Thursday, September 30, 2010

Crafty Sentiments Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Challenge Blog.  Today's challenge is to use a border punch on your project.  Head over to the blog to view the details of the challenge.  While you are there, be sure to check out the beautiful projects made by my fellw design team members.

For my card, I chose to use the snowman couple image from Crafty Sentiments.  I printed out the image, colored it with Copic markers, then cut it out with a oval Nestabilities die.  For the background panels, I used two different winter-themed embossing folders from Cuttlebug.  I used a Martha Stewart snowflake border punch on the left panel.  I completed the card by stamping a greeting on a tag made from a Spellbinders die and adding snowflakes and plastic gems.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Tuesday Throwdown- punches
3.  One Stop Craft Challenge- snowflakes

Monday, September 27, 2010

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog.   This week we challenge you to make a clean and simple card.  Head over to the blog to read about the details of this challenge. While visiting the Craft Your Passion blog, check out the beautiful cards created by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate in the challenge and show us your beautiful creation.
I have recently come to enjoy making clean and simple cards, and this one is no exception.  I used a snowman image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I ran the white card stock through a Cuttlebug winter scene embossing folder.  I mounted this to a piece of Stampin Up's Marina Mist card stock.  I completed the card by adding the colored snowman, a sentiment by Mark's Finest Papers, and snowflakes made with a Martha Stewart punch.  Easy as can be!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
2.  Totally Gorjuss- Christmas
3.  Digi Doodle Shop's Best- emboss it
4.  Stamp Insanity- emboss

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Spooky Black Cat

I made this card for FS190 at Splitcoaststampers.  I chose to case this card by hobbydujour: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1707944?&cat=500&ppuser=111573  I basically changed the color scheme and theme of the card.  I changed the locations and added brads.  The image and sentiment are from the "Broom Rides" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the image in Versamark then added black embossing powder.  The black panel was embossed with a Cuttlebug spiderweb embossing folder.  I completed the card by adding gingham brads and a bow made with ribbon from Stampin Up.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
2.  Speedy's Friends #22- use a pumpkin
3.  One Stitch at a Time- anything goes
4.  Shirley's 2 Girls- critters and spooky

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Warm Thanksgiving

I made this card with a new image and sentiment called "Let Us Be Thankful" by the Doodle Pantry.  I colored the lovely fall image with Copic markers.  The papers used are Cajun Craze, More Mustard, and Autumn Spice DSP's, all from Stampin Up.  The ribbon, twine, and oval punches are also from Stampin Up.  I completed the card by adding the sentiment, half pearls, and an acorn charm.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Hand Stamped Sentiments #34- sketch challenge
2.  Raise the Bar- depicting cooler weather
3.  Crafty Little Place- brown, green, orange

One Layer Halloween

I made this one layer Halloween card for several challenges listed below.  I used the tree stamp from "Our Family Tree" from Mark's Finest Papers.  The other stamps used are from Mark's Finest Papers's "Broom Rides Stamp" set.  I stamped the images then used Flower Soft to add fall foliage to the tree.  I completed the card by coloring the jack-o-lanterns, rounding the corners, and adding a row of paper piercing at the top.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  One Layer Wednesday 21- inspired by nature
2.  Speedy the Cat's Challenge- use a pumpkin
3.  Stampin B's 77- paper piercing

Happy Birthday from the Kitty

I made this card as one of my design team requirements for Purrs and Pants.  The cat stamp and sentiment are from Purrs and Pants.  I colored the kitty with Copic makers and a small amount of grass with a stamp from Art Impressions.  The papers used are Cajun Craze from Stampin Up, Hazelnut Tan and Pensacola Sand from Mark's Finest Papers, and Max and Whiskers patterned papers from Basic Grey.  I completed the card by adding metal cat dish and a border made with a Martha Stewart fence punch.

I am entering this card in the following challenges: 
1. Crafty Emma's- Animal Antics
2.  Creative Belli- b embellishments- I used a Bowl embellishment
3.  Splitcoaststampers F4A31- use scallops- I used a scalloped oval die

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Karate Cat

I made this whimsical card for my monthly design team requirmeent at Purrs and Pants.  The cat and sentiments are new releases from Purrs and Pants.  I couldn't resist going with the belt theme, so I punched a variety of circles in different colors that a person (or cat) would earn in karate.  I colored the cat with Copic markers and gave him a black belt, of course. I completed the card by embossing the circles and background and adding mulitiple colored ribbons.  I sure wouldn't want to mess with this bad cat!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Just Us Girls- red, green, black, neutral
2.  Papertake Weekly- animal magic

Monday, September 20, 2010

New Release Day at Doodle Pantry

Today there are new digital releases available at the Doodle Pantry

Here is one of the new releases:
Let Us Be Thankful 

Here is the card I made with the turkey image:
I used the Doodle Pantry turkey image to make a simple Fall/Thanksgiving card.  I printed the turkey, colored him with Copic markers, then used Nestabilities dies to frame him.  I used a fall theme Cuttlebug embossing folder on the Crumb Cake panel.  The other card stock colors used are Early Espresso, Old Olive, and Cajun Craze, all from Stampin Up.   I completed the card by adding a plaid ribbon and leaf charm.  Head over to the Doodle Pantry store to see the other new digital images that are being released today. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  I Did It Creations- keep it simple
2.  Paper Sundaes- Fall or Halloween colors
3.  Stampin Sisters in Christ- fall colors
4.  Crafty Catz- chocolate and green
5.  Pixie Dust Studio- fur or feathers? (my turkey has feathers)
6.  Your Next Stamp- give thanks
7.  CAS85 Splitcoastsampers- fall colors

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog.   This week we are having a sketch challenge.  Head over to the blog to read about the details of this challenge. While visiting the Craft Your Passion blog, check out the beautiful cards created by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate in the challenge and show us your beautiful creation.
For my card, I used a digital owl image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I decided to make a Halloween card with the owl.  I used a Martha Stewart gate and spider web punch, as well as circle punches for the sentiment.  I used a Cuttlebug spider web embossing folder to emboss the Concord Crush and Cajun Craze panels.  The owl is printed onto Crumb Cake then lightly colored with Copic markers.  The background paper is from My Mind's Eye.  I completed the card by adding webbed ribbon and purple gems.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Paper Sundaes- fall or Halloween colors
2.  All Sorts- use at least three punches
3.  Secret Crafter- anything goes
5.  Daring Cardmakers- things that fly
6.  Sew Many Challenges- embossing

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Clean and Simple Pun

Have you ever made a card that your really don't like?  Well, for me, it is this card.  I'm not thoroughly happy with the way it turned out. Oh well, I made it for two challenges, so I might as well use it.  I made this card for One Layer Wednesday- use three images and a sentiment and Splitcoaststamper's F4A30- It's a Punny Situation.  I used a squirrel, acorn, and background stamp along with my sentiment stamp.  I hope the background stamp counts as an image.  The squirrel, acorn, and sentiment are from the "Autumn Fun" set by Mark's Finest Papers, and the background stamp is from "Background Fun."  The Desert Sand card stock and Tim Holtz Distress Inks that I used are also available at Mark's Finest Papers

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Crafty Sentiments Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Challenge Blog.  Today's challenge is to use blue, grey, and yellow on your project.  Head over to the blog to view the details of the challenge.  While you are there, be sure to check out the beautiful projects made by my fellow design team members.
For my card, I used an Amy image from Crafty Sentiments.  I used Barely Banana and Grey card stock by Stampin Up, and Amy Butler patterned paper.   To follow along with the pattern in the paper, I used a Spellbinders fleur die lis pendant die and an EK Success punch.  I completed the card by adding ribbon, flowers, half pearls, and a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Die Cut Dreams- sweet little girls, use a digi
2.  Karber Weekly Challenge- cards for girls
3.  Paper Sundaes- use at least three embellishments
4.  Crafty Calender Challenge- blue with flowers

Monday, September 13, 2010

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. This week the challenge is to make an easel card.  Head over to the blog to read about the details of this challenge. While visiting the Craft Your Passion blog, check out the beautiful cards created by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate in the challenge and show us your beautiful creation.
For my card, I used a bird image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I decided to make a winter/Christmas card.  I made my easel with Old Olive card stock from Stampin Up.  The patterned papers are from Graphic 45 and Cosmo Cricket.  I used Martha Stewart vine edge and bird corner punches. I colored the bird with Copic markers and added some faux stitching around the edges of the layers.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment, ribbon, and half pearls.

I am entering this card in the following challenges: 
1.  Stampin Sisters in Christ #56- real or faux stitching
2.  Crafty Emma #3- Christmas easel card
3.  Fussy and Fancy #19- Christmas colors
4.  Simon Says Challenge- holiday fun

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Fall Squirrel

I made this card with a squirrel image from the Doodle Pantry.  Isn't he just the cutest? I printed the squirrel then colored him with Copic markers.  I used Early Expresso, Old Olive, More Mustard, and Autumn Spice patterned papers from Stampin Up.  I really like these new Autumn Spice papers!  I used Old Olive ribbon and tied on a tag with twine.  I completed the card by adding three brads and Prima leaves.  

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Mojo Monday- sketch
2.  Splitcoaststampers WT287- use twine
3.  Stamp Insanity- elements in threes ( I used three leaves and brads)
4.  Paper Pretties- use brads or eyelets
5. Hand Stamped Sentiments- color challenge
6.  Raise the Bar- orange, brown, and green

Friday, September 10, 2010

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 4

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the "Thankful Mums and Pumpkins" stamp set:
For my card, I used one of the sentiments and the large mum from the "Thankful Mums and Pumpkins" stamp set.  I colored the flower with Copic markers than added a small amount of glitter to the center.  I was amazed at how easy this flower was to color!  The papers used are Hazelnut Tan and Late Afternoon Sun from Mark's Finest Papers, and patterned papers from My Mind's Eye. 


Be sure to visit the Mark's Finest Papers blog tomorrow to see the blog hop winners!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Paper Play Challenges- "Autumn is a Comin"
2.  Freshly Brewed Challenges- use brown
3.  Anything Goes- autumn theme
4.  Tuesday Throwdown- celebrate fall

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 3

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists! And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the "Stinky Situation" stamp set:
I decided to make two clean and simple cards, which feature the two different skunk images from this set.  Since skunks are black and white, I decided they did not need any coloring.  The stamps, papers, and ribbons are available at Mark's Finest Papers.


Join us tomorrow for the fourth and final day of the blog hop!





Crafty Sentiments Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Challenge Blog.  Today's challenge is to use a digital image on your project.  Head over to the blog to view the details of the challenge.  While you are there, be sure to check out the beautiful projects made by my fellw design team members.
For my card,  I used a digital ghost image from Crafty Sentiments.  I love making Halloween cards, and had a lot of fun with this one.  I printed the ghost three times in different sizes then added a small amount of glitter to each ghost.  The background paper is from the Basic Grey Eerie paper pad.  I used Martha Stewart goo, fence, and rat punches.  These punches are so fun!  To complete the scene, I added a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 2

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists! And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the "Broom Rides" stamp set:
Because I love Halloween so much, I had to make two projects with this set.
For my card, I used the Speedy the cat and pumpkin stamp and one of the sentiments from the "Broom Rides" set.  I stamped the image with Versamark then embossed it with black embossing powder.  The pumpkin was colored with Copic markers.  I used patterned papers from Bo Bunny and Reminisce.  I wanted to give the card a vintage-feel, so I inked all the paper edges with Tim Holtz distress inks.  I completed the card by adding a ribbon, pumpkin charm, and flocked brads.  I just love all things cats and all things Halloween!



Here is the luminaria I made with this stamp set.  There is an easy-to-follow tutorial on luminarias on Splitcoaststampers.  For my luminaria, I used black, white, Only Orange, and Concord Crush card stock from Stampin Up.  The drippy goo and fence punches are from Martha Stewart.  I put a battery-operated tea light inside the luminaria.  This little luminaria is going to sit on my kitchen shelf, to be turned on each night during the Halloween season.

Join us tomorrow for day 3 of the blog hop!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 1

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists! And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the "Autumn Fun" set:
For my card, I decided to make a shaker card with the "Autumn Fun" set.  Splitcoaststampers has an easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make this type of card.  I used pumpkin-shaped Nestabilities to create my shaker.  I stamped the sentiment on the inside of the shaker and used the crackle background from the "Background Fun" set.  I added seed inside the shaker and added the stamped squirrel on the outside of the shaker.  The papers used are Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie,Crumb Cake, Old Olive from Stampin Up and patterned paper from Graphic 45.  The Old Olive is cut with a Martha Stewart branch edge punch.  Isn't this little squirrel just the cutest?

Head over to the blog: http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/ to view the blog hop line up.

Join us tomorrow for day 2 of the blog hop!

I am entering this card in the Hand Stamped Sentiments color challenge 32. I used Old Olive, Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, and Pumpkin Pie, which is similar to Tangerine Tango. 

Monday, September 6, 2010

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. This week the challenge is to use ribbon and at least one flower.  Head over to the blog to read about the details of this challenge. While visiting the Craft Your Passion blog, check out the beautiful cards created by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate in the challenge and show us your beautiful creation.

For my card, I used the skull image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I love making Halloween cards, and this image works great for Halloween cards.  I printed the image, colored it, then used a Martha Stewart cracks border punch around the edges.  The black panel was embossed with a Cuttlebug Halloween embossing folder.  Can you see the skulls?  I used a skull paper from Basic Grey's Eerie paper pad and a Prima flower with skulls on it.  You can never have to many skulls for Halloween!  :)  To complete the card, I added a strip of lace, a glitter brad, and swirling rhinestones.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Clean and Simple Cowboy

I made this card for a clean and simple sketch challenge (CAS83) at Splitcoaststampers.  Once I had the idea in my head, this card came together very quickly.  I guess that's what clean and simple is all about.  I used the "Southwest Cowboy" stamp set and cardstock from Mark's Finest Papers.  The backgrond panel was embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  Easy, easy, easy! 

 I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Speedy's Friends- #19-use 5 of something.  I used 5 different stamps.
2.  Cowgirl's Sunday Challenge- anything goes
3.  Secret Crafter- clean and simple
4.  Paper Players- clean and simple
5.  2 Sisters- monochromatic

Clearly Delightful Challenge by Doodle Pantry

Today is the first day of the monthly Clearly Delightful Challenge sponsored by the Doodle Pantry.  This month, the challenge is to use an image by the Doodle Pantry.  Head over to challenge blog to read about the details of the challenge, learn how to enter, and to view the other beautiful cards by my fellow DT members.  All participants who correctly enter the challenge will be given the following "Get Well Worm"digital image.  You also have other opportunties to win.
 
Here's the card I made for the challenge:
For my card, I used the newly-released "Precious Piglet" from the Doodle Pantry.  I decided to give this card a country-feel by using gingham and other patterned papers by Graphic 45, and a fence punch by Martha Stewart.  I used Bordering Blue card stock by Stampin Up, and Late Afternoon Sun and Corn Husk card stock by Mark's Finest Papers.  I colored the piglet and flowers with Copic markers then added yellow stickles on the flower-centers.  I completed the card by adding one of the coordinating sentiments and bow made with the help of my Bow-Easy template.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Black Cats

This wall-hanging from Elizabeth's Embellishments is the inspiration piece for my card below:
I love cats and Halloween, so I had a lot of fun with this card.  I used a Martha Stewart cat punch to make the cats.  The "black cats" sentiment is an old stamp from Northwoods.  I used Dusty Durango and Concord Crush cards stock, and patterned paper by My Mind's Eye.  The paper has small amounts of black flocking on it.  I completed the card by adding ribbon and some acrylic dot stickers.

I don't usually enter one card in many challenges by I decided to enter this in the following challenges:  Since it's a holiday weekend, I have more time to play.
2. Andrea's Stampin Moments- Simply Silhouetted
3.  Delightful Challenges- 2 cute 2 spook
4.  Shirleys 2 Girls- critters and flocking
5.  Creative Belli Blog- use old stamps
6.  Sundays with Chrissy- favorite time of the year (one of mine is Halloween)
7.  The Wild Flower Patch- fall colors

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Autumn Scarecrow

I made this card for sketch challenge SC296 at Splitcoaststampers.  It is a somewhat unusual sketch, as one of the panels is at an angle.  The scarecrow and sentiment are from the Doodle Pantry.  I printed out the scarecrow, colored him with Copic markers, then added some distress ink around the edges to give it a worn look.  The card stock is from Mark's Finest Papers and the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment and a piece of abaca fiber.  Isn't he the cutest scarecrow?  Not too scary... 

Simply Halloween

I made this card for the One-Layer Wednesday Challenge #18.  We were to use a tree stamp on a one-layered card.  The stamps I used are a sneak-peak from the soon-to-be-released "Broom Rides" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I love making Halloween cards!  I would say this card is pretty self-explanatory.  All I did was stamp the images then add ribbon and glitter.