Butterfly Trail

At last, we have sunshine! It hasn't been around since last Monday..except maybe 2 seconds for a couple days.

It really is beautiful and warm. It is supposed to be 70 degrees today. That makes me happy.

My card was made for the Ways to Use It challenge,WT522, on Splitcoaststampers. We were supposed to make a card using something we thought was a lucky charm for us. Well, I don't think I have a lucky charm but some people believe a butterfly lighting on them is lucky. So, I used that as my excuse to play in the challenge. :-)

I needed to make a tall, skinny card to fit all the butterflies I wanted to use. It is 3 3/4 x  8 1/2. I have an envelope to fit that size. The card is already in the mail to a special friend who could use a lift.

The butterflies are colored with Copics. The large one at the top is stamped twice and one cut out and popped up with dimensionals.

My card is also for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge: Things that Fly

Wishing you all a beautiful Sunday.

Recipe:

Stamps-Stamps by Judith/Sm Line Butterfly, Lg Line Butterfly,  Dot row, Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Dogwood Blossoms set (sentiment)

Paper-PTI cardstock

Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories-Copics/R22 and R35, Y17 and Y35, E71, BV000 and BV02, B02 and B000

The Cross-Easter

I went away on a trip last week and had some warmer weather in the 80's for  a few days and missed a lot of icy weather at home. I hope that was the end of winter for us. This week is all rain....EVERY DAY. I need sunshine!!!!!!

My card was made for the CAS315 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was to use ribbon. I saw this card on Pinterest and wanted to case it for an Easter card.

I didn't have the purple ribbon so I dyed some with Stampin'Up! Perfect Plum ink. I have no idea why the ribbon looks white on one of the ends because it isn't. I'm thinking it is the cardstock and then the shadow begins????

The embossing folder is by Sizzix/Birds and Wreath set. I cut the cross 1/2" wide. It is popped up and I just placed the ribbon behind it.

My sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Blessings

In the Garden

My card is for the CAS311 challenge on Splitcoaststampers to use rainbow colors. This was such an easy card. I swiped my Distress Paints on a Ziploc bag, misted it and crumpled. I opened it up and placed it on my image and that created all the wonderful colors. Distress paints, stains, and inks are so much fun and you can use them so many ways for a color wash.

Recipe:
Stamps-Crafty Individuals/Dancing Dragonflies, Inspired by Stamping/Big Wishes II
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Candy Heart cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Copics for postage image, Tim Holtz Distress Paint/Wild Honey, Broken China, and Barn Door

Ton of Love

I'm sure you all will be glad to see I am back to posting just one card at a time...me, too.

This card was for the CAS310 challenge on Splitcoaststampers.

This valentine will be for my four year old granddaughter. I wanted to send her a ton of love. So, Ellie the elephant was the perfect image for that. Some people on Splitcoaststampers said she has a heart tattoo.  Ha

The little dots are just remnants of paper from something I die cut or punched..can't remember which.
I colored with Copics.

Recipe:
Stamps-High Hopes/Ton of Love Ellie
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-paper dots, Copics

Prickles is in Love and Sunny Day Rooster

I have several cards I made for Splitcoaststampers that I haven't uploaded so I think I'll do two or more at a time. Today, I want to show you Prickles. I think he is such a cutie. This was one of the items my sister gave me for Christmas.  I think he makes the cutest valentine.

I made this one layer card for a clean and simple challenge on Splitcoaststampers, CAS308.  I colored Prickles with Copics and did a shadow with the Copics. I just made my own grass with the Copic marker, also.

Recipe:
Stamps-Stamps by Judith/Prickles M-21, Stamps by Judith/AA-69 Bold Modern Heart, Stamps by Judith/Family Memories/SK-LG-209 (sentiment), Prickley Pear/Branch with Hearts (used partial stamp-heart he has in his hand)
Paper-PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Copics, Glossy Accents

My next card was really simple and mostly designer paper. It was for the Splitcoaststampers Fan Club Central Theme-January, 2015. I made a card for a chicken or farm theme, although mine is a rooster. It is also for someone feeling sick and hopefully will cheer them. It is already in the mail.

The only stamps used were for the sentiment and the sunflower.

Stamps-Make an Impression/Garden Fence Punch-In Stamp-used partial stamp (sunflower only), Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Bring on the Sun set (sentiment only)
Paper-PTI vintage cream cardstock, Graphic 45 French Country
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Sassafras/In a Stitch Blossoms-Kraft, raffia, Copic E70, Gold Stickles 

I hope you're having a sunny day and looking forward to a great weekend.

Sing it Loud and Clear

I've finally returned to my blog after more than a month. I have been gone much longer than I expected to be. My husband was on a three week vacation and we both got sick the last week. I was sure I had the flu, but didn't. Then, we were in a head on collision while sitting at a traffic light. Yes, that was strange. The young man that hit us left the scene. Hmmmmm...  Someone followed him and got the tag number, thankfully. He knocked us into the van behind us. The only injury was a scraped knee I had. I guess it hit the dash board. Thank goodness for seat belts. My youngest son and his family didn't get here for Christmas (first time ever) so they came last week and we all exchanged gifts. They left Monday. So, that is what has been going on in my life.

I have made some cards for Splitcoaststampers while I've been away. I'll try to post them later. This is one I made this week for CAS309. The challenge was snowmen. Well, you know I had to get in on that one, being a snowman lover.

I'm entering my card into the challenge#143 at Merry Monday.  The theme is Caroller's Music.

My card was made using a digital image from Sprinkle N Sparkle/Singing Trio and the sentiment is from Prickley Pear/Fa La La La. Silver twine was added and the sentiment tag connected.

I have a Spellbinders die/Garden Weave I would like to give away to one of my faithful readers. If you leave a comment, you're in the drawing. I will choose a winner next Monday, Feb 2.-Groundhog Day. 

Jingle Bells

I hope you're having a great Sunday. It is a cloudy day here and I'm longing for the hot days of summer and lots of sunshine. I guess I'll be waiting for quite a while. 

This is a card I made last week for the CAS302 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was The First Noel....add music to your cards.

I used a Martha Stewart punch to do the jingle bells. They are hanging on strips of cardstock. I have later added bows made with musical cardstock...placed at the top of the jingle bells. I just didn't want to do another photo so you have to imagine this in your mind's eye. :-) Anyway, I think I like it better this way.

Recipe:
Stamps-Stampabilities/Jingle Bells
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill rock candy cs, Stampin'Up! Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler cs
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Martha Stewart jingle bell punch

Snowflake Wreath

This card was made for the challenge on Splitcoaststampers,  CAS299. The challenge was Simply Snowflakes. I do have two snowflakes placed in my arrangement.  

I'm using this wonderful Sarasota Stamps Vine Wreath that was found on Amazon. The company is now out of business. Someone told me they found it online at Wal-Mart, also. 

The berries are painted on with the small end of my round stylus and some Americana acrylic paint...just dabbing it on.

I added the sentiment and all was finished with this one layer card.

I'll probably not be around for a week or so. My son is visiting and his wife and child, along with the other two grandchildren will be here starting this weekend. So, I'll be a busy bee for a while. 

I did put up my two Christmas trees today and I'm so happy that is finished. What a job!!!

Recipe:
Stamps-Sarasota Stamps/Vine Wreath
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill London Fog cardstock, Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler cardstock
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Tim Holtz paper string, Tim Holtz Sizzix Holiday Words die-Script, Martha Stewart snowflake punches, Martha Stewart fir punch, clear gemstone, stylus, Americana acrylic paint/Napa Red

Non-Traditional Christmas

Another weekend is quickly gone. We're going to turn around and it will be Christmas. Today, the CAS297 challenge on Splitcoaststampers is to make a Christmas card using a non-traditionl image or non-traditional colors. This was certainly an easy and quick card to make, just cutting a couple of die cuts and adding some enamel dots. I stamped a sentiment and it was all finished. 

I found the idea for this design here on Pinterest. Isn't that a beautiful card?

I'm entering my card into these challenges:
 Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge-Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps Challenge Blog- #119-CAS

Recipe:
Stamps-Stampabilities/Handwritten Merry Christmas
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Candy Necklace cardstock, unknown purple glitter paper
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Joy Crafts/Ribbon and Bows die, Spellbinders Shapeabilities Nested Pennants die, Recollection white enamel dots

HYCCT Mix

I am posting the last of my Hope You Can Cling To cards for the cancer drive on Splitcoaststampers. I certainly did not do all the challenges but got twelve made, I believe. I'll just post the names of the stamps.

I thought some of the patients may want to send out Halloween cards so I made one. HYCCT1417-All That Binds Us-Bind the spine of your card/album in honor of the strength such binding gives to breast cancer patients. You may mimic a book spine which I did by using my Sew Easy to represent machine stitching.

Mix90-Use Halloween colors and two types of mediums.

Stamps-High Hopes/Ghost Trio

HYCCT1428-Make a card using pretty pink balloons. I tried to make mine pretty by using Washi tape on two of them and a stamp on the other. 

Stamps-Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Daffodil Greetings (sentiment), unknown flower stamp for one of the balloons

HYCCT1427-Thank x 2-express thanks using a minimum of two mediums. I used acrylic paints and embossing.
CT1014-Hopelessly Devoted-My interpretation was devoted pairs/moon and stars

Stamps-Sweet 'n Sassy/Poppies and Greetings (sentiment)

Happy Halloween to all and have a great weekend.

Three Leaves and More

After making snowbanks on my last card, I decided to back up the season a bit from winter to Fall.  I've made another card for the Hope You Can Cling To challenges on Splitcoaststampers-HYCCT1422. The challenge is: SHOW ME THE LOVE--Create a project showing the love without putting the sentiment "I Love You" on the front cover. Most, but not all, crafters showed a cute couple--some people or animals or just whatever, (I probably should have) hearts, etc. on their card but I went with Thanksgiving which is a wonderful time to show that you love someone.  At least, I think of this as a Thanksgiving card and the sentiment does show love and thankfulness for someone.

I made the card 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 because the stamp was rather large.

I will enter this card into the challenge at Party Time Tuesdays challenge PTT #186-Anything Goes.

Also, entering here: Addicted to Stamps and More-Challenge #118/Holiday 

Another wonderful challenge to enter: Stampin' Royalty-Anything Goes-#251

Recipe:
Stamps-Heartfelt Creations/Swirly Autumn Leaves
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Recollection enamel dots, Copics Y17, Y18, Y23-YR14, YR18-R29, R39-B21, B23, B26-YG63

For my faithful readers, would you like to win this die cut from Spellbinders? It is called Garden Gate.  It's one of Spellbinders Die D-Lites. I haven't used one but Hobby Lobby sells them now so I'm sure I will be purchasing them. I'll pick a random winner from the comments on Monday, 10/27/14 and post the winner. 

.

Vine Wreath-Sympathy

 

I saw this stamp, Vine Wreath, used on a card and wanted it so much. I discovered the company that made it, Sarasota Stamps, had gone out of business. I went on a search and found it on Amazon. It was rather pricey when you included shipping. Guess what, my sis knew I wanted it and bought it for me as a "happy" and it did make me happy. :-) Is she great or what? I saw a company this morning on Pinterest that I think may have it...and cheaper....sorry, sis.  Though, sometimes, when I have found it at different places and opened it up, it said "sold out" so don't know if that was the case there or not as I didn't investigate. That company was Artist Supply Source. I've never ordered from there so I can't tell you anything about it.

The sentiment is Stampin'Up! Thoughts and Prayers.

I stamped on PTI vintage cream cardstock with Memento Rich Cocoa, added three brown pearls, and scored with my Scor-Pal and now I have a one layer, sympathy card. I can imagine many kinds of cards I can make with this stamp. 

Have a fabulous day!

'Tis the Season

I made this card for the August 2014 Christmas Challenge/Christmas Renovation on Splitcoaststampers. You should take a past Christmas card and freshen it up with new paper, stamps, colors, etc. This is a card I made in 2011 and thought I would give it a makeover. I may have gone a little too far with the change. :-) I thought I would die cut a few snowflakes and dangle them down the left side, ending with the sentiment.

   
    Recipe: 

    Stamps-Hot off the Press/Christmas Words

    Paper-PTI white cardstock, unknown dp

    Ink-Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler

    Accessories-Darice Snowflake Swirl embossing folder, Momenta Cut & Emboss/largest

    snowflake die cut, Spellbinders Poseabilities/Snowflake Wonder die cut, Big Lots ribbon/no
    name, red gemstone, Flower Soft gold peel off sticker (chain)

Gerbera Daisies

 

I made this card earlier in the week for the CAS287 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge is to do coloring. So, I got out my Copics and went to work. This isn't quite as CAS as I usually do but the challenge police did not come after me. :-)

Now, I think I'll enter this card into the Power Poppy Peep of the Week challenge.  Gosh, Power Poppy has the most beautiful stamps!!!

Recipe:

Stamps-Power Poppy/Glads and Gerberas stamp set

Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Paper Basics/blk, Coredinations/Little Blue Small Dot

Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories-Copics

This card went out into the mail to my sister very fast. Some hang around here for a long time. I did get seventy-six cards mailed off recently to a friend who takes them to a hospital...good cause. 

My next card to post will be a Christmas card. I'm ready to get started on those and get some snowmen made.

Have a wonderful day.

Three Fir Trees

Here I am again with another DTGD challenge card. This is for DTGD14UnderstandBlue and DTGD14kittie747 challenges. Of course, I can't tell you what the challenges are because it is for Fan Club members only. This is over on Splitcoaststampers. It would be great if you would join this fun place, that is, if you're not already a member.

I wanted to get at least one Christmas card made during these challenges so I did this one. Now, I know some of you may not like these colors for Christmas (and I understand) but I sometimes like to do non traditional colors.

As you can see, I cut out a window for my sentiment and added the trees, ribbon, and star. Finished!
I'm entering my card in this challenge: Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge-Anything Goes with non-traditional colors

Here's my recipe:
Stamps-Inspired by Stamping/Elegant Christmas
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Paper Basics/Licorice Twist, unknown gray cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Impression Obsession Fir Trees set, black and white gingham ribbon, EK Success Paper Shapers star punch, Spellbinders rectangle die

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.

Ribbon Heart

I have so much going on today but just had to get this card posted early. I am issuing a challenge today in the Dare to Get Dirty event going on at Splitcoaststampers so it will be a busy, busy day/week.

I made this card last Monday for the CAS283 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was to use little scraps of ribbon. All of my ribbon is from Stampin'Up! I cut the die cut heart out and taped all my ribbon on it. I cut off the edges after it was all taped down. Next, I used the cut out piece to tape over the ribbon. You really should cut out a smaller heart for the top, making it much easier to cover the edges of the ribbon. I didn't on this card but made another one and it was much easier. I hope all my instructions were clear as a bell. LOL

The "Thanks"  from Taylored Expressions was added. I think it was a freebie I received.

I want to take time to announce the winner of my embossing folder found here:  http://benzistampz.blogspot.com/2014/07/im-back-and-with-beach-card.html

It is Carol L. Congrats, Carol. I'll get your folder in the mail right away. I know you'll do something really adorable with it.

Recipe:

Stamps-None

Paper- PTI white cardstock, SU Bermuda Bay 

Accessories- Stampin'Up! Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry,  Bermuda Bay,  Soft Suede,  Rich Razzleberry,  Spellbinders Classic Heart (Next to largest size), scissors for top of card, Taylored Expressions freebie/THANKS die cut

I'm Back and With a Beach Card

From my card, I imagine you can guess that I've been away to the beach. We were in Panama City Beach with my family. We all got a condo together. When we returned, I took some more time off to catch up on some of my duties over on SCS.  This card reminds me of my 4 yr. granddaughter playing in the sand. My card was for two challenges on Splitcoaststampers: CAS-A Day at the Beach and TLC491-And She Scores!

I used die cuts from Impression Obsession for the pail and shells. I love those dies. The paper was PTI white cardstock and Graphic 45/By the Sea Collection...love that paper pad. The sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Silly Shells.

Would you like to have this folder?  I have a very small giveaway for my wonderful, faithful readers. I've missed all of you.  Just leave a comment by midnight central time Saturday, August 2nd and the winner will be announced next Monday, August 4th. 

I have one of these folders and I think it can be made into a cute card for Christmas.

I'll leave you with a pretty photo of the beach. I don't recall seeing the water ever look prettier.

My little munchkin/s are somewhere in that pool. They had a great time together.

Birthday Weekend

My 4 yr. old granddaughter and her brother will be celebrating their birthdays this weekend with a party. The WT486 challenge on Splitcoaststampers is to do a card or project with balloons. I made this one for my granddaughter. She loves monsters, though I am seeing her lean toward princesses, lately.  I'm not sure yet what kind of card I'll make for my grandson but I better hurry and get it made.

I hope all my friends in the states have a wonderful July 4th. I know it is not going to be so good, though, with Hurricane Arthur stirring up trouble. Please stay safe.

Recipe:
Stamps-Little Miss Muffett/Monster Balloons
Paper-PTI white cardstock, PTI Bitty Dot Basics
Ink-Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Memory Box alphabet soup letter dies, Copics

Letter Full of Fragrance

Good Monday morning. Hope your weekend was a beautiful one. It was mostly nice and sunny here but seems we have a rain event every day. Looks as if it will be a wet summer.

I made my card a few weeks ago for a challenge on Splitcoaststampers, TLC485. With my card crafting being rather hectic these days, I'm just now getting it blogged. This is another one of the stamps I bought on
my trip to Atlanta. Yes, I've made another CAS card. I've been busy with so many other kinds and you'll see them someday. :-)

I colored with Copics. The flowers were stamped twice and I just cut out a set of the flowers and popped on top of the first stamped ones for dimension. The center of the flower was made with  a Punch Bunch sun punch.

Now, to my giveaway from last week--I'm drawing the winners right now. The winner of the 1st prize listed (bicycle die, thanks die, and embossing folder) is .......................CATHY from CRAFTING CATHY.

The second winner (On The Road die, Ribbon scrap pack and thanks die) is ....................BONNIE at STAMPING WITH KLASS

These are two very faithful readers on my blog and I'll glady send these prizes to them. I wish every one of my friends could have won.

Recipe:
Stamps-Penny Black/Fragrant Letter, Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/You Are Cherished set
Paper-Bazzill black and candy hearts cardstock, PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Punch Bunch sun punch, Copics, pop dots

Rose in Black and White

Look who is back?  I've been away so long I almost forgot how to upload a card. LOL My life has been so busy but I needed to get back and visit with my blogging friends and find out what they have been doing. I've missed everyone. I would have probably been back last week but I had to put my computer in the repair shop and got even more behind with things.

When I was last here, my sis and I were about to go to Atlanta to a couple of stores. Well, let me tell you, they were fabulous. We were in the first store about 3 1/2 hours and visited the next store the following day. I'm ready to go back. I don't think I'll be making that trip again until I strike gold. There are so many awesome things to buy....and I did. Ha I really haven't had time to use most of them, though....only two or three things. This rose is one of the stamps I purchased.

My image is in black and white only and was made for the Queen for the Day challenge on Splitcoaststampers to honor Nancy aka stiz2003. What a talented lady.

Because I've been naughty and stayed away so long, I have a bit of blog candy to give away...only to my faithful readers, not a blog wide event. You do not need to post this on your sidebar. So, comments from those who have consistently left comments on my blog and comment on this card will have their name put into the box and I'll shake it up and draw two names. The two winners will win the small prizes below:

#1 winner name drawn from the box will win this prize:

  1 embossing folder/poinsettias
  2 die cuts

#2 winner name drawn from the box will win this prize:
  1 pack of ribbon
  2 die cuts

These are the new In'spire Spellbinder dies. I'm so happy to see Hobby Lobby is now carrying them.
I'll announce the winner next Monday, June 30th. If you are a winner, I'll need your address. You can email me from my blog email address.

Recipe:
Stamps-Wordsworth/Rose Border, Inspired by Stamping/Beautiful Iris Set (sentiment)
Paper-PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black