Soft florals with wings

It is somewhat "outside the box" for me to do a card without dark mats separating the layers - but, here goes!  The embossed frame does have a bit of white ink - which I applied directly to the folder.  The Garden Collage (SU) image is sponged with lavender and pink chalk.  I used an aqua brush and Twinkling H20 for the butterfly, and applied stickles for some sparkle.  The strip is a sheer floral ribbon, and I tied the sentiment (CTMH) with some shiny cord - used glue and glitter to create a jewel to keep the cord tied.  The butterfly is CCDesigns.  It is cut from a scrap of scrolly pink paper from my recycle box - think it came from an ad.  The corners are punched with a Martha Stewart corner punch.  This card will go to the recipient for this week's SCS TeaPot Tuesday challenge.
Included for challenges:  soft colors, butterflies, flowers (on ribbon and part of the image); CB Scrollworks EF available from Joan's Gardens shop, embossing (cuttlebug), ribbon, sentiment, punch, die cut

My apologies:  this blog is not cooperating this morning.  I will return and try to fix it.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Soft colors w/ Cuttlebug:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers and ribbon:  http://ribbongirls.blogspot.com/
Spring colors:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Butterflies:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Wings: http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Embossing, butterflies, sentiment:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Flowers (on image and ribbon):  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-challenge-stamps-flowers.html
               http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/
Punch/dies:  http://flatfriendschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Any: http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/
         http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/   
        http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
         http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

TeaPot Tuesday  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt301~may-6-2014~roses-red-violets-blue-t587342.html

Grad gift card holder

The past few days I have had to make sure the challenges I enter have criteria that work for cards I must have - so many cards needed, so little time!  I had meant to omit the last Verve challenge - then when I took a look at it I realized I could use the sketch to create a gift card holder - this is the result.  I folded double sided paper and trimmed to form a side opening envelope (this is 4.25x5.5, so it holds the original cardboard holder as well as the gift card.)  Then I added the DP, some die cuts (Lifestyle Crafts), and one of those really shiny stars!  A while ago I bought several library style stamps (American Crafts), and I finally remembered to use the one with the date!  The phrase is one of several selections as part of the same stamp.
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Texture:  http://miriamscraftingblog.com/1/post/2014/04/miriams-crafting-blogs-11th-monthly-challenge-texture.html
 Not so mellow yellow:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Anything but a card:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Any:  http://thatcraftplaceblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/new-challenge-anything-goes.html

Darla's baptism

In our church we practice infant baptism.  On Sunday, parents who are not members of our church brought their year old daughter to be baptized.  This is a cause for celebration and most definitely a new beginning.  These colors are not very frilly/feminine for a little girl, but I wanted to use some of the DP from the Paper Studio Faith collection - I think the butterscotch cs helps to lighten it.  I used the Spellbinder Majestic Elements ovals,  I am trying different ways to use this set.  You can see that i used a middle sized die for the main verse.  The layer under is cut with the same die and the next larger - which creates two pieces.  I put them back together with tiny bits of scotch tape., and adhered this to the bg square.  Oh, yes - I used a piece of DP the same color as the square with crosses - since I wanted contrast I sponged burgundy ink to match the DP designs.  The scallops are a Martha Stewart punch,  The main verse is SU, and the blessings is a part of a sticker from Dazzles (Hot off the Press.)  I have a special verse for the inside, including her name.
Sketch:  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-month-long-choose-your-challenge.html
Die/punch:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
 Beginning: http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-04-10T06:30:00%2B01:00&max-results=10
Sentiment:  http://flatfriendschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Uplifting verse:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Yellow (butterscotch):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Lots of layers:   http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Ink on paper:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Vintage Birthday

This is my interpretation of the Tim Holz style.  I used pattern paper (Costco) which I sponged with chalk  to give a more vintage look.  I also sponged the edge of the circle (A Day for Daisies image),  The circles are by Spellbinders, and the leaves and sentiment Sizzix.  The pastel flowers are done with metallic markers.
Sketch 2:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Pastels, using their image:  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
         http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/ 
         http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Birthday:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Shabby chic:   http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/ 
Say it with words - Vintage:  http://www.vintagejourney.com/

No black

This was a bit of a tough challenge for me - use blues, browns, purples/plums - and no black.  I used a variety of Costco double sided cs (in my stash for  LONG time - it was a huge pack!), and Chocolate Chip ink for the Unity stamps.  I fussy cut the bird, and embossed the light blue layer with a bird folder - from Paper Studio.  The embossing is highlighted with Chocolate Chip chalk - but does not show well here.  The strips are Washi tape.  Oh, yes, some of the circles are Spellbinders Majestic elements, and the tag is highlighted with a crystal gem.
Sketch  (and inspiration):  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/february-choose-your-challenge.html
Washi tape:   http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/
Purple, blue, brown - no black:  http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.co.at/2014/02/a-three-colour-challenge-without-use-of.html
Inspiration -  tiny blue birds:  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Dies:  http://feelingcraftychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/ 
With a bird:  http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/

Springy green and cream

The Unity image is stamped in Garden Green on cream cs.  I used a water brush to lightly color in the dot shaped leaves - with the same ink.  The sentiment is from American Crafts - a set of library stamps.  The hunter green cs, striped DP and bit of ribbon have all been in my collection for a long time.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Green, cream and a touch of blue:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Spots and Stripes:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
Any: http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (shape-circles; color):  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/

Monochromatic Sympathy

I prefer a rather tailored look for a sympathy card, and I think this meets that criteria.  The embossing seems to keep a more classy appearance.  The coloring is a sort of dark seafoam - the ink is from an old SU Stampin' Spot - the label is Garden Green but it does match the cs very well.  The images are Verve (New Mercies) and the leaf is from a Lifestyle Craft die set.   The large banner is cut from another die in that set.
Sketch (Febr. week 2):  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
           http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://thecraftingcafe.blogspot.co.uk/

Chocolatey TeaPot challenge

This is another card for the weekly TeaPot Tuesday challenge at SplitCoastStampers.  Of those who are not familiar with this event:  each week, some one is selected as the recipient of our RAK cards - we have a theme, and try to send cheer or special congratulations.  This week the recipient is the 81 year old mother of one of our group - she has had many health issues and several hospitalizations, so is in need of cheer.  She is fond of chocolate.  Can you believe that in my big collection of stamps, digis, and RAK images - chocolate is not to be found!  So I printed a freebie - located thanks to Google.  Rita will get a whole box of chocolates - and these are definitely no calorie LOL!  This sketch was a particularly challenging one - I probably did not do a good job of pairing image and layout, but I tried - it is flipped. from the original.  The bg layer is embossed with words from the You (Cuttlebug) embossing folder - I just embossed words along the edge of the cs, choosing words that I wanted to use, as some did not seem suitable for the occasion.  That technique worked better than I epected.
Sketch:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/
Spots/dots:  http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/
Add letters:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
Photo inspiration (the top of the cup of chocolate looks like some of the chocolates in this box):  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/february-choose-your-challenge.html
TeaPot Tuesday:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt290~february-18-2014~willamena-wooka-chocolate-cat-t584369.html

Scripture

This is another addition for my stash of cards for our church Visitation Team card ministry.  The sentiment is one posted at Word Art several months ago, and the (two) DP is from a Paper Studio stack called Faith.  For the sketch, I reversed the position of the elements.
Sketch:  http://kgiron.blogspot.com/
Encouragement: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/sweet-n-sassy-stamps-f329/january-2014-release-challenge-1-a-t582834.html
Any, with trust:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
Layers of DP over a year old:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

A Prayer for you

Here is another card for my "encouragement" stash.  A super easy sketch - thanks!  The bg DP does not show - it is from a Paper Studio stack, and has the Lord's Prayer.  Actually, I find this pattern hard to use - do not want to cover it too much, so I thought it would work with this layout.  I simply used those words as the sentiment.  The image is SU's Sassy Stems, colored with Spica glitter pens.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
          http://lejdesignschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 
          http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
          http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Welcome baby

It is good to have cards other than those with a Christmas theme!  This week we welcome a new great-nephew - I think this is about number 40 in that generation - on DH's side.  There are 6 more on my side!  The oldest is about 26 - lots of weddings in the future LOL!
This sentiment came from the stash of items from Splitcoaststampers Wish RAK so I do not know the source.  The DP is from an adorable Debbie Mumm stack.  I added a Cuttlebugged heart with some half pearls.
Sketch: http://kgiron.blogspot.com/   ("The Sweetest Thing")
Any:  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any:   http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

2nd of three

One of the challenges is to do a set of at least 3 cards - thanks to Sketch Sat. I found an easy sketch to use -  pretty important for me right now!  I had pre-stamped and colored several images, and prepared other materials - now my goal is to try to use only what is in that stash - I don't want too many left overs for next year, and it is totally against my nature to discard anything!  The stamps are Stampendous, and dp Paper Studio Faith.  I used Prismas for this one.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.anonymousstamps.blogspot.co.uk/
Any, with uplifting message (any Christmas message is that):  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Countdown for Christmas - the shepherds are certainly doing that:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Traditional Vintage Christmas

Today I am back to Christmas cards! 
There is SO much to do - and now we are adding phone shopping to the list - apparently the battery has died as it will not keep a charge.  This is not the time to be without a phone - we only have one!
Back to the card - this is the Stampendous set used for most cards this year.  The DP is from the Paper Studio pad called Faith, and the faux stitched ribbon is by Ribbon Boutique.  I used chalk pencils for coloring, and distressed the edges.
Sketch:  http://christmaschallenges.blogspot.com/
Holiday:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/
Stitching:  http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com/
Shabby chic: http://bunnyzoescrafts.blogspot.com/

For Margaret

Here is a little break from Christmas cards...  DH's sister is  having major back surgery so we are sending this a bit in advance.  The image is SU, from my WishRAK stash.  I cut the vase and adhered it over the flowers - I could have left the stems a bit longer...  The coloring is chalk pastel pencils, with a touch of gold gel pen..  I used chalk for a bit of sponging - once again the image looks too blotchy on the screen.  I also chalked the embossing on the circles - all cuttlebug mini folders.  The sentiment is a $ stamp, and the bg is DVine Swirls. 
Sketch: http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Inspiration/color:   http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Chalk/circles:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Spring basket Thank you #4

Another of my series of Thank you cards.  I used a Sizzix embossing folder and Recollections tape for the back ground.
Sketch:   http://fetch-a-sketch.blogspot.com/

Spring:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Any  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge

For a grandson

I needed a quick card to send to a grandson - no special occasion.  This is an image from my WIshRAK stash, and I used a new LifeStyle embossing folder, together with other misc cs - including a bg that has been sitting around for a long time.  It is sponged, with a border made using a pen.  The hello is from the CB greetings set of dies and an embossing folder.  I used a bit of tape from a set I just bought - I am pretty late getting on that bandwagon!
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
          http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.co.uk/