Little Sweetie

Well, the vacation is now over and I am back home to recuperate....literally!  I really hope you like my card for this week at The Character Cafe.   Using the image Mary, from their October release, I've made a non-traditional little Christmas card for this week's new challenge, and hopefully you will also have some fun making your own creations with the following recipe:

Orange
die cut
ribbon
3 circles

AND......be sure to check out the wonderful creations from the rest of the DT team for some more great inspiration!

The image has been cut out with my Nestie, while the circle behind it uses a die that I tried out at my daughter's house.  The paper doily has been sponged with orange distress ink, which is also used around the image and also around the card.  Blue distress ink has been used on the two die cut circles.  Note all the stickles....on the star, around the image and around the die cut circle....just what is needed for a little girl's Christmas card. 

Also entered into the following challenges, so be sure to follow the links for more inspiration and ideas.

One Stitch at a Time - #36 All Celebrations

Sentimental Sundays - #26 Distressing

Craft Your Passion - #29 Add Glitter and Sparkles

Papertake Weekly - Sparkly and Bright

A Spoon Full of Sugar - #127 Let's Get Punchy

Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Punch 'em

Moving Along with the Times - #70 A Card for A Child

Alys Sunday Challenge - AS28 Distressed
Inktegrity DT Challenge - #20 Anything

There's Magic in the Air with Paper Cupcakes - Die Cuts

Mouse Tales

Well, it's Friday again and this post is pre-scheduled, and hopefully....I'm enjoying a warm sunny day in Forida!  It's vacation time, and because you can't be here with me, I felt a little humour was in order, just to make you smile!

Today my card uses another new release from The Character Cafe, the cute little Sleepy Max.  I wonder why it is that mice look sooooo sweet in a picture on a card, but not when you find a real one...in your house, or office, or anywhere else for that matter! 

I have used my Prisma's again, matting it with stripes and red cardstock, using a fancy corner punch for a little extra detail....attaching with gold brads. 

This layout was nice and easy to work up and follows the current sketch for the challenge at Tickled Pink. 

The DP is just a matter of stripes and polka dots, using the traditional Christmas colours of red and green, but I have added a stamp, red pearls, and a green paper ribbon for accents.  To finish it off, just three little punched snowflakes and a red flower, all sparkling with glitter!

Other challenges entered...and more inspiration...
DCD Christmas Club - #39 Christmas Humour
Allsorts Challenge Blog - #74 Bingo (punch, flowers and pearls)
Pear Tree Designs - #22 'Free for all'
Tuesday Throwdown - #22 Anything Goes
Crafty Creations Challenge - #90 Colour (red, green and brown)
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge - #89 focus on the sentiment
Delightful Challenges - It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Meljen's Designs - #30 Anything Goes
Stamp Something - October Digi Day

Christmas Wreath

It may be almost Halloween....but I'm thinking Christmas!   I have already started my shopping, as I hate the crowds at last minute, and now I have started on cards.

This time I've used Christmas Wreath Pinecones, a lovely seasonal image from Just Inklined.  Coloured and blended with Prismas, with just a touch of added sparkle, it lends itself to endless card making possibilities.

For my layout, I've chosen to follow the current sketch at Sketch and Stash, and for the background I have used two of the new Jovial papers from Basic Grey.

Using my Silhouette to make a lacy circle, I've then sponged it with distress ink to get a bit of vintage look.  Both the image and the circle are mounted with foam tape for some added dimension.  I've then added hand made holly leaves, a few sprigs of greenery, and a number of red pearl holly berries to complete the design.

You may have noticed that the ribbon is not actually red....but rather a shade of pink!.  This wasn't intentional, but I liked the result......pairing it up with a pink card base.

This is my fourth card for my Guest Designer spot at Just Inklined, and I've really enjoyed working with their images.  Be sure to check out their site, where you will find great stamps, wonderful samples from their DT, and lots of inspiration!

Other challenges that I will enter with this card:
Simon Says - Easy No Cook Recipe Challenge -3 types of embellishments, 2 patterned papers, 1 image
Corrosive Challenges - #86 Get Rid of the White
Pear Tree Designs -  #22 'Free for all'

Thank You... in Orange

My goodness, it's Friday already!  Here in Canada, we are enjoying some Indian summer, watching the leaves turn and putting the gardens to bed.  I am trying soooo hard not to think ahead.....to winter!

Now, to my winner in last week's Blog Hop at The Character Cafe.  Using random org........it is #15........... jimlyn.  Congratulations!   Please email me to claim your prize.

Today, I've used the little image Pokey, from The Character Cafe, where their challenge this week asks for the colour orange, 3 squares and 3 flowers.  I've made a Thank You card this time around, and instead of adding 3 squares, I've cut them out to show the DP underneath.

While mostly orange, the striped DP and brown accents help provide an impression of autumn.  If you look closely, you will notice some doodling around the flowers.... that little bit extra.

Challenge Entries:
Stamps R Us Challenges - #6 An All Nature Theme
Kaboodle Doodles - #41 Celebrate All the Colours of Fall
One Stitch at a Time - #34 Use Digi Stamps
Craftalicious - #10 Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - 3 of a Kind
Tuesday Throwdown - #21 Use 3 elements

Pumpkin Picking Scarecrow

Well, it is definitely fall, and it's nearly Halloween....and there are so many beautiful images out there!  This is the first year I've ever made a Halloween card...but how can you resist....

This card uses the image and sketch from the current DZ Doodles challenge over at PCP.  Be sure to check them out, as you still have until the 15th to enter, and for a limited time this digi is a freebie!

Now, it goes without saying that I can enter into a number of other challenges with these colours and this theme, and you will find those links below.

But first, a few details I would like to point out....if you've noticed, I've embossed the background paper, inking it with black distress ink.  A few oak leaves have also been added, after being cut on my Silhouette and coloured with fall colours.  The image has been done with Prismas, then hand cut leaving part of the background.  My intention here was to create a semblance of a harvest moon.  I think it works...  The sentiment is simply a halloween sticker, attached to cardstock.

Other Challenge Entries:
Crafty Sentiments - #38 Autumn/Fall Colours
Creative Cottage - #25 Halloween
Easy Craft Projects - #23 Halloween
Fussy and Fancy - #21 Halloween
Stampin for the Weekend - #48 Autumn Inspiration
Pear Tree Designs - #21 Autumn
Tiffany Doodles - Fall Theme
Latte Lounge - Fall/Halloween theme
Stamp Scrap and Doodle - Halloween or Fall
Cooking it up With Katie - #33 Emboss a Sticky Leaf

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Do you sometimes colour up an image and then draw a blank, with no idea what to do with it.......?   Until this week's challenge at Mo's DP, this image, called Star, was one of them.  Their current challenge is calling for rainbow colours..... I chose indigo, and have used it to create a nighttime scenario.

The image and background are painted with water colours, plus Tombow markers where I needed deeper colour.  A little bit of shading has been added to the grass with Prismas.

The DP is a golden oldie, but there is a new paper ribbon border along the bottom..  Using silver tinsel powder, I have heat embossed the flourish in the upper corner and the centre layer of the large flower.  Silver paper is used to trim the sentiment and the image, while the edges of the DP are inked with silver metallic. 

 Well, this card was easy enough to make.....so why did it take me so long to get to it!  Be sure to check out the different challenge links I've provided, and maybe you'll find your inspiration.  Thanks for visiting.

Other Challenge entries:
Allsorts Challenge - #73 Inspiration from song title
Craftalicious - #10 Anything Goes
One Stitch at a Time - #34 Use Digi Stamps
Little Red Wagon - #50 Something Old/Something New
The Pink Elephant - TPE85 Childhood

Strongo the Magnificent

Remember when....we looked forward to our birthdays and another added year?  This was when most everyone we knew was older!  By the time we reached 29, our outlook had changed somewhat....by 39, reality had kicked in....and many chose to stay there for a while!  This card is dedicated to those of us who refuse to grow older....(you know who you are!)

My card today uses Strongo the Magnificent, another wonderful image from Just Inklined.  Coloured with Prismas, to show off his amazing physique and stylin' attire, the rest of the card uses manly colours of brown and black....no flowers, no glitter, no ribbon.  The sentiment is a new freebie from Create with TLC, and fits the theme perfectly!

Be sure to check out the store for more great images.  Thanks for visiting, and remember....Have Fun!

Challenge Entries:
Charisma Cardz - #40 Autumn Colours
One Stitch at a Time - #34 Use Digi Stamps
Craftalicious - #10 Anything Goes
Cards for Men - #21 Happy Birthday

Character Cafe Blog Hop

Well, good day to you all!  You have almost reached the end of The Character Cafe's Blog Hop, where we are celebrating the release of some wonderful new images.  If you have arrived here from Georgia's blog, then you are on the right path.  Otherwise, be sure to start back here at the beginning, as you really don't want to miss a thing.

My card uses the beautiful Mallard Duck image, and I am very pleased with the end result.  I used Prismas and mineral spirits for blending when I coloured the image.  I find this works best for me with digital imagery, as I don't lose any of the detail.  Copics would also work well, but I haven't made that investment yet..... 

Plaid paper by Daisy Bucket, and coordinating blue cardstock makes up the card, and I've edged the label with gold metalic.  The leaves behind the image were made on my Silhouette and add to the naturalist theme.  You may notice a few brown pearls and a bit of subtle stamping, but otherwise the only added element is the sentiment.  

Next, you will move on to the final hop, at Fink's blog, but first be sure to leave a comment.  There is a random draw on each blog where some lucky person will win the image used, and everyone who comments at all of the hops stands a chance at the grand prize.  In addition, you can find an exclusive Hop Discount at the Store , where you will find all of these images and many more!

Well, I do hope you enjoyed all the creations provided by our design team and that you are now in the mood to create!  Just remember to Have Fun, and maybe we will see your creations in our next challenge.

Challenges I am entering:
Fairy Fun Friday - #37 Tickets or Tags
Stamps R Us - #6 An All Nature Theme
Catch the Bug - Happy WCMD - Anything Goes
Daisy Doodles - #18 Critter Mad!

Thinking Pink

My card for today celebrates with the very feminine colour of PINK, which is recognized this month in the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.  This subject hits close to home....and I must strongly recommend you to have regular checkups and mammograms, and stay alert to any changes you may notice. Rest assured, there are many survivors, and hopefully one day they will find a cure.

Lately, I have been very busy with cards for some design teams, but now this card is for some challenges.  The image is one from Sassy Studio Designs and can be found here, and will be entered into their Think Pink Challenge.  The DP is from Basic Grey, while the lace mat is a cutting file that can be found on the lovely blog Monica's Creative Room.

Embellishments include a few pearls and gems, a peel-off silver border, stickles, a home made flower and a computer generated sentiment.  I have kept these relatively low key, as I think the image and lace speak for themselves.

Other Challenge Entries:
Stamp Something - Something to Celebrate
Sew Many Challenges - Anything Goes
Pollycraft - #64 Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - favourite challenge from the last 3 years (Pretty Pink Papertake)
Fab & Funky Challenges - #43 Use a Digi Image
Challenge Up Your Life - #28 Lace and Pearls
The Creative Cottage - #24 Bling It On
Fresh Brewed Designs - Anything Goes/Girly Challenge

Life's Highway...

Ohh, this image is so cool....and... my brother bought himself a motorbike this year....can you believe it?  So, of course I had to make it red, just like his...now he just needs the sidecar!

This is my second card as guest designer and I really had some fun with this one!   The image, called Hells Granny is only one of the many amazing designs to be found at Just Inklined.  There, you will find new images every week and a monthly challenge for GDT.  When you check them out, you may just find the perfect image for that special card...

I've coloured and blended with Prismas, and then used my Nestie labels die.  The edges are all sponged with distress ink, and the black highway is made using cardstock and white pencil crayon.

Not too many added details, just a bit of suggestion provided with the doodled winding path and the sparkly arrows, that perhaps they may need to ask for directions...soon!

I am also entering this card into the Allsorts Challenge this week, for their Transport/Holiday theme, and the Open Challenge over at Stamp, Scrap & Doodle.   Thanks so much for visiting.

Just Inklined Blog Hop - Let there be STRIPES

Welcome, and thanks for stopping by!  I'm the lucky person selected for the October Guest Designer spot, here at Just Inklined.....see, miracles really can happen!    Now, if you came here from Cathy's blog, then you're on the right path, and you have been happily hopping along enjoying the beautiful creations of the super-talented Design Team.  If you have arrived by a different route, then hop over or back to Karen's blog....you really don't want to miss a thing!

The theme this month is STRIPES, anywhere, anyhow, as long as there are stripes.

I've used some Basic Grey paper from the new Jovial line for my stripes, and Prisma's for my colouring medium.   Then, a little bit of red cardstock....a Martha Stewart punch....some gold metalic card....lots of glitter....some snowflakes....more glitter....a handmade flower....even more glitter....oh my!   And then, without further delay, the major attraction....the Christmas Bells image....such a classic design, so perfect for that special card!   So, be sure to hop by the store where you can be amazed and sometimes amused with their many designs.

Your next stop will be at Toni's blog.   Hop along and enjoy, and may you be inspired to create!  Thanks for visiting and have a great day.

Beautiful Blogger Award

On Friday, I was so pleased to get yet another surprise.   Brenda, from Bumblebees and Butterflies, nominated me for this award!  Thank you Brenda. It is amazing how friendships in blogland can blossom from thousands of miles away.  I am very appreciative of the support I receive from fellow crafters, and the inspiration I have received from others. 

Next I must list 7 informational items about myself.

1. I have been married for 39 years and I am still sane! (sort of)
2. I like dark chocolate and wine (they are good for you!)
3. I like to see new places, but I hate the actual travel to get there.
4. One of my husband's hobbies is gourmet cooking.  The result of a cookbook I gave him for Christmas a few years back.  The best investment that I ever made!
5. My 3 daughters are now grown, and now I get to enjoy my 4 grandchildren!
6. Spring and fall are my favourite seasons, as summer can be too hot, and winter is definitely too cold!
7. I was an accountant, getting lost in numbers and spreadsheets.  Now I get lost in colours, papers and craft stores.

I now need to choose 7 recipients to receive this award!  Being new to blogworld, I don't have too many close internet acquaintances, however, there are many who provide me, actually all of us, with their wonderful inspiration.  Therefore, I have chosen to present this award to the following.  They are all very talented people, and I thank them for sharing their talents with us.

Vickie - Nana Vic's  
Peri - Stuff
Bev - All The Things I Love
Jorunn - Jorunn's Scrappy Corner
Beccy - Beccy's Place
Suzanne - Stamp In Style, Cut It Out
Michelle - Freedom in Creating

If you haven't already, be sure to check out their sites! 

A Special Fairy

Today being World Cardmaking Day, I have something a little different to show you.  Hopefully this will give you some new ideas and inspiration.

The fairy on this card is not a stamp, but instead a page from a colouring book by Doodle Design.  I purchased two of these books while on vacation in England.....about 7 years ago.  I first coloured the image with pencil crayons, then added chalks to provide more depth.  This was prior to my introduction to the world of stamping and digi stamps, and before I knew about blending with mineral spirits.

Since then, I have scanned it to my computer and re-sized it smaller to fit the front of my card.  The card blank is stamped with a blue ink and a blue bow has been added, making it a very simple card to put together.

So be sure to look about and you may find other ideas for your cards too.  The only question now is, when will I ever find the time to complete the other pictures in these colouring books.....


Thank you for visiting, and I am going to enter into the following challenges with this card.

Paper Sundaes - #37 Things With Wings

Craft Your Passion - #25 Clean and Simple

Pear Tree Designs - #19 Celebration

Moving Along with the Times - #66 Fairies or Fantasy

Pollycraft - #23 No Designer Paper

One Stop Craft Challenge - #100 Congratulations

Latte Lounge - Rhonda's Fairy Challenge

More Exciting News

Well, I can now let my excitement show.......its quite stressful keeping good news to oneself.

My card for the September challenge was picked, and this month I will be Guest Designer for Just Inklined Digital Stamps. You could have picked me up off of the floor!   You should see their stamps and the gorgeous cards created by their design team.

If you haven't visited them yet, you are in for a treat!   Not only will you be inspired, but you will also get your chuckle for the day.  Remember, laughter is the best medicine!    The girls have quite a way with words...there's some English humour in there....and many of the images feed the funny-bone.

This Monday, October 4th, is their monthly Blog Hop and I too will be hopping along.   Hope to see you there!

Coming to a Door Near You!

Happy Friday everyone!  Its time for a fun challenge at The Character Cafe, and this is my first submission as one of their new DT members.  This week, the challenge is an easy one: - use the colour orange, two embellishments and some ribbon.

Now, let me introduce you to Simonstein, one of the many cute digital images available in their store.  I chose to use Prisma pencils to colour him, and after cutting part of it away, sponged the remaining background with black DI.  I added stickles to the outer edge and glitter pen to the light to make them sparkle.

For my layout, I have followed the current sketch from The Pixie Cottage, with just a few changes.

The papers have been in my stash forever, as well as some Halloween stickers, which I mounted on black cardstock, trimmed around and attached with foam tabs.  With just a few black gems and a little doodling on the bottom of the card,  I was finished.

This is the first Halloween card that I have ever made, and I'm sure I can think of a couple of little goblins that will enjoy it.