*Coloring page was cut into sections with an upper stars section used for background behind the inside panel sentiment "new year wishes" and most of the lower section trimmed for a large front panel focal.

*Star was colored in yellow (to resemble gold) in order for that word to stand out.

*The mountains in the image were shaded lightly using a black colored pencil.

Close up view of the front:

A view of the front from a short distance back:

A close up view at a angle to get a better look at the gemstones and how the deer stands away with use of a foam sticky:

The inside view:

Christmas and Winter Theme Cards #1

Dream Big!

Happy New Year Cards

The polka dot paper has a sticky back! I came across the paper in a 3-pack of coordinated prints at a discount dollar store! What a fabulous frugal find!!! The black lace tape was also purchased at the same discount dollar store!

 Studio G produced the stamp of "dream big" and the base square white card and envelope.

Foam snowflakes were purchased many years ago from OTC. They came in a huge volume pack in different shades of blue plus white, pink, and lavendar.

The stencil number ruler has been in my "arsenal" for many years.

Wedding cards: # 1 of 3 made for friends

Friends of mine had 3 of their 4 adult children marry within a timespan of 1.5 years!

Wedding card #1:

clever uses of ordinary supplies--tulle that has been inked in order to coordinate with the colors and contrast against the doily

Card #3 of 3 made in 30 minutes from start to finish

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how this quick-to-make card is so charming and light-hearted. It is for our pastor.

The card was easy to put together for these reasons:
a. the birthday candles were already wrapped with the baker's twine (was going to use several weeks ago and changed mind--now am glad because the color mix goes so perfectly with the pre-printed card)
b. the multiple print happy birthday patterned paper is actually a 3-inch section cut from a pre-printed card purchased from Hot Off the Press (Paper Wishes website or catalog to purchase)
c. the scalloped circle opening in the card base was purchased that way from Studio G (purchased at Wal-Mart)
d. stenciled number ruler and 'congratulations' wood stamp made the other decorative touches easy

Wa-hoo for cute, charming, and easy to create!!!

Adorable flowery birthday cake focal

Birthday card for almost teen girl

12th birthday for niece--this is her special card creation:

25th Wedding Anniversary Card

Sister's 25th anniversary celebrated in March 2014

Here's what I created for Martha and Dave:

I love the mix of colors, patterns, textures, and theme reminders!!! There are many different techniques used as well:
*decorative edged scissors give a zig-zag finish to the bottom of the cover
*hole-punching to use the baker's twine
*stamping for the heart, initials and years using alphabet stamps, key, and love
*inking on edges of patterned papers
*stickers on top of decorative tape
*embellishments ranging from jewel stick-ons to glittered heart to silver glitter mini brad

Sharing another "old" creation

Quick card for college student nephew

Due to Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, I have been unable to have children and as a teacher, I get asked the question at least 3 times by each new group of students I meet. So years ago, I became the doting aunt, relishing in my "job" to spoil my 4 nieces and 2 nephews. This special group now ranges from age 24 to 9!!!

A quick card I made for my nephew last spring is still precious to me--cute combination of colors!

Card created during 2013 not previously posted

Finally!--I took time this past week to transfer over 300 photos from 1 of 2 cameras I own and can now share some of my results of my "therapy".

Hope you are inspired to creatively express yourself--

I "upcycled" a boxed card front panel because I loved the colorful crazy quilted butterfly image. My adding ribbons and brad along with the wide spectrum color letter stickers as well as the background cardstock, the butterfly image now makes a bigger impact.

Bold heart design for card

Birthday card for aunt

Supplies and layout could easily switch to Valentine's, Best friend, or Anniversary

About 10 days or so ago, one of my aunts had a birthday. This was the card I created last week for her:

front view

front close-up of the chipboard embellishment from Special Moments

front close-up of stamping

inside view

Special creative note: the hot pink ribbon is re-cycled/re-use from packaging purchase several months ago. It was a perfect color match with  the heart doily!

Birthday in blues and greens

Feminine birthday card creation

for adult-age niece

Lots of different aqua, teals, and spring greens mixed to create a fluttery girly-girl card:

Studio G card base was purchased embossed and the area was inked so the butterflies would stand out.

inside view

angled view to see how the paisley cardstock is repeated; the flower cutout is the reverse side to the paisley from Wild Raspberry Papers from K and Company

Love is in the Air--Anniversary card

anniversary card

My sister and brother-in-law have been married for 24 years. This is the card I created last week for them:

front

inside

inside angled close-up

Some interesting creative secrets: the plaid heart is from a memo pad purchased from Current Catalog many years ago and the blue & green 'rug' design cardstock shown is from a deck of card--yes, playing cards! The scalloped doily and plaid heart were inked with tan stamp pad in order to coordinate better with the floral vine cardstock and to also contrast with the white card base.

Feminine Birthday card for best friend

BFF: best friend forever--her 2013 birthday card creation

Birthday card using lots of blue-green hues

It was soooo good to be creating a card instead of grading papers or fixing 'babies' (Baby Think It Over babies for parenting class students) or grocery shopping for one or more food classes! I just LOVE when I get the chance to be creative and especially love when I coordinate an extremely eclectic grouping of items and techniques to create a charming card.

The embossed-edged card is from Studio G. I used a peacock blue-green ink pad (also from Studio G) to apply color to the embossed edge in order for it to 'pop'. The white doily was also bordered with the same ink application. Studio G's "make a wish" stamp was used to create another bottom border.

A circle of white tulle was folded, crimped, and trimmed at each end in order to overwhelm the card.

The paper heart shape is from a set of memo pads purchased a few years ago from Current Catalog. I felt that since Valentine's Day was only a few weeks back and I have also know my BFF Susie since we were in first grade, a heart focal image for her birthday card was very appropriate. Half of the ribbons are from Martha Stewart Crafts ('congratulations' and 'best wishes') or from Studio G. The epoxy brad and the chipboard flower (inside) are also from Studio G.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the final results:

employee of the month special creation

Oversized easel-type card for Employee of the Month Congrats

School District starts EOM recognition and 1st recipient is Middle School Secretary

My teaching position is a split of duties between middle school (7th-8th graders) and high school home economics classes. So when the middle school secretary was honored, I wanted to create a very special card for this very special lady. She's our angel!

The card has a whole range of techniques, supplies, and vendors! There's tracing, stenciling, embossing, inking, embellishing, sanding, cutting, etc. The angel image is a re-purposed image from a thank you note card. Some of the vendors include Paper Wishes (yellow heart brad), Martha Stewart Crafts (congrats ribbon), Elmer's Craft Glues (adhesives), etc.