Okay Lavender Card

Freshly Made Sketches is celebrating their 400th sketch!  Isn't it wonderful how a sketch can inspire us?  It is just the jump start we need sometimes to create!  So I want to say a big congratulations to Freshly Made Sketches for all their wonderful sketches and inspiration!  I took a background stamp and heat embossed the image with white detail embossing powder (Stampendous).  I used a square die by Sizzix to cut out the square.  The stamps are Dotted Blooms by Altenew.

Freshly Made Sketches (#400 -- Be sure to check out all the great prizes by the generous sponsors.)

Allsorts Challenge (Feminine)

Addicted to Stamps and More (Anything Goes)

Hope you are having a nice long Labor Day weekend?  We are celebrating one last shout-out to summer in our backyard.  :)  Thanks for visiting and as always.....stay crafty.  :)

Fall Wreath Card

When you walk outside early in the morning now, there is just a bit of fall in the air.  Sadly the summer is ending but the good news is fall will be arriving.  :)  I couldn't resist joining the Mod Squad Challenge this week  which has a "fall theme."  I cut a wreath from kraft cardstock using my Silhouette Cameo (#219096 Fall Wreath by Miss Kate Cuttables).  I added just a touch of color to the wreath by chalking it with red, orange and gold (Stampin'Up pastel chalks).  Next I stamped the scarecrow image and sentiment with brown ink on ivory cardstock (stamp set Autumn Fields by Inky Antics) and colored with alcohol markers and chalks (sentiment).  I added metallic leaf sequins for the finishing touch.  After doing this card, I'm ready for autumn and pumpkin spice!  :)  I'm linking this card up at:

Mod Squad Challenge (Fall Theme)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge (Anything Goes)

Are you ready for the long weekend?  It will be one last hurrah for summer at our house.  :)  Going to grill and hang around the pool.....plus read.  My youngest daughter brought me two new books yesterday which I am looking forward to reading (The Last Houseguest which was a Reese Witherspoon book selection and The Chain which I have been seeing a lot of buzz about.)  So yea, I'll be the one at the pool with her nose stuck in a book.  ;)  As always, thanks for stopping by and remember to stay crafty!  :)

Paradise Card

Had fun doing another CAS card this afternoon.  CAS is my new favorite type of card to make.  :)  I used a stamp set from Sweet 'n Sassy.  I used the sketch at CAS(E) This Sketch for inspiration.  The sun and border were cut with my Silhouette Cameo.  Image was colored with Copic markers and I used a touch of Stickles on the water for sparkle.  If I were sitting in this chair with a good book, it truly would be paradise.  I'm going to link up this relaxing beach scene at:

CAS(E) This Sketch (#336)

CASology (Water)

Cut It Up Challenge (Outdoor Fun)

Mod Squad Challenge (Travel/Vacation)

Daisy Chain Challenges (Summer)

Thanks for stopping by and as always.....stay crafty!  :)

CAS Stenciled Brighter Days Card

This card looks very simple and you would think it did not take long to make.  :)  Wrong!  I tried something new and all I had was problems.  So a little over two hours later I finally was able to salvage a card.  ;)   I have had my Silhouette Cameo since January of 2018 but have done only basic cardstock cutting.   I decided I wanted to learn to cut other materials like stencils.  I ordered what I thought was the correct material but found out this morning I was wrong.  I ordered blank stencil which was 6 mil thick.  After doing SIX passes over the design  (#91702 Bird On Branch from Silhouette Design Store), I still had not cut through.  In doing "research" internet reading, I saw where I should have gotten 4 mil thickness instead.  I also read the Auto Blade does not cut deeper than 1 mil.  I thought I could use the Auto Blade for everything.  Now I'm thinking if I had a different blade (like a deep cutting/Ratchet blade) I could cut the 6 mil blank stencil material I own.   Anyway back to this card, I had to take an exacto knife to the stencil to get it cut all the way through.  It took me forever!  :)  I used the part of the stencil which fell away by placing in the center of a card base and inking around it.  I also did the matching envelope the same way.  The sentiment is one by Hero Arts and stamped with black ink (Momento Onyx Black).  As luck would have it, my youngest daughter was out shopping  and I got her to visit JoAnn's to pick up a Rachet blade for my Silhouette (all I owned was the Auto Blade).  When she gets home, I can't wait to try it and see if it solves my problems!  If it doesn't, I guess I will be ordering 4 mil thick stencil material to see if that will work!  I am determined I will solve this problem!  ;)  I am very excited about the prospects of cutting my own stencils.  Hopefully my next stenciled CAS card won't take this long and cause me to pull out all my hair!  This nothing but problems CAS card is linking up at:

Addicted To CAS (One Layer)

Less Is More Challenge (Stencils)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge (CAS)

I'll be mailing this card Monday to a friend in need of cheering up and happy mail.  She'll never know I almost went bald making it.  ;)  Thanks for stopping by and if you have any tips on cutting stencils with the Silhouette....please feel free to share them with me.  ;)  As always....stay crafty!

Vogue Card

I'm still trying to improve my skills at making a CAS card.  :)  I took a Heidi Swapp stencil and sprayed Stephanie Barnard's Banana spray along the edge of a 4 x 9 inch white cardstock panel.  I applied a black and white hounds tooth washi tape beside the sprayed stencil design.  The stamp images are by Stampendous (NK Studio Fashion Dame) and colored with a Copic marker.  The die cut sentiment was done with my Silhouette Cameo (#34842 Strike A Pose/Vogue Photography Word Tags) from black cardstock.  I adhered three small black pearls to the stamped woman image for "jewelry."  My card was inspired by Madonna's song Vogue.  This fashionable lady is linking up at:

AAA Cards Clean and Simple Challenges (Along The Edge)

Time Out Challenges (Fashionable)

CAS Stencil (Sprays)

CAS On Friday (Use A Stencil)

Double D Challenges (Pearls, Gems or Rhinestones)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge (CAS)

I put this one in the mail today for a friend.  Thanks for visiting and remember......to stay crafty!  :)

Old MacDonald Birthday Card

I'm trying my hand at a clean and simple card again (you already know I "struggle" making them).  :)  I kept my stamped images (Gina K Designs) along the bottom.  After stamping them, I colored with Copic markers.  The stamped sentiment was cut with a die cut and adhered with foam tape for added dimension.  I put red polka dot washi tape at the top and bottom of my panel.  I put the panel on a white card with foam tape.  My card was inspired by the song "Old MacDonald Had A Farm."  I'm linking it up at the following:

AAA Clean and Simple Challenges #147

The Paper Players (CAS Any Cards For Kids)

AAA Birthday Card Challenges (#4 For The Boys)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge (Clean and Simple)

Would you believe it is a little cooler outside today?  Just a bit but oh so welcome.  When I was watering all my flowers, I didn't melt!  :)  Thanks for stopping by and remember to stay crafty!  ;)

Picnic Card

These ants are ready for a picnic!!!!!  I had ants in my kitchen yesterday but I think they were just looking for air-conditioning.  :)  These ant images are by Pink & Main (set is at least three years old and no longer current), stamped with black ink and colored with Copic markers.  The picnic basket die is from the Silhouette Design Store (#45928 Picnic Basket by Michelle Renee).  I did hand stitching with a black Copic liner pin (which is "ant tracks").  :)  These hungry ants are going to link up at:

Words 2 Craft By (#68 Picnics)

2 Crafty Critter Crazies Challenge (Anything Goes With A Critter)

Daisy Chain Challenges (Summer)

Die Cut Divas (Make It Hot)

Retro Rubber Challenge Blog (Anything Goes)

Stinkin' Inkers Challenge (Some Like It Hot)

Remember to stay cool and as always.....stay crafty.  :)

Life's Hand Card

Are you a paper hoarder like me?  :)  I have patterned papers in a Making Memories filing cabinet which I look at from time to time but NEVER use.  What am I saving them for?  Who knows but there is a part of me which hates to cut them up since they are so pretty.  BUT not today because I cut up a piece which had playing cards on it.  It was the perfect paper for the sentiment on my card (computer generated).  The hand die cuts were done with my Silhouette Cameo and a design from the Silhouette Design Store (#34251 Hand by Lori Whitlock).  I did this card for the Fusion Card Challenge and combined both of the elements on my card (sketch and photo).

I'm linking this one up at:

Fusion Card Challenges

Just Add Ink Challenge (No Stamping)

Krafty Chicks Challenge (Masculine)

Cute Card Thursday (Add A Quote)

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge (Anything Goes)

Crafty Gals Corner (Embossing -- I have dry embossing.)

Little Red Wagon (Music or Song Inspired -- This card reminds me of the Kenny Rogers song The Gambler.  :)

The Sisterhood of Crafters (Use Die As Focus)

Do you have a relaxing weekend planned?  I have one planned which involves lots of air conditioning (HOT, HOT, HOT here) plus pool and reading time.  :)  As always....stay crafty!

Butterfly Circle Birthday Card

I have challenged myself to make clean and simple cards.  I have the hardest time making them!  :)  To make it easier and more fun, I'm joining in new to me CAS challenges.  I have never joined the CAS Watercolor challenge before (or since I'm OLD, I don't remember it).  (Wink.)  The current one there is Colorful Butterflies.  I took a piece of watercolor paper and colored it with Ken Oliver Color Burst Watercolor Powders.  After allowing it to completely dry, I used my Silhouette Cameo (#42189 Butterfly Circles) to create the die cut.  I stamped a sentiment inside the die cut circle and added a border strip at the bottom.  For the finishing touch, I added three teal sequins to the center of the butterfly.  I had never tried cutting watercolor paper with my Silhouette Cameo before.  Next time I need to increase the force a little but at least now I know I can do it!  :)  This butterfly will be fluttering by these challenges:

CAS Watercolour (Colourful Butterflies)

Just Us Girls (Circles)

Sweet Stampin' (Things With Wings)

Hope your day is going well....and as always, stay crafty!  :)

Purrfect Coffee Card

Did you know I collect coffee themed stamps and dies?  Yep, one of my favorite themed cards to make and receive.  :)  So naturally I had to make a card for the current Art Impressions challenge which is Coffee!  :)  It has been a while since I made a card using kraft cardstock and brown ink.  Thought it might be a good time since well you know....coffee is brown.  (Wink.)  Looking through my Art Impressions stamps, I saw the sentiment "you're purrfect" and thought coffee AND cats....could be a cute combination.  :)  The coffee word bubble is from the Silhouette Design Store (#55671 Speech Bubbles).  I used the Crazy Cat Lady set by Art Impressions plus their Hot Java Mama set.

Art Impressions Challenge (Coffee #262)

I'm off to have some coffee (might have to be iced in this heat though.  ;)  Remember to stay crafty!  :)

Grill Card

I'm still challenging myself to create CAS cards.  As I have said before, I "struggle" doing them.  :)  My biggest problem is I keep trying to add and add to them.  :)  For this card, I used my Silhouette Cameo to create the die cut from the Silhouette Design Store (#42964 Retro Dad BarbequeSilhouette by Megan Hardy Designs).  I computer generated the sentiment and used a couple of striped sequins.  I don't think I can any cleaner or simpler.  (Wink.)  My fun griller is going to link up at:

CASology (Grill)

AAA Clean and Simple Challenges (Made In Minutes + Optional Twist Summer)

Time Out Challenges (Relaxation)

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge (Add A Die Cut)

Another HOT one here so I'm heading out to cool off in the pool and read.  As always.....stay crafty!  :)

Daisy Thank You Card

Don't laugh but I'm still trying to teach myself to create clean and simple cards.  :)  I thought the best way might be joining CAS challenges....maybe.  :)  The sentiment daisy die cut is from the Silhouette Design Store (#294291 Thank You Daisy by Sweet Afton).The stamped sentiment is by Art Gone Wild (Words To The Rescue Thank You 2).  Those cute wooden bees were found at Michael's.  I applied three yellow self adhesive jewels to the center of the daisy for the finishing touch.  I'm still struggling with CAS but have to admit it is fun!  :)  These buzzy bees are going to link up at:

Just Us Girls (Circles)

Moving Along With The Times (Bees)

Cloudy day here which has provided some heat relief so hooray for that.  I'm heading out to the pool to relax and read the rest of the afternoon.  Thanks for visiting and as always....stay crafty!  :)

CAS Summer Fun Card

I love clean and simple cards but I have to confess I struggle making them!  So I have decided to challenge myself to make more CAS cards. Maybe they will become easier for me to create.  :)  I used a pattern from the Silhouette Design Store (#81896 Summer Fun Frame by Tanya Batrak) for the word circle die cut (cut with Silhouette Cameo).  The stamp set is by Unity Stamp Company (Beach Days and Sun Rays).  I stamped the images with brown ink and colored with Copic markers.  I used the sequins in the same colors as the markers I had used for the finishing touch.  So how did I do with my CAS (one of few I have made)?

I'm linking up at these fun challenges:  

AAA Cards Clean and Simple Challenges (Made In Minutes + Summer)

Time Out Challenges ( #141 Relaxation)

Cute Card Thursday (Circles)

Cardz 4 Galz (Summer Fun)

Cut It Up (Focus On Sentiment)

Simon Says Wednesday (Add A Die Cut)

Papercraft Challenge (Summer Fun)

Sisterhood of the Snarky Stamper (S Is For Sea)

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you have a cool and crafty weekend planned.  :)

Cowgirl Blues

After doing the two blue Christmas cards yesterday, I had pieces of blue cardstock left over.  I found a challenge I have never played in where you use your "snippets" (leftover pieces).  So I used my blue cardstock snippets to create a cowgirl card.  The stamps are by Oxford Impressions.  I used a die cut from the Silhouette Design Store to create the horse shoe/horse.  The embossing folder is by Sizzix.  I added  pearls and black twine to finish it up.  This blues singing cowgirl is going to be joining these fun challenges:

Pixie's Snippets Playground Challenge (#358)

Shopping Our Stash (Base It On A Book -- I chose Lonesome Dove)

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges (Anything Goes)

Hope your week is off to a good start and as always.....stay crafty.

Blue Christmas Cards

Christmas Kickstart Challenge  has a fun one going on where you are to do two different Christmas cards with trees on them.  I used the same tree background stamp (Simon Says Stamp) on both of the cards.

This card also has a unicorn and sentiment stamp by Avery Elle.

I used a sentiment stamp by Scrapbook.com on this one plus some Silhouette Design Store tree die cuts.  I used sparkly clear glitter glue to decorate the trees.  I'm going to link up these cards at:

Christmas Kickstart Challenge (Christmas Tree -- Two Different Layouts)

Jingle Belles (Blue Christmas)

Merry Little Christmas Challenge (Anything Goes)

Simon Says Wednesday (Anything Goes)

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges (Anything Goes)