Heart, flowers and butterflies

Die - Tattered Lace?; Lily of the Valley DP, Spellbiner butterfly, Darice butterfly E. F., 7 Gypsies library sentiment, unknown heart brad, Washi tape
Sketch:       Paper Craft Crew  (3 challenge limit)
Get Well:    Die Cuttin Divas
Hearts and flowers:   Fan -tastic Tuesday

Scripture, lace, hearts and flowers

I enjoy yard sales, and I scored big recently.  I bought two plastic tubs with hanging folders - and the folders were filled with papers and materials for partially completed projects as well as embellishments.  I had stopped late in the morning - they wanted to get rid of stuff so I spent a whole $12!  On the other hand, this makes me realize I need to use my things - before long my kids will be getting rid of all of my treasures!  At any rate, this DP and tiny heart brads were among the acquisitions.  The bg is dark green and lace is pale yellow.  Flowers - by Prima, and scripture from Our Daily Bread Music Speaks; Labels 4 dies.
CHALLENGES:  
Sketch:                       Sketch Saturday
Hearts and flowers:  Fantastic Tuesday
Lace & Scripture: Our Daily Bread
Any:                            Crafty Friends 
                                     DLArt 
                                     Crafty Gals Corner 
                                     Our-crafty-corner 
                                     Word Art Wednesday  

Fluffles

Fluffles image; Lily of the Valley DP; peach embossed with Embossalicious EF; colored with watercolor pencils and aqua pen - highlights with white gel pen; black bow. Fluffles is enjoying his/her own tiny garden!
CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Sketch:                 Sketch Saturday  
Creature:             Fantastic Tuesday
                              Penny Black at Allsorts
"B" -black bow:  DRS
Garden:                 Come and Get It
Any:                       One Crazy Stamper 
                                Jades Sparkly Butterflies 
                                Creative Fingers    
Water color with white highlights:   Art Impressionsstamps               

Easter Blessings - Eureka DT #185

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This week the challenge at Eureka Stamps is "Easter".  You may enter up to 3 times before 6 pm EDT on Sunday.  We hope you will join us!  Eureka has a great line of traditional stamps and digis.  The digis for Easter include this "Lily Cross" and several similar ones, as well as other styles of Easter images and many sentiments, including the one I used.  If you enter using a digital image from Eureka, your chances of winning increase greatly.   I am including spring challenges because for me, spring means the Easter season.  Each time I see this image I think of the hymn "The Old Rugged Cross."  I think it is a Johnny Cash version that goes through my mind.
CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Sketch:        Cheerful Sketches
Use green:   Patties Creations
Easter:         Allsorts
                      Cuttlebug Mania
                      Pink Gem Challenge
                      Jo's Scrapshack
                      DLArt
                      AAA cards 
                      Deep Ocean
                      Inky Chicks  
                      Kitty Bee Aloha challenge
Spring:         Creative Knockouts
                      Fan-tastic Tuesday
Song:            Scribbles Designs
Any:              Corrosive Challenges
                       Our-Crafty-Corner
                       Word Art Wednesday         

Eureka challenge #183 - paper piecing

The challenge this week at Eureka stamps is paper piecing.  This is a fun way to add texture and a bit of dimension.  It is also a great way to create a different look for items of clothing as well as other images.  I have learned that it is important to choose patterns carefully - I find that dainty patterns work best for me.  I used two different patterned papers - for the dresses, the ribbons in the hats, and the backgrounds. I used markers to add a touch of color to the flowers on the hats. I used a darker golden yellow for the mats, and a sheer gold ribbon to add a final touch - along with the shiny gems.  Here is another tip if this is a new technique for you - color the rest of the image (the part next to the pieced layer) before adhering the DP in order to achieve a well blended edge.  (I'll bet you can figure out how I know that!)  I recently read a tip to use Stickles around the edge of the main image - I tried it here, though you cannot really see it well on the screen.  It does a lot to highlight the image.  I lightly sponged the image and sentiment, and distressed the edge of the circle to give a bit of a distressed look.
The new Eureka image I used is Best Friends, and the new sentiment is also from Eureka.  It is a font I really like.
Sketch:                Share Joy Challenge
Spring (I used colors and the pretty dresses to represent spring):
                             Digitally Sweet 
                             Fresh Brewed Designs
                             Crafty Sentiments Designs
 Bingo:     Row 1 - sentiment, flowers on hat, gems:
                             The Paper Shelter  
Bingo - Row 2 -  distressing, new image, texture, ribbon: 
                             Fussy and Fancy
Touchy, feely:      Simon Says Stamp Wedneday
Ladies:                 Digi Choosday
Child:                   Fan- tastic Tuesday
Sparkle:               Crafting for all Seasons
Layers:                 Frilly and Funkie 
                              Craftin Desert Divas     
Any:                      Lemon Shortbread
                              Jo's Scrapshack 

Eureka Challenge #182 - CAS

Here is my design team card for Eureka Stamps challenge #182, which is open through Sunday, March 6.
I will be the first to admit that CAS cards are not my first choice - I really like CAS cards done by others, but struggle with my own - I tend to want to fill up all that space, or add embellishments.  However, this cute Digi by Eureka Stamps - Cool Cat with Shades - worked well for me.  I edged the image layer with a bit of ColorBox Marigold ink.  (Tip - I did not tear the edges of that layer.  I did use my trimmer with a very dull blade I keep for that purpose - it is dull enough to give what I call a controlled ragged edge!)  The ink was applied directly from the mini ink pad, to add a hint of color and some dimension.  Another tip - the sentiment is also a digi by Eureka.  I printed it separately, hand cut it in a bubble shape, and photo copied it unto the cool cat image.  This process left a look of an edge around the sentiment - which I enhanced a bit using a grey chalk pencil.  It looks like a layer but is not.  I used a metallic pen to draw the line to "attach" the bubble, and also to add some specks to the background.  The cat was colored by mixing orange and beige chalk pencils. Thanks for looking.
CAS #182:  Eureka Stamps
CHALLENGES ENTERED:         
Animal:      Mod Squad Challenge
                    The Paper Shelter
                    Wags n Whiskers
                    Fan-tastic Tuesday
Cats:           Show us your Pussies 
CAS:           Clean and Simple on Sunday
Cute:           Aud Sentiments Challengeblog
Any:            Crafting-with-Friends
                     Crafty Gals Corner
                     Creative Fingers Challenge
                     Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
                      Our Crafty Corner
                     Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday     

Stitched doggie

I don't sew, but I added some faux stitching to this image (sorry - I did not record the source).  I used the stitches to highlight the patchwork.  If you-  are looking at the sketch - I do have a panel under the oval image.  I used a piece that I have been saving for a long time.  It is beige, and looks a little like the mesh bags used for produce - maybe you can see the little knots.  These items add interest and texture without hiding the DP pattern - and do not make it look too busy.  The strip is Washi tape - as usual, I mounted it on cs - burgundy, this time.  The image is precolored - the blue is inspired by the Classy Cards inspiration.  I fussy cut the ears before using the oval die, and added a stack of punched bones.
Challenges:       
Sketch:     Tuesday Morning Sketches
Color, pattern and stitches:   Classy Cards n Such
Recycle (mesh bag):                Simon Says Stamp - Monday   
Kids:         Die Cuttin Divas 
Cute:         Fan-Tastic Tuesday
Any:          Addicted to Stamps

Masculine Valentine - for Hal

One more valentine for a guy - using the "gears" folder from Darice, and the Cuttlebug
"You".  For the you folder, I selected certain lines to place at the top and the bottom.  (If you adjust your screen just right, you can actually see the embossing!  The sentiment is JustRite, and I got to use up some scraps of dp, some red and white cs,  and a bit of Washi tape.
Sketch:                   Jo's Scrapshack
Black, white, red:  The House that Stamps Built
Use red:                  Di's Digi Designs
Valentine/love:       Brown Sugar Challenge
                                Creative Corner Challenges 
                                Polkadoodle
                                QKR 
                                Fan-tastic Tuesday
                                Amusing-challenge
Steampunk (gears):  Sandee-and-Amelie 
                               
                                
                                
                  

For Spencer and Hanna

It is so difficult to make cards, especially Valentines, for 20-something guys!  This grandson and his wife both love dogs - I found a Dearie Doll image for St Pats, and I covered the shamrock with a heart.    The DP is from a Martha Stewart pad - lots of cs but most of it more frilly!  I added a bit of Washi tape, and a circle die cut.
Sketch:   Tuesday Morning Sketches
Valentines/hearts/love:  Fan-tastic Tuesday
                                         DLART 
                                         Dream Valley
                                         Incy Wincy Designs
                                         The Paper Girls
                                         Craftin Desert Divas
                                         Die-cut-divas
Animal:                           Crafty Friends
                                      

Wishing you many more anniversaries

This pre-coilored digi by Dearie Dolls is perfect for a quick ansiversary card. Items used:  New DP by Beau Papier; blue cs from my stash; new sentiment from Inspired by Stamping; washi tape, rhinestone gems, Congrats embossing folder - all from my stash.  The edge of the circle uses direct to paper inking.
Sketch:               Come and Get It
Sweetheart:        Fan-tastic Tuesday
Animal:               Suzy Bee
Love in the air:   Incy Wincy Designs
Love, Marriage, Anniversary:  Die-cut-divas
Any:                     Inspiration Destination

Pink and flowers

 

This image is from my files - from Broken Box.   The border is embossed with the "You" folder by Cuttlebug; the new DP from Lily of the Valley.  I added pink rhinestones and ribbon from my stash.

Sketch:      Sweet Sketch Wednesday2

Border:      Inky Impressions
Flowers:     Fan-tastic Tuesday.blogspot.com/

Any:           Diana m Larson (DLArt)

                   Southern Girls 

                   Aud sentiments Challenge

                   Crafty Sentiments 

                  

Humor for a friend

Digi image by Dearie Dolls (Pre-colored); Lily of the Valley DPl cuttlebug hearts, Life Style Crafts embossing folder (bg mat) Spellbinder ovals and circles; glitter.  I try to use up glitter, ribbon, paper - but it will take a long time to use it up!
Sketch:          Verve Sketches
Use up stuff:   Eureka
Girly:              Fan Tastic Tuesday
Glitter:            Sparkle n Sprinkle
"D" - Dearie Doll:  Pile it on challenge
Diagonal tic tac toe - hearts, pink, embossing:    Share Joy 

Paper Piecing

Paper pieced - top, shorts, hat; Stamp - Art impressions;  NEW - DP by Lily of the Valley, red cs;  OLD - Martha  Stewart border punch,  embossalicious birthday folder, Washi tape, Nesties circle
CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Sketch:          Tuesday Morning Sketches
"D" (drink): Pile it on  
Piecing:         Art Impressions
TicTacToe (diagonal - embossing, red, die cut):  Incy Wincy
Girly:             FanTastic Tuesday
Inspired by color, pattern:   Pinspirational Challenges
New/old:        The Sisterhood of Crafters
Use DP:          Caftyhazelnuts Patterned Paper
Any:               Not just cards
                        Craft Your Passion 

Larry and Smoky - for Leah

I took this photo while at their home for Christmas - had I thought about using it on a card I would have taken more care with the photography.  Oh, well.  Our granddaughter's birthday is soon- she misses her cats (a lot) while away at college - so it occurred to me to send a reminder!  She is just starting a NEW semester as well as a NEW year of her life.  The photo is new, as is the DP (Lily of the Valley).  I used a button die, tied with cord; washi tape; Martha Stewart punch; misc. cs.
Sketch:                Share Joy
Warm and cozy:  Fattastic Tuesday 
You Crack me up: Dragonfly Journeys
 Kitty:                   Show us your pussiecat          
New:                    Crafty Calendar
                             Eureka Stamps
                             Cuttlebug Mania 
Any:                     Not just Cards

Happy 29th????

These Art Impressions images and sentiments always crack me up!  I am sure they are out of doors - wonder what is behind them for the selfie?
Sketch # 88:       http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ 
Inspiration - the colors:  http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/
Feminine:           http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
4 girl friends:     http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:                    http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
                             http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/

Birthday Blessings

Supplies:  papers from Making Memories; image and sentiment - Our Daily Bread Birthday set; butterfly punch, sheer ribbon
Sketch #103:   http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Feminine:        http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (flowers, color):     http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/    
wings:              http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Any:                 http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
                         http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge

New home

This is an image (by the Alley Way) I enjoy using and works well for a "new home" card.  I colored with pastel chalk pencils,  The DP is from a Teresa Collins pad - thought the word "stuff" was appropriate for moving!  The Kraft bg is embossed with a Sizzix brick folder.  The fence is MemoryBox; the grass by Die-Namics; and the key is part of a Garden Gate set by Marianne...The letters are hung from a bit of twine.
Sketch:   http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Image over 1 yr old:  http://faithhopelove1cor13-13.blogspot.com/2015/04/throwback-thursday-challenge-ttc009.html
Kraft:   http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Sentiment:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
  New home: http://notrealstamps.blogspot.co.uk/:
Twine:           http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Any:       http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au/p/team.html

Scripture and amethyst

My mind has gone blank on the challenge to use something beginning with "A", other than apple and art!  I finally came up with amethyst, and I hope this cs and chalk are that color.  The embossing folder is by Darice -embossed on shimmery, silvery cs; and the strips are washi tape.
Sketch:   http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
"A":       http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Scripture:   http://www.faithhopelove1cor13-13.blogspot.com/2015/04/monday-scripture-challenge-fhl18.html  
Any, with a die:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
 Any:      http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/
                http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
                http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Flowers and doodles

The flowers are cut from a Cuttlebug die which is part of the Olivia alpha set - one of the first Cuttlebug purchases I made years ago!  I used a tiny pop dot to raise the smaller blossom.  The centers are gems by Hampton Art.  The stripes and peachy bg are parts of the same large page of DPn and the critter is one of Cheery Lynn's tiny things with wings.  A note about that...I wanted to make it pop a bit, so I decided to cut a second one with black cs to back up the orange.  Well, all those tiny openings result in separate pieces.  My plan was to tape the black ones on the back of the orange bug.  That was not at all easy to do with such tiny pieces - but I finally made it!  Does any one have a better suggestion?
Sketch:     http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
Hand made flower:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Spring flowers:     http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/  
Spring:     http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Dimension:      http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Any, with a die:     http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Birthday w/ sentiment:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Any:       http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/