Christmas Poinsettia

Today, Doodle Pantry is sponsoring the challenge over at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. This is one of my favorite challenges!!!   The SSIC DT is showcasing Christmas cards with Jesus as the main focus.  Awesome!!  After all, without Christ, there is no CHRISTmas!!!  

I'm trying to make more flat-ish cards so they will mail without costing me so much!  This one should be pretty good...  a little dimension but no big bows or buttons.   Just a simple red & green Christmas card!! 

I printed the poinsettia 3 times, cut the whole flower, then the middle for just a little dimension.

~Doodle Pantry Poinsettia image, sentiment, and digi paper
     *this is a November new release... go check them all out!
~Spellbinders Circles and Lacey Circles
~MS border punch
~ribbon and adhesive dots

Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #167 - Christmas
Christmas Stampin' All Year Long CSAYL#37 - "To Die For"

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Have a 'jingle holiday'!

Just a fun Christmas card for a boy.  I usually think of giving to whole families when I make cards, but my kids do like to give to their friends, so I hope to get several done for them.  I meant to post this last night so am doing it while the turkey cooks! :)

I love fancy folds, but when making most cards, I get it done and then wonder if I could have made it with a different fold... only it's a little late then! :/ But this time I made a step card.

Challenges...
Cards for men challenge 24 - Merry Christmas
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #166 - card for a child
Paper Playtime #89 - anything goes
Playing in Paradise PPC#93 - CASE yourself -I CASEd THIS CARD

I used Doodle Pantry's Little Deer, one of this month's new releases.  I got the card together and realized that I had printed the deer WITHOUT the bells!!! :-P  Just imagine there are bells, ok??

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Black & White Anniversary

I wanted to make an anniversary card and went looking for inspiration.  I was able to combine several challenges for this card...

Closeup of the stamp

Challenges...
Mojo Monday 265 - sketch
Stampin Sisters in Christ #163 - time: clocks, etc. or black/white -- I obviously did the black/white but I think it's cool that it is an anniversary card... celebrating the time of a marriage! :)
Playing in Paradise #91 - Happy Anniversary
The Stamp Man November Challenge - emboss it
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Get in shape -not square
Shopping Our Stash #75 - 3D or handmade flower -- this flower is actually an up-cycled silk flower
Card Crafter's Circle #47 - patterned paper
Twisted Tuesday 2TC30 - anything goes

My "recipe":
~card cut with MTC
~music DP I've had FOREVER
~Fiskars stamp
~Allegro embossing folder
~flower, ribbon, and brad from stash

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Masculine note card

Masculine cards are not the easiest for me, but my husband is a pastor and I asked him awhile back if he'd like me to make some note cards for him.  Of course, he said yes, but I've been a little slow getting them done.  This is a start, at least!!!  I think I need to make them a little more postal friendly than this one, though.

My inspiration for this card came from Diane.  (Click on her name to see her card)  I liked her pairing of the Bible with this verse, so I copied!  Thanks, Diane!! :)

Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #162 - peace (the greatest source of peace...God's Word)
Word Art Wednesday #51 - anything goes
365 Cards: Day 233 - Color Scheme
Paper Pretties PWC229 - masculine card

~Pre-colored Clear Dollar digi "Morning Devotions" (w/ computer sentiment)
~Prima Madeline DP (this is a very girly pad but these sheets worked for a masculine card)
~Cuttlebug Roman Bath embossing folder
~brads and ribbon from my stash

Thanks for stopping by!!!

"Celebrate you' birthday card

Here's a birthday card made with some colored digis from Daydream Designs.  
I love the digis and bright colors of it, but am not too thrilled with  the distressing.  Have you ever started just to add a bit to the edge and "oops!" get more than you intended?  Then it's like cutting hair... you have to keep going to make it all even.  8-(  There is much more "Peeled Paint" than I intended, so just ignore it, ok?

Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #155 - birthday card **they are having a birthday blog hop, and you can grab a freebie from Diane, too**
Card Crafter's Circle #39 - Sweet as cherry pie (My cake is sweet!  I hope it is eligible because (don't tell anyone) I don't like cherry pie!!

~Time to Party Color Digi Set -I layered the cake and confetti
~Time to Party Sentiments
~Recollections cardstock
~DCWV Blossoms and Buttlerflies scrap
~TOO MUCH Tim Holtz Peeled Paint distress ink
~Spellbinders Flourish Impressabilities
~AC ribbon and Paper Studio brad

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Sympathy card

Another quick post before bed.  I sometimes try to make sympathy cards to have on hand.  Today, I started to make one and then found out I need it. 

Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #154 - use punches, dies, or shapes
Word Art Wednesday #43 - use word art or encouraging sentiment
The Paper Players #110 - sketch

The DP is Fancy Pants and the sentiment is from Clear Dollar.

Thanks for stopping by!

Simple verse card

**Scroll down for my Tuesday Morning Sketch post**

Well, the card is pretty simple, but no verse is simple.  Especially when it tells us of God and His faithfulness!!  This verse really does that!  Over the last few days, I have received news of difficulties for several friends and several blog friends.  The only place to turn is the Lord!!

Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #153 - sentiment only (my verse is actually the one that Candace used in her devotional!)
Word Art Wednesday #41 - use word art provided or other encouraging verse or sentiment
Paper Playtime #81 - "Say it with sentiments" + polka dots
The Sweet Stop SSS172 - Sketch with twist... use dies or punches (I used both)

I used...
~g.c.d. Studios "Loverly" DP
~free word art from Papercraft Memories 
~Nestabilites Labels Four
~Sizzix Branches with Leaves embossing folder
~Fiskars Threading Water border punch
~Flora Doodle flower

Thanks for stopping by!!

Home Tweet Home!

I am playing with more of Diane's images from Daydream Designs!!  :)  I printed out several and then went looking for challenges to inspire me to use them.  This will be a card for someone who gets a new home. 

Challenges...
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge PWC219 - square card
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #152 - home
Freshly Made Sketches #48 - sketch
Twisted Tuesday 2TC19 - "Are you blue?" -use blue and one other color Oops!  I misread... it is supposed to be predominantly blue and the twist is have only one other color. 

Though it's not, the ribbon looks almost neon!  LOL

I used an image from the Birds and Bees Digi set.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Hey Diddle, Diddle!! -baby card

My baby is 10 now, so we don't sing many nursery rhyme songs at our house anymore!  But there are still babies being born, so I can still sing a little. :)  Hey diddle, diddle was always been my favorite!!  Are you singing it now, too???  :-)

Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge 151 - baby or only pastels
The Sweet Stop: SSS170 - sketch

~Making Memories "pitter, patter" DP
~Clear Dollar Hey, diddle diddle! stamps
~Oval and Scalloped Nestabilities
~Ribbon Boutique ribbon
~Copic and MS markers

Thanks for dropping by!!!

CAS thank you

Here is a CAS card that seemed to take me a long time to make!!   Just a lot of 'few minutes' here and there all put together until I got it all put together!!

Challenges...
Clean & Simple 199 - sketch (I turned it)
CAS-ual Fridays: CFC62 - black card base
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #149 - clean and simple
Dynamic Duos #12 - Black and Poppy Parade w/ dessert option of punches

~Recollections cardstock
~1 1/4" circle punch for the Dahlia flowers
~Spellbinders Doodle Parts
~Studio G stamp heat embossed with Stampendous white embossing powder
~ribbon from my stash

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Another Christmas in July card

This has been a busy week!  Today is my first time in my craft room!!  I was having withdrawal!! :)

Here's a quick Christmas card for a few challenges...
Merry Monday with a twist - follow any previous sketch
Cards for men Challenge 15 - Christmas in July
52 {Christmas} Cardd Throwdown Color Challenge #7 - black, white, splash blue
Stampin Sisters in Christ #148 - sparkle
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge PPMC48 - embossing (glitter)

The color is a off but you can see the sparkle in this pic.

~Bazzill cardstock
~Clear Dollar sentiment
~Sizzix Snowflakes embossing folder
~Versamark and Stampendous Kaleidosope embossing powder
~K&Co ornament stickers

Thanks for dropping by!!!  Keep cool!!

Christmas in July again

It is kind of funny that many challenges right now are either "Christmas in July" or "summer vacation"!  Can't get much more opposite than that!!   I'm currently in Christmas mode.

Challenges...
Merry Monday with a twist - use any past sketch and make up to 4 cards this month
jingle belles JB:12:15 - red OR green
Card Crafter's Circle #31 - Christmas in July
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #147 - plan: (at least) 1 circle or oval element, (at least) 2 different papers, and (at least) 1 embellishment

Here's the sketch I used...

 ~Paper Studio dp's
~Perfect Paisley and Swiss Dots embossing folders
~Casa Collection ribbon
~K&Co sticker
~circle and scalloped punches
~sentiment stamp from ???

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Birthday hugs

Here is a quick (and bright!!) birthday card.  With all the paper from a coordinating pack, it was easy-peasy!!

Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #145 - use flag or banner
BBTB2 - birthday and pearls
Celebrate the Occasion #68 - happy birthday
           *they are having a DT call, if you're interested

~We R Memory Keepers "Sunsplashed" dsp
~Spots & Dots and Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folders
~April Showers banner cut at 1" (I hid the letters)
~There She Goes "Sentimental Birthday" stamp
~twine and adhesive pearls

Thanks for stopping by!!

I'm back with a grad card!

Hello, crafty friends!!  I feel like it's been sooooo long since I've posted or visited anyone, but I'm home and hopefully will get back in the groove! 

We had a wonderful vacation!!!  Medieval Times, the Smithsonian, Colonial Williamsburg, and Busch Gardens!!   We had a great time together walking, walking, and more walking, plus lots of fun and some much needed rest!   [We did come home to a mess as 2 of our cats got themselves shut into my DD's bedroom!  NOT pleasant!!!]

We've been very busy since getting home, but I finally got into my craft room this afternoon for a little while.  :) 

Challenges...
Tuesday Morning Sketches #150 - sketch + twist -- black, kraft, + one color
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #143 - show action, just image, or action card (I used an Action Wobble)
Doodle Pantry DPDC24 - use DP image (not just sentiment)

The cap is on the Action Wobble

~Doodle Pantry "Grad Hats" image and sentiment
~Distressed Stripes Cuttlebug folder
~Action Wobble
~Nestabilities Petite Ovals Small and Large
~Copics

Thanks for stopping by!!!

"Just because" card

This will probably be my last post for a couple of weeks... we are leaving on vacation on Monday!  :)  Not even close to being packed!  :(  I hope to have internet access from time to time to check in on everyone else but won't be posting any creations 'til we're back.

Tuesday Morning Sketches is having a DT call and this is the card I made for it.  
I'm also submitting it to Stampin Sisters in Christ #140 - build up your card with layers, etc.

~DCWV Performance DP
~Bazzill cardstock
~Heidi Grace stamp
~Misc. punches
~Recollections adhesive pearls
~SU button
~Impressabilities 'Flourish'
~Tim Holtz tea dye distress ink
~Casa Collection ribbon (J's had a bunch on clearance and I stocked up!!!)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Thank you easel card

Easel cards are fun to make, thank you cards are always needed, so I had a working combination last evening.  I waited to take better pics in daylight since no matter how I set the white balance, nothing compares to natural light!

Challenges...
Freshly Made Sketches #31 - sketch
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #136 - soft pastels
Card Crafter's Circle #19 - "In stitches"

~Kraft base
~K&Co dsp
~Inkadinkado stamps
~Stampendous Autumn Flowers ink
~Flora Doodles flowers
~Cutter Bee piercing tool and white gel pen for faux stitching

Thanks for stopping by!!

Windowed sympathy card

The anniversary card I made last week was not out of 'need,' so I thought I'd make a sympathy card to have on hand for when it is needed.  Though I do hope it is not needed soon!

Just as I was heading down to my craft room to make this card, my daughter got all excited and called us all to come... 7 deer in our front yard!

(pardon the lawn... anyone know how to get rid of onion grass????)

The sentiment is the same for the inside and out... it is stamped on the inside and visible through vellum.

I adhered the paper layers to the card then cut the opening, then cut the frame.

When held normally, the sentiment shows through fine.

 Challenges...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #135 - use something transparent
Word Art Wednesday #24 - provided word art or Scripture or inspiring quote 

~K&Co dsp
~EK Success ribbon
~Nestabilities Labels 4
~vellum
~Recollections adhesive pearls

Thanks for stopping by!!

Golden anniversary card

I've mentioned that I seem to only make sympathy cards when I need them, but I do the same with wedding cards.  When I saw the "Joyful" or "Celebratory" theme at SSIC this week, I decided to make a wedding card.  At least, I started out with that as my goal.   As the card was coming together with all the gold and sparkly paper and ribbon, I realized it would be great for a Golden (50th) anniversary.   And I will need one this summer, so I will save it for that.  50 years of marriage is certainly something to celebrate!!
(What???  A card done early????!!???? Who has taken over my body??!!??)


I am so blessed!  Two years ago, my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary.   At their Open House, among the friends and family that came, there were more than 10 couples there that had already celebrated 50 years!!  Growing up, I was surrounded by good examples and am so thankful!!
My hubby and I will be halfway there next year! :)

 Challenge...
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #134 - joyful; celebratory

~Martha Stewart and Slice papers
~Fiskars (I think) stamp
~punches, gold ink, ribbon, and button 


Thanks for stopping by!!!

Musical birthday card

Here is a birthday card for my oldest sister.  After comparing her to a tree when she turned 50 last year, I thought I'd be nice this time.  She plays the piano very well, so I thought this appropriate for her.   She is also very crafty (though she doesn't make cards) so I knew it needed to be well done, too.  (That sounds arrogant, doesn't it??  Sorry!!)

Challenges...
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards challenge 9 - "Fancy Folds" -easel card
Bitten by the Bug 2 - Cindy Loo - Flourish (I used one from Sentimentals)
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #132 - "Everything" -opposite of CAS --I embossed, tore, distressed, inked, stamped, and I used brads, die cuts, ribbon,  and pop dots!!

~DCWV "Performance" mat stack
~Nestabilites labels 4
~flourish from Sentimentals
~D'vine Swirls Cuttlebug folder
~Walnut Stain distress ink, gold ink, Momento Tuxedo Black ink
~ribbons and brads from my stash

Thanks for stopping by!!

Friend card - Prov. 17:17

This is a fairly simple note card for a friend.   At SSIC this week, the devotional was based on Eph. 5:8-9 which speaks of the contrast of coming from darkness into light once we know the Lord.   I chose black and light pink for my contrasting colors and a stamp with the verse Prov. 17:17 about friendship.   I thought it appropriate for the dark/light challenge since a true friend will be with us through both the dark and the bright days of life!

Challenges...

Stampin' Sister's in Christ #130 - contrast dark/light
Clear Dollar's Clearly inspired Challenge #48 - Scripture

~Core'dinations cardstock
~Perfect Paisley and Distress Stripes Cuttlebug folders
~Clear Dollar clear verse stamp
~Momento Tuxedo Black ink
~punches, ribbon, and flower from my stash

Thanks for stopping by!!!!