Girl with her Kitty

I made this card for several challenges: A sketch challenge (SSS58) at the Sweet n Sassy Challenge Blog, a Sweet n Sassy Digi Day challenge at SNR Card Universe, and a 4-legged friend challenge at Paper Popsicles.  This "Lizzy Reading to Sassy" image is from Sweet n Sassy.  I used Really Rust and Wild Wasabi papers from Stampin Up and patterned papers grom Graphic 45. 

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. Today 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 the "Girl on the Phone" image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  When I saw this image, I knew that I wanted to pair it with some funky paper I recently purchased from the Teen Angst collection by We Are Memory Keepers.  I used a Tim Holtz Sizzix gear die, which complements the gear pattern on the paper.  I colored the girl with Copic markers, cut her out, and placed her over the gear shape.  The "say what?" sentiment is from The Greeting Farm.  I completed the card by adding polka-dot ribbon and printed brads.  This would make the perfect card for a teenage girl, as well all know, they spend many hours on the phone.    

A Few Cat Cards

I made this card as my monthly DT requirement for the Purrs and Pants stamp company.  They do not have a blog or challenge blog, but they sell some great cat and dog stamps.  Check them out if you like cat and dog stamps.  They sell them mounted or unmounted.  Isn't this kitty so sweet laying on that book?  As the sentiment reads, cats will find every way possible to cover up what you are reading.  The cardstock is from Mark's Finest Papers and the patterned papers are from Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers paper pad.

This card I made for a challenge F4A14 at Splitcoaststampers.  We were to make a card that is inspired by a collection we have.  Count them. Yes, I have 9 cats!  I definately don't "collect" cats, but I do find myself rescuing them quite often.  I "normally" have 8 cats, but three weeks ago I rescued an extremely emaciated cat.  Hopefully once I get her reahabilitated and fattened up, I can find her a good home and be back down to 8 cats.  Down to 8 cats, is that normal?  Who cares!  For this card, I used cat stamps from Mark's Finest Papers "Speedy the Cat's Friends" and the soon-to-be-released "More of Speedy the Cat's Friends" sets.

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! Thanks to everyone who joined us for last week's animal challenge.  When I checked last night we had 39 entries!  There were a lot of unique and creative cards posted.  The challenge today is to use a silhouette on your card.  You can read more about this challenge on the blog. While visiting the blog, make sure to check out the beautiful cards by my fellow blog team members. I would encourage you to play along with us today and each Saturday.

For my card, I used the soon-to-be-released "More of Speedy's Friends" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  This set contains cat and dog images and sentiments.  I stamped the dog silhouettes with Versamark then embossed them with black embossing powder.  With the embossing powder, you get a much bolder image when using a silhouette stamp.  To compliment the dog silhouettes, I used patterned dog-bone silhouette paper from Reminisce.  I made the bone shapes with my Cricut "Paper Pups" cartridge and then stamped the coordinating "no bones about it" sentiment.  This makes a perfect card for any dog-lover!  

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

Today is challenge day over at the I Did It Creations Challenge Blog, formerly the Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog. The name has been changed to I Did It Creations because the DT will be working with images from digital images from several designers. In fact, those designers are selling their digital stamps at the I Did It Creations store.  All of the images are 50% off through the end of May.


Onto to today's challenge: The challenge is to your favorite embellishments.  We all love embellishments!  Head over to the blog to read the details of the challenge and to see the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate in this fun challenge and show us your favorite embellishments.

For today's challenge, I used the vase of flowers image from Glitterbabe.  This image is available at the I Did It Creations store.  My favorite embellishments are ribbon, Prima flowers, and charms.  I decided to incorporate each of these onto this card.  The pink background paper is a speciality embossed paper I bought from Hobby Lobby.  I used a Martha Stewart border punch to make the top and bottom border of the card.  I colored the image with Copic markers and pulled the card together with ribbon, Prima flowers, and a dragonfly charm.  I would encourage you to try these embellishments on your cards if you don't already use them.  The charms, in particular, add that finishing touch to a card.

Teacher Gift Box

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments the challenge is to make anything but a card.  This challenge gave me an incentive to make a little gift box for my son's teacher.  I cut the three-inch square box with an Accucut die.  I used "Teacher Anya" from The Greeting Farm and the new Tim Holtz notebook texture folder for the background.  I completed the box with with tied gingham ribbons and school-house charm.

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. The challenge today is to use distressing or crackles on your 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 the Eiffel tower image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I started about by printing the image then coloring it with Copic markers.  I made the frame by cutting Tim Holtz Grungepaper with a Sizzix die.  I ran the frame through a Cuttlebug embossing folder, added crackle paint, distress inks, and stickles, all from Tim Holtz.  As you know, Tim Holtz is the industry leader in distressing!  I hand-made the flowers by using a Tim Holtz flower die.   I completed the card by using distress inks on the flowers, ribbon, and all of the papers.

Ladybugs

I made this card for challenge #59 at the Stampin B's Challenge Blog.  The challenge was to make a long card with three circles on it.  I had fun with this one, as I've only ever made a handful of long cards.  The ladybug stamp is from the recently released "Ladybugs and Carnation" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  It works beautifully with the Martha Stewart ladybug edge and corner punches.  I stamped the ladybug three times, colored them with Copics, then cut them out with a circle punch.  I added glossy accents on the shells of the ladybugs, but it doesn't show up well in the photo.  I added a green and white gingham ribbon for contrast to complete the card.  The stamp set, papers, and ribbon are all available at Mark's Finest Papers.

Speedy the Cat Challenge Blog

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! I got to choose the challenge theme for today.  To celebrate MFP's "mascot" Speedy the Cat, I thought it would be a good challenge to make a card with an animal on it.  I thought about having it be cats only, but Speedy likes cats, as well as other animals!  You can read more about this challenge on the challenge blog. While visiting the challenge blog, make sure to check out the beautiful cards by my fellow blog team members. I would encourage you to play along with us today and each Saturday.

I started by making a card for today's challenge and decided to make a coordinating gift box.  For these projects, I used the soon-to-be-released "More of Speedy's Friends" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I LOVE to make cat and dog cards, so I was so excited when I saw this set, as it is all about cats and dogs.  The papers I used for my card and box are Hazelnut Tan and Deepest Mahogony from MFP.  These are great colors and I find myself using them a lot.  The patterned papers are 12 x 12 papers from Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers collection.  I cut the 3 inch square box with an Accucut die.  I completed the projects by adding paw ribbon and a dog-themed button and brad.  I look forward to using this stamp set for many more cards and projects.

Robyn's Fetish Challenge Day

Today is challenge day over at the Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog. There are big changes going on over at the Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog. The name has been changed to I Did It Creations, and our DT will be working with images from Robyn's Fetish, as well as, from several other designers. In fact, those designers are selling their digital stamps at the I Did It Creations store.  This is a very exciting change! 

Onto to today's challenge:  The challenge is to use pink as the main color on your card or project.  How easy is that?  Head over to the blog to read the details of the challenge and to see the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate in this fun challenge.

For today's challenge, I decide to make a decorated tin.  The tin is a white bandage tin from Art Blanche that I purchased several years ago.  I used the "Christie Angel" image from Robyn's Fetish. I decided I didn't want her to look like an angel, so I cut her wings off.  (sorry Christie.)  I used patterned paper by Imaginisce to decorate the tin.  I reversed the paper and used a punch for the upper and lower edges of the tin.  I completed the tin with layered Prima flowers and a birthday sentiment.  This tin is perfect for holding a gift card, money, or very small gift.

Pretty Kitty

I made this card for a sketch challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  I also wanted to give a sneak peak of the soon-to-be-released "More of Speedy's Friends" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I used one of the cats and sentiments from this great cat and dog set.  The papers used for this card are Morning Marigold from Stampin Up, Corn Husk from MFP, and The Crafty Stack from DCWV.  I colored the kitty with Copics then mounted her on frames cut from Nestabilities.  I added SU's Blue Bayou ribbon and some purchased crochet flowers to complete the card.

Hang In There

I made this card for a sketch challenge (SC281) at Splitcoaststampers.  I've been wanting to ink up this Great Impressions cat stamp I recently purchased.  I used the Cuttlebug branch embossing folder to make a background then inked the paper directly with the stamp pad.  The cardstock is from Mark's Finest Papers and the patterned paper is from Basic Grey.

With a Cherry on Top

I made this gift tin for challenge #58 over at the Stampin B's challenge blog.  The challenge was to make a card/project featuring food or drink.  For my project, I decorated a metal and plastic Prima flower tin.  I knew that tin would come in handy some day.  I covered the tin with patterned paper and ribbon.  The cupcake and sentiment stamps are a sneak peak of a June stamp set release from Mark's Finest Papers called "Cupcake Birthday."  I stamped and paper pieced the cupcake.  I added glossy accents to the cherry but unfortunately, it does not show up on the photo.  I stamped the sentiment then cut it out with a large oval punch and added a small piece of ribbon.  This will make a great little gift or candy tin.

Shabby Chic Odette

I made this card for two challenges: CAS67 shabby chic challenge at Splitcoaststampers and Saturday Sketch Challenge 18 at The Greeting Farm.  For this card, I used my new Tim Holtz "bingo" and "patchwork" embossing folders.  They have several unique designs.  I decided to keep "Odette" vintage looking by stamping her and inking her with Tim Holtz distress inks.  I also used distress ink on the embossed panels.  To complet the card, I punched the bottom with a Martha Stewart crown punch, added ribbon, a Prima flower, and a Tim Holtz safety pin. 

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog.  The challenge today is to use 5 buttons on your 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.

For my card I used the "Boy with a Plane" image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  The papers I used are Hazelnut Tan from Mark's Finest Papers and The Guy Stack from DCWV.  The sentiment is also from Mark's Finest Papers.  I used five buttons and tied then with each with hemp twine.  I have to admit that I rarely use buttons on my cards, so finding a way to use five of them was somewhat of a challenge for me. This card will be perfect to give to one of my son's friends.

Speedy the Cat's Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! The challenge today is to use the spotlighting technique. You can read more about this challenge on the blog.  While visiting the blog, make sure to check out the beautiful cards by my fellow blog team members. I would encourage you to play along with us today and each Saturday.

For my card, I used the "Speedy the Cat's Friends" stamp set from MFP.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to make cat cards.  For this card I stamped the cat with Tim Holtz distress inks then colored his eyes blue with a Copic marker.  I chose to spotlight the bird by stamping and coloring it, then mounting it on layered circles.  I used Hazelnut Tan and Breezy Blue cardstock  from MFP.  The patterned paper is a fabulous new paper stack from Basic Grey called "Max and Whiskers."  It is all cat and dog-themed papers!  This is a "must have" if you like to make cat or dog cards.   I completed the card by adding Breezy Blue satin ribbon and a cat charm.  The stamps, ribbon, charm, and papers used for this card are all available at MFP. 

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASES with a Blog Hop! All 4 sets are available TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs on May 11, May 12th, 13th, and 14th. On Saturday, (May 15), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day! (4 different winners, one winner for each day.) (THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN! And, you can go back and comment, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!)

The 4 Winners will be announced on the Mark's Finest Papers Blog on May 15, 2010. Each winner will receive 1 Stamp Set that will be released NEXT month.

Today, we are celebrating the release of the new "Tropical Vacation" set.

When I saw the "we're on vacation" sentiment with this set, I thought of the postcards that people send to their friends and family when they are on vacation.  I decided to create a vintage-style card that you may find in your grandmother's dresser drawer.  For my card, I stamped the images with Tim Holtz Distress inks onto a piece of off-white paper that I cut with a Sizzix die.  I then crumpled up the paper then used several colors of distress inks to create an aged look.  I masked the sun and sponged on yellow and orange ink. The base of the card was made with Deepest Mahogony, Late Afternoon Sun, and patterned paper from the Basic Grey's Origins pad.  I added brads, ribbon, and a fern charm to complete the card.  The stamps, papers, ribbon, and charm are all available at Mark's Finest Papers.

Here is the Blog Hop line up for today:

May Guest Designer- Emily- http://emmielouwho.blogspot.com/

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Nikki- http://smellslikehomemade.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Peggy - http://www.artfulljourney.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Jeanne - http://nannys-room.blogspot.com/

Faith - http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Claudine (me)- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Liz- http://www.rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

Robyn's Fetish Challenge Day

Today is challenge day over at the Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog. The challenge is to add a butterfly or butterflies to your card.  Head over to the blog to read the details of the challenge and to see the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate in this fun challenge.

For my card, I used the "Birdie's Nest" image from Robyn's Fetish.  I colored the image with Copic markers then cut it out and framed it with Spellbinders dies.  The sentiment is from Sweet n Sassy, which is fitting for this image.  The papers used are SU Certain Celery, Night of Navy, and some wonderful patterned paper by Graphic 45.  I recently purchased the cute little butterfly at a local stamp store.

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASES with a Blog Hop! All 4 sets are available TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs on May 11, May 12th, 13th, and 14th. On Saturday, (May 15), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day! (4 different winners, one winner for each day.) (THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN! And, you can go back and comment, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!)

The 4 Winners will be announced on the Mark's Finest Papers Blog on May 15, 2010. Each winner will receive 1 Stamp Set that will be released NEXT month.

Today, we are celebrating the release of the new "Chicken Scratch" set.

For my card, I decided on a darker, vintage look.  I stamped the chicken wire onto Hazelnut Tan paper then added a piece of Sun Ripened Tomato behind it.  I colored the hen and basket with Copic markers.  I used Deepest Mahogony as the base and used my Score-Pal to add score lines for texture.  I inked the paper and ribbon for a vintage, worn look.  The rooster charm was quite shiny, so I also used black Staz-On to give it an aged look.  The stamps, papers, ribbon, and charm can all be found at Mark's Finest Papers. 

Here is the Blog Hop LINE UP for today: 

May Guest Designer- Emily- http://emmielouwho.blogspot.com/

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Nikki- http://smellslikehomemade.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Peggy - http://www.artfulljourney.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Jeanne - http://nannys-room.blogspot.com/

Faith - http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Claudine (ME)- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Cathleen- http://crookedcardcreations.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

See you back here tomorrow!

LARGE Animal Family

A fellow shelter volunteer asked me to make her six identical cards. Easy huh? Well, she wanted to give them to her friend who has 10 cats and 3 dogs!! Of course, she wanted me to feature all 13 animals on the card! Wow, this was a challenge! I decided to use a dog from the retired SU "Bow Wow" set and a cat from the retired SU "Meow Meow" set.  I stamped and masked, stamped and masked, until I got 10 cats and 3 dogs. So that I would not have to re-stamp it 5 more times, I copied it on the copier. I decided to hand color each image with Copic markers for a better color quality. Because there is so much to look at with the image, I decided to keep the rest of the card simple, but just adding paw-print ribbon.  I hope the receiver of these cards gets a "kick" out of them.  They sure look like a happy family!! 

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop

Head over to Mark's Finest Papers for a blog hop going on this week. You could win a stamp set!  I will be participating in the hop on Thursday and Friday.

Siamese

I made this card for a Clean and Simple sketch inspiration challenge (CAS66) at Splitcoaststampers.  The Siamese cat is from "Speedy the Cat's Friends" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped him with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo then sponged him with Vintage Photo and Antique Linen.  I used a blue Copic marker to give him the common blue Siamese eyes. I stamped and colored his head twice then cut it out and popped it up on the cat body.  Easy as can be!  The papers used are SU Pumpkin Pie and patterned paper by Bo Bunny. I completed the card with SU Old Olive ribbon and a cute fish bone button.

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. The challenge today is a color challenge: use pink, light green, and dark green on your 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.

Here is the card I made for today's challenge.  This card also qualifies for the Stampin B's #57 botanical challenge.  I might as well combine a few challenges!  The "Jardin de Provence" image is from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I printed the image, and colored it with Copic markers and sponged-on ink.  The papers used are Lime Squeeze by MFP, Purely Pomegranate by SU, and the Lemonade paper pad by Basic Grey.  I used Martha Stewart iron gate border and corner punches and Cuttlebug embossing folders .  I added ribbon, half pearls, and a bee charm to complete the card.  I decided to send this one to my mother-in-law for Mother's Day.     

Robyn's Fetish new releases and sale

Robyn's Fetish has just released some new digital images and to celebrate this release, all of the images are 50% off for a limited time! She has also moved her store to store on I Did It Creations.

Here is a card I made with the new "Sadie da Skunk" image.  For this card, I used my Accucut criss-cross die although, you can make criss-cross cards without a die. There is a great tutorial over at Splitcoaststampers. I colored Sadie with Copics then cut her out with Spellbinders dies.  I decided to keep the black and white theme by using black and white ribbon and paper.  The sentiment is from Stampin Up. 

Speedy the Cat's Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog!  The challenge today is to use a corner punch on your card.  EXCITING NEWS: On the 1st Saturday of each month, we will be awarding 1 Mark's Finest Papers STAMP SET to one winner for the prior month. Read how you can qualify over at MFP Speedy the Cat's the Friends Blog.  While visiting the blog, make sure to check out the beautiful cards by my fellow blog team members.  I would encourage you to play along with us today and each Saturday.

For my card, I used the soon-to-be-released "Tropical Vacation" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers (MFP).  For my corner punch, I used a Stampin Up ticket punch on each of the card layers.  I decided to keep the image and sentiment simple by stamping them in black onto white paper, then cutting them out with an oval Spellbinders die.  The papers I used are Bang Up Blue and Lime Squeeze from MFP, and patterned paper from the K & Co. Que Sera Sera collection.  I think this green and blue go beautifully together.  I finished off the card with ribbon, half pearls, and a charm, all available at MFP.     

Robyn's Fetish- Mother's Day Challenge

Today is challenge day over at the Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog.  The challenge is to make a Mother's Day card.  Head over to the blog to read the details of the challenge and to see the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members.  I would encourage you to participate in this fun challenge.

Here is the card I made for today's challenge.  The "My Spring Garden" image is a newer release from Robyn's Fetish.  I used Sizzix dies to cut out the daisy and leaves.  I inked the edges of each for color contrast.  I colored the girl with Copic markers then cut her out and placed her next to the large daisy.  The papers used are Spring Grass, Lime Sqeeze, and Strawberry Freeze from Mark's Finest Papers, and Basic Grey's Green At Heart paper pad.  The sentiment is from Impression Obsession.  I sewed around the edge of the card and added a button to complete the card.

Regal Frog

I made this card for a color challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments HSSCSC14.  The colors for this challenge are: Melon Mambo, So Saffron, Old Olive, and Regal Rose.  For this card, I used the "Our Side of the Pond" set by Mark's Finest Papers.  Earlier today, I posted a card using the swan from this set, but for this card I used one of the frogs.  I used Melon Mambo, Old Olive, and Basic Grey's Green at Hand patterned paper.  The patterned paper contains a color very similar to Regal Rose.  I used a large Prima flower that is similar to So saffron.  The pendant and the inverted scalloped square were cut with Spellbinders dies.

Elegant Swan

I made this card for two Splitcoaststampers challenges: SC279 and CC279.  I tweaked the sketch slightly by using a Spellbinders lattice border for the back panel and a Spellbinders lattice pendant for the front panel.  For the color challenge, we were to use Lovely Lilac, Gable Green, and Cameo Coral, all soon-to-be retired by Stampin Up.  I used Lovely Lilac and Basic Grey's Wisteria pad, which is similar to Gable Green.  For the Cameo Coral, I colored the dragonfly in a similar color.  The stamp set used for this card is the recently released, "Our Side of the Pond" by Mark's Finest Papers.  This set contains a swan, turtle, two frogs, cattails, and several sentiments.  Very versatile!

Craft Your Passion- Embossing Challenge

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog.  The challenge today is to use embossing on your card.  This could be either ink embossing or dry embossing.  Pull out those embossing powders or embossing folders and show us what you can create!  While visiting the Craft Your Passion blog, check out the beautiful cards created by my fellow DT members.

For my card I used the dalmation and birthday cake images from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  This doggie is celebrating his birthday!  I used the birthday and swiss dots embossing folders from Cuttlebug. The dog dish is made with a Sizzix die and the sentiment is from Stampin Up. Doesn't he look like he's ready to dig into his cake?

Recipe Cards and Treat Holders

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments, the challenge is to make "anything but a card."  Here's my submission.

I was recently appointed as the "cat designer" for Purrs and Pants Rubber Stamps.  Purrs and Pants sells a wide variety of cat and dog stamps and related sentiments.  For this post, I made recipe cards and candy holders with a few of the stamps that they sell.  They also sell dog versions of these stamps.  The recipe card stamp fits perfectly on a 4 x 6 piece of cardstock.  I tied the cards together with ribbon and added the coordinating cat baker image.  The candy holders are easy as can be.  You just stamp them onto colored cardstock, add stripes and eyes if desired, then add candy. Unfortunately, I didn't have any candy on hand to put into the holders.  Each of these items would be great to give to the cat lovers in your life.   The candy holders would also be great for children.  I know these items will sell well at the shelter where I volunteer.

Speedy the Cat Challenge Blog- 1st Challenge

Today is the first challenge at the Speedy the Cat's Challenge Blog!  The challenge today is to use red, white, and blue on your card.  Visit the blog here for all of the details.  This week a random winner will win a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers!  While visiting the blog, make sure to check out the beautiful cards by my fellow blog team members.  I would encourage you play along with us today and each Saturday. 

The card I made for today's challenge is a sneak peak of the "Chicken Scratch" set to be released this month by Mark's Finest Papers.  For this card, I made my own "patterned" paper by randomly stamping the sentiment over the Ripened Tomato paper.  I cut the egg shapes out with my Cricut then stamped the white egg with the chicken wire background stamp.  I colored the basket and hen with Copic markers then added some "straw" that I made by tearing apart a scrap piece of ribbon made of straw material.  I distressed the paper edges, added red and white gingham ribbon, and an egg basket charm to complete the card.  The papers, ribbon, and charm are all available now at Mark's Finest Papers, and the stamp set will be available later this month.