Easter Joys

I hope things are well with you today!  

I'm so glad you could stop in!

I have some exciting news to share with you today...this is my first post for my new DT position with the awesome Pile It On Challenge blog!  The goal of this fun filled blog is to link your project with as many different challenges as you can!  You've done the work...so you might as well link up and show it off as much as you can!  

Our challenge theme for this week is "Easter Joys". 

 I have to admit it was fun to finally sit down and work on a bright, spring colored project. 

Our wonderful sponsor this week is...

 

...who is offering one lucky winner 2 digis of their choice (sets or custom digis excluded).

I had so much fun working with the image that I was able to choose which is called "Easter Chicks".  You can find it here.  

Let's take a look at the card creation...

I've colored up the images with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I printed out two different sizes of the digi so I was able to fussy cut some smaller ones and pop them up among the other chicks for some dimension.  The last little chick, as you'll notice there are three, made it into the inside of the card.  

I rummaged around looking for my seasonal paper pack my kiddos had purchased me several years back, as I knew it had some Easter paper in it.  I chose 3 different papers to layer onto this creation.  The blue colored paper has been punched with my eyelet lace Stamp 'n Up punch.  I added a doily and some lace to the creation to give it a soft and feminine touch.  To finish it off I added some teal colored sugar dots on the top corner as well as the bottom corner.  

I decided that the card also needed to shimmer and glitter, so I added some stickles to the bows in the little chicks hair as well as some Glitter Ritz to the grass to shimmer like dew.  

I thought it turned out kinda cute!

Now I'm hoping that this bright and cheery card has encouraged you to pull out some bright colored papers and create a project that fits our theme of "Easter Joys".  And for more inspiration, be sure to visit the Pile It On Challenge blog to see what the other design team members have created.  Then, get linking up those great projects...remember the more the better!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Card a Day Blog..."Baby, Easter, Spring or Congratulations"
Crafts Galore Encore..."Use a Stamp or Digi"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."March Challenge"
Ladybug Crafts..."Spring is Here/Anything Goes"
The Craft Garden..."Pastel Colors"
Oldie But a Goodie Challenge Blog..."Spring Has Sprung" (patterned paper is years old already) 
Crafting for all Seasons..."Spring" 
Papertake Weekly..."Anything Goes"
Through the Craft Room Door..."Anything Goes"
Created with Love Challenges..."Think Spring"
Stamp and Create..."Ready for Spring"
Great Impressions..."Spring Celebrations"
That Craft Place..."Anything Goes"
The Corrosive Challenge Blog..."Animals"
Jellypark Friday Challenges..."Things with Wings"

Christmas Cardmaking Begins Today...

...are you up to the challenge?  

This year I really wanted to get a jump on my Christmas card making for the 2014 season, as well as for the annual craft sale I participate in.  Joining up with Christmas Stampin' All Year Long will most definitely help me achieve that goal.  Today begins our first challenge for 2014 at CSAYL...and it's a nice easy one to get everyone back into the festive creative frame of mind!

"Anything Goes" based on this awesome inspiration photo!

 Photo credit
UpTownOriginals on Etsy

Isn't it a beauty!  All festive with snowmen, poinsettias, lots of ribbon and sparkle.  There is so much here to draw inspiration from.   And with the theme of "Anything Goes", there are no limits to your creativity!

Now, we do not have a sponsor for this first challenge...but have a prize offered instead!
How awesome!
One lucky winner will receive a 6x6 paper set and some ribbon...now who couldn't use that!

I have to say that I was inspired by the colors, textures, snowmen and the snowflakes nestled into the wreath in various places!

Here's a quick see at how my project came out...

I used a card base from a collection that I scored at Micheals after the last holiday season at 70% off!  I love the pretty snowflake pattern.  I then used a journaling card from a set that I once again was lucky enough to purchase at Michaels at a huge discount!  I used a Memory Box snowflake corner die on the upper corner, which was cut out of red paper and then covered using Diamond Stickles.  Both the wreath and the snowman dies are from the Tim Holtz collection.  Lastly, I die cut some snowflakes and put some on as accent pieces.  They have been decorated using Liquid Pearls.  The snowman has been popped up off the card with 3D dots so that the card has the illusion of him trying to hand you the wreath!
For being out of the swing of making a Christmas card, I was pleased with how it turned out...and hopefully you've been inspired as well!

It's up to you to accept the challenge now!  Crank those Christmas tunes, haul out those Christmas stamps and any other holiday stash you've tried to pack away because you thought you wouldn't be using them until November.  Check out the the other DT creations over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long to get even more of the festive creative juices running through your mind.  Then get creating...we can hardly wait to see your first Christmas card of the season!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Goes Christmas" 
Crafting By Designs..."Anything Goes" 
Crafty Girls..."Anything Goes"
Crafting from the Heart...Use Dies/Punches
My Perfect Life..."Christmas Challenge"
Brown Sugar Challenge..."Make it Sparkle"
LEJ Designs Challenge Blog..."Favorite Die Cuts"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"

I'm a Country Girl...

Greetings to you today from rural Manitoba, Canada!
As I work ahead and schedule this blog post, I find myself looking at a country yard filled with massive snowbanks and listening to a howling wind which will chill you down to the bone.  I'm ready for spring...to watch our little acreage come alive with flowers, grass, leaves on the trees and all the wild flowers in the pasture.  I'm longing for a visit from my hummingbirds and goldfinches!  But, I suppose I have to wait a little longer!  I love living in the country...the smells (ok not the smells of the manure being spread!  LOL), the lack of neighbours, the big yard for the kids to play on...so when I had the opportunity to select a country girl digi I was excited!

I'm back today with a new challenge over at The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog!  It's a really neat one this time...we are challenging you to use lace, fibers and have an optional twist of doing the faux suede technique!  I had never heard of this technique before, so I got busy on YouTube...not much you can't find there...LOL.

I applied this technique to my background...which was a denim piece of designer paper.  I was hoping the blue denim would shine through a little more than it does, but I definitely like the effect of the wrinkles on it anyway.  It's so subtle in the picture, but on the card itself it looks very cool!

Take a look at the creation so this will all make sense...

I colored up this cute Kenny K digi with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I remembered that I had some country themed collage sheets by Heartwarming Vintage in my stash...and got down to fussy cutting some images and a few sentiments.  I just loved all the cute sentiments.

While at my favorite little scrap shop last week, I came across this awesome burlap ribbon and just knew I had to use it on this card.  I've applied that all along the bottom and then added some flowers to accent the corner.  You gotta have flowers if you're making a country themed card, don't ya?
The finishing touch was to add a few more cute sentiments near the flower bunch held in place by a clothes pin!

 Here's a closer look at some of the elements...

And, of course I need to give you all the details about our sponsors for the challenge this week!

They are none other than...

 

 and

 

Check out The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog to see what you have a chance at winning!
And while you're there, take a look around at all of the other DT creations...they are sure to give you a burst of inspiration and creativity.

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Digi Makeover Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Eureka Stamps..."Anything Goes"
Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Paper Creator's Crafts..."Circle, Square and Rectangle"...square card base, rectangle sentiments and circle vintage embellishments at centre of card
ABC Challenges..."G is for Girl"
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge Blog..."Use a Stamp or Digi"
Fan-Tastic Tuesday..."Anything Goes" 
Crafting by Designs..."Anything Goes"
Hobbybook Designer Challenges..."Make it Girly"
Bearly Mine Challenges..."One for the Girls"

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"

Let's Get Into Shape...

Hello!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by!
Don't worry, I'm not here with a fitness or exercise plan as my post title might lead you to believe!

I'm back today with the new challenge over at the Unstampabelles....where your challenge is to create a paper craft that does not involve any stamps!  And, of course we always have a twist.  This months twist is to include at least 3 geometric shapes in your creation.  Don't worry, once you get down to it it's really not as hard as it seems.

We have a wonderful sponsor this month...


http://www.annabellestamps.com/
...who is offering one lucky prize winner a $15 discount coupon!

I came across a cute cutting file for my Silhouette Cameo over at My ScrapChick which I just knew I had to own!  I had this challenge sitting in the far back of my mind, just wondering what I could create....so the first thing I did was to start counting shapes!  LOL

Here's the creation...we'll run through the various shapes in just a minute...

Isn't that just the cutest easel card!  I had so much fun working with it...thinking about spring and wishing it was coming a little faster.

Now, as you can see we have a variety of circles and scalloped circles on this project.  Then there's all the rectangles in the fence, and let's not overlook the elongated oval which acts as the card stop and the tiny triangles for the birdies beak!  See...not so hard when you start looking for the shapes.
I must admit that I started looking through my stamp collection when I suddenly remembered that I couldn't use any stamps!  LOL.  I rummaged through my tiny stack of rub ons and came up empty handed there as well...so my own handwriting and sentiment it was!  I do believe this is the first time I have even handwritten a sentiment on one of my cards...I always think it just doesn't look as put together as when I stamp or use a digi sentiment.  But, I have to admit that the handwriting sorta suits this card! 

So, now it's your turn.  You have one month to play along!
I can hardly wait to see how your card "shapes" up!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Girls..."Anything Goes" 
Cute Card Thursday..."Springtime"
Little Miss Muffet Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Challenges and Candies..."Spring is Around the Corner"
Sister Act Card Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Allsorts Challenge Blog..."Spring is Coming"

Some Exciting News!

Hi Everyone!  

I'm just popping in today to share some exciting news with you!  

Early in January I sent in my application for a DT call at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long.  I love making Christmas cards, and they are always my best sellers at the craft show that I attend.  I thought to myself, what better way to keep up with making Christmas cards than to try to join this awesome design team.  Well, a few weeks ago I received word from the blog owner that I had been accepted as one of the new DT members!  I nearly jumped for joy!  I am so excited to be designing with this team.  

So, keep your eyes open for the challenges to begin at CSAYL shortly (Friday, March 07)...and be sure to drop by their blog to meet the other new fabulous design team members!  

I look forward to creating Christmas with you all year long and checking out your awesome seasonal creations!

Until next time...

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"

Ready for More Mess?

I'm back today to remind you about the current challenge we have running over at the Unstampabelles this month.  As always, our challenge to you is to make a project using no stamps...no digis, no rubbers, cling mount, etc....and our twist this month is to journal your "mess" of creating along the way.  

Now, we are half way through our challenge and I have another little peek for you of a project that once again was created out of a mess.  Unfortunately I forgot to take pics along the way as this was quite a bit more involved than the last project, which you can see here. 

Here goes...

For a first attempt at the box and the flowers as well, I thought it came out pretty nicely...although a little more practice would make things look even nicer!  LOL

Those roses, a purchase from the Silhouette Online Store, came in many, many pieces and needed to be glued together.  Once again with that awful Tombow glue I dislike...my fingers were just an awful mess by the time this was completed.  The heart box template was a purchase from SVG Cuts.  It is assembled from quite a few pieces and what I love about SVG Cuts is that they most often have a video showing you the assembly process.  It takes the guess work and frustration out of the project.  Of course the designer paper has been inked with a brown color to give the box an aged feel.  The rose petals and my fingers have also all been inked with the same brown.  LOL

Now I challenge you to get busy in your craft space and "make a mess".  Then link up your messy journey with us at The Unstampabelles...but don't be forgetful like me this time...take your photos along the way!

Until next time...

This project has been shared in the following challenges...
Eclectic Ellapu..."Anything But a Card"
That Craft Place Challenge Blog..."Make or Alter a Box"
Seemacrafts..."Valentines"
LadyBug Crafts..."Be Mine"
LEJ Designs..."Valentine/Love"
Natalie and Amy's Challenge Blog..."Love is all Around"
Scrap it Girl..."Hearts"
Silhouette Challenges..."Box of Any Type"
Sunflowerfield Challenge Blog..."Valentine's/Hearts"
Challenges and Sweets..."One Heart"
Creative Corner Challenges..."From the Heart"
Cut it Up..."Valentine's Day" (die cut file for box and die cut flowers)
Fussy and Fancy..."Be My Valentine"
Polkadoodles..."Love is in the Air"
Stuck on U Sketches..."Something Sweet"...sweetheart box filled with sweets
Totally Paper Crafts..."Valentine/Love"

Update:  This creation placed in the following challenges...

Pie Anyone?

Good Evening!

It's been a busy last couple of weeks...but I've still been creating...I've just been a little slow in posting!

I wanted to share with you today some pie boxes that I decorated for an upcoming church event we're hosting on Valentine's Day.  

Let me show you...

I apologize for the photo quality.  I landed up having to take the photo with my cell phone.  

Our church is holding a fundraiser for our local chapter of Cancer Care and we decided it would be fun to include a "pie walk".  I know traditionally it's a "cake walk", but our area is big into pies.  I had a few pie boxes left in my stash that  had purchased new at our local bakery, and offered to dress them up for the homemade pies to be sold off in the walk.  I just thought it would be cute to house those home made pies in a special custom made box.  Just one of those little extras to encourage donations.  As a friend of mine always says..."love is in the details".  LOL

The background paper I used has been printed through my Silhouette Cameo.  The adorable owls and the love puppy scene are also cutting files purchased in the Silhouette Online Store. 

I'm excited to see how this idea will go over with the people who will be attending the fundraiser.  This is the first time we have tried something like this and I'm hoping it will be a great success.  

Well thanks for popping in to see what I've had going on lately.  

The next few days will be crazy as I've been the main organizer getting everything ready and scheduled for the event.  We've painted the church basement, steam cleaned the carpet and are now getting ready to get the meal prep underway.  It's a spaghetti supper with Caeser salad and garlic toast...with cheese cake and a pineapple fluff dessert.  And of course Valentine cupcakes for the kids.  It's a little daunting not knowing how many people will attend.  Thank goodness I have a friend who was a caterer and has been willing to help me out with all the silly questions I've had.  Hopefully I can give you all a great report after the event.  

Until next time...

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

Going Grey with Scrap Creations..."Valentines"

LEJ Designs..."Valentine/Love"

Oldie but a Goodie..."Valentine"  (pie boxes have been in the stash for several years)

All Crafts Challenge..."Anything But a Card"

Artistic Inspirations..."Valentine"

Make My Monday..."Love is in the Air"

Melonheadz Friends..."Valentine's/Love"

Scrapping Everyday Miracles..."Love is in the Air"

Silhouette Challenges..."Box of any Type"
Pile it On..."Stripes and/or Dots" 
Decorate to Celebrate..."Valentine's/Birthday Box" 

Update:  This creation placed in the following challenges..

 

A Recipe for You...

Welcome!  Grab a beverage, take a seat and get yourself comfortable.  

Today I'd like to share a recipe with you!
Don't get too excited...I mean a card recipe, not a cooking recipe!  LOL

Our current challenge at The Crafter's Cafe is a recipe challenge...
2 designer papers
ribbon
3 die cuts
4 pearls or rhinestones
Think you can do it?  Need a little encouragement?  How about the chance to win some awesome prizes from our sponsors for this challenge...



and

Treasured Times.

Now I must confess that I usually don't use card recipes as I find them absolutely challenging. However, I was kind of excited to be pushed out of my comfort zone this time.  I was so happy to be using the Squigglefly image "Cardinal Birdhouse".  I know... you're thinking why would you choose a Christmas image?  I have good reason, I need to keep preparing for the annual craft show I'm in and Christmas cards are my greatest sellers.

Here's a peek...and we'll go through the details in the next few photos...

As you can see, I managed to find two fantastic designer papers to use on this card!  I married them together with the ribbon to make nice joint where the two styles meet. 

I've colored up this gorgeous digi with my Tim Holtz Distress markers.  I added some glitter ritz around the birdhouse to give the illusion of shimmering snow...wish you could see it better.  Then I've added some liquid pearls for some dimension...and put 3 pearls on the background and one pearl for the cardinals eye.  That takes care of the 4 pearls or rhinestones portion of the recipe.  

Lastly, there were the 3 die cuts to take care of.  They are the cardinal, the pine leaves and in the very bottom corner you will see the snowflake swirl corner which I stickled in diamond Stickles to give it some shimmer.  

This came together quite quickly and I quite like the end result.  

Now, I hope I've encouraged you to tackle this recipe.  It was so much fun when I got down to it!  Don't forget to check out the projects the other DT members have created at The Crafter's Cafe.  We can hardly wait to see what you cook up!

Until next time...

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

My Perfect Life..."Softly Fell the Silent Snow..."

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Christmas"

Sparkles Christmas Challenges..."Anything Goes"

Brown Sugar..."Feathers"

Delicious Doodles..."Diecuts/Punches"

Jingle Belles..."Text Me"

Winter Wonderland..."Digi Days"

Fan-Tastic Tuesday..."Anything Goes" 

Christmas at Sweet Stampin'..."Festive Foliage"

Crafting By Designs..."Anything Goes"

Crafty Creations Challenges..."For the Birds"

Divas By Design..."Die Cuts"

 Inklings and Yarns..."Anything Goes"

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"

Let's Make a Mess!

It's been a little quiet around here lately!  I've been busy in the craft room, but have had little time to post lately!  Thanks for sticking by me and coming for a visit today!

Today marks the beginning of a new monthly challenge over at the Unstampabelles.  Our challenge is "Dare to Get Dirty"...and our twist was to document the mess along the way with pictures.

We have a wonderful sponsor for this challenge...

http://www.stickerstore.com.au/

Be sure to check out the Unstampabelles blog for the prize being awarded!

I will confess that I struggled with this one and wasn't sure which direction to go in.  It had been on my mind that my son needed Valentine's for his class party, and the store was not stocking anything that I felt was worthy of giving.  So, to get some inspiration I read over the "Ideas for Creations" which you can find on the tabs on the Unstampabelles challenge blog.  Well, the word "box" just jumped out at me.  I had a cutting file for my Silhouette from My Scrap Chick that I had been wanting to use which was a box treat card all in one! Now cutting with that machine can sure get messy with all the tiny pieces, and all the pieces need to be inked, glued, etc...but my version of "dirty" may be a little cleaner than others...I hope this works for you! 

Let me walk you through this "messy/dirty" process with a few pics...

As you can see, it all starts out in little pieces in a somewhat organized mess...

The next step is to ink each piece individually...my fingers never stay clean in this process...

...and neither does my Splat Mat...

...and the glue...what can I say about this glue other than I despise it!  This glue is so sticky, my fingers are a complete mess by the time I'm done.  As you can see the glue bottle itself is is a complete mess...just from me handling it with the crazy stuff on my fingers.  And, it's almost impossible to wash off your hands when you're done...it sorta rubs off a while later.  But, I bought it...so I must use it!  LOL

We're getting closer to the finished creation...the shape is taking place...





Just let me get my fingers unstuck...I'll add some features and the remaining parts to this little guy....and...

 ...here's the finished project!

I'm happy to report our son loved this and is excited to be handing these one of a kind Valentine cards out in school at his party!  I guess I better get working because I have 16 more to make!

So, dig out those inks, paints, whatever you think you can make a creative mess with and get creating.  Don't forget to link up with us at the Unstampabelles so we can see your mess.  Remember our only rules are that your project needs to be a paper craft and you are not allowed to use any stamps on your creation.  Don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds!

Until next time...

This creation has been shared in the following challenges...
Ladybug Crafts..."Be Mine"
Seemacrafts..."Valentine/Love"
A Gem of A Challenge..."All You Need is Love"
My Sheri Crafts..."Valentine - Use a Heart"
Open Minded Crafting Fun Challenges..."Show Some Love"
Delightful Challenges..."Anything but a Card...Love Theme"
Decorate to Celebrate..."Valentine Treat Bag"
Little Red Wagon..."Child's Play"
Challenges 4 Everybody..."Anything Goes"
Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog..."Valentine Cards"