Easter Blessings - to friends

We will send cards to a few friends from church - those who have been ill.  This features digis from Eureka stamps, colored with chalk pencils,  I added branches from Cheery Lynn dies, and Making Memories flowers.
Sketch #2:           VLV Sketches
Easter:                 AAA cards
                             Crafting-with-Dragonflies
                             Crafters Cafe  
                              Crafty Enjoyments
Color:                  Cupcake Inspirations
B = Blessings:     DRS Designs 
For a friend:       Suzypantssmarty   
Any:                     Cheery Lynn Designs
                              Creativec Craft Cottage 

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

For Sue

This week the SplitCoastStampers Teapot Tuesday challenge card goes to Sue.   She is facing a long recovery.  Many of us are making cards featuring dogs, and I decided to add some hearts with Valentine's day fast approaching.  I just realized these challenges have been happening every Tuesday for 7 1/2 years - and I have been hanging around since the beginning, though I have been MIA too often in recent months.
Stamps by Rubber Cafe (dog ) and StudioG (Sentiment;flowers); Paper Studio DP; Cuttlebug hearts; Spellbinder oval dies.
Sketch:          Your Next Stamp 
Get well:         Suzy Bee       
"d" for dog:    Pile it on Challenge
Best friend:    Simon Says Stamp - Monday
 Any:               Wags n Whiskers

Graduation - Michelle

Last year we had nearly a dozen graduation cards - not so many grand nieces and nephews graduating this year.  I still had a bit of the SandyLion DP to use, and added the SU sentiment, a chipboard embellishment, glittery string, and sequins topped with tiny gems.  I used the CB embossed snowflake bg on gold metallic - I hope it looks like firework sparkles!
Sketch:   http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/2015/06/ssw2-56-day-for-daisies.html?showComment=1433785778485#c6701029040689795086
Bling:             http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Congratulations:  http://www.sosuzystampsblog.com/2015/06/so-suzy-stamps-challenge-blog-hop.html
Graduation:    http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
                       http://www.4craftychicks.blogspot.com/
                       http://memascrafts.blogspot.com/

Shaped card

This is way outside of the box for me - I have made only a small handful of shaped cards, but I like the results using this die set (Nestabilities Majestic Elements) and will probably do more.  I also seldom use orange - now there are several from recent days.  BTW, the outer oval is more soft peach than it appears here. The butterflies are by CC Designs, in a springy pale orange.  I added several shiny orange gems.
Shaped card:   http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
                          http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/
Die:                   http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.co.uk/
Birthday:          http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/
                          http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Spring die:       http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Texture:            http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/
Orange:            http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/04/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-154.html
Up in the air:   http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (color):   http://www.addalittledazzle.com/dazzling-diva-challenge-71/

Button and a doily

I struggle big time with CAS - in retrospect, I think I would like this better with a textured layer under the doily,but I needed a card in a hurry. I used my Spellbinder circle die to cut the doily to a smaller size, then cut a few nicks at the outside edge of the doily to make the larger solid areas look a bit more lacy.  The sentiment is pre printed and pre cut - from Kanban's Lovely in Lace collection.  The chipboard button is from Multicraft imports, and I added a shiny twine tie.
Sketch:   http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2015/04/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-31.html
Button:   http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
                http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
 Doily:     http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:        http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.co.uk/

Give thanks to the Lord

What an appropriate verse for Easter Monday!  The stamps are Unity, colored with shiny metallic markers.  The DP is Doodlebug Design, from my stash, and I added some pastel gems.
Sketch:     http://www.theunitystampco-challenge.blogspot.com/
Colors:     http://joannamunster.com/2015/03/16/ibsic-92/
Thanks:    http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Spring:     http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/
                 http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
                 http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Pastel:      http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.co.uk/
Inspiration:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:          http://simplypapercraftsforalloccassions.blogspot.co.uk/
               

Sympathy

FYI - the bg  color is aubergine (eggplant).  tattered lace die;  Cheery Lynn butterfly; Tattered Lace DP; Spellbinder circle dies.
Sketch:   http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Add something from nature:   http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Use a sentiment:   http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.co.uk/

White witha touch of red and blue

I will let you in on a secret. The back of this card sports an embossed butterfly panel also.  That is not the secret.  When the card was completed I realized there was a sizeable streak of adhesive on the back side.  (Is there a product that would successfully remove this?)  If you have followed my posts, you realize I am VERY reluctant to discard my productions.  AHA - how about a butterfly panel to match the front?  It is white on white.
Supplies:  Hampton Art daisy (the center one was masked to stamp the other two); chalk pencils - a few dots and a bit of red chalk was sponged on the background; ribbon, Die-namics flourish;  $ stamp sentiment; glitter; dark blue cs is recycled from a stockholder annual report cover.
Sketch:      http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2015/02/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-28.html
Flourish die:  http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
Garden flowers and butterflies:  http://creativecraftcottage.blogspot.co.nz/
Butterflies:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Red, white, blue (USA):  http://inkychicks.blogspot.co.uk/
Bow:   http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.co.uk/
White on white with some color:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Use blue:   http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
Glitter - on flowers:  http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/ 

Ivory and cream

This did not turn out nearly as well IRL as it appeared in my head - may have to tweak it a bit later. 
Supplies: ivory, cream cs, LifeStyle embossing folder, sheer cream ribbon, Spellbinder butterfly die
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Butterflies:   http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Bow:      http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.co.uk/
Cream, ivory:  http://www.ribbongirls.blogspot.co.uk/
Die cut:   http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
For some one loved (sister and BIL):   http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Celebration:   http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Texture:    http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Any:   http://livelaughstamp.blogspot.com/2014/12/monday-morning-challenge-no-2.html
           http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Golden wedding

This is a card for the 50th anniversary of friends.  I had to use some odds and ends I happened to have with me - all but the image are items Ihave had for several years.  For the special occasion I made a 5.5x8.5 card.  There is a strip of lace acress the center.  I used half pearls and some die cuts to complete this.  The image is from a freebie website - I think the name is antique images.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.co.uk/
Congratulations  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Walter's 70th

My younger brother is turning 70.  He seems a bit concerned about the number so I decided to really high light the fact!  He is musically inclined and I hope the die cut at the center looks a bit like a musical note.  I am not at home, and cannot recall the name of the DP.  The letters are an older Cutlebug set, Olivia - one of my first CB purchases - and I have been so happy with this choice.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Celebration:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Anything:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Layers:   http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

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

Monochrome graduation

I have a fairly long list of graduation cards and not much time, so I will need some quick and easy styles!  I think this works - when I get invitations I will try to create a card to match the colors.  This uses a Cheery Lynn Tiny Things die - which I bought when Joan had her Joan's Garden shop.  The flourish Frame folder is now available at Joan's Gardens - as is the Vagabond die cut machine I use.  The Congrats is a Cuttlebug die I have had for a while.  Two layers of purple are matted on white base.
Monochromatic:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
wings:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Purple, with Cheery Lynn die:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Embossing:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
Die cut (no stamp), with layers and items from Joan's Gardens:  http://www.joanstouch.com/
Frame (embossed frame):   http://www.suzypantssmarty.blogspot.ca/
Spring (Graduations!!!)  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/

Rejoice! Have a blessed Easter

This is a favorite technique - using a white embossed bg - this time, with an addition of chalk.  I used some of the Stamp 'n Plus powdered chalk - just received as a prize from Chalk ah Lot.  I mixed it with water and painted it on the leaves - it looks grey here but IRL is a lovely green.  I like the way that I could use the aqua brush and control where it is placed.  I added some gems, and butterflies.  The image is from my stash of pre colored items - ready to use when needed.  The mats and butterflies are a dark green for the spring look.
Sketch:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search?q=stella+says+sketch&max-results=20&by-date=true
He is Risen - pastel:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Easter - with chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Easter:  http://createdwithlovechallenges.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Favorite technique (see above):  http://www.fashionablestampingchallenges.com/?p=8200
Emboss:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://aurorawingschallenge.blogspot.com/
    http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/

MMTPT298 for Lesley

I think this is a bright, springy card to show support for a friend of a teapotter (at SplitcoastStampers) who is undergoing tough times with cancer - the latest is that her blood count was too low for a scheduled treatment.  I am sure Lesley would appreciate prayers.  For more details:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt298~april-15-2014~peace-love-lava-lamps-t586525.html
I could not think of anything for the lava lamps or the 60's, so I opted for a supportive theme - this sentiment is a part of my Wish RAK stash, and the Hello is from The Alley Way.   The starry pattern is the best I could do for the red polka dot inspiration photo!
Sketch:  http://unscriptedsketches.com/
Inspiration:  http://beinspiredchallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring flowers:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Feminine:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Easter White

This is probably not the best choice for a white on white - but once I started, I was resolved to finish!  The image is from my stash - colored with Spica pens and watercolor pencils.  The cross is brown - the color here does not look true.  I used a variety of Spellbinder dies, some lace, ad CB Swiss Dots.  I cut the edges of the main bg layer with a dull cutting blade - it gives a modified torn paper look, and adds dimension, IMO.
Sketch:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Texture:  http://creativecornerchallenges.blogspot.de/
White on white:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/
       http://stampinfortheweekend.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/ 
Inspiration:  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Easter:  http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/

Black, white, green synpathy

This is for the family of Jeannette - we had visited her and her husband, as we are on the church visitation team.  The scripture is a digital image.  I embossed with Victoria EF (Cuttlebug), and die cut the border with a Spellbinder die - there are embossed flowers not visible on the screen.  Flowers, gems, and a ribbon were added.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Black, white, one color:  http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
                                      http://digitallysweetchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Embossing:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Bingo (top line - gem, die cut, flowers):  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Heartwarming

I think this guy is relaxing on his day!  The image is Dr. Digi - I just cannot guarantee what kind of tea he is enjoying!  The DP is an oldie from Costco, and the button has been in my stash for many years.  The Washi tape is new however.
Sketch 46: http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Button:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/
             http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
A warm beverage:  http://papermakeupstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/DigiMakeover
Washi tape:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Masculine:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/ 

Sentiment is the focus

Supplies:  Verve New Mercies; Spellbinder Dies; Misc cs and papers; tear drops.  The teal strip is die cut, then embossed.  I think this color scheme and message is a good masculine one.
Sketch:  http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com/
Sentiment is the focus:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
                                      http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/
Use 2 or more dies: http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Uplifting: http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/