Freshly Made Sketch #157

This week's sketch at Freshly Made Sketches can be interpreted in many ways.  I decided to copy the sketch exactly but the star portion of the sketch can easily be changed to a flower, a butterfly, an ornament, gingerbread man, snowman, deer or tree and the list goes on.

Here is this week's sketch:

Here is the card I created following the sketch:

The diamond design paper I used came in a box from The Stamps of Life card kit and the polka dot design paper came from a card making magazine that I have had in my stash for almost a year.  The sentiment is from The Stamps of Life card kit and was cut using my Cuttlebug.   The stars are from Stampin' Up - Stars Framelit dies and were also cut using my Cuttlebug.  I've had the red and gold glittered paper scraps in my stash for quite a while.  I had just enough of the maroon glittered paper left to cut the star and sentiment.  I also used SU - Cherry Cobbler card stock for the middle band.  This card came together very quickly.  

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AHSC #76

When I saw the sketch challenge this week at Atlantic Hearts I knew it would have me thinking outside the box and taking me out of my comfort zone.  I love challenges so decided to play along.  Here is the sketch:

And here is my interpretation of the sketch:

The stamped image and sentiments are all from The Stamps of Life.  I stamped the sentiments in SU Cherry Cobbler ink as well as the mitts and smile.  I stamped the snowman with Black Stazon ink.  I love bling so had to add some turquoise flat back rhinestones for the buttons.  I am very pleased that I stepped out of my comfort zone to create this card.
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AHSC #72

I liked the sketch so much this week at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge, that I made not 1 but 2 cards!

Here is the sketch:

Here are the 2 cards I made using the sketch as inspiration:

Unfortunately, it is a very dull dreary day here today so I was unable to get a good photo.  The cards are actually a lot nicer in real life.

The butterfly card has a white card stock base.  The design paper is by Papermania.  All card stock is by Bazill.  I used a Memory Box Die for the butterfly and added a few pink pearls.  The sentiment from Taylored Expression was cut using an oval circle punch.

The Christmas Tree card is on an ivory base and I used green & gold foil cardstock as an accent.  The tree and sentiment are by Stampin Up - Snow Swirled stamp set and were stamped using Versafine - Vintage Sepia.  I also added some green pearls to decorate the tree.

I really like both cards and it is a shame that I was unable to get a good photo of them.

Thanks for stopping by!

Atlantic Hears Sketch Challenge #70

I love the sketch this week at Atlantic Hearts and knew exactly what I was going to do with it.  Here is the sketch that I had a lot of fun with:

Here is my card using the sketch as inspiration:

White card base, coloured card stock is by Bazzill.  The hello word die is by Taylored Expressions.  I used my Creative Memories die to cut the butterfly.  Some ribbon and pearls finished off the card.  I really like this card.

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Cutting Edge Blog Hop

I made a Christmas card for the Cutting Edge Blog Hop.  Here are the rules for this Blog Hop.

• You may enter the blog hop a total of 3 times.
• Each entry must be NEW (ie: not previously shown on your blog/gallery).
• Each entry must have at LEAST one die featured.
• Your blog post must display the Cutting Edge blog hop graphic and link back to this post.
• You MUST list the brands/ names of the dies you used on your project. 
• Leave at least 5 comments on different stops for this blog hop.

Here is the graphic:

Here is the link to the post:  Cutting Edge Blog Hop.

Here is my card:

The die I used on this card is by Elizabeth Craft Designs:  Ornament Set of 3.  The entire set can be seen here:  Ornament Set of 3.  I bought this set from my favourite paper craft store - One Crazy Stamper in Bolton, ON. Canada and is a 40 minute drive from my home.

The card base is ivory and the background ornament was cut with SU's Cherry Cobbler paper & I also cut the frame from the same paper.  The ornament layer was cut from ivory card stock and I added some gold coloured rhinestones.  I also cut a smaller frame out of gold glitter paper which is by Recollections.  I popped up the ornament onto the ivory card stock using 3D foam tape.  The sentiment which is from Inkadinkado was stamped using Versamark Crimson Red.

I am very happy with how this card turned out.
Thanks for stopping by!

The Cutting Edge Challenge #8

I love making cards with die cuts but until this week, I had never come across a challenge blog that uses dies.  I was very happy to discover The Cutting Edge Challenge and couldn't wait to play along.  Here is the project that was provided for inspiration:

Here is the card I created:

I added a layer of SU's Cherry Cobbler card stock to the white base.  The flowers were die cut with 2 different shades of pink and cherry cobbler using my cuttlebug.  The leafy die is the Holly Lace Flourish die from Cheery Lynn and was cut using my cuttlebug.  

I was quite please with how this card turned out.

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Card Challenge

I love using my embossing folders and I also love the look of heat embossing.  When I came across the Christmas Card Challenge #38 which is to use embossing wet or dry; I wanted to play along.  Here is the card I created using both dry embossing (christmas tree embossing folder) and heat or wet embossing:

I heat embossed the tree and sentiment with Stampendous Detail Gold embossing powder.  I then added a blue rhinestone star to the top of the tree and also added some tiny red, green and gold rhinestones.  The image and sentiment are from SU's Snow Swirled stamp set and were heat embossed on ivory card stock.  I added a glittery gold ribbon as well.  The card base is ivory and I used green card stock for the embossing folder.  The ivory panel with the image and sentiment is popped up with dimensional foam.  I love making Christmas cards for my stash and am happy with how this card turned out.
Thanks for stopping by!

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #66

When I saw this week's sketch, I knew I wanted to play along.  I also knew that I had enough card stock and design paper scraps to make the card.  I love that I didn't have to cut into a new piece of design paper or card stock!

Here is the sketch:

Here is the card I made based on the sketch:

The card stock is Bazzill and the design paper is by Wild Rose Studio - Butterfly Garden 6 x 6 paper pad.  I love the Wild Rose Studio's paper pads.  I punched out the scallop circle using an EK Success punch & the Butterfly was punched using a Martha Stewart punch.  The sentiment was stamped using Versafine Olympia Green.  I added some clear rhinestones to the butterfly and light green (although they appear clear in the photo) pearl gems by Forever in Time.  The sentiment which is by Hero Arts clear stamp set made especially for Operation Write Home and a portion of the proceeds help to fund Operation Write Home. 

I love how this card turned out and it will be going into my stash to give to someone very special.

Thanks for stopping by!

PPA 212 - Happy Birthday!

My younger sister Alice will be turning 60 on July 27th so of course I had to make her a card.  Regular readers of my blog know that I love sketch challenges.  When I saw the Pals Paper Arts challenge for this week, I thought it would be perfect for a birthday card and a chance to use the new dies and stamp set for this month's Stamps of Life - strawberries2stamp.

Here is the sketch:

Here is the card I made using the sketch as inspiration:

I found a strawberry theme paper in my stash.  I die cut the strawberries and stems using my cuttlebug.  All the card stock is by Bazill.  The sentiment is from Stamps of Life - strawberries2stamp which I stamped with Versa Mark black ink.  I also used some white ribbon from my stash as well as light green pearl gems by Forever in Time.

I hope my sister will like this card.
Thanks for stopping by!

Fun in the Sun

I came across a summer themed challenge at The Shabby Tea Room #227 Fun in the Sun and as I had just received my Taylored Expression Kit in the mail last week; I decided to play along.  The kit is Summer Lovin' and had all the colours, stamps, design paper, card stock and dies to make a summer card.  Here is the image they posted to inspire us:

We were challenged to use at least 3 colours from the image and to use one or more of these elements:  vellum/acetate, polka dots and ribbon.

Here is the card I created using their guidelines:

I used yellow, pink, and blue and ribbon and polka dots.  The papers and card stock as well as the sentiment are from the TE kit.  The polka dot ribbon flower and white ribbon are from my stash.  The sun is a die from Stamps of Life set - hot4balloons which is this month's kit.  I am also entering this card into Fab 'n' Funky Challenge #223 - and their theme is Feels like Summer.

I love how this card turned out and will probably give it to one of my granddaughters who love to wear their flip flops in the summer time.


Thanks for stopping by!

AHSC 63 - Happy Birthday Janice!!

Wow!  It has been a while since I last posted!  Hubby and I are adjusting well to the new chapter in our lives.  Herb usually golfs once a week and sometimes twice a week.  We are fairly well settled into our new home and love the idea that we are so much closer to our grandchildren.  We have had them over for a sleepover and enjoy going to their sporting events.  Sierra (9) plays softball on Mondays, Brooke (6) plays soccer on Thursdays and Amber (3) plays soccer on Saturday mornings.  Her Daddy is her soccer coach and he is excellent with the children on the team.  We took care of Amber last Monday and Tuesday as she was running a fever and was lethargic.  We are not sure what caused her to run a fever but she enjoyed all the extra attention she got from Oma and Opa.

My daughter Janice had a birthday on Thursday so using the AHSC 63 Sketch Challenge, I created a card for her which she got a chuckle out of.

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

This card came together very quickly.  The dark pink die is by Tattered Lace - Large Flourish.  I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Majestic Red Ink.  The inside sentiment which gave Janice a chuckle says - The secret for staying young is to Live Honestly, Eat Slowly and Lie about your age.  This is a quote by Lucille Ball. 

Janice decided at the age of 29 that she did not want to have anymore birthdays so this year is the 11th Anniversary of her 29th which makes her 39 years old.  She looks awesome for her age and just this morning took part in an endurance race:

With working full time, taking care of a hubby, 3 daughters and a 4 bedroom home, I do not know where she gets the energy to train for and participate in the races she enters.  I admire her a lot and wish her all the best.

Thanks for stopping by!

Big changes in store for hubby and myself

On March 17th (St. Patrick's Day) a real estate agent by the name of Patrick O'Brien visited and we listed our house with him.  He must have brought the luck of the Irish with him as less than 24 hours later; we were in his office signing a Purchase and Sale Agreement.  We were able to sell our house for 95% of the asking price.  To say that we were ecstatic would be putting it mildly.

My husband Herb has decided to finally retire at the age of 66 and his last working day will be April 17th.  We decided we wanted to live closer to our daughter and her family and have signed a lease for a 3 bedroom townhouse with a finished basement in Milton ON where our daughter lives.  There is a huge room in the basement where I will be storing all my paper craft supplies.  I will also be making cards in this room.

As we do not have to move any appliances; Herb has decided to rent a truck and do the move ourselves which will save us quite a bit of money.  We will be getting the keys to the townhouse on April 15th and will be moving in on April 18th.  My son, daughter and son-in-law will be helping us move.  A friend of my daughter's has generously offered to look after our 3 granddaughters that day.  She has 2 daughters who are the same age as our 2 eldest granddaughters and they are good friends and enjoy spending time together.  Our granddaughters are excited about us moving closer and are already planning to have a sleepover with their Oma and Opa.

We will be having a new master bedroom set and chesterfield delivered to the townhouse on April 23rd.  I spent most of yesterday morning on the phone arranging for hydro, water, gas, internet, home phone and TV services for the townhouse and also requesting final readings for the hydro, water and gas for this house.  Our closing date is May 1st which will give us enough time to pack up and move any non essential items that do not fit on the truck.  We will be renting a van to do this on April 25th.

Other than the 4 years that we lived in Oshawa; we have always lived in the city.  Herb was born in Toronto so this will be a big step for him.  Milton is a growing community but has managed to retain that small town feeling.  Milton has everything Toronto has but on a smaller scale.  I am looking forward to going to their Saturday Farmers' Market and getting fresh fruit and vegetables as well as freshly baked bread.  Milton is also about an hour closer to some of the places that we like to visit on weekends.

I am not looking forward to all the packing that lies in store but am excited on starting a new chapter in our lives.

Thanks for stopping by!

Try Stamping on Tuesday

I've played along with the challenges at Try Stampin' on Tuesday in the past and decided to play along this week as well.  I thought the sketch would be perfect for a card depicting Spring.  I am so tired of this long cold winter we are having this year in Ontario!  This week's sketch challenge has a twist - Cameo

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

I stamped the tulip stamp which is from Inkadinkado in Versamark Majestic Blue and then coloured it using my Dove Blender pen and SU'S Wild Wasabi and Purely Pomegranate ink.  I then used a circle punch to make the image appear like a Cameo.  I also used my Tonic Butterfly Circle die, green ribbon and light green pearls from my stash.  The design paper is by Wild Rose Studio - Annabelle's Garden.  I am very pleased with how well this card turned out even though I am not a big fan of colouring images.  Using the Dove blender pen makes it a lot easier.  I also coloured 2 other images with markers and Prisma coloured pencils but I prefer the image that I put on the card.  I was amazed at how easy it was to get the lighter and darker shades just using 2 ink colours and my blender pen.  

Thanks for stopping by and have a creative day!

 

Mojo Monday on a Tuesday

I really like the Mojo Monday sketch challenges and have played along in the past.  This week's challenge sketch is one I really like so I decided to enter a card.  Without further ado, here is the sketch:

Here is the card I came up with following the sketch:

The design paper is from Wild Rose Studio - Annabelle's Garden.  All the cardstock is by Bazill.  I stamped the sentiment which is from Inkadinkado with Versafine - Crimson Red.  The flower die is by CC Designs and the leaves were punched using a Martha Stewart punch.  I added a flat back pearl to the center of the flower.  I really like this card and it will be going into my stash for me to send to someone special very soon.

Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome day!

 

One card, two challenges.

I love it when I can make one card and enter it into 2 challenges.  This week, I decided to play along with The Paper Players challenge which is to make a CAS card with an emphasis on Spring.  I am also playing along with The Challenge.

Here is the card I came up with.

Yesterday when I went to One Crazy Stamper in Bolton, I bought 2 new dies by Memory Box - Tulip Tops and Twisty Stalk.  As I love tulips and as tulips bloom in the spring, I thought it would fit both challenges. The card base is dark pink glitter card stock and the dies were cut from glitter card stock as well.  The sentiment which was stamped onto a white card stock banner with Heidi Swapp Ink - Rose is by Taylored Expressions Stamp Set - Take a Spin.  I also used SU's Framed Tulips embossing folder on white card stock to frame the main panel with the dies.  I like this card and it will go into my card stash.  I intend to finish the inside with the same embossing folder on white card stock to either stamp or write my message to the recipient.  I might also add another die cut tulip to the inside.

I made a card in January which would have fit The Challenge perfectly and it can be seen here.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

Wednesday stamp club on a Monday

When I first saw the sketch on the My Favorite Things Blog, I wasn't sure what I would do with it.  Last night while cleaning up some of my paper crafts, I came across a die that I thought I had lost.  I was so happy to find it again as I love this die.  I immediately knew I would use it for this sketch:

Here is my interpretation of the sketch:

Design paper is from Wild Rose Studio - Annabelle's Garden 6 x 6 paper pad.  The die which I thought I had lost is the circle butterfly die from Tonic Studios.  I added a white satin ribbon and some pearl gems as well as the butterfly which was die cut from Memory Box Pippi Butterfly.  The "clear" pearl gems are actually a very light green in colour but it was hard to get a photo of them.

I love the spring colours of this paper and can't wait to see some flowers, green grass, butterflies and birds.  It has been a long cold snowy winter for us here in Toronto ON Canada.

This card will be going into my birthday card stash.


Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome day!
 

Paper Crafting Challenges

While blog surfing the other day, I came across a new Challenge Blog.  This week the challenge is a sketch.  I like the sketch; so decided to play along.

Here is the sketch:

And here is the card I created using the sketch:

Design paper is by Papermania.  I stamped the sentiment by Taylored Expressions - From me to you with Versafine Majestic Blue Ink onto a scallop circle which I punched using an EK Success punch.  I popped up the sentiment using 3D foam squares.  I used the Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets to die cut the banners.  The bling are light blue pearl gems by Forever in Time.  I added a white lace ribbon to the navy strip of card stock as it looked kind of bare without something on it.

I tried different colour combos before I settled on the light and navy blue which just happen to be my high school colours.

Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome Friday!

Anna/Oma