Thinking about Snow...

Happy Friday!

Welcome...I'm so glad you could pop in for a visit today!
Can you believe that they have been already talking about snow here in Southern Manitoba?
It seems way too early for my liking!
However, when I saw the digital stamp I had the pleasure of playing with for todays blog post, I couldn't help but think of snow and big cozy sweaters!

As you will know by now, Friday brings our new challenge over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

We have a fun challenge once again for you...

"Use This Color Combo"

Lots of color to play with there!

We are delighted to welcome back once again as our sponsor...



who is offering one lucky winner 4 digis of their choice!

 I had the privilege to work with the digital stamp "Big Sweater Kid"!
I love the way he has his nose tucked into his sweater.  I wanted to find a really great sentiment to go with this image...so I turned to Create with TLC Art Fire store.
I found exactly what I was looking for...

Here's how the card turned out...

I'm hoping I've managed to capture all of the colors from our color combo.  The pink is not represented too visibly...but it is in there among the snowflakes on the background paper, in the letters of the Merry Christmas sentiment strip, and in the striped paper behind the sentiment strip. 
The digi has been colored up with Spectrum Noir markers and the snowflakes are from a Martha Stewart punch.

I hope you've been inspired now as well!
For more inspiration and beautiful projects, be sure to check out the CSAYL blog!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."October Challenge"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."October Challenge"
Doodle Pantry..."Any Digi Goes"
Sparkles Christmas Challenges..."For a Child"
Christmas At Sweet Stampin'... "Snowflakes" 
Alphabet Challenge Blog..."R is for Round or Rectangle"
Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog..."Christmas in October"
C.R.A.F.T Challenge..."Christmas"
Christmas Card Challenges..."Layer it Up"
Merry Monday Christmas Challenges..."Neon Colors"
Crimbo Crackers Challenge Blog..."Anything Christmas Goes"

Life is Easier...

...with a friend by your side!

Isn't that so true!  Especially when you wanna have a little fun or cause a little trouble!  LOL

Or when you're down in the dumps and need a little lift!

I've finally felt well enough to join back in with my design teams!  I just need this crazy cough to disappear!

So let's get down to business.  

This week we have a new challenge starting over at Pile it On!

This one is sure to get your mind whirling...I really had to think hard on this one and actually didn't come up with anything too creative...

"Wrong But So Right...Use Something in a Way it Wasn't Originally Intended"

Won't that be fun!

Hope you're not to spooked to join us!

Let me show you what I finally was able to dream up...

As I mentioned, I wasn't really too creative.  My items that were not originally intended for card making use are the button, thread and sequins! 

Isn't the little guy so cute splashing around in the water with his little frog buddy.  

This adorable image comes from our sponsor for the week...

...and they are offering one lucky winner a $7 gift certificate.

How awesome is that!

And I must make mention that the awesome sentiment used on this card comes from TLC Creations!

Now if you're needing a few more ideas for this weeks challenge be sure to check out the other DT creations!  They've had some awesome ideas!

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today!  

Hope the week will treat you well.

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

Sister Act Card Challenges..."Anything Goes"

Stampin' for the Weekend..."Anything Goes"

4 Crafty Girls..."Anything Goes"

A Song in Your Heart..."Hey Brother"

Crafting By Designs..."Anything Goes"

Hambo Hoedown..."Summer"

Digi Choosday Challenges..."Use 2 Papers"

Fan-Tastic Tuesday..."Anything Goes"
Speedy Fox and Friends..."Sun Rays"
The Doodle Garden..."Summertime"
Crafting at the Weekend..."Anything Goes"
Paper Crafting Challenges..."In Summer"
Brown Sugar Challenge..."Summer"

House Keeping Humor

Hi there!

I have a quick question for you today before we get into the good stuff!

What does your typical Saturday hold for you?  

Is it full of laundry, dusting, vacuuming and cleaning?

I'll be the first to admit that I really don't spend enough time cleaning in our house.  The nooks and crannies are usually a little dusty, and there are usually a few thing sitting around.  Life is really to short to just spend all day making the house perfect.  My thought is that if you don't like the dust, the few things laying around...you have two choices...you can either clean for me or not come back for a visit!  LOL

You must be wondering where I'm going with this!

It's a new challenge over at Pile it On!

Our theme for this week is ...

"Humorous"

What a great theme!

We are sponsored by 

who has some of the most humorous stamps around!

They are offering one lucky winner 2 digis of their choice.  

I had the fun of creating with Deirdery Dunderton!

Let's take a peek at her humorous words of wisdom about house cleaning!

Oh...don't you just wish!  LOL

Visit with your company in the dark so they don't see the mess!

The awesome sentiment comes from TLC Creations.

It's your turn now to come up with something funny!  Be sure to check out the other DT creations so you can have several good chuckles!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

Crafty Catz..."Anything Goes"

Sister Act Card Challenges..."Anything Goes"

Stampin' for the Weekend..."For the Girls"

4 Crafty Chicks..."Anything Goes"

Crafty Girls Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"

DL Art..."Anything Goes"

Inky Impressions..."Anything Goes"

Fan-Tastic Tuesday..."Anything Goes"

Through the Craft Room Door..."Anything Goes"

It's a {Pin}spirational Day

Welcome, and happy Tuesday!

That means its a new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenge Blog!

You know....where we challenge you to use our weekly photo for your crafting pleasure!

It's another good one this week...

Isn't she just adorable!

And her dress gives you so many color options...and the bunny!

 Here is where the {pin}spirational pic led me...

 The digi I had the pleasure of working with is from Elizabeth Bell...one of the awesome sponsors this week.  She's been colored with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I threw in some designer paper which reminded me of the little girls dress in the photo, cut out a circular tree cutting file from the Silhouette online store, threw on a few sequins and lastly came up with a fantastic sentiment from TLC Creations.  I also did a little distressing on one of the designer paper layers to give the card an older feeling.

Before I forget, here's all the sponsor info for this go round...

(Please check the {Pin}spirational Blog for the prize info)

Elizabeth Bell

as well as...

Inky Impressions

  and last but not least...

Glamoureyes

So, head back on up to the beginning of this post and study the {pin}spiring photo and see where your creativity will take you.  Then, don't forget to link up with us over at the {Pin}spirational Blog!  You never know...you might just be one of our next lucky winners!

Until next time...

 

Feminine Fancy

Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening...depending on where you are visiting from today!
So glad you could stop by!

Today is a new challenge at Pile it On!
This week we would like to see cards made for the ladies in your life!
Our theme for this challenge is...

"FEMININE"

We are sponsored this week by the wonderful



who are offering one lucky winner a $10 Gift Voucher in their Etsy Store!
This digi stamp company has absolutely beautiful and detailed images!
I fell in love with the image "Kitten in Tea Cup".
I felt this was a great image to turn into a very feminine card.

Here's how my attempt turned out...

  While printing out the image I quickly decided I would print the sentiment straight onto the image sheet as well.   I chose one of the many sentiments I had from TLC Creations!  I just love Paulette's work!  I then got busy water coloring the image.  Now my daughter (age 10 almost 11) believes that pink is the most feminine of colors...and I tend to agree with her.  So I decided to go with shades of pink for the roses.  I added a thin layer of diamond Stickles on top of them to give them a shimmer.  I rummaged through my stash of pearls and came up with some beautiful swirls which I figured added to the softness of the card.  Now I thought a doily was the perfect addition to the tea themed creation.  I pinch pleated a doily as best I could and used it as a background for the roses I was about to put on.  I grouped the roses and then added some netting in various places...not sure you can see it too well in this photo.  And for the finishing touch I added a pearl hair pin.
My daughter felt it came out very pretty!

There are so many different elements you can incorporate in a card to make it feminine.  Please be sure to check out the other DT creations at the Pile it On blog as well!  I'm sure you won't be disappointed.  I can hardly wait to stop by your blog to see the feminine creation you come up with.

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Doodle Pantry..."Any Digi Image Goes"
Flat Friends Challenge Blog..."Use a Sentiment"
Mema's Crafts..."April Challenge Anything Goes/Spring/Easter"
The Cupboard Trilogy..."Friends/Friendship"
The East Wind Challenge..."Use a Sentiment"
Crafty Girls Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Art Impressions Challenge Blog..."Getting Girly"
Delightful Challenges..."Hip to be Square"
A Song in Your He{art}..."Everything Grows"...(kitten/animal, roses)
Crafting by Designs..."Anything Goes April Challenge"
Divas By Design..."Anything Goes"
Word Art Wednesday..."Anything Goes...uplifting, spiritual"
Aurora Wings Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Open Minded Challenges..."Animal Antics"
Polkadoodles..."Animal Magic"
QKR Stampede..."Recipe Challenge 123"

Accept this Challenge...

...if you dare!

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit today!

Let's do something different in this post today...just because I feel like doing something a little different and this new challenge over at Pile it On has me chuckling and maybe even hanging my head in shame a little.  

Let's start by looking at the card I created, and then I'll give you all the deets...

Here's the unveiling...

Any guesses as to what our theme for the new challenge this week is?

Ready...

 It's "Pretty Hair"!

Now you must get why I'm chuckling and hanging my head in shame ever so slightly!  I am still trying to perfect coloring with my Spectrum Noir markers and hair will definitely be on my list for awhile until it is perfected!

But, I do have to say it was fun to make this card because the little girl digi was so darn cute!  Her name is "Popcorn Ellie" who is one of the cute images we could choose to play with from our current sponsor....

 

The Paper Nest Dolls

I decided to keep this card more on the CAS side this time.  I found some awesome paper in the Silhouette Online store that I knew would suit this image perfectly!  (And they were having a half price sale so I was excited and bought a few more things!)  I printed out the digi and the sentiment through the Cameo so I could have them both sized together properly and just on one flat white sheet of cardstock.  The sentiment was a freebie from TLC Creations awhile back on "Popcorn Day".  I did not know it even gave such a day!  LOL  I then colored up Ellie, worked with some matting and lastly added a bright red ribbon.  Now I also added some red stickles to her bow in her hair...because you know she is supposed to have pretty hair...and I think I may not have done justice to her hair coloring!  For the finishing touch, I printed and cut some popcorn from a print file I purchased from the Silhouette Online store.  I thought it added a touch of funkiness to the card!

I suppose it's only fair that I give you a close up of this "Pretty Hair" attempt...

...see there really is some shading with different colors going on!  LOL

Well, what can I say other than now it's your turn to accept this challenge if you dare!  I know there are so many of you who color hair so beautifully!  C'mon show me how it's done!  Don't forget to link up with us at Pile it On and accept our other challenge which is to enter as many other challenges as you can!  I can hardly wait to browse through all the entries...and maybe pick up a tip or two!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

Challenges 4 Everybody..."Anything Goes"
The ABC Challenge..."H is for Hair"
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge Blog..."Use Stamp or Digi"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenges..."March Challenge"
Digi Galore..."Anything Goes"
Doodle Pantry..."Any Digi Goes"
DL Art Thankful Thursday..."5 Word Sentiment"
The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Melonheadz Friends..."Girly" 
Craft-Dee Bowz..."Anything Goes with a Handmade Bow"
 Created with Love..."Girly"
Fitztown Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Crafty Ribbons Challenge..."Anything Goes with Ribbon"
Brown Sugar Challenge..."Anything Goes"
Crafts 4 Eternity..."Anything Goes"
Cut it Up..."Anything Goes"
Stampin' for the Weekend..."Anything Goes"
Hobby Cutz Challenges..."Girly but no Pink" 
One Stitch At a Time..."For a Woman in you Life"

Pretty in Pink

Are you ready to be {pin}spired today?

I hope so!

I'm back today to share with you the new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges.  

We have another stunning photo for you this week...totally spring inspired. 

Are you ready?

 

Isn't that just so pretty in pink?

We are once again joined by some wonderful sponsors...

THE EAST WIND

who is offering one lucky winner __________

...as well as...

ALL DRESSED UP

who is offering one lucky winner 2 digis of their choice!

I had the pleasure of working with a digi from All Dressed Up...I just love their cute digis.  The image I selected is called "I Love my Puppy". 
I decided to try to make a more unique card this time, so I got to browsing my card templates I had purchased from the Silhouette online store.  I came across a card I had never made before.  It's simple, but different than the regular card.

Take a look...

I printed out the image through my Silhouette Cameo right onto the round centre piece I would be needing to use.  I printed it out on watercolor paper so I could use my Tim Holtz distress markers to water color the image.  I printed out the card base using the printing fill pattern option on the Silhouette.  I found a great sentiment that I thought suited the card well.  It's from TLC Creations.  I printed it out and matted it onto some pink colored card stock.  I then added a few flowers with rhinestone centres that I've had for many moons!  I didn't embellish this card too much as I felt the digi was absolutely awesome all on its own.

Now it's your turn to see where the {pin}spiring photo will lead you.  Will you design around the colors, the textures, the images themselves?  There's really no way of doing it wrong!  Then link up with us over at {Pin}spirational Challenges!  For more fantastic inspiration, check out the other DT members creations and leave them some blog love as well.

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes...with Sentiment"
Cute Card Thursday..."Girls, Girls, Girls"
DL Art Thursday..."Uplifting Sentiment with at least 5 words" 
In the Pink..."Mother's Day/Card for a Special Lady"
MilkCoffee Challenges..."Use at Least 2 Flowers"
Jellypark Friday Challenges..."Pastel Colors"
Emerald Faeries Challenge Blog..."Girly Pretty in Pink"
Bearly Mine Challenges..."One for the Girls"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenges..."March Challenge"
Paper Sweeties March Inspiration..."Polka Dot Love"
Allsorts Challenges..."Pretty in Pink"
Stamping Sensations..."Pretty in Pink" 
Melonheadz Friends..."Girly"

Santa Claus is Coming to Town...

...many days from now thankfully!  LOL

I'm so excited today as this is my 100th blog post!  I started blogging last year in April and really never thought I'd go anywhere with it!  It seemed so daunting and un nerving at the time...but look at this...I've written 100 posts and there are even a few of you who check in ever so faithfully!  Thank you!  You've been some of the most awesome encouragers along the way!

Enough rambling...and let's get down to business!

Over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long this week we are excited to be starting a new challenge.  This go round our theme is as always "Anything Goes" with the extra twist of adding some "sparkle and shine".  So, break out the glitter, Stickles, gems, rhinestones, etc. and lets see how you "sparkle and shine".

Our wonderful sponsor for this week's challenge is Bugaboo!

 

They are offering one lucky winner 7 digis of their choice!

I had so much fun playing with the digi entitled "Chubby Santa - Candy Cane which you can find here.  

 

I colored him up using my Spectrum Noir markers and then set about to adding some sparkle.  I used red and white stickles on the candy cane, and some gold stickles on Santa's belt buckle.  The peppermint candy embelly is from the Martha Stewart line and came all glittered up.  I added some Glitter Ritz to Santa's hat, and lastly added some gem stones to various points on the card.  I wish you could see this card in person...it really does sparkle and shine with all those elements catching the light.  The sentiment is from TLC Creations, and the card base is once again a pre made base that I purchased at Michaels after the holiday season for a deep discount!

I encourage you to jump on the band wagon and get creating those Christmas cards along with us so you will have less stress during your holiday season.  Link them up at CSAYL and maybe you'll be our next lucky winner!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Holly Jolly Christmas Challenges..."Sweet Treats"
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge..."Christmas"
Christmas Card Challenges..."CAS"
Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes...with Sentiment" 
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Goes March Challenge"
Sparkles Christmas Challenge..."More than 3 Embellishments"
My Perfect Life..."Festive Challenge"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"
Crimbo Crackers..."Cute Christmas"

Lessons from a Teddy Bear

Do you ever think about that childhood teddy bear you had?  You know the one whose one eye was missing and his fur had been completely loved off by you and the washing machine?  My daughter has a stuffed puppy that she's had since she was small and he has been loved to pieces...almost.  He's thread bare and has had some stitching done in a few places.

Our photo to inspire you at {Pin}spirational Challenges this go round reminds me of my daughter.  She used to carry her puppy around with her like this little girl carries around her teddy bear.
Isn't this such a cute photo!

 

We are once again sponsored by some absolutely awesome companies...

BUGABOO

Prize 7 digis 

...as well as...

 ANNE'S DIGITAL ART

Prize 5 digis

...and last but not least...

 A RANDOM FAN

Prize- 3 digis

 Now I landed up not using a sponsored image this week because I had come across a digi at TLC Creations that I was wanting to use.  I also knew that I had background paper that resembled the girls dress.  This picture just made me think of childhood and simple times, so I decided to keep my card simple this week as well. 

Here's a look...

and here's a close up of that adorable bear...
(I had such fun watercoloring him with my Tim Holtz Distress markers!)

lastly, a close up of the sentiment...

I just love that sentiment!  

For the finishing touch I decided to add 3 simple buttons.

I hope I've challenged you to find something in the {pin}spiring photo to incorporate in your creation.  There's really no doing it wrong...it's what jumps out at you...colors, patterns, teddy bears, little girls in beautiful dresses...the possibilities are endless.  Just remember to share your creation with us over at the {Pin}spirational Challenge blog.  And, while you're there be sure to check out the other DT creations.  I promise those will lead to more {pin}spiration.

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards..."Teddy Bears"
Crafty Catz..."Anything Goes"
Daring Cardmakers..."Sentimental"
Digitally Sweet..."Anything Goes"
Sister Act Challenges..."Anything Goes" 
Brown Sugar Challenge Blog..."Color Challenge"
Digi Makeover Challenge..."Anything Goes" 
Eureka Stamps..."Anything Goes"
House of Cards..."Cute/Shabby/Vintage Card with a Button"
Through the Purple Haze..."Use a Digi"

A Little More Vintage...

Hello Everyone...Welcome Back!

Here's my second post for the today!
If you are looking for my {Pin}spirational Challenge Blog submission, please scroll down.

I was so very excited when I saw what this weeks challenge was at The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog!  It's all about the Vintage!  WooHoo!

We are sponsored this week by none other than... 

...who is offering one lucky winner an awesome prize.  Be sure to check out The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog for details.

I fell in love with the digi entitled "Isabella Meet Me in St. Louis".  I loved the way she was dressed. I thought about heading into the Valentine theme with this little sweetie, but then the thought of vintage fashion came to mind.

Here's a look at how that idea came out... 

I had a fabulous page from Heartwarming Vintage and decided to use that as my background.  All those elegant ladies dressed in vintage hats and dresses made the perfect way to start.  Of course I had to distress the outer edges and ink them in a dark brown as well.   I colored up Isabella with my Tim Holtz Distress markers and popped her up to give the card some dimension.  I had an awesome quote that I purchased from TLC Creations which I thought suited this card perfectly.  I again roughed up the edges and inked the image to give it a vintage look.  I used some cream colored lace to make a bow, which I adhered to the 1/2 doily on the upper corner and added some flowers and a hair pin.  In the bottom corner, I adhered a strip of lace as well as 3 small flowers to finish the card. 

I hope I've inspired you to go back in time and produce a project that reflects eras gone by.  I'd love to come to your blog for a visit to see what you were inspired to create.  And, of course don't forget to link up with us over at The Crafter's Cafe...and while you're there take a look around the Cafe and see what the other fabulous DT have created to share with you.

Until next time...
 
This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafting from the Heart..."Anything Goes/Use Flowers"
Craft Your Passion..."Girly Girl"
Lexi's Creations..."Monochromatic"
Love To Scrap..."Anything Goes"
Ooh La La Challenges,,,"Fashionista"
Without Words..."Occupations" (fashion model)
Pile it On..."Sentiment as the Focus"
Open Minded Challenges..."Monochrome"
DL Art..."Vintage"
MilkCoffee Challenges..."Girly"
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges..."Monochrome"
Crafty Sentiments Designs..."Anything Goes"

Need an Umbrella?

One does have to wonder how a person can have all of their design team projects due all in the same week! The blog stays quiet for a week...and then boom...all of a sudden there's been some more creating going on! LOL

I'm glad you're back with me today!

I want to share with you the new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges this week...I know it's one of your favorites...ready?

Yup...it's a free for all this week with "Anything Goes"

Our fantastic sponsors this week are...

Crafty Sentiments

offering one lucky winner 3 digis of their choice!

...and

Di's Digi Downloads

offering one lucky winner a $12 gift voucher

....and last but not least

 A & T Digital Designs
 
offering one lucky winner 2 digis of their choice!

I had the priviledge of choosing a digi from A&T Digital Designs and fell in love with the fairy image called "Pip".  I decided to use the image of the "Anything Goes" photo and the water droplets in this image were perfect!

Here's a peek...

...and here's a closer look at the sweet little fairy...

I water colored her with my Tim Holtz Distress Markers.  I was looking through a Recollections vintage stack and found this paper that totally matched the colors I had used and also reminded me of water droplets!  Then as luck would have it, TLC Creations posted this free sentiment for "Umbrella Day"...did you know it gave such a day...I did not!  LOL
I loved the sentiment though and thought it would be perfect to send to a close friend...it just suited the digi perfectly!

I finished the card off by inking the edge with a green color, put some Glitter Ritz on the fairy's wings and then I added some Glossy Accents to the rain drops.  The finishing touch was to add the 3 rhinestones under the sentiment. 
Not a complicated card, but rather simplistic and straight forward!

Now it's your turn!
Please join us at {Pin}spirational Challenges this week where "Anything Goes".
Looking forward to see what you create!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Created with Love Challenges..."Friends"
Stamping Sensations..."Wings"
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge Blog..."Bling"
Digi Galore..."Wings"
Winter Wonderland..."Fairies"
Creative Card Crew..."Keep it Simple and Sweet"
Tuesday Throwdown..."Wings"

Like to Read?

Hi!  Welcome Back!

I'm curious about something...do you like to read?  I love to read...just wish I had more time to do it!  My problem is that when I start a good book I accomplish nothing else until that book is finished cover to cover.  So you see why I reserve my reading for when we go camping...nothing but leisure time and housework and laundry don't suffer!  LOL
And, I must confess that I simply love books & the library!  New books, vintage books...it doesn't matter.  I love the textures, the smells...needless to say I would rather read a hand held book than read on one of my "i" devices or electronic reader. 

You may be wondering why I am talking to you about books and reading today.  Well, it ties in with our new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges this week.

Are you ready for your {pin}spiring photo?
Take a look at this...

Isn't that just fantastic!  A few of the great classics!
We have some great sponsors again this week...

Bugaboo 
offering one lucky winner 7 digis of their choice!

...as well as...
A Day for Daisies 

 offering one lucky winner a $12 gift certificate!

and lastly...



Digital Delights
offering another lucky winner a $5 gift voucher!

A big shout out to our sponsors for being so generous and awarding such awesome prizes!

Now, let me explain to you where I drew my {pin}spiration from this week.  Of course it's the books...and of course...I had to go with a vintage styling 'cause you know that's my fave!  But I got to thinking about who taught me to read.  My mom always read to us and has always read to my children as well.  She always knew it was important for us to be good readers!  Thanks mom!  It's a tradition I've carried on with our children as well...and has helped them to become among the top in their classes.  Being a good reader just makes life better....any teacher will tell you that is why it's so important.  That led me to think about all the hard work teachers put into teaching kids to read.  I found an awesome digi stamp at TLC Creations and decided to couple that with my "bookshelf" mega stamp background.  I took the gold coloring from the {pin}spirational photo and decided to accent the card background, the matting for the digi image and color the globe hardware in gold as well.  I added some coloring to the globe with my Tim Holtz Distress Markers and then aged the images with brown ink, a touch of brown smooch spray and a touch of gold smooch spray over that!  The last finishing touch were the 3 black gem stones in the top and bottom corners.

Here's how it came out...

...and here's a close up of the digi stamp...

Now isn't that sentiment so true!

I hope that I've been able to get your creative juices flowing for this current challenge.  We would love to see your creation that this awesome photo has {pin}spired.  Don't forget to share with us over at the {Pin}spirational Challenges blog...you'll find more {pin}spiring creations there from the other design team members as well!

And hey, while you're at it, maybe there's a teacher you'd like to thank or write a little encouragement message to.  That's what my card will be used for!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Cards Galore Challenge Blog..."Add a Gem, Glitter or Candi"
One Crazy Stamper..."Anything Goes"
Dream Valley Challenges..."No Designer Paper" 
Digi Darla's Challenges..."Your Personal Style" (Vintage)
Paper Makeup Stamps Digi Makeover Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Without Words..."Occupations"

Love Is In the Details...

A second post today...that doesn't happen often anymore here does it?  LOL

If you are looking for my Crafter's Cafe card, please scroll down.  

Love is in the details...there's so much truth in that saying isn't there!  As crafters we go the extra mile putting lots of love and energy into every creation we make.  You will always find love in all those details.
 If you will recall, this is also the name of the local craft store I teach with. Today I'd like to share with you a few creations I have come up with for them to show case a new product line! 

I was so excited to try out this new product line.  It is made and sold exclusively at Love is in the Details....it's the Lasered Edge Chipboard line.  It includes words, snowflakes, hearts, stars and the line is ever expanding!
Here's a few pics of the hearts and the words I had the pleasure of working with...

And now let's take a look at how I was able to use these awesome chipboard pieces...
In these first two cards, I've used some hearts.  They have been cut so that you are able to layer them as I have done in the second card.  In both of these creations, the hearts have been colored with Inka Gold.  I've created a pinkish hue on the first card by using a reddish ink along with the Inka Gold. 

  

For my next examples, I used several of the chipboard words.  On the first card I've inked the chipboard with a touch of brown.  The "love" in the second card has been inked with the reddish ink and Inka Gold as well. 

I'm so glad these chipboard pieces were released when they were, because I've had a great time creating some Valentine's cards with them.  But, never fear...these words and shapes can be used any time of the year!  If you're interested in any of the chipboard items you see, remember that they are also available for online ordering here as well.
Images have been purchased from TLC Creations.

Until next time...

This card collection has been shared in the following challenges...
Handmade Harbour..."Smile" (sentiments on cherub cards)
Crafting with Dragonflies..."Card Anything Goes"
Divas By Design..."Anything Goes"
Fab'n'Funky Challenges..."Words"
Inklings & Yarn..."Anything Goes"
Paper Pretties..."Anything Goes"
The Paper Shelter Challenge Blog..."Digi and Sentiment"
Ruby's Rainbow..."Use a Doily"
Cuttin and Stampin Challenges..."Anything Goes with Arrow"
Created with Love..."Winged Things"
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges..."A is for..."  (Amour)
Victorine Originals..."Valentines/Love"
My Time to Craft..."All About the Love"
Creative Fingers..."Anything Goes"
Jo's Scrap Shack..."It's a Love Thing"
Polkadoodles..."Anything Goes/Girl Talk"
Simply Create Too..."Valentines Day/Use Hearts"

Update:  This card collection has placed in the following challenges...