Clean and Simple

Welcome Back!

Glad you could join me today!

Today I'd like to share with you what we have brewing over in The Crafter's Cafe!

So, grab your java, hot chocolate, cappacino or whatever your beverage indulgence might be and let me share with you about our new challenge which is...

"Clean & Simple...or CAS for Short"

I found this to be an interesting challenge as I don't usually do a lot of CAS cards.  

For some reason it intimidates me to leave a bunch of white space on a card!  LOL

So, let me share this attempt with you now...

My stash of Sympathy cards has been dwindling lately, so I thought this might be the perfect type of card to try out a CAS design.  I was so excited that our sponsor for the week was A Day for Daisies as they have gorgeous, clean hand drawings.  I chose the image Freehand Bird 5 to make my card.  

I wanted to make the image more like a decoupage layered image so I printed out the bird 3 times.  The first layer has been printed straight onto the card itself.  For the second and third layers, I just printed the image a tiny bit smaller each time.  The second layer included the head, wing and tail section, and the third layer is simply the wing on top of that.  I should have taken the time to take a side view pic of the card so you could see how dimensional this little bird really is.  It definitely added more depth and interest to do it this way.  The little birdie has been colored with chalks as I wanted a very soft feeling for this card.  I've added some blue sky to a portion of the card, again with chalk.  I love the softness and prettiness of images colored with chalks.  Lastly, I've added a Stamp'n Up sentiment.  I thought for not dabbling in this type of creation often, it came out ok!

It's your challenge now!  Don't forget to stop by the Cafe to see what the other DT members have created for your inspiration.  

Until next time...

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

Crafting from the Heart..."Use Yellow"
Incy Wincy Designs..."CAS"
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges..."Winged Things"
A Little Bit Crafty..."The Birds and the Bees"
Card a Day Blog..."Sympathy"
TokBobok..."CAS"
Cards and More..."No Flowers"

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...

 

It's Not Hip to be Square!

Friday Again!

Spring finally seems to be slowly invading Manitoba, Canada!

The robins are out in the trees, the water run off is finally moving and the snow piles are getting smaller everyday!  Hooray!

Even though my mind is turning to summer activities, I'm here today with our new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!  

I love the feeling of getting a jump on my Christmas cards early in the game!

So...we've got a bit more of a challenging theme for you this week!

Of course it's "Anything Goes" as always...with the theme of 

No Square Card or Project

Think of all the fun you'll have thinking outside of the box this week...LOL...sorry, no pun intended!

Here's the card I created for this challenge...

This is a cutting file that I purchased over at SVG Cuts.

I fell in love with the rounded top and the adorable cardinal!

I didn't stray too far from a square card, did I?  I was browsing the various places that I purchase my cutting files from and was coming up with mostly circle cards, etc.  I wanted to do something a little different, so when I saw this file I knew it was the one.  

The card file did not come with a sentiment, so I chose to use the "Be Merry" from my collection of sentiments from the Silhouette online store.  

I had so much fun going through my Christmas paper packs finding papers that would work well together! And, for the finishing touch, I just had to add the small jingle bells to the cardinals skates!

Before I go, I guess I should share with you about our sponsor this week!

We are so excited to be sponsored by...

who is offering one lucky winner a $12 Gift Certificate to the store!

Thanks Di's Digi Stamps!

It's your turn now!  Get that crafty mojo going and create a project or card that is not square!

Get excited that it's another card to add to your Christmas collection!

Need more ideas?

Don't forget to check out the other DT members awesome creations as well

on the CSAYL blog!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
The Crafty Bloggers Network..."Die Cuts or Embossing"
The Squirrel and The Fox Challenge Blog..."All Creatures Great and Small"
A Little Bit Crafty..."The Birds and the Bees"
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Extra Challenge..."Anything Christmas Goes"
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."Anything Goes with Patterned Paper"
Emergency Crafter's..."Polkadots"
4 Crafty Chicks..."Use Polkadots"
C.R.A.F.T..."Christmas"
Die Cut Divas..."Inspiration Photo"(bird)
Crimbo Crackers..."Create a Scene" (cardinal skating in a snowfall)
Completely Christmas ..."Anything Goes"

"Little Lamb"

Welcome!

If you've been following me for awhile, you will already know that I love, love, love

 retro and vintage cards!
And, today's card I'm sharing with you goes down that retro road!

I was so excited to see the new challenge we're running at Unstampabelles this month!

"Incorporate an Animal or Bird...using Pastel Colors"

I knew I had the perfect collage sheets I had purchased off Etsy to create for this one!
Remember those retro baby lamb images that used to be used for baby cards many years ago...I'm pretty sure my mom received something similar when I was born! LOL
(I'm really dating myself now aren't I!)

Well, I got busy and here's where my creativity led me...

Now, the colors are actually a lot softer than what they appear here in the photo.
This was a super fast and simple card to make.  The card is actually just a note card size which for me means it's gonna be more clean and simple with few embellies.  The only extra touch I've added is to add Glitter Ritz to the grass to make it shimmer like it's covered in dew, and I've also added a touch of white flocking to the lamb.

I think this would make such a cute and different baby card!

Taking into consideration that Easter (all those pastel colors)  is just around the corner,  I don't think you should have any trouble coming up with a card or scrapbook page to play along with us this month.  Just remember...No Stamping!
It's really not that hard...and it challenges you to think outside the box!
For more inspiration, please take a peek at what the other Belles have created for you here!

Oh, and lastly I should mention that we are sponsored by Regal Press this month!  They are generously offering one lucky winner a $15 gift voucher!

 
http://www.regalcraftcards.com.au/

So, put on those thinking caps and see where this challenge can lead you this month!

Until next time...


This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Challenges 4 Everybody..."Anything Goes"
Crafting When We Can..."For a Child"
The Squirrel and The Fox..."All Creatures Great and Small"
Open Minded Crafting..."Animal Antics"
Polkadoodles..."Animal Magic"
Totally Papercrafts..."Pastels"
Country View Challenges..."New Beginning"
Feeling Crafty Challenges..."For a Child"
Seemacrafts..."Vintage"

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"

Christmas Layers

Happy Friday Everyone!

You know what Friday means...it's a new challenge over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Round!  

I know it's one that many of you will excel in...as always "Anything Goes" and our twist this week is...

"Lots of Layers"

I have a confession to make about my card today...I'm not really sure I like it!  LOL

There were so many little things that went wrong with it along the way!

I was aiming for a bit of a country feel to the card...so I chose snowflake paper, polka dotted paper and a beautiful gingham paper.  I layered it with white paper for matting...

Let's take a look...

I decided to layer the sentiment as well...so I snipped it apart as it was too long for the card and started matting with the white and polka dot paper.  I decided to try to do this the quick way by using my Xyron sticker maker...it's a new purchase and I'd only used it once before.  Well I got busy running all of the pieces through, and when I went to take off the backing of the sticker part...I had sent all of the pieces through the wrong way!  Oh was I ticked with myself.  So what did I do?  I decided that I would cover them all with Glitter Ritz!  (The card is sooooo sparkly, and I don't know if you can see it on the photo...but the sentiment and the main image all shimmer!)
So...I sent all the pieces through the sticker maker again...the correct way this time.
The image has been colored with my Spectrum Noir markers.  And, when I scratched a test mark on some scrap paper, I really thought I had chosen colors closer to the gingham and sentiment muted colors.  It's a little more vibrant than I was going for...oh well...I suppose it sorta works!
I added a few smaller snowflakes and then covered them with Crystal Stickles and then punched a few hearts to add to the card to again try to rescue that country feel!  LOL
So, I hope you'll find some inspiration in that creation somewhere!

Now, I should share a bit with you about our sponsor.
We are so happy to welcome back Bugaboo Stamps!

 

I just love the cute digi I got to work with!
They are generously offering one lucky prize winner 7 digis of their choice!
Thanks Bugaboo!

The rest is now up to you!  Get out those stacks of paper, choose a color scheme and get layering...like lots and lots of layering!  Then remember to link up with us at CSAYL.
The rest of the design team have created some amazing cards for your inspiration as well.  Remember to stop by their blogs to leave them some love!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
ABC Christmas Challenges..."Glitter"
Make Something Monday..."Sparkle"
Christmas Card Challenges..."Favorite Coloring Medium"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge..."Circles"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Christmas Goes"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."April Challenge"
Christmas at Sweet Stampin'..."Brrr It's Cold Outside"
Crimbo Crackers..."Anything Goes Christmas"
Sparkles Christmas Challenge..."Inspired by a Christmas Carol/Song"  (Let it Snow & Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland)

Let's Get Krafty!

I'm back...and I'm glad to see that so are you!

Today is the day a new challenge starts over at The Crafter's Cafe.
It's a fun one this week...

"Kraft Paper and Corrugated Cardboard"

...is what we're challenging you to design with this week!

Our sponsor for this challenge is...



...be sure to check out The Crafter's Cafe Challenge blog to see what they are offering for a prize this week!

I chose the image "We Just Click" to work with this go round.

Here's a look see...

I've used an embossing folder on the kraft paper and then inked over it with a brown ink so that you could see the embossing a little better and to give it an aged look.  I've applied a piece of corrugated cardboard behind the image which has been mounted onto a chalkboard piece shape.  The image itself has been colored with my Spectrum Noir markers.  The lens has been covered in glossy accents to give it the appearance of glass.  Lastly, I came across some sticker letters that have been in my stash for like forever and decided to add the word "smile".
A quick and simple creation!

So grab all your "krafty" stash and get creating.  I can't wait to see how you use your corrugated cardboard!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
My Craft Creations..."Anything Goes"
Sugar Creek Hollow..."Make Your Own Background"

Under the Sea

It certainly feels like the weeks are passing faster and faster lately!

How about for you?

We're still awaiting spring here in Manitoba, Canada...and I'm just happy that the snow they've been calling for in the last week or so has never come to pass.  

The kids and I are so ready for sunshine and green grass!

I'm glad you could stop in today to see what our new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges is this week.  As you know, we always base our creations on a {pin}spiring photo.

We have a unique one for you today...so be prepared to throw on your creativity cap...

Aren't the colors beautiful?  Those teals, blues, greens...not to mention the textures!

And the possibilities with turtle digis seem to be endless these days!

I decided to use some cutting files for my Silhouette Cameo which I purchased on sale at

 Designs on Cloud 9.  This under the sea themed set was a file that was being retired and I just couldn't let it slip through my fingers.  

But, before I show you what I created for this challenge, let me bring you up to speed on our wonderful sponsors for this week...

Imagine That!

as well as...

 Bugaboo

and last but not least...

2 Cute Ink

 

Be sure to check out the {Pin}spirational Challenge blog to see the wonderful prizes are sponsors are offering this week!

Now, back to my creation! 

Let's take a look!

and here's a closer peek at the sentiment I used from our sponsor Imagine That...

and lastly a closer look at the grouping in the shadowbox as well as the turtle on the front...

I had purchased a shadow box cutting file from the Silhouette online store that I thought would be perfect for this card challenge.  The different layerings and the fact that it was a shadow box I felt would give you that under the sea water feeling like in our {pin}spiring picture.  Since I was a little short on time with this one, I decided to use the PNG files that were included with the cutting files rather than paper piece for this project.  I've popped up the sea horse, as well as some of the seaweed so the background looks dimensional.  I've cut some extra waves for the front of the card and added the turtle so it looks like he's swimming through the scene as well.  Lastly, I've added a print out of the sentiment from our sponsor Imagine That.  All in all, I thought it came out kinda cute!

Are you ready to tackle this under the sea challenge?  Needing more {pin}spiration?  Don't forget to check out the other DT members creations on the blog!
I'm looking forward to seeing where your creativity takes you with this photo!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Alphabet Challenge..."D is for Die Cuts"
Bloggers Challenge..."Animals"
Crafty Catz..."Anything Goes"
Sister Act Card Challenge..."Anything Goes"

Crafting by Designs..."Colors of the Sea Recipe" (inspiration photo, sea creatures, water & bubbles)
The Sisterhood of Crafters..."Animals"
Creative Card Crew..."Animals"
Crafty Calender Challenge..."Animal Antics"
Open-Minded Challenges..."Animal Antics"
2 Cute Ink..."Anything Goes"
The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog..."Cute with Dies/Punches"
Use Your Stuff..."Die Cuts"

A Simple Christmas

It's Friday!  Yay!

So glad you popped in for a visit!  

Since it's Friday, I'm back with another new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

I'm having such fun getting ahead of the game with my Christmas cards this year!

I hope you're joining in!

This weeks challenge is ..."Anything Goes" with...

"Die Cuts and Ribbon"

Not a hard challenge at all!

We do not have a sponsor this time round...but we are offering a great prize!

Should you take on this challenge and be the lucky winner, you get to be a Guest Designer with CSAYL in the month of May! 

How exciting is that!

For my creation this week, I decided to go very simple.  I had recently purchased the "25th and Pine" Collection by Basic Grey through Peachy Cheap, and decided it was time to crack it open and work with it!  This collection has the muted vintage tones that I just love! 

Here's my creation...

I used the die cut ornament and the die cut Merry Christmas banner from the collection.  The papers are also all from the collection.  I added a simple ribbon to the top of the ornament, a few pearls along two sides, and lastly used some Crystal Stickles to give the ornament an elegant shimmer.  

This was a super quick card as all the papers coordinated and I had the die cuts at my finger tips. 

I hope I've inspired you to get ahead in your Christmas card making.  I also hope I'll be visiting your blog this week to see your festive creation!  Who knows...maybe we'll be designing together in May should you be the lucky winner of the Guest Designer spot!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
 Alphabet Challenge..."D is for Die Cuts" 
Jingle Belles..."Spirit of Christmas Past" 
Crimbo Crackers..."Anything Goes Christmas"
Fab 'n' Funky..."Christmas"
Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge..."Bingo" (pearls, free space, more than 3 layers)

  

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"

Favorite Festive Colors

Wow!  It's Friday again...can you believe it?  

I just can't believe how time is flying.  We're nearly at the end of March already!

I'm glad you've taken time to stop in for a visit with me today!

Since it's Friday, I'm here with another new challenge with Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!  As always, our theme is "Anything Goes"...with the twist of "using your favorite color combo"!  

We are excited to have our challenge sponsored by none other than Meljens Designs this week!
(I just love Meljen digis!)

 

They are offering one lucky winner 4 of their awesome non colored digis!

How awesome is that!

I was sent the cute image called Snowman Cupcake.  

I decided to pair that image with Meljen's digi Sweet Candy Canes.

And as for using my favorite color combo...I have to say I love blue and white together.  I especially love blue and white for Christmas cards.  I usually land up having to talk myself out of this color combo when I make cards because not every card I create for the holiday season can be blue and white.  And, since I chose the candy cane image for this card as well, I used red as my accent color.  

Here's a peek at how it turned out...

 

I colored the images with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I dug out my Christmas patterned paper and got to matting the different layers.  The sentiment is from Di's Digis.  I added some sparkle to the card by using Stickles on the candy canes, cupcake liner ribbon as well as the holly berries.  I covered the snowman's face completely in Glitter Ritz.  Lastly, I added some different blue toned colored sequins.  

And there you have it...another blue and white Christmas card creation.  I really hope you all decide to get into the Christmas spirit and get creating with your favorite color combination.  Maybe you'll inspire me to give a new color combo a try!  LOL

Remember to link up CSAYL so I can see your creations.  While you're there, take a look at all the other fabulous cards the other DT members have created for your inspiration.

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Aud Sentiments Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Crimbo Crackers..."Cute Christmas"
DL. Art Thursday..."Uplifting Sentimet with at least 5 words"
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' Challenges..."Brrr Its Cold Outside"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"

Welcome Summer...at least Wishful Thinking!

I have to admit that the cloudiness and the dreariness the last couple of days have been weighing down my soul!  I'm in need of a good dose of sunshine!
You will see that this is reflected in the card I have to share with you today!

It's Wednesday, which means its a new challenge over at The Crafter's Cafe!
We have an easy one for you this week!

Our theme is...

"Make a Square Card"

This week we are sponsored by...

and

Be sure to check out The Crafter's Cafe blog to see what types of prizes are being awarded!

I was able to create with a Stamping Boutique Image...and it totally made me wish it was summer!
Now, I am not a beach/water type person, but I was just telling my husband yesterday that the winter has seemed so long and cold that I found myself wishing we had gone on a warm winter vacation!

You can see those feelings clearly reflected in this creation...

I colored up the image using my Spectrum Noir markers.  I added some light blue Stickles to the sky to give it a free and breezy kinda feeling, and also added some vintage colored Stickles to the beach so that there was some texture and sparkle to the sand.  I added the sentiment which was printed and cut using my Silhouette Cameo and lastly added the 3 colorful buttons in the bottom corner.  The background paper is from a Lori Whitlock collection...and I loved the stripes as they reminded me of a beach towel.
A simple, yet hopefully bright and cheery card!

I hope you're able to make some time to play along with us at The Crafter's Cafe this week!  I know square cards are very popular and I'm assuming our submissions could reach a good number!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Cuttin' and Stampin' Challenges..."Colors red, green, blue, yellow and teal"
Fan-Tastic Tuesday..."Anything Goes"
Digi Makeover Challenges...."Colors of the Rainbow"
Without Words..."Hobbies/Relax"
Addicted to Stamps and More..."Make Your Mark"
Little Red Wagon..."A Rainbow of Colors"

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"

A Little Miracle

Welcome Back!

I'm back with a mid month posting for our current challenge over at Unstampabelles.  We're still designing around our current challenge which is "Geometric Shapes"...but keep in mind that your creation cannot contain any form of stamping...inked or digi.

I had a specific card type in mind for this challenge...as I knew that I was needing to do a baby card for a brand new little boy!  Well, he's not too brand new anymore, he was born in December but I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him as of yet!  I'm so excited to meet him this Wednesday....you see my friends little man is a true miracle.  She was always told that she would never be able to have any children...but God is in the business of working miracles isn't he!  But this little man's story doesn't end there.  When he was born he was born with heart problems and was whisked away to another province within hours of his birth.  I can't imagine what this would be like for any parent.  Well, long story short, this little guy was tough...he made it through the surgery and is looking great and healthy!

Well, I got busy looking through the Silhouette online store and found this awesome little card with the baby onesie and the dresser.  I decided that I wanted to add some other items to the card so kept looking and came across this great rocking horse and teddy bear cutting file.  I just thought it was adorable.  Lastly, I found the sentiment which I thought would compliment the card perfectly.  And, then I got busy!

Since I was supposed to actually meet my friend and her little one last Wednesday, I knew I was on a bit of a time crunch. (We had to postpone as I caught the flu and didn't want to pass that along to them.)  So, I decided to use the print and cut feature, along with the color fill feature on the Cameo rather than take the time to paper piece.  I based my colors on the ribbon that I had received from our current sponsor for this challenge...Annabelle Stamps!  (The little "knobs" on the dresser drawers are also little sprinkles that I received from them as well!)  A huge thank you!

Here's a glimpse at the card...

I thought it turned out super sweet!

For the finishing touch I added some blue Stickles to the heart on the onesie and on the rocking horses bridle and saddle, and popped up the rocking horse and teddy bear die cut so it appears to be sitting in front of the dresser.

Now, can you find all the geometric shapes I used?
Here's just a quick list...circles for the knobs on the dresser, circle for the eye of the rocking horse, the hearts on the onesie and teddy bears feet, the rectangle dresser drawers, the square behind the onesie with the corners notched!  See, it's not so hard...and you're only being challenged to add three shapes to your card!

You still have some time to play along with us at Unstampabelles with this current challenge.  If you have a card that you know you're needing or even one that you're making to have on hand for a birthday, thinking of you, etc. challenge yourself to do it without stamps and to use at least 3 shapes on that creation.  You'll be amazed at how easy it really is!  Then, don't forget to link up with us at Unstampabelles...we'd love to see your take on this challenge!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Little Red Wagon..."Dimensional" 
Lady Bug Crafts..."One for the Boys"
Papertake Weekly..."Bingo"  (die cuts, free, glitter)
Crafty Girls Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Crafty Ribbons Challenge..."Ribbon & Bow" 
Crafty Catz..."Boys and their Toys"
Paper Crafting Challenges..."Glitter" 
Card a Day Blog..."Babies, Spring, Easter, Congratulations" 
Silhouette Challenges..."Create Your Own Scene" 
Amusing Challenge..."Fancy Fold"
Sentimental Sundays..."Cute and Cuddly"

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"