Tuesday, March 31, 2015

CASology #140: SPRING

Hello, friends!  I'm back with the next cue card for CASology and I think it's going to be a popular one!


This week we are sponsored by Melon Door Lighthouse... be sure to check out the CASology blog for all the details!

When I think of spring, many thoughts fill my mind!  New life ... flowers ... butterflies ... birds ... sunny days ... warmer weather ... budding trees ... longer days ... spring sports ... starting the garden ... spring break!  Honestly, though, nothing is more linked in my mind with spring than Easter.

This week my family and I celebrate Holy Week and the days leading up to Easter Sunday. We are active in our church and will spend many hours in Holy Week services this week, culminating at the Easter Vigil.  During the vigil service on Saturday evening, when the lights go on (after beginning the first half of the service in darkness), we will get our first glimpse of the glorious Easter flowers that will adorn the altar and we are always overwhelmed with the beauty and symbolism of new life all around us!  The senses are overwhelmed with the sights, smells, sounds...isn't it the same with spring?

So, my spring-inspired card is an Easter card.  I kept it simple by using a Spellbinders die cut cross (from "Crosses Two") on gold glitter paper, and the subtle stamping in the oval is the Hero Arts envelope liner stamp.  Of course I had to do some dry embossing, I adore that lacey frame.   One little Hero Arts flower gem in the center is the final touch.  I'll add the sentiment on the inside.



Be sure to link up your SPRING card by noon on Monday (Central time). Check out the design team and guest designer for more inspiration!

Guest Designer: Yuliya

Thanks for visiting...and Happy Easter to those who celebrate it!
Judy
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Friday, March 27, 2015

Merry Monday #151, Freshly Made Sketches #179 & SSS Wednesday Challenge

Hello, friends!  I'm so happy to be able to play along with several challenges that are quickly becoming favorites on my list.

I'm playing along with Freshly Made Sketches #179 using a sweet sketch by Amy, and I'm playing with the Merry Monday #151 {Tree} challenge by Kathy.  Finally, I'm entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes.  Be sure to check them all out!

  
                                       

For my card, I used all Hero Arts stamps; the tree is embossed in white onto patterned paper.



Be sure to check out the design team cards and entries in all of these challenges...there is a lot of inspiration out there!

Have a great day,
Judy

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CAS(E) This Sketch #116, NBUS Challenge #4 and SSS Wednesday Challenge

Hello, friends!  I'm so happy to have a Friday off -- it's a rainy day here, and so before I dive into housework, food shopping and loads of laundry I've decided to play with a few challenges!  Hey, I have some serious Easter cards to make for all my little nieces and nephews, so I must prioritize, right?  :)

Today I'm playing with the current sketch from CAS(E) This Sketch #116 by Leigh Penner...I think it is one of my all time favorite sketches!  I'm also using a new-to-me stamp I recently bought from a "Crafter's Purge" Facebook group and it's just perfect for Easter!  Since it is new, this will be my second entry into Darnell's NBUS Challenge #4. Finally, it's an "Anything Goes" week at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.  You should check out all of these challenges, my friends!

  


I used this cute new little Stampendous image called "Bunny Fluffles" and fussy cut, then popped up on foam dots on top of a die cut square of "Farmhouse" paper by Crate Paper.  The sentiment is a classic by Hero Arts.



OK, now off to tackle the day's chores!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Judy
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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

CASology #139: STYLE

Hello, friends!  It's that time again...time for the new cue card at CASology!


This week we are sponsored by Whimsy Stamps...be sure to check out the CASology blog for all the details!

I recently purchased this Memory Box "Prim Poppy" die and I couldn't wait to use it. (It falls in the category of "NBUS," I dare say!)   I paired it with an old Hero Arts sentiment that fit the cue perfectly this week!  I added Glossy Accents to the blooms for some interest.




As previously mentioned, I did use some "Never Before Used Schtuff" (i.e., NBUS), so I am entering this card into Darnell's NBUS Challenge #4.  Check it out, especially if you are using some never-before-used stamping supplies for this week's cue!


I can't wait to see your take on STYLE this week! Be sure to link up your card by noon on Monday (Central time). Be sure to visit our Design Team and Guest Designer for more inspiration!

Guest Designer: Loli
Thanks for visiting,
Judy
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Friday, March 20, 2015

Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge

Hello, friends!  Just stopping by to share one last card for the current "Anything Goes" at Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge.

                        

This one may be my favorite of the bunch.  This card is going to my older sister for her birthday...she'll appreciate it!

Stamp Supplies Used:
Paper Smooches "Knick Knacks"
Paper Smooches "Shadows"

Be sure to check out the Paper Smooches website and the Paper Smooches "Anything Goes" (Week 3) Challenge for lots of inspiration. Thanks for hanging in there with all my cards today!

Thanks for visiting.
Judy
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Paper Smooches SPARKS and CAS on Sunday #54

Hello, friends!  Just stopping by to share another card for the current "Anything Goes" at Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge blog and the sketch challenge this week at CAS on Sunday (Challenge #54 Sketch).


                        




Here is my clean and simple card featuring that cute little Paper Smooches seal:

Stamp Supplies Used:
Paper Smooches "Enjoy the Show" stamps and dies;
Paper Smooches "Sentiment Sampler"
Cuttlebug gingham border embossing folder

Be sure to check out the Paper Smooches website and the Paper Smooches "Anything Goes" (Week 3) Challenge for lots of inspiration.  In addition, be sure to check out the current CAS on Sunday challenge. There are some great DT cards and entries this week!

Thanks for visiting.
Judy
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More PS SPARKS and Freshly Made Sketch!

Hello, friends!  Just stopping by to share another card for the current  ""Anything Goes" at Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge blog and the sketch challenge this week at Freshly Made Sketches #178.

                        


This card is a loose interpretation of the circle in the sketch above -- I was thinking that the rocking horse itself has a circular shape.  I also used circles all over the design in other ways (i.e., the polka dot paper, the dry embossed circles).

Stamp Supplies Used:
Paper Smooches "Knick Knacks"
Paper Smooches "Sentiment Sampler"
Paper Smooches "Flag Tags" die

Be sure to check out the Paper Smooches website and the Paper Smooches "Anything Goes" (Week 3) Challenge for lots of inspiration.  In addition, there are some pretty cool cards up at the current Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #178 and a really cool sketch by design team member Narelle.  Check them out, too!

Thanks for visiting.
Judy
Posted by at 9 comments:

Paper Smooches SPARKS and a Freshly Made Sketch!


Hello fiends, and happy first day of Spring to all my friends here in the USA!  Guess what? It's SNOWING where I am!  What's it like in your neck of the woods?  Here is my view out back door...


Today I did something I rarely do...I gave myself permission to play with my craft supplies and I ignored the papers piled up on the kitchen counter, dishes in the dishwasher and sink, and dust bunnies in the corner.  Hey, I will get to them all, but I just needed to step away from all responsibilities for a few minutes to play.  There has to be a balance in life, right?  So today I played first.  (As a result, I have several cards to share, but I will post them separately because they are for a variety of challenges.)

OK, so here's a little back story.  A few months ago I joined a "Crafters Purge" group on Facebook and as a result I have scored some really cool stamps and dies at really great prices.  I was able to check off a bunch of items from my wish list at half the price!  That always makes me feel like I have accomplished something good.

Some of my recent purchases were several Paper Smooches stamps and dies, and I couldn't wait to find an excuse to play with them. (They can be found at the Paper Smooches website HERE).  SO, when I saw that it is ""Anything Goes" at Paper Smooches SPARKS and then I saw the sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches #178, I was off and running!  This card is being entered into both challenges.


                        



I am in desperate need of child birthday cards, so that was my theme today!  I love this fun clown so much...he is just asking for embellishments to juggle!  I left his hands un-adhered so that I could bend them forward as if he is busy juggling.  (That black-and-white polka dot banner?  I die cut it from a left-over piece of wrapping paper...I couldn't get rid of it!)

Stamp Supplies Used:
Paper Smooches "Enjoy the Show" stamps and dies;
Paper Smooches "Sentiment Sampler"
Paper Smooches "Flag Tags" die
Cuttlebug embossing folder
Enamel dots

Be sure to check out the Paper Smooches website and the Paper Smooches "Anything Goes" (Week 3) Challenge for lots of inspiration.  In addition, there are some pretty cool cards up at the current Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #178 and a really cool sketch by design team member Narelle.  Check them out, too!

I'll be back with more cards soon.  Thanks for stopping by!
Judy
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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

CASology #138: BLOSSOM

Hello, friends!  Welcome back from our tropical week and welcome to a new cue card at CASology!  This week we are sponsored by Craft Classes Online...be sure to check out the CASology blog for all the details.


When I think of "blossom," I think of cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring and how beautiful they look against a clear blue sky.  Here is a good example:



This idea was the inspiration behind my card.



I also made a second variation of this card using the same image (a Studio G $1 stamp), a Simon Says Stamp die, some bold colors, and a spritz of Perfect Pearls mist to add shine.



Since I embossed both floral images in white, I am entering these cards into Virginia's Virginia's View Challenge #13 - All Things Embossed.  I'm just under the wire, too!


Finally, I am also entering these cards into the current The Paper Players #236 "Clean and Simple: Floral."


Be sure to link up your BLOSSOM card by noon on Monday (Central time). Be sure to check out the DT and Guest Designer blogs for more inspiration!

Guest Designer: Deepti

Since today we celebrate St. Patrick's Day (and I am half Irish by decent), I will leave you with a little Irish blessing!


Thanks for visiting,
Judy
Posted by at 25 comments:

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

CASology #137: TROPICAL

Hello, friends!  Welcome back for another cue card at CASology.  As I sit here looking at the snow melting outside my window, I am thrilled to introduce the cue this week!


This week we are sponsored by STAMPlorations... be sure to check out the CASology blog for all the details!

My family and I are looking forward to a tropical vacation later this summer to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, and we all plan to pack our sandals!  Yes, when I think of tropical, I think of flip-flops!  (I also think of flowers and fruity drinks and floral patterns and beaches and umbrellas and sand and swimming...so many wonderful ways to take this cue!)

These cute images are both free digis by Neat & Tangled found HERE.  I printed the image and sentiment directly on my card as well as onto several different patterned papers and I fussy cut the flip flops to paper-piece them onto my card.  (I made several versions while I was at it!)  I'm entering these cards into the Little Tangles Challenge #54: Anything Goes since I used their images!


I purposely used a seafoam green card base...it reminds me of the cue, too.  I added Glossy Accents to the hearts for some fun!




Here is a second version, but with another layer and some dry embossing to resemble waves.



OK, then!  Let's get TROPICAL!  Be sure to link up your TROPICAL card by noon on Monday (Central time).  Our Design Team and Guest Designer have some very creative cards for the cue this week...be sure to check out their blogs, too!

Guest Designer: Anna
Thanks for visiting,
Judy
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Thursday, March 5, 2015

Paper Smooches SPARKS and a Little Snow

          
 
Hello, friends!  Home today -- another snow day off -- so what better excuse to make another card for the Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge: Anything Goes!  I made yet another Easter card using the free digi Easter basket and "egg-stra" sentiment, and I added the computer-generated sentiments around them.





So, I mentioned that we have a snow day today.  My four kids and I are off, and we spent a lot of time shoveling (our driveway and our neighbor's).

No swinging on the bench swing today...


And my poor outdoor-sport-loving son is having a hard time being in the house...no soccer, basketball or hockey today, either!


My youngest son (age 10) is the only one of the kids who still loves to get out and play in the snow...how fast they grow up!  I was happy to see him have a snowball fight and play in the snow with some neighborhood friends.


Off to do some laundry...lots of wet snow clothes to dry!
Have a great day!
Judy
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