They Say It's Your Birthday

Hello!  This week my dad celebrated his 78th birthday.  When making a card for his special day, I decided to make two birthday cards at the same time - 1 for him and 1 for my stash.

I enjoyed coloring this cute penguin from 2 Cute Ink.   I used a few pieces of DP left over from a paper pad and some washi tape.  The sentiments is from a very old Stampin' Up set.

This is a photo of my dad my brother took earlier in the week.  3 days after finishing radiation therapy, he is up this ladder caulking a crack in the cross bar.   I swear he never sits still.

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have a fabulous day!

Cheryl

Supplies:

Digital stamp - Celebration Penguin by 2 Cute Ink

Copic Markers

White Gel pen

Vellum

Black card stock

Stampin' Up white craft ink

White embossing powerder

My Mind's Eye 6x6 Fine and Dandy Tickled Pink paper pad

Washi tape

Misc. embellishments

American Crafts 4 x 5-1/2" card base

Challenges:

613 Avenue Create - M (1st Sunday), 8E, Any Craft Accepted (check for recognition each week, top DT choices, winners, and crafter's voting by on-line community) - (July) Anything Goes w/ Optional Twist: Sentiment as Focus

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - 2W (1st & 3rd Sun) E3 Always Anything Goes

Stamping Sensations        - M, 3E, Winner + Top 3, must use stamp (no pre-colored digis) Stamp must be focal point of project – (July) All Creatures Great & Small

The Corrosive Challenges - M, 3E - Always Anything Goes

A Gem of a Challenge  2W, 3E  - #15 - Anything Goes (W1 of 2)

Crafty Friends Challenge 2W, 3E, - #140 - Happy Birthday (W1 of 2)

Di's Digis Designs 2W, 3E,SIO  Use Your Paper Scraps (W1 of 2)

Colour Crazy Challenge - W, 2E  - Wk 27 (W2 of 2)  and Wk 28 (W1 of 2) -   ANYTHING COLORING GOES

2 Crafty Critter Crazies (M, P1, E5, must have a critter) #40 - Anything Goes with a Critter

Crafty Animals (M P1, must have animals) Always Anything Goes

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper (M, P1) July - Anything Goes with Patterned Paper

Creatalicious Challenges (2W, P15/last day of the M) #191 - Anything Goes with optional 3 of a kind

Stinkin' Inkers - M, E3  July- I See Spots

Tuesday Throwdown W -   #461 - Polka Dots (week 2)

 

Great Impressions Stamps - Catch A Star

Hello!  Happy Monday!  Monday means it’s my day to post on the Great Impressions Stamps blog. 

 

My project today uses Catch A Star (C334) & Catch A Falling Star (E482), both from Great Impressions Stamps.     I decided to use these plaid, blue and yellow papers so that it could be given to a boy.  I think it would make a cute birthday card.

 

 

There are lots of fun things going on at Great Impressions.  Don’t forget to join our challenge, “Polka dots and/or pastels.”     Great Impressions has also added collections from Echo Park and My Mind’s Eye to their fabulous collection of rubber stamps.  

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have a fabulous week!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Catch A Star (C334) & Catch A Falling Star (E482) from Great Impressions Stamps
• Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black & Rich Cocoa
• Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Bazzill kraft CS, Pebbles Family Ties 6x6 paper pad
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Die Namics stacking stars dies, Papertrey Super Star border die, Copic markers, Provo Craft Swiss Dots embossing folder
• Embellishments:  cork, misc button, Twinery baker’s twine

InLinkz.com

 

 

Challenges:

• Lacy Sunshine - 2W, 3E, must have hand coloured image - (2nd week) Anything Goes
• One Stitch At A Time - SIO - Anything Goes
• Robyn`s Fetish - Anything Goes
• That Craft Place - 2W, 1E - (2nd week) Animals
• Stempelsonnen Challenge - 2W, 3E, stamp as main focus - Week 1 - Human &/or Animal Kids
• 2 Sisters - #138 Anything Goes
• A Gem of a Challenge - W - #74 Animals
• Catch The Bug - 3E, SIO - Anything Goes
• Moving Along With The Times - 3E – Kraft
• Crafting By Design – Animals
• Loves Rubber Stamps W - #46 Anything Goes
• Papertake Weekly W- Anything Goes
• ABC Challenge - P1/15 -K for Kraft
• Make it Monday - W - always Anything Goes

Great Impressions Stamps–Hurtin’ Puppy

Happy Monday!  Did you have a good weekend?   It looks like spring is finally on the way.  We had warmer (high 30’s) temps, rain and fog.  The snow is all melting away and some of the migratory birds have come back.  Hurray!  Soon it will be sandal weather!

Today is my day to post on the Great Impressions Stamps blog.  This pup caught my eye and I just had to color him up.  Look at that face!   Isn’t he sweet?

 

 

When digging through my paper stash, these old October Afternoon papers caught my eye.  I like that the polka dots in the DP are repeated in his sling. 

 

Don’t forget you still have plenty of time to enter the March Great Impressions Stamps challenge.  Our theme this month is “Going Green”.   Interpret it as you will and link up your entry at the Great Impressions Stamps blog for your chance to win a  $20 gift code to the Great Impression Stamps store.    You can link up your entry, review the challenge rules and get some inspiration from the DT HERE. 

 

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a fabulous week!

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Hurtin’ Puppy (F488) and Feel Better Soon (C417) from Great Impressions Stamps
• Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black & Close To My Heart Chocolate
• Papers:  Neenah Classic Crest solar white CS,  Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, October Afternoon Detours DP
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey file tab die, Copic markers
• Embellishments:  misc. baker’s twine, Sakura white ink pen, burlap ribbon, misc. buttons

InLinkz.com

Challenges:

• 613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes (optional: Sketch*)
• Hobbycutz  - 2W, 3E, SIO - (2nd week) Anything Goes
• No Matter Which Challenges - M, F, must use stamp (rubber or digi) - (March)Anything Goes
• Penny Black and More - M, 3E, SIO, no digis - (March) One For The Boys
• Send a Smile for Kids - 2W 2E -  (W2 of 2) For the Boys
• Sweet Stampin - 2E, must Stamp - For a Man or Boy
• Inspire Me Fridays – Anything Goes always
• Art Impressions Stamps Challenge - 2E, SIO - #103 Anything Goes
• Little Miss Muffet Challenges -  2W, 1E, SIO - #56 (W1 of 2) Boys Only
• Loves Rubber Stamps - W - #42 Anything Goes
• Papertake Weekly -W- Anything goes
• Through The Craft Room Door 3E, W - Anything Goes
• Make it Monday - W - always Anything Goes
• Crafty Boots - 2W, SIO - (2nd week) Old, New, Borrowed OR Blue (old papers, new stamps, blue paper)
• Critter Sketch - W – Twine
• MyGrafico - SIO - Anything Goes
• Ooh La La Creations - 2W, SIO - (2nd week) Four-legged Friends
• Paper Playtime - 2W, F - (2nd week) Anything Goes
• Pause, Dream, Enjoy - 2W - (2nd week) For the Boys
• Stamp and Create - M, 1E/week - (March) Fur or Feathers
• Use Your Stuff - JFF, use your stash - 4-legged friends (Old paper and burlap ribbon)

Paper Nest Dolls – Owen Fishing & A Give-Away

Hello!   Today I have a card using an image from a (new to me) digital stamp designer.    This cutie is “Owen Fishing” from Paper Nest Dolls.  

 

 

Stop by Paper Nest Dolls on Etsy to see Christine’s new line of Paper Dolls digital stamps.  All of these sweet images are inspired by her children. 

There are a few other place where you can find information on Paper Nest Dolls.

The Paper Nest Dolls Blog - http://thepapernestdolls.blogspot.com/

The Paper Nest Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paper-Nest/105717246215098?ref=hl

The Paper Nest store - http://www.the-papernest.com/  (If you live in Florida, be sure to check out the store in Fort Meyers.)

 

Now for the give-away – only 2 easy steps to enter:

• Stop by the Paper Nest shop to check out all of Christine’s Paper Dolls digital stamps.
• Enter your name in the linky tool below and include the name of your favorite image. [i.e.: Cheryl (Owen Fishing)]

Next week, I will use Random.org to pick one luck winner who will win 2 images of their choice from the Paper Nest Dolls.

 

Okay, so what are you waiting for?  Head on over to the Paper Nest Dolls Etsy shop and pick out your favorite image.  Come back here to enter for your chance to win!

Thank you for stopping by!

 

Enter the Give-Away here. Don't forget to include the name of your favorite Paper Nest Dolls image.

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Owen Fishing (digital stamp) from the Paper Nest, Mega Mixed Messages, Just the Ticket, & Handwritten Notes (inside card) from Papertrey Ink
• Inks:  Close To My Heart Twilight & Cranberry, Distress Inks Antique Linen
• Papers:  Neenah Classic Crest solar white, Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, October Afternoon Campfire DP pad, Starbucks coffee sleeve
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Die-namics Stacking Stars die, Sweet n Sassy Scalloped Stars edge die, Papertrey Just the Ticket die, Copic markers
• Embellishments:  Jenni Bowlin malted milk paint dabber, misc. button & baker’s twine

 

Challenges:

• Challenges 4 Everybody - 2W, 3C - Always Anything Goes
• Crafting When We Can - 2W, 2E, C5 - (2nd week) Card for Boys
• One Stitch At A Time - SIO - Anything Goes
• Creative Corner-for the boys
• Inspire Me Fridays – Anything Goes
• Sweet Pea Stampers - M, SIO, E3 -week 1 use a digital stamp
• Hanna & Friends - 2W, cute/stamped/person/animal - #164 (W2 of 2)  Anything Goes
• Simply Create - must be digital or papercraft, follow - Always anything goes
• Stars and Stamps Midweek Throwdown - no glitter - cards for children
• Papertake Weekly -W- Anything Goes
• Make it Monday – Anything Goes

Snowball Boy

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…..   Okay, not really.  It is way too early to start thinking about snow, but I am thinking about Christmas cards.  I know if I don’t get started now, I’ll never have enough done by December.     

I had this cute image from Whimsy and Stars Studio in my files and realized I never used him.   So to set things right, I had to make a Christmas card using him.    

 

 

I ended up doing some paper piecing because I was having issues with coloring.  Although I am using the same printer, ink cartridge, paper and markers that I always use, suddenly I am having issues with the ink from the image smearing.   I even tried heat setting the image and am still having issues.  Has this ever happened to anyone else?  How did you fix it?  Its driving me nuts!

I’m going to keep this short today.    Have a great week!  Thank you for stopping by!

 

 

**Edited to add -   Don’t forget to check out the Featured Stamper Challenge at Splitcoast Stampers.   I’m the featured stamper! 

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Snowball Boy (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio, Signature Christmas from Papertrey Ink
• Ink:  Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim
• Papers:  Papertrey white CS, Neenah crest CS, Paper Studio black CS, Echo Park Winter Park paper pad, Stampin’ Up Vellum
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Martha Stewart edge punch, Big Shot, Papertrey journaling tab die, Die-namics Let it Snowflake die, Copic markers
• Embellishments:  Twinery charcoal twine, misc. button, Stickles crystal, Fun Flock, misc pom-pom

 

Challenges:

• Crafty Bloggers Network - M, SIO - (Oct) Anything Goes
• House of Gilli - SIO - (2nd week) Anything Goes
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Marker POP Challenge (formerly iCopic) - 2E, must use Markers - (1st week) Paper Piecing + Shading
• MyGrafico - 2W, SIO - Anything Goes
• Stamp and Create - M, 1E/week - (Oct) Winter Wonderland
• Tammy's Scrapin Corner - 2E on anything goes weeks - Anything Goes
• 2 Sisters - #113 Anything Goes
• Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - must be Christmas -  #94 Snowflakes
• Craftymess Challenge 2W - 2ndW #19 Anything Goes
• Rogue Redhead Designs 3E M - #16 Go Dotty
• Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - must be Christmas – Anything Goes
• Craftymess – Week 2, Anything Goes
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Pixie Dust Studio - SIO - Anything goes
• Simply Create - must be digital/papercraft - Always anything goes
• Crafts and Me - #105 Anything Goes
• Divas by Design - 2E - #56 Anything Goes
• Just Keep on Creating - F, M – Christmas
• A & T Emerald Faeries Challenge - 2W, 3E, SIO - #34 Anything Goes
• Bearly Mine - 2E, SIO - #56 Anything Goes
• Deep Ocean Challenge - 2W - #36 Anything Goes
• Through The Craft Room Door 3E - Always Anything Goes

When Pigs Fly

I LOVE this image from Wings & Willows!   Doesn’t this little piggy look joyous?  He puts a smile on my face. 

 

 

Here is a look at the image. 

 

 

Right now you can get this fun pig or any other Wings & Willows image for 40% off.   Rebecca is having a fall sale through the end of October.   Just use the code FALLWINGS when you check out for the discount.

 

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great day!

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  When Pigs Fly (digital image) from Wings & Willows
• Inks:  Distress Ink Tea Dye
• Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Bazzil Basics Circus Peanuts CS, My Mind’s Eye Six By Six Away We Go paper pad
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Journal Tabs die, Copic markers, ProvoCraft Seeing Spots embossing folder
• Embellishments:  May Arts burlap twine, mix button

 

Challenges:

• Anything Goes Challenge - 2W, 5E - #77 Animals
• Papertake Weekly -Anything Goes + optional Celebrate
• Cards For Men - 2W, must be masculine - (2nd week) Animals
• Crafty Bloggers Network - M, SIO - (Oct) Anything Goes
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge - 2W, 2E, SIO, F, must use digi - (2nd week) One for the Boys
• Forever Friends - 2W - (1st week) Anything Goes
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• MyGrafico - 2W, SIO - (1st week) Anything Goes
• The Cutie Pie Challenge - 2W, cards - (1st week) Use a Digi
• Totally Stampalicious - SIO - Anything Goes
• Gingerloft - 2W - (1st week) Stitching (Real or Faux)
• Robyn`s Fetish - Sewing (Real or Faux)
• Sunday Stamper - JFF - What Makes You Happy  (this image!)
• 2 Sisters - #111 Use Your Favorite Stamps
• Di's Digis Designs 3E 2W SIO - 1stW Animals acting like People
• Send a Smile for Kids - 2W 2E -  2ndW Anything goes for Kids
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Whimsy Inspiration - 3E, SIO - #53 anything goes

Watermelon Boy

This big slice of watermelon practically has my mouth watering.  Doesn’t it look yummy?   This week I wanted to use this sweet, summer image (Watermelon Boy) for my Whimsy & Stars Studio project.

I colored this image a couple of weeks ago but didn’t have a chance to actually make the card.   Somehow during that time, a dirty spot mysteriously showed up on my colored image.    Since I didn’t have time to recolor it and I didn’t want to trim the image down too much more, I decided to use some of my washi tape stash to make some little flags to hide the spot.  
I’m going to keep this short.  I’m just getting back from visiting my aunt and uncle in Virginia.  Elizabeth and I spent a long week end with them at their B&B on Smith Mountain Lake and had a wonderful time.  (If you are looking for a beautiful vacation spot, you can check out their website at http://www.lovestoneinn.com/)

Thank you for stopping by!  

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check out my Followers Blog Candy.  Click below to see the details.

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Watermelon Boy (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studio
• Inks:  None
• Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Paper Studio black CS, Pink Paislee Hometown DP pack
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Copic markers, EK Success punch
• Embellishments:  Bella Blvd yellow chevron washi tape, misc. washi tape, Twinery Baker’s Twine

Challenges:

• Digi Makeover Challenge - SIO, must use digi - Endless Summer
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Paper Playtime - 2W, F - (1st week) Anything Goes  (ends 12th Aug)
• Tammy Scrapin Corner - Anything Goes (2 entry only)
• Victorine Originals - 2W, SIO - (2nd week) Summertime (ends 5th Aug)
• Whoopsi Daisy - SIO - Lots of Layers
• Catered Crop – Washi tape
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Sweet n' Sassy Digi Challenge - SIO, must use digi – Flags / Banners
• C.R.A.F.T. - 5E - Use stitching
• Crafts and Me - #94 Anything goes
• Digistamps 4 Joy - 2W, SIO  - #47 polka dots and stripes
• Whimsy Inspiration - 3E, SIO - #49 Summer Fun
• Bearly Mine - 2E, SIO - #46 Anything Goes
• Creative Craft Challenges - 2W, 3E -  Summertime  (Week 2)
• Jackson's Digital Expressions - 3E SIO -   Anything Goes + Optional Sketch
• Party Time Tuesdays - 3E (2E anything goes wk) - PTT #79 Anything Goes
• The Stamping Boutique - Anything Goes
• Twisted Tuesday - Free For All- Anything Goes

Keep Calm…

I just have a quick card to share with you today.  It is my daughter's fencing coach’s birthday and I wanted to make him card with a fencing image.  Well, let me tell you, that is much easier said than done.   I couldn’t find any digital stamps so I looked for clip art.  I didn’t  really feel inspired by any of the free domain clip art I could find.  I finally settled on using a free SVG file that I found.

 

I had a really hard time putting this card together and I’m not really satisfied, but I’m out of time so I had to go with it.    IRL the button more closely matches the color of the polka dot paper.    There is a simply “Happy Birthday” message on the inside.

When I first showed the card to my hubby, he said, that fencer had terrible form.  True, but I have to work with what was available.     Here is a look at a proper fencing lunge.

Photo Credit

 

Thanks for stopping by!  I have to finish messing around on-line and get my card in the envelope.  Have a great weekend!

Supplies:

• Stamps:  None
• Inks:  None
• Papers:  Papertrey kraft CS, Paper Studio black CS, Echo Park Times & Seasons DP pad
• Tools:  Sewing Machine, Circuit, Sure Cuts A lot Software, Martha Stewart edge punch
• Embellishments:  Black jute ribbon, black burlap twine, misc. button
• SVG file:   Fencer 1 from Clker.com
• Techniques:  Custom rub ons  (Tutorial HERE)

Challenges:

• Chocolate, Coffee & Cards - 3E, 2W - Week 2, For the Boys
• Crafty Catz - 1E – Male
• Fairy Tale - 2W, 2E - Week 1, Boys & Men
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Stampin With The Dragon - 2W, SIO – Birthdays & Boys (see blog)
• Aud Sentiments Challenge - 2W - (ends Jun-05) Any sentiment
• DRS Designs - 1E, SIO – Masculine
• Shelly's Images - SIO - Use a number
• Twisted Thursday - up to 50% alchohol inks allowed - Anything goes w. twist of sports
• Just Keep on Creating - F, M - #2 anything goe
• Penny's Paper-Crafty - 2W - #80 Anything goes
• Simon Says Stamp - Father's Day/special man (special man = my dd’s fencing coach)
• Top Tip Tuesday - 2W, 3E - #77 Dig out the old (use something older than 6 months & name it (Week 1)  (the ribbon/fibers have been sitting unused in my stash for about a year)
• Creative Mondays - 2W - (2nd week) Stitching
• Karens Doodles - 1E, SIO - (1st week) Stitch It Up
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Robyn`s Fetish - Anything Goes
• 2 Sisters - #93 Bring on the boys
• Little Claire's - M, 3E, SIO - #21 Male theme
• One Stop Craft - #184 For the Boys

Older & Wiser

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It’s time to kick off a new Meljen’s Designs challenge.  This week, we are challenging you to use ORANGE.   I took the opportunity to make another birthday card for my stash using.  Better yet, it is a card for a man.  

 

 

I made faux brads to embellish the front of the card.   As much as I love buttons & twine, I thought I would add a little something extra.     Do you know how to make faux brads?   Let me know if your comments if you would like me to do a tutorial.

The inside is pretty plain, but I had to include a pun.  (You know I love punny cards.)

 

 

Don’t forget to link up your ORANGE project at the Meljen’s Designs blog.  While you are there, you can check out the fabulous projects from the rest of the DT.    Keep your eyes open,  Melissa is releasing her new digis for March.   You can get some peeks of the new images on the Meljen’s Designs blog.   (I LOVE the new images!)

 

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great day!

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Fuzzy Owl (digital stamp) from Meljen’s Designs
• Inks:  None
• Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, My Mind’s Eye Fine & Dandy True Blue paper Pad
• Tools:  Sewing Machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, paper piercing tool, hole punch, embossing tool
• Embellishments:  Thread, Papertrey baker’s twine, burlap, misc. button, needle & thread
• Font: Smiley Monster from Kevin & Amanda
• Technique:  Faux brads

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Anything goes
• Allsorts Challenge – Anything goes
• Bunny Zoe’s challenge  - Celebration
• Crazy Challenge – Anything goes
• Creative Crafts – Boys will be boys
• Dream Valley – For men
• Gingersnap Creations  (Random redhead challenge) – Faux technique (faux brads)
• Made Especially for You – Stitching
• One Stitch at a Time – use a digi
• Paper Play Time – Animal + sentiment
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Anything goes
• Simon Says Stamp – Anything goes
• Sisterhood of the Crafters – use a digi
• Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturdays – manly card
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge – for man or boy
• Top Tip Challenge – stitching
• Wags N Whiskers – masculine bday
• Do you Stack Up? – Things with wings
• That’s Krafty Thursday - kraft

I’m Seeing Stars!

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We’re kicking off a new year of challenges at the Meljen’s Designs blog with our new challenge theme of “STARS”. Since my birthday card stash is still really low, I though I would use Billy the Cowboy Bear to make a card for a boy.

Link up your project with “STARS” on the Meljen’s Designs blog for your chance to win some Meljen’s Designs images. Be sure to check out the new challenge rules HERE. I can’t wait to see what you make!

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my New Year Follower blog candy. Click the photo below for details.

To learn more about my Go Red For Women fund raising page, click HERE.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Billy the Cowboy Bear (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
• Inks: Distress Inks Tea Dye & Antique Linen
• Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, Cosmo Cricket Wanted mini deck
• Tools: Big Shot , My Favorite Things star die, Spellbinders nestabilities, Sewing machine, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin Malted Milk paint dabber, misc. button, Papertrey button twine, gold Stickles, Starbucks coffee sleeve
• Other: Sentiment printed using Duality font from dafont.com

Challenges:

• Alota Rubber Stamps – A, B, C (A Cowboy Bear)
• Alphabet challenge - X=xtra special occasion (birthday)
• Cards for men – Recycle (stars made from Starbuck’s coffee sleeve)
• Craft Your Passion – Anything goes + distress
• Crafts & Me – Anything goes
• Critter Sketch Challenge – Celebrate
• Cupcake Craftroom – Anything goes
• Dare to Be Sassy Thursday Challenge – use something new (new paper & dies)
• DigiStamps 4 Joy - ANYTHING (something old, something new) GOES (old image & coffee sleeve & image/ new star dies)
• Freshed Brewed Challenges - Use Something New (to celebrate the New Year) (new paper & star dies)
• Fussy & Fancy Friday Challenge – Happy Birthday or animal print
• Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations - something old, something new (old image & coffee sleeve/new paper & star dies)
• I Did It Creations – Anything Goes
• Incy Wincy – Anything goes
• Inky Impressions – Anything goes
• Ladybug Crafts Ink – Use your new stash (new paper & dies)
• My Mum's Craft Shop – Something new (new paper & dies)
• Papertake Weekly – Anything goes
• One Stitch at a Time – Use a digi
• Pile It On – Anything goes
• The Pink Elephant – Anything goes
• Saturday Challenge – Anything goes
• Sentimental Sundays – Anything goes
• Simon Says Stamp – New Something (new paper & dies)
• Shelly's Images-Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Out with the Old, In with the New! (new paper & dies)
• The Kraft Journal – Anything goes
• Top Tip Challenge – Anything goes

They Say It’s Your Bee-Day!

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Today I am still on a break from Christmas and have another birthday card to show to you using Meljen’s Designs Birthday Bee. As I mentioned before I have sooooo many December birthdays so I am trying to get some cards ready to mail.

Are you ready for some serious cuteness? Check out the new digis Melissa is releasing to the store. I love them so!

The new Meljen’s Designs challenge is Use Green! You can use any shade and as much as you want as long as you use green on your project. You can see the challenge rules, the DT projects, and the linky tool on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Birthday Bee (digital stamp) from Meljen’s Designs
• Inks: None
• Papers: Papertrey white CS, misc. gray CS, October Afternoon Farmhouse paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Copic markers, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Stampin’ Up edge punch
• Embellishments: Twinery Bakers twine, misc. ribbon & button, tag template from Alenka’s printables
• Techniques: Paper piecing, computer generated sentiment using Cutie Pop free font

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Punches and/or dies
• Card Makin' Mamas – Sentiment on the front
• Catch the Bug – Anything Goes
• Chocolate, Coffee & Cards – Celebrate
• Craft Your Days Away – buttons or bows
• Crazy Challenge – Anything goes
• Creative Crafts – Stitching
• Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations – make it a present
• Scrappy Frogs – stitching

Winter BFF’s

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Only 25 days until Christmas! Yikes – where has the time gone? Have you started your Christmas shopping? I’ve am almost done. (I did a lot of it yesterday evening. There were some great Cyber Monday sales.) I am trying to stay away from the malls and big-block stores as much as possible this year and have been doing more shopping on Etsy.com and other similar sites. I can’t wait until the packages start arriving.

I am almost done making Christmas cards too! I still need to order photo cards for family, but since I need a picture to put on them I’m not quite ready to order them yet. Today I wanted to share a Christmas card I made using an image from Whimsy & Stars Studio. Aren’t these little guys sweet?

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Winter Friends (digital stamp) by Whimsy and Stars Studio, Holiday Treats by Papertrey
• Inks: Close To My Heart Cranberry
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey Kraft & Pure Poppy CS, My Mind’s Eye 12 Days of Christmas paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Journal Tabs die & Edgers #4 die, Martha Stewart circle punch, EK Success snowflake punches, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Misc. twine and dew drop, Frosted Lace Stickles, Marvey Twinklette gold glitter pen

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Holiday (Christmas)
• 4 Crafty Chicks – Snowflakes
• Addicted to Stamps – Christmas
• Alphabet Challenge - V=vibrant
• AUD Sentiments – Winter sentiment
• Card Mad Fairy's Digi Day challenge - Winter wonderland
• Craft Your Passion – Holiday or winter related
• Crafty Calendar – Winter Wardrobe
• Crazy Challenge – Stars or snowflake
• Cupcake Inspirations – Photo Insp
• Delicious Doodles – hairy legs
• Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Animals
• Gingerloft – Winter Christmas
• Kaboodle Challenge – Bundle up for winter
• Lil Red Wagon – Christmas
• Mad For Markers – Christmas
• Pile It On – “P”= present
• Scrappy Frogs – kraft
• Sew Many Challenges – twine
• Simply Create Too - Christmas
• Stampin' with the Dragon – Christmas
• Stamptacular Sunday Challenge – Christmas
• Sunday's W/Chrissy – non-traditional Christmas colors
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge – punches & dies
• That's Krafty Thursday – kraft
• The Kraft Journal – Christmas
• Totally Stampalicous - non-traditional Christmas colors
• Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations – Christmas
• Party Time Tuesdays – Anything goes
• Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge – winter

Monster-ific Birthday

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I love little monster that I used on my card for the new Meljen’s Designs sketch challenge. I used one of the new images called Fuzzer the Monster. I kept trying to color him to look fuzzy and just wasn’t getting the look I wanted. I finally had my “Aha!” moment and pulled out the Fun Flock. Still not satisfied, I colored some spare “spots” and embossed them to get the bumpy texture. Now I love how he turned out.

The new Meljen’s Designs challenge is a sketch designed by our teamie, Dianna. You can see the rest of the DT’s creations and link up your project on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

And here is a look at the images being released today. You can find these in the Meljen’s Designs store. These images are perfect for all those cards for boys!

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Fuzzer the Monster (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
• Inks: None
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Paper Studios black CS, October Afternoon Night Light DP
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Provo Craft Mesh Texture embossing folder, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Close To My Heart white fun flock, DMC floss, misc. buttons

Challenges:

• Addicted to Stamps – stitching
• Card Making Fairy's Digi Day challenge – layers
• Crafts & Me – Stripes
• Creatalicious - anything goes
• Delicious Doodles – Cute as a button
• DigiStamps 4 Joy – Anything goes
• Dream Valley – Buttons
• Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations - anything goes
• Heart Song Designs Challenge – orange &/or buttons
• iCopic – unloved colors (the YG’s, BG’s, & YR’s on the monster)
• Lexi’s Creations – for a child
• Paper Creations Ink – buttons or bows
• Paper Shelter – anything goes
• Stamp with Fun – anything goes
• Stampin’ with the dragon – 3d or decoupage
• Stamptacular Sunday – just sayin’
• Top Tip Challenge – for the kids

Meljen’s Designs–Sketch Challenge

Happy Thursday! I hope your week is going well. I can’t believe it is already mid-May. I hope some warm, sunny weather heads our way soon.

I lost my creative mojo over the week end and really struggled to make the few cards that I needed to complete. I (re)discovered a huge time sink, Pinterest, and it really got my mojo going again. There are so many amazing things to look at, be inspired by, or laugh at. I started by putting together some collections of card sketches and crafting projects that I love. It just grew on its own from there. Feel free to look me up and check out some of the sketches and things that I pinned if your mojo needs a boost.

This week the Meljen’s Designs team is challenging you to use a sketch created by our talented teammate Dianna. This is such a great, versatile sketch. I hope you will join us and link up your creation inspired by this sketch on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

I decided to make another boyish card for my stash (or maybe OWH). I never used the Playful Dinosaur image before and was happy to get the chance to print & color him. I also broke out some burlap that I had stashed away. I don’t know why I haven’t been using it. I think I’ve been “saving” it for some big, wonderful idea that hasn’t surfaced yet. I am glad I used it because I really like the way it looks even as a simple mat.

Just like every Thursday, Melissa has some cute new digital images that she is releasing at Whimsy Stamps. Here is a looksee.

Since she loves to spoil us on occasion, she also released a few extra, summer inspired images earlier this week. These are also available at Whimsy Stamps.

As if that isn’t enough, she also released 4 RUBBER stamps at Whimsy Stamps on Wednesday. Whimsy is having a blog hop to celebrate all the new rubber stamps and dies released in May. If you are interested in joining the hop, you can find the details HERE.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Playful Dinosaur digital stamp by Meljen’s Designs, Ticket Sentiments by Raindrop Echo Designs (both available on Whimsy Stamps)
• Papers: Papertrey kraft and dark chocolate CS, Neenah Solar Crest CS, My Mind’s Eye Little Boy Blue DP,
• Inks: Close To My Heart Twilight & Olive inks
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
• Embellishments: the Twinery cappuccino baker’s twine, misc. button & burlap

Challenges:

• Card Making Fairy’s Digi Day - for the boys
• Cheerful Stamp pad – Color your world
• Clear It Out – any coloring medium (copics)
• Cooking it Up with Katie – recipe/sketch for a child + button
• Craft your Passion – Cutie patootie
• Crafting for All Seasons – Anything goes
• Creative Belli challenge - “S” – Spots, chevron Stripes
• Delicious Doodles – Inspired by…sketches & pinterest
• Desert Island - used patterned paper, image, die cuts, button
• DigiStamps4Joy – for a boy
• Frosted Designs – Ribbon or Twine
• Gingersnap Creations – (Spicy supply challenge) twine
• Happileigh Challenge – stitches
• Lawn-scaping – polka dots
• Lexi’s Creations – spots &/or stripes
• Mami Doodles – spots &/or stripes
• My Partner in Crafting Crime - twine, jute or string
• One Crazy Stamper – boys & men
• One Stitch At A Time – anything goes
• Penny’s Paper Crafty challenge – anything goes
• Pinterest challenge on Soapbox Creations – inspired by sketch HERE and by colors and dino HERE
• Really Reasonable Ribbon – Anything goes (using ribbon, lace or trim) I used bakers twine
• Scrappy Frogs – Anything goes
• Sew Many - Anything goes
• Spoonful of Sugar – Anything goes
• Stamp Something –anything goes
• Stamps R Us – go digital
• That’s Krafty Thursday – kraft paper
• The Stamping Boutique Challenge – Circles
• Top Tip Challenge – one for the kids
• Wags N Whiskers – circles

You're a Hoot!

Happy Thursday! How is your week going? All week I have had the feeling that I am forgetting something. I keep checking my calendar and I look clear but I have that nagging feeling.... I guess I'll see what pops up.







I am trying to stock up on boyish/masculine cards to send into OWH. (I am still working hard to fill my box and get it sent!) I used Fuzzy Owl from Meljen's Designs (on Whimsy Stamps) to make a campy/boyish birthday card.

I have liked this image ever since it came out but, for some reason, I have never used him. Well, I guess there is no time like the present. I was especially inspired to put him on card since I just watched the movie "Legends of the Guardians" with my family. Have you seen it? We enjoyed it and really liked the educational bit about owls included on the disc.

Be sure to stop by the Meljen's Designs blog to see the new releases for the week and join in our "Be Creative with your Punches" challenge. Here is a preview of the new digis. You can see the projects some of the DT created with the new images on the Meljen's Designs blog.

Stay tuned for more information on a blog hop starting on April 1st to celebrate the 1st birthday of Meljen's Designs. As always, there will be chances for you to win some Meljen's Designs digis. Watch for more information soon.

Thank you for stopping by!


Supplies:

• Stamps: Fuzzy Owl from Meljen's Designs available on Whimsy Stamps
• Papers & CS: PaperTrey kraft CS, Neenah Crest CS, October Afternoon Campfire & Fly a Kite paper packs, Bazzil Basics green CS
• Inks: Distress Ink in Antique Linen
• Tools: Sewing machine
• Embellishments: Natural Jute Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, blue & white bakers twine, misc brads & button

Challenges:

• ABC DT challenge - Happy Birthday
• Alphabet Challenge - Trees (on my DP)
• Birthday Sundaes - Anything goes Birthday
• Card Makin' Mamas - Animals
• Card Making Fairy's Digi Day - Back to Nature
• Catered Crop - recipe (I used striped paper, the colors of blue, green, brown, & sewing
• CES Challenge - inspired by song (Take to the Sky by Owl City)
• Cooking it up with Katie - recipe: Animal, color, buttons
• Crafty Creations - In Stitches
• Crafty Pad - use a digi
• Crafty Purple Frog - Going Green
• Creative Card Crew - no rubber stamps
• Digital Tuesday - Buttons
• Everybody Art Challenge - Birthday
• Fresh Brewed Challenges - 2 or more embellie (Brads [3], button, jute ribbon, bakers twine)
• Gimme a Break - Birthday
• One Stitch At A Time - for the boys
• Paper Crafting Journey - Up in the air
• Paper Cutz - Anything Goes
• Pattie's Creations - go green
• Pear Tree Designs - Birthday
• Really Reasonable Ribbon - one for the boys
• Sisterhood of Crafters - let's hear it for the boys
• Sugar Creek Hollow - anything goes (comment with email)
• Whimsie Wednesday Challenge - sentiment banner
• Scrapbook Sisters - anything goes
• Pixie Dust Studio - Let's go to the movies (Inspired by "Legends of the Guardians")

Meljen's Designs - Challenge 48 - U R Such an Animal

How much for that doggy in the window? Doesn't he look like he is trying his best to be totally adorable so he gets picked to go home?




I made this card using one of the newly released Meljen's Designs digis which are available today on Whimsy Stamps. It fits the new challenge "U R Such An Animal" which starts today on the Meljen's Designs blog. Below is a peek of all the new releases.



I hope you will join us in the Meljen's Designs "U R Such an Animal" challenge. You can see all of the Meljen's Designs images (both digital and rubber) at the Whimsy Stamps store.

Thank you for stopping by!



Supplies:

• Stamps: Hi There Frame by Meljen's Designs on Whimsy Stamps
• Papers: Georgia Pacific CS, Neenah Crest Solar White, Close To My Heart Mayberry paper pack
• Inks: None
• Tools: Copic makers, Big Shot, Provo Craft Swiss Dots embossing folder, EK Success edge punch, paper piercing tool
• Embellishments: Twinery Capaccino bakers twine, misc brads

Challenges:.

• Clear It Out - Anything goes (used up old brads and twine)
• Creative Belli - Animals (used old brads and twine)
• Easy Craft Projects - Something for the boys
• Fairy Fun Fridays - inspired by song (How Much Is That Doggy In The Window)
• Frosted Designs - use Metal (brads)
• GingerLoft - Furry Friends
• I Did It Creations - Puches or Dies
• Mad For Makers - masculine + brown
• Paper Playtime - Anything goes with a digi
• Paper Take Weekly - Anything Goes
• The Stampsmith - Something new (new paper & digi)
• There's Magic in the Air - Yellow, green, blue
• Top Tip Tuesday - favorites (Copics & bakers twine)