Wednesday, June 30, 2010

New Design Team!

Yesterday, I was offered a design team position on the Crafty Sentiments Digital Designs Blog.!  This is a new challenge blog, with the first challenge starting Thursday July 8.  Crafty Sentiments is based in the UK and they sell acrylic stamps, and now digital stamps.  There will be a new challenge each Thursday.  Free digis will be available and prizes will be given each week!  Head over to the blog to pick up your first free digi.  Hope you can join us for our first challenge on July 8.

June Purrs and Pants DT Card

I made this card for my monthly Purrs and Pants design team card requirement. 
When I first saw this stamp, I just had to laugh.  Typical scenario, a dog doing something "disgusting", while the cat stands by looking dignified and disgusted.  Ha-Ha!  That is coming from a cat-lover!  I just love the look on this cat's face.  I know some people have cats who drink from the toilet, but not my cats. :)  For this card, I used patterned papers by Bo Bunny, and Pumpkin Pie and Brilliant Blue card stock from Stampin Up.  I colored the image with Copic markers then completed the card by adding a ribbon and paw button.  The sentiment and the cat/dog stamp are both available at Purrs and Pants, along with many other cat and dog stamps.

Southwest Cowboy sneak peak

I made this card for the color challenge CC227 at Splitcoaststampers.  We were to use Stampin Up colors Crushed Curry, Burmuda Bay, and Dusty Durango, which retire today, June 30.  When I saw this color combo, I immediately thought of using the soon-to-be-released "Southwest Cowboy" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  Being from Iowa and now living in Ohio, I can't relate to cowboys, deserts, or the Southwest, but I love this stamp set!  For my card, I created the scene by using Burmuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, and a few other ink colors from Tim Holtz.  The Crushed Curry background was embossed with the Tim Holtz "collage" embossing folder.  I completed the card by adding Burmuda Bay ribbon, a rope "lasso", and a star brad. 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Digital Two For Tuesday Guest Designer


I have been given the opportunity to be be a guest designer this week for the Digital Two For Tuesday challenge blog!  Each Tuesday, Cora, from Digital Two For Tuesday, offers two free vintage digital images.  You are encouraged to make a card or project with the images.  Even if you don't always want to use the images for cards, the images are very interesting to look at.  Today's two images are taken from a 1923 pamphlet from The Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences.  Here are the cards I made with today's images.   
For this card, I wanted to incorporate several vintage-looking elements. I used a vintage patterned paper from Graphic 45, a lacey edge punch, eyelet lace, and embossing on the brown panel. I printed the hat image and colored it with Copic markers. I made the satin flower by twisting ribbons and gluing them with a hot glue gun. I completed the flower arrangement by adding eyelet ribbon and a beaded stick pin.
For this card, I used a vintage pattern paper from Graphic 45. I decided to keep the image simple by printing it out and using Tim Holtz distress ink around the edge of the image. I used a vintage-feel edge punch, and added a Prima flower, handmade twisted ribbon flower, and black half pearls.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. Today the challenge is to use turquoise and brown 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 a sweet dog image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I used Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers dog-themed papers.  For the dog, I paper pieced the dog and his coat then highlighted the printed areas with a black marker.  I completed the card by adding a dog sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers and a bone-shaped paper clip. 

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! Before I get onto today's challenge, I just want to say, we had a record number of entries for last week's challenge.  At my last check last night, we had 84 entries!!  Wow!  Thanks for your support of this challenge!

The challenge today is to use three flowers on your card.  We all love using flowers, right?  You can read more about the challenge details 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. You just might win a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers!
This week, I decided to make a flower pot card.  Splitcoaststampers has a tutorial on how to make this type of card.  I used flowers from the soon-to-be-released "Apples and Camellia" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the flowers several times then layered them with pop-dots and added glitter to the centers.  The hummingbird is from the "Pears and Hollyhock" stamp set and the leaves were made with a small Sizzix die.  I cut out the flower pot then ran it through a Sizzix Tim Holtz embossing die then added a ribbon to complete the card.

Friday, June 25, 2010

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog. This week, the challenge is 3-D.  All you have to do is use at least one pop-dot to add depth to your project.  Check out the blog for all the details. While you are there, make sure to look at all the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I encourage you to show us your beautiful creation!

For my card, I used the "Aviator Boy" image from Fanyella, available in the I Did It Creations store.  I had so much fun with this card!  The map and striped papers are from Graphic 45 and the cardstock is Cranberry Crisp and True Thyme (retired) from Stampin Up.  I used the Martha Stewart iron gate border and edge punches to create the background frame.  I printed out the boy and colored him with Copic markers, and attatched him to the map with pop-up dots.  I use pop-up dots on almost all of my cards.  The genuine article circle is a stamp from Stampin Up.  I double layered it and added an Eiffel tower brad and a metal token.  It doesn't show up on the photo, but the token says, "good for one fare."  I found this in my stash of embellishments.  I completed the card by adding metal brads to each corner of the card. 

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Shirley's 2 Girls DT Call

Shirley's 2 Girls is having a DT call.  For details, visit their website.  I have participated in several of their challenges, and I find their images to be fun to work with.  I decided to try out for the DT call.  Here are a few cards that I recently created with their images. 
Aren't these fun?  With the Cheshire cat card, I was chosen as a  Shirley's 2 Girls challenge winner! 

Here are a few of my favorite cards that I recently created using other companie's stamps.  I feel they show my different stamping and card-making abilities.

With this card, I decided to go for glamour and beauty with details such as sewing, ribbon, and half pearls.  The stamps are from Mark's Finest Papers.
 
For this card, I showcased my ability to create a vintage, masculine look.  The stamps are from Mark's Finest Papers.

Wish me luck with DT call!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Cupcake Kitty

I made this card for a clean and simple sketch challenge CAS72 at Splitcoaststampers.  I really like this clean and simple sketch.  For my card, I combined the cat from the "More of Speedy's Friends" set with the cupcake and sentiment from the "Cupcake Birthday" set.  Both sets are from Mark's Finest Papers.  I've been wanting to combine this kitty with the cupcake, and this card was the perfect opportunity to do it.  The patterned papers are from Octoer Afternoon and the cardstock is from Mark's Finest Papers.  

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 an image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I decided to alter the sketch somewhat, buy changing the placement of the flowers.  I colored the image with Copic markers then cut it out with a Nestabilities die.  The papers used are Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, and Close To Cocoa by Stampin Up.  I ran the pink paper through a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  The crocheted flowers are also from Stampin Up.  I completed the card by adding ribbon, half pearls, and brown sprigs made with a Martha Stewart punch.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! The challenge today is to use embossing on your card.  This could be ink embossing or dry embossing. 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. You just might win a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers!

For my card, I used wanted to keep it "clean and simple" to highlight the embossing on the card.  I have many embossing folders and I use them quite often, but I do not usually use them on such a large area of the card.  For this card, I used the Swiss Dots embossing folder from Cuttlebug.  The stamps I used are from the "Our Side of The Pond" stamp set by Mark's finest Papers.  The papers for this card are also available at Mark's Finest Papers.   

Friday, June 18, 2010

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog. This week, the challenge is an open challenge.  There are no rules this week!  Check out the blog for all the details. While you are there, make sure to look at all the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I encourage you to show us your beautiful creation!

For my card, I used a cat silhouette image from Trees A Ward Digital Stamps.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE cats and I LOVE making cat cards, so I just had to use this cat image.  I printed out the cat in two different sizes (the beauty of digital stamps) and then colored them with Copic markers.  They look as if they are looking at something, so I had to make a "scene" for them.  For the scene, I sponged on several colors of Tim Holtz Distress inks to create the sky and grass.  I masked the sun using a circle punch and colored it with distress inks as well.  I stamped the trees and sentiments with stamps from Mark's Finest Papers.  I completed the card by layering coordinating colors of cardstock, adding the cats, and a few metalic half pearls.    

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Floral Pear

I made this card for color challenge CC275 at Splitcoaststampers.  The challenge was to use Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, and Real Red.  For my card I used Real Red, Barely Banana, and Basic Grey's Nook and Pantry paper pad, which includes a green that is similar to Mellow Moss.  The pear and the sentiment are from the newly released "Pears and Hollyhock" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  For this challenge, it was an option to decorate your frame.  I used green half pearls to embellish my frame.  For the pear, I sponged on Tim Holtz distress inks then colored the flowers and stem with Copic markers.  To complete the card, I added ribon and a pear charm.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

HSS Guest Designer

I was asked by the ladies at the Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge blog to be a guest designer for this week's challenge.  How exciting!  Each Tuesday they post a new challenge and I would encourage you to play today along each week.  Most weeks, I find the time to participate in this challenge.Head over to the blog for more details.  Today's challenge is a sketch challenge:  


For my card, I used a Miss Anya stamp from The Greeting Farm.  I created the layout by using coordinating patterned papers from Graphic 45.  The background paper and ribbon are So Saffron from Stampin Up.  I used my sewing machine to sew around some of the edges of the papers for added texture and interest.  I placed Miss Anya to look as though she is sitting on the "ledge."  I added a "sittin' pretty" sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers, which fits well with Miss Anya.  I really enjoyed creating this card for the Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge blog.   

Monday, June 14, 2010

Simply Ladybugs

I made this card for two challenges at Splitcoaststampers.  The first challenge was CAS71.  We were to make a clean and simple card that features something that flies.  Yes, ladybugs fly!  The second challenge was TLC277.  We were to make a one-layered card.  Yikes!  I never make one-layered cards, but I thought I would give it a try.  For my card, I used the "Ladybugs and Carnation" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the row of ladybugs across the card then colored them with a Copic marker.  I used my Scor-Pal to make score lines above and below the ladybugs, then used a paper-piercing tool to make perforations.  To finish the card, I stamped the sentiment at the bottom of the card.  It was just too easy! 

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. Today is to incorporate paper piecing in 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 a chef image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I've been wanting to use this image for awhile and this was the perfect "excuse" to use it.  I printed out the image onto white paper then paper-pieced his pants, hat, jacket, scarf, and cake.  I just had to give him the standard black and white checked chef pants.  I love paper-piecing and the striking results you can achieve from this technique.  I finished coloring the chef with Copic markers then gave him black buttons.  I didn't think this card need much more, so I kept it more on the simple side to highlight the black and white gingham.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Recycled Container

I made this container for a challenge at The Greeting Farm.  The challenge was to make a 3-D project using something that was recycled.  For my project, I used a plastic takeout container that once contained bath salts.  Whenever I am done with containers such as this, I save them, as I will most likely use them for a project.  In fact, I have an empty metal mint tin sitting on my desk right now.  I decorated all the sides on the takeout container with DSP from Stampin Up.  For the front, I used a Miss Anya stamp from The Greeting Farm.  I paired her with a picket fence made from a Martha Stewart Punch and a very large Prima flower.  To complete the container, I added some pieces of gingham ribbon to the handle.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog!  The challenge today is to make your own designer paper using stamps.  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. You just might win a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers!

For my card, I used the "Ferns and Chickadee" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  The paper I used for my designer paper is some fabulous, handmade, fiberous paper.  The best part is that I purchased a large sheet of it at a local craft store for $1.00!  I used Tim Holtz distress inks to stamp the fern throughout the paper.  Because the paper is textured and somewhat bumpy, it produced a lighter looking image than I would have gotten on cardstock.  I cut out a green frame with a Nestabilities die, ran it through the new Tim Holtz "Gridlock" embossing folder, then colored it with distress inks.  The bird was also colored with distress inks, then mounted on the frame. To complete the card, I added some ribbons and Prima flowers.  The stamp set, flowers, Tim Holtz distress inks, Tim Holtz embossing folder, ribbons, and Nestabilities dies can all be purchased from Mark's Finest Papers.   

I Did It Creations Challenge

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog.  This week, the challenge is to make a Christmas card using red and white.  Check out the blog for all the details.  While you are there, make sure to look at all the beautiful Chjrismas cards made by my fellow DT members.  I encourage you to show us your beautiful creation!
For my card, I used an image from Crafty Pad.  I printed out the image, colored it with Copic markers, and added Flower Soft snow.  The papers used are Stampin Up's Red Riding Hood, Kiwi Kiss, and Baja Breeze, and DSP by Basic Grey.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment, Baja Breeze ribbon, and a snowflake button. 

Friday, June 11, 2010

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE 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 June 8, 9, 10 and 11t, 2010. On Saturday, (June 12, 2010), 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 OTHER CHANCES 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 June 12, 2010. Each winner will receive 1 Stamp Set that will be released NEXT month!

Today, we are featuring the new "Cupcake Birthday" set.

For my card, I decided to go with a "vintage 50's homespun" feel.  When I saw this cherry paper from Graphic 45, I knew I had to pair it with the large cupcake stamp.  The other papers used are Ripened Tomato and Spring Grass from Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the cupcake, colored it with Copic markers, then went over it with a Warm Gray 1 Copic marker to give it a slightly more subdued look.  I used a Martha Stewart doily border which is also reminiscent of the 50's feel.  To complete the card, I added gingham ribbons and a plastic cherry from Mary Engelbreit.   


Here's another way you can use this stamp set.  I recently made this decorated gift tin, which could be used for a small gift or gift card.

June Guest Designer- Samantha- http://www.taylorstamped.blogspot.com/

Visit Mark's Finest Papers blog tomorrow to see who the blog hop winners are.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE 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 June 8, 9, 10 and 11th, 2010. On Saturday, (June 12, 2010), 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 OTHER CHANCES 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 June 12, 2010. Each winner will receive 1 Stamp Set that will be released NEXT month!

Today, we are featuring the new "More of Speedy the Cat's Friends" set.

Okay, I have to admit, I am really in "my element" with this stamp set.  I LOVE making cat and dog cards and that is exactly the kind of sentiments and images that this set contains.  For my card, I decided to use the kitty stamp and make her look like a glamerous princess.  I colored her with Copic markers then added a half pearl necklace.  The papers used are Mamma's Favorite Purple, Hazelnut Tan, and Corn Husk from Mark's Finest Papers, and Basic Grey's Cappella papers.  I decided to sew around the edges of this card for added glamour.  To finish it off, I added a Prima flower, Prima leaves, and a satin ribbon.  The stamp set, papers, and ribbons are all available from Mark's Finest Papers.

June Guest Designer- Samantha- http://www.taylorstamped.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/ (you are here)
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

Join us tomorrow for the last day of the hop!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE 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 June 8, 9, 10 and 11t, 2010. On Saturday, (June 12, 2010), 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 OTHER CHANCES 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 June 12, 2010. Each winner will receive 1 Stamp Set that will be released NEXT month!
 Today, we are featuring the new "Pears and Hollyhock" set.

For my card I stamped the flowers and hummingbird then colored them with pearlescent watercolor paints.  I used a Spellbinders lattice pendant die to frame the image.  The papers used are Mamma's Favorite Purple, and Pensacola Sand from Mark's Finest Papers, and the Wisteria Pad from Basic Grey.  I think this purple paper is so gorgeous!  I completed the card by adding half pearls and a bow made with Speedy's Morning Milk ribbon from Mark's Finest Papers.  All of the supplies used for making this card can be found at Mark's Finest Papers.    

June Guest Designer- Samantha- http://www.taylorstamped.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/ (you are here)

Join us again tomorrow for another day of hopping!!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Stamping Anya

I made this card for the Saturday Sketch Challenge #21 at The Greeting Farm.  Being on several design teams, I haven't had much time to participate in TGF's challenges.  For this card, I inked up my new Stamping Anya stamp.  I paired it with bright papers by October Afternoon and some chipboard flowers I had in my stash.  I colored Anya with Copics then paper-pieced her headband.  I decided to sew around the edge of paper pieces for added interest. I will be giving this birthday card to a friend who recently opened a small stamp store. 

Monday, June 7, 2010

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. Today is a recipe challenge: use one designer paper and three brads on your creation.  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 fun boy with his bike image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  Although this boy is riding his bicycle, I decided to pair this image with flaming Harley Davidson paper and silver paper that I embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  In his mind, he's a "biker", never mind it's not a Harley.  I added a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers and three screw brads to complete the card.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Wedded Bliss


I made this card for a color challenge HSSSC18 at the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge Blog.  The challenge was to make a card using black, white, and a splash of silver or gold.  I needed to make a wedding card for an upcoming wedding this month, so this was a perfect challenge.  For my card, I used white paper with silver flecks throughout it.  I used this paper for the embossed background, the stamped label, and the flowers I made with a Sizzix Tim Holtz flower die.  The other panel is made with a shimmery silver paper then punched with a Martha Stewart punch.  I added mica flecks to the flowers for sparkle.  I completed the card by adding rhinestones and a white ribbon, and piercing around the black frame.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! The challenge today is to use buttons and/or bows 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.  You just might win a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers! 
For my card, I used the "Take the Time/Father's Day" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I just purchased this set and I love it!  Buttons and bows usually bring to mind something feminine, but I chose to make a masculine card for this challenge.  I made a simple bow with brown sheer ribbon and used antique brads that have the look of antique buttons.  I embossed the cardstock with the new cracked and patchwork Sizzix Tim Holtz embossing folders.  I stamped the clock with Tim Holtz distress inks then sponged additional distress ink on the clock and embossed pieces.  I used Martha Stewart crown edge and corner punches to make the border and trim for the sentiment.  The stamps, papers, ribbon, brads, Tim Holtz distress inks, and embossing folders are all available at Mark's Finest Papers.  This card also qualifies for two other challenges: Stampin B's #61: Masculine Card, and Splitcoaststamper's F4A15: It's A Boy Thing.   

Friday, June 4, 2010

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

Today is challenge day over at the I Did It Creations Challenge Blog.  Today there is a sketch challenge.  I just love sketch challenges, they are my favorite!  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 creation.
For my card, I used an image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I decided to pair this lovely vintage-looking girl with vintage style paper from Graphic 45.  I have been trying to incorporate more sewing into my cards, so I added zig-zag stitches around the color panels of this card.  If you have never tried sewing on your cards, you should give it a try, as it adds a lot of character to your cards.  I completed my card by adding an antique brad and an awesome stitched flower I found in my "stash."

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Antique Pocket Watch

I made this card for a tent card technique challenge (TLC275) at Splitcoaststampers.  For this card, I used the "Take the Time, Father's Day" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the watch with Tim Holtz distress inks and coated it with Crackle Accents to add to it's aged look.  I cut out the frame with Nestabilities and added the dangling pocket watch.  The cardstock is from Mark's Finest Papers and the patterned papers are from Bo Bunny.  I added a few Tim Holtz metal gears to complete the masculine and antique feel of this card.