365 Cards - 4 Challenge Catch-up Extravaganza!!

Phew! It has been stifling hot here on Canada's Vancouver coast... especially in my third floor craft room, which faces the afternoon sun. Despite closed blinds, the resulting sauna has been too much to bear, and so I have been kept from my paper and glue. Today, however, was tolerable, and with a fan strategically placed to blow gently on my back as I worked gleefully at my craft table... I got caught up on the 4 challenges to complete the past week. I am happy. I missed my paper and glue.

365 Cards - Challenge 151: A Certain Sentiment

The sentiment we were challenged to put on our card is "You Can Do It".

This one's for my best friend (and fellow papercrafter) Betty, who is in the final stretch of a tough course to complete her level 2 buyers certificate. Betty has more discipline in her little finger than I'll ever have! She works full time, always has time for friends and still finds time to study...

She called me last night to tell me that her latest assignment garnered her an "A" with a 93% mark. Isn't that awesome!! With 6 days left until the final exam, she's hitting the books pretty hard. I wanted to encourage her and let her know how proud I am of her! This card is perfect!

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics DP: BasicGrey "Recess" (as are all the card embellishments)

365 Cards - Challenge 152: Peek-a-boo to You

Today's Challenge is all about flaps. Create a fun flap somewhere on your card.

I'm also going to enter this one into Paper Blooms' challenge: Peek-a-boo Hide Your Sentiment

Truth be told, I toiled with this one. I was lost for ideas - even after perusing all the great ideas from the other 365 cards contributors - after all I didn't want to simpy regurgitate someone else's idea!

No, I needed inspiration. Luckily, I found it with a sheet of old Stickopotamus construction stickers. And if you don't have the right background papers - make your own! I found the gravel pit pic on the internet, also found a pic of the sheet metal griddy stuff (what do you call that stuff?) and printed them on HP Everyday Photo Paper. I cut out random 'dirt piles' and stuck 'em all over the card construction site.


Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Stickers: Stickopotamus Brads: I bought them at Michael's, but I don't remember who made them (I don't keep the original packaging - I have an organizer box thingy) Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories







365 Cards - Challenge 153: Tag You're It!

We were challenged to use a journaling tag, sticker or rub-on on our cards.

I'd been waiting for an opportunity to use this tag! It was a great find at the local dollar store (3 for a buck!) which is actually one of my favourite places to find embellishments.

The rest of the card is pretty simple... 'bugged the background, stamped the image, watercoloured, added Stickles and a paper 'enjoy' ribbon... and voila!

I'm also entering this one into the Pile it On challenge for this week (#8) Include watercolour on your project. Check!

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cuttlebug Folder: Hearts Image: Penny Black 'T' for Transparent "Critter Party" Sentiment: Penny Black Ink: Versafine Watercolour Pencils: Close to My Heart



365 Cards - Challenge 154: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Our card today had to include a mode of transportation - plane, train, auto, bike. Yes! I scored some fab car paper a few weeks ago... perfect for a little boy's card. It's called "Little Guy Traffic Jam" from KI Memories. So cute! I wanted show off this awesome paper, so I kept the card fairly simple, and just constructed a paper traffic light with a fun "Hi!" sentiment. I'm thinking I might still 'pop' a couple of the cars... but I'm not sure. Sometimes simple is best... I'll decide tomorrow. I've been making cards for hours ~ I'm happy, but I'm tired.

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics DP: KI Memories Glitter Paper (stoplights): DCWV Alpha Stickers: Making Memories

If you made it to the end of my rather long post... thanks for stickin' it out ~ and come on back soon!

Have a crafty weekend!

365 Cards - Challenge 150

The challenge for day 150 is An "Eye" for an "I"

The specific challenge: we had to use a 'homophone' (a word that sounds like another, but has a different meaning). I kept checking back throughout the day to see what people came up with... great fun. What an awesome challenge.

Holey Mackerel.... and the inside reads: You're OLD! It's perfect for my uncle, who's a. OLD b. an avid fisherman & c. has a great sense of humour. He's going to love it!

The image (stolen from the internet) was printed on HP Everyday photo paper & 'popped' on Bazzill cardstock, on which I had computer printed the sentiment (a fun font called Goofball - free download). I gave my fish some shine with Diamond Stickles - now he's soooo ready to partay!

He's not elegant or even pretty, but I like him. I shall call him Bob.

Now it's time to get out of my stifling craft room (heat wave in BC!) and go sit in front of a fan somewhere with some icy liquid.

Thanks for dropping by,

365 Cards - Challenge 149

It's Try a Technique day at 365 Cards - and the technique to try is 'sponging'.

We had a couple of great examples today, with Gloria's incredible aqua tag card - and a guest designer, Barb Foster, who showcased her formidable talent with a fun Halloween card.

What I love about playing along with these challenges is that they force me to try new things - and to try old things in a different way. I tried to take a different approach than both of the featured designers (just to see what would happen) by starting off with a chocolate Bazzill paper. I stamped the images (CTMH - Treasure Life) with Versamark and then embossed clear.

I then took my Q stack and started sponging (hey, those wee pads are little sponges, so it works!) I layered about 8 colours before I had the look I wanted, then wiped off the embossed part. I was a little disappointed at first because the colours weren't as bright as the designers'... but I started with brown paper, so I should have known. The look on mine is kind of faded - like an old postcard, which I though lent itself to a 'shabby' card. I'm reasonably happy with the result, but will definitely try to start with a white cardstock next time.

I aged the inside by sponging Distress Ink around the outer edges too, so this card's sponged out n' in.

I hope you had as much fun with this challenge as I did!





Papers: Bazzill (Chocolate& Black mat); CTMH - textured pumpkin (card base); Dollar store corrugated fun & rough cloth (I be lovin' the dollar store lately!)
Inks: Versamark; Q Rainbow & Aqua stacks
Beads: found objects (thanks Mom!)

365 Cards Challenge 148

It's Super Sketchy Sunday at 365 Cards.

Here's Pam's Sketch:

I really enjoy working from a sketch, and especially at 365 Cards, where the entire design team posts an example of their work. If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is! What a talented group of ladies...

My take on the challenge was inspired by my sister, Juanita, who lives too darn far away (in my opinion!) and I miss her terribly... I just wanted to send her a special card to tell her I love her.

The entire card is done with papers from a single SEI pad (Bridgeport) that I just love. The sentiment is computer generated.

Well I started my day crafty, it's 10:30ish and I'm off to finish the day being sociable, with places to go and people to see (hugs to give and receive). Life is good.

I'll catch up with y'all tomorrow, to see what's in store on Monday on 365 cards. Yup, it's official... I'm addicted (quite happily)

I hope you have a great day,

Triple Challenge + One More

First up is 365 Cards Challenge 147: Scraplift Saturday

Specifically, we were to select a card previously done by one of the design team members and scraplift. I chose a former Sketchy Sunday example that Amy did back on June 28th (Bowlin Distressed Flower) I love that card! The text & flower....

My card incorporates the lyrics of Eddie Vedder's "No Ceiling" off the soundtrack to "Into the Wild" When I watched that movie, before it was done, I leaned over to Harvey and said "I'm buying this sountrack!" I did, and it's been a favourite for 2 years. The last line of the song...this love has got no ceiling... clearly shows at the bottom of the card. I think this would be a nice one for a spouse or a dear friend. :)
_________________________________

Next, comes an entry into 3 challenges, which is the most I've ever managed to do (I can't imagine fitting more in... how stressful!)

365 Cards Challenge 146: Mirror Me

The challenge was to create symmetry on your card. Seemingly simple, this was not an easy task for me. I am not one of those people with identical candlestick holders on either side of her mantel... I like to group things. I like things slightly off kilter, with movement and balance created without directly symmetrical proportions. So I cheated on this card. :P

The main sketch and layout are symmetrical, but I couldn't resist cropping the photo so my daughter (isn't she gorgeous! - this was her wedding day) wasn't centered. I also couldn't resist the butterfly rub-on. LOL Trust me, this is as symmetrical as I get!

This card is also entered into Unscripted Sketches: Sketch It Saturdays # 16
I liked their sketch, and while I don't have the correct Nestabilities die to do that fancy scrolled thingy - I do have imagination, and used chipboard brackets to convey that shape.

The third challenge is Pile it On's Mostly Orange
I don't dislike orange, but I sure don't use it very often. I actually wish this particular card was blue. LOL Too late now, it's orange, and it's getting entered into PIO's challenge!!

I hope you're having a crafty wonderful weekend!

365 Cards - Challenge 145

Today's challenge at 365 Cards: Ad Inspired

After looking at the other 365 Cards contributors' projects and reading their comments, I think that Pam must have been joking when she said we'd take a breather from some of the tougher challenges hahaha. Is it bad to say I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggled with this one? I can't help it if I'm bad ~ at least, I'm honest! I'm not sure why it was so tough, though... I mean, I'm lovin' that Anthropologie pillow!

In accordance with the challenge, I took a few elements from the pillow - but I've mixed them up a bit: orange colour, Damask pattern, butterfly, green (although mine took the shape of leaves, not birds). The result is OK, considering how much I struggled.

I was pulling out papers and changing my mind for a long time...no, really... a loooong time! The only thing I had decided on was the blue damask paper (love that paper!) until I received my PeachyCheap.com envelope! Little Yellow Bicycle embellishments! I had a little, mini Christmas in July while I pulled out each item (a few of the chipboard items were bent, but overall, a very lovely shipment of affordable goodies!). Lots of blue and orange. Yay! I love it when I buy me presents!

Papers: Fancy Pants (blue damask), DCWV (glitter orange)
Embellies: Vellum leaves and butterfly (unknown), chipboard sentiment (Little Yellow Bicycle), flower dot stickers (LYB), Onyx Glitter on the butterfly's wings (Martha Stewart), and finished off with Stickles, because a girl can never have too much bling!

Have a great day, my fellow cyber-crafters!

365 Cards - Challenge 144

You Raise Me Up: Try to incorporate at least TWO ways to add dimension to your card.

I've just finished making a dozen of these cards... I'm taking them to work tomorrow to sell as a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. While I didn't make them in specific response to the challenge - I did just finish them, they fit the challenge to a "T" and I do hope it's an acceptable entry (if it's not - no worries... I'll make a replacement card for the challenge this week)

Adding Dimension:
Cuttlebug folder: Bloom Dots (check)
Pop Dots to make the embossed panel 'pop' (check)
Ribbon (check)
Punched flowers (check)
buttons (check)
Brads (check)
Pink Ribbon eyelet (check)
Swarovski crystal (check)

Now, off to package these babies in their acrylic bags, and they're good to go for tomorrow!

Thanks for lookin' y'all. G'night!

365 Cards - Challenge 143

Day 143 at 365 Cards challenges us to Keep it to Yourself: Sympathy

The challenge is to create a sympathy card that conveys the message on the front without a sentiment.

OK, sympathy cards are challenging at the best of times - but no "Deepest Sympathy" or "In Friendship and Sympathy" on the front... whoa. Tough challenge, right?!

Tammy Wark of the 365 Design Team gave a great example, and the submissions thus far have been beautiful, too. Of my own submission, I'm unsure - it just feels 'wrong' without a message, but I do like it.

I started with a chocolate brown Bazzill Basics base instead of black. I stamped (I'm sorry, I don't remember who makes this stamp!) with Versamark and embossed with Ranger's Antiquities Claret. I then finished the outside with some WalMart brown satin ribbon with an old diary key & some black brads.

The inside verse is computer generated & printed on parchment (Office Depot), and I used the same stamp with Distress Ink (antique linen) to decorate the bottom corner.

Thanks for poppin' in and taking a boo. Leave me a comment if you like - your comments always make me smile.

Mojo Monday - Week 96

Here's my entry for the Mojo Monday Sketch 96:

I'm not thrilled with my card... aw, heck, it's Monday night and I'm dead tired. I'm all out of Mojo, and I can't redo it now. Maybe it'll look better in the morning. LOL

There are some great entries this week, and I'll continue to go back and see what's added. It's so cool how many different ideas one simple sketch spawn. Very cool, indeed.



Thanks for Looking...

365 Cards - Challenge 142

Day 142 at 365 Cards is Movie Monday.

Here's the challenge: Let the movie "Twilight" inspire your card.
There were requirements beyond that, though - We were instructed to use a black card base or black background, patterned paper where the dominant colour is red, and embellish with glitter or rhinestones (other than that, anything goes)

This posed two problems for me. I have not seen the movie, nor read the books, so inspiration did not come naturally - and the only patterned papers with dominant red colour I have in my stash are too bright and childlike for this challenge.

One Google search and the first problem is solved. Holy mackerel, there are a lot of Twilight fans out there, and they have no qualms about ruining the plot or posting movie screenshots. OK, vampire love story... massive teen appeal... The images, to me, evoked a feeling that I'll call 'pop-goth'.

Problem two was solved just as easily. I shamelessly stole an internet image of the movie and imported into Picnik, where I added a red tint to the BW photo, added graininess and cropped it into, what I thought, was an effective image (that I hope is acceptable to use for the patterned paper requirement).

I added ribbon (black for the goth, red to represent blood) and an old earring for the required rhinestone element. The earring lost it's mate years ago and has been hanging around in my jewelry box ever since (you just wait, it's mate is going to turn up now that I've chopped off the post and glued it to a card!) A heart brad and some strategically placed red Stickles (brad & eyes) finish it off.

I like the end result, although I have NO idea who I'm going to give this card to. Ha ha Oh well, I'm sure I'll figure it out...

Thanks for dropping by,

Blog Candy Alert!

Nicole over at Pink Nickels is feeling particularly generous, and is offering this FAB assortment of K & Company Stuff! The winner will be announced on August 5th. (ooo, ooo, me, me!)

Thanks Nicole. Not only do you reward your followers with a lovely blog that showcases and shares your wonderful projects and ideas, you reward one lucky follower with a luscious selection of goodies. :)

365 Cards - Challenge 141

It's Super Sketchy Sunday at 365 Cards.

I must admit, this one was a challenge for me. I tried a few different things that just didn't look all that great. Oh well... more scraps for the scrap basket. I ended up starting all over with the sketch upside down. I'm still not all that crazy about the results, but I've got to get some work done, so it's time to stop fiddling with paper and glue. Oh well, card-making is like that: sometimes you're inspired, other times you just perspire. LOL

All the papers and ribbon were unlabeled in my stash, and the sentiment is computer generated (BlackJack font)

Thanks for looking - and have a GREAT day!

365 Cards - Challenges 139 & 140

Quick post today, it's been a hectic few days! Several trips back and forth to the hospital with my sick husband have left me drained... but I've made time for 'glue therapy' to calm my thoughts before bed. Harvey's going to be OK (a few more doses of IV antibiotics are required) but he sure is grumpy at the thought of two weeks' rest!






365 Cards' Day 139 - Try a Technique: Paper Piercing
This is a new technique for me - sure, I've poked holes in paper in order to insert brads 'n such, but never as a decorative technique. I'm a new convert! While I'm not thrilled with my submission for this challenge, I loved seeing how piercing was used by the other contributors. Definitely worth a second try, and third, and...





Day 140 - Paint it!
The only paint in the house is interior latex... I KNOW, it's sacrilege for a crafter to admit that! I do have watercolour pencils, however, so I hope that it's acceptable to use those (after all, application does require a paint brush) I really like this technique for softly coloured images, and have used it a lot (more examples on my July 6th post).

The first card: paper is Wisteria collection (Basic Grey), ribbon is WalMart, rubon is CTMH, bling is Swarovski & the spider charm is a found object. (Did you know that spiders are a symbol of creation and creativity? Wonder why? Their webs - small miracles each one, intricately crafted by their tiny creators)

Second card: Cardstock is... I don't remember... Image is SU, Nesties used to cut circles. Ribbon is dollar store, coloured with CTMH watercolour pencils (and water, with a brush!) & decorated with Stickles & FlowerSoft.

Thanks for stopping by!

365 Cards - Challenge 138

Today's challenge: "She Said, and I quote" Using a quotation or poem on your card. Here's my submission (gotta make it quick, because I'm leaving for work).

The quote is computer generated on vellum. The image is Penny Black, coloured with CTMH watercolour pencils. The essential 3 were also used: Cuttlebug (love those swiss dots!), Nesties and Stickles.

I'm outta here - thanks for stopping by the madhouse! :P

365 Cards - Challenge 137

Day 137 - I'm In a Bind - The challenge is to bind two pieces of something (card stock, plastic, etc.) to create a card. Paper clips, binder clips, staples, brads, etc. - and we were encouraged not be afraid to try something new!

I actually read the challenge before bed and intended to think about it the next day - but I just couldn't sleep. I was called to my sewing box, thinking... snaps? eyelet hooks? When I found the zipper, I just knew... So here it is, 12:30am (I'm on the west coast of Canada) and I've just finished the challenge. I hope you appreciate the lack of sleep this challenge caused me! LOL (Yes, I'm a little obsessive about card-making... let me tell you, this ain't the first late night - and it sure won't be the last!)

When I'd finished sewing the zipper, the little tabs were sticking out the top. While I've left them there, I'm wondering if I should trim them off... what do you think?

The blue textured cardstock is CTMH's textured blue. I love it for it's white core which, when you sand it, looks like denim. I love the look. I just wish I could buy a pack of just the blue textured paper (they only sell it in the combo packs)

The rub-ons are also CTMH, the ½ pearls are Kaiser Craft & the pretty purple paper is sei (from Michael's). The white 'blouse' is cuttlebugged (Swiss Dots) and lace-punched. The 'brooch' is a found object (broken jewelery).

I should be able to sleep now... challenge complete!

Cheers,