Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! This week, Vicki has challenged us to make a thank-you card.  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!

For my card, I decided to make a one-layer, clean and simple card.  I rarely make this type of card, so it is was definitely a challenge for me.  I combined the kitty from the "More of Speedy's Friends" stamp set with the flourish and sentiment from the "Flourishes and Frame" set.  Each of these stamp sets are available at Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the flourish, then inked up only a portion of the kitty and stamped it inside of the flourish.  The nice thing about acrylic stamps is that you can see exactly where you are stamping.  I colored the kitty and background with Copic markers then stamped the sentiment in black.  I completed this one-layered card by adding two score lines and a row of black rhinestones. 

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog. This week, we would like you to make a "fancy fold" card.  We want to see different shaped cards.  Head over to 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 fancy fold card, I decided to make a criss-cross card.  I made my card with an Accucut die, but you can easily make them without this die using this tutorial from Splitcoaststampers.  I used a cat image from Stampin Dragon and colored it with Copic markers.  Isn't he so sweet?  The papers used are So Saffron from Stampin Up, Corn Husk from Mark's Finest Papers, and patterned paper from Graphic 45.  I completed the card by adding a tag with a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers, ribbon, and a layered flower.

Crafty Sentiments Digi Challenge Day

We are having a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog. This week the challenge is to use two embellishments on your project.  We want you to use only two embellishments, no more.  Head over to the blog to read more about it and check out the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate along with us.

For my card, I used a newly released Pat digi image from Crafty Sentiments.  I have to admit, it was hard for me to limit myself to just two embellishments.  I contained mysel,f and limited the card to one flower and one "happy birthday" brad.  I used three different Tim Holtz embossing folders to emboss the layers of cardstock.  The colors used are Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, and Cherry Cobbler from Stampin Up. 

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 three different ribbons on your project.   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 "Cocker Spaniel" image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I love making dog cards, so I couldn't resist using this image.  I printed the image then colored it with Copic markers and used a small amount of Tim Holtz Distress inks around the edge.  I used Early Expresso, Daffodil Delight, and Dusty Durango card stock from Stampin Up, and Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers patterned papers.  To complete the card, I stamped "woof" three times on one of the panels and added three coordinating ribbons.

Crafty Sentiments Blog Hop

To celebrate the release of new digital stamp at Crafty Sentiments, we are having a blog hop!  Head over to the Crafty Sentiments Digi Challenge blog to read all the details and to learn how you can win free digital stamps.   

Each member of the design team was challenged to make "Anything But a Card", with the theme of  "Sea and Sun."  Here is my project:

For my project, I decided to decorate a basket that I picked up at a thrift shop.  I used the new "Boo Bear" image and created an outdoor scene by sponging on clouds and grass with Tim Holtz Distress inks.  I framed the image with a Nestabilites die and added brads to each corner.  To complete the summer-theme, I added gingham ribbons and a sunflower to the basket.  Thanks for looking!  

Order of Blog Hop:

Crafty Sentiments Blog  http://craftysentimentsdigis.blogspot.com/
Claudine  http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

Bev  http://bevscraftybitsnmore.blogspot.com/

Rebekah  http://berryliciousblog.blogspot.com/

Tammylee  http://tammyleestampcorner.blogspot.com/

Amber  http://www.ambersantics.blogspot.com/

Jac  http://jacs-playground.blogspot.com/

Axa  http://craftsandlove.blogspot.com/

Jo  http://www.handmadecardsbyjo.blogspot.com/

Thanks for participating in our blog hop! 

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog!  This week, I challenge you to make a masculine card.  I enjoy making masculine cards, but it seems that many people struggle with them.  So, if this is you, challenge yourself this week!  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!

For my card, I used the soon-to-be-released "Regal and Proud" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the eagle with Tim Holtz distress inks then colored it with Copic markers.  I used a Stampin Up Square Lattice embossing folder on the three of the layers.  The background layer is embossed with a star embossing folder from Cuttlebug.  The papers used for this card are Corn Husk, Hazelnut Tan, and Desert Sand from Mark's Finest Papers, and Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso from Stampin Up.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers and several antique brads. 

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog. This week, we would like you to use buttons and bows on your creation.  Head over to 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 "Lucy the Lab" image from Lil Diva.  I colored Lucy with Copic markers then placed her on a frame made with Nestabilities dies.  The papers used are patterned papers from Graphic 45 and the new Cherry Cobbler cardstock from Stampin Up.  To complete the card, I added a sentiment from Stampin Up and a bow and fire hydrant button.

Crafty Sentiments Digi Challenge Blog

We are having a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog. This week the challenge is to use three patterned papers on your project.  Head over to the blog to read more about it and check out the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate along with us.

For my card, I used the newly-released "Flopsy in the Rain" digital image from Crafty Sentiments.  I colored Flopsy with Copic markers then added glossy accents to the rain drops and puddle.  I used three different coordinating patterned papers from My Mind's Eye.  I also used So Saffron and Real Red cardstock from Stampin Up.  I completed the card by adding red ribbon and dew drops.  Make sure to come back this Saturday, July 24 for our first blog hop at Crafty Sentiments.

What a Hoot

I made this card for two challenges: color challenge CC280 at Splitcoaststampers and sketch challenge HSSSC25 at the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge Blog.  For the color challenge, we were to use Regal Rose, Old Olive, and Peach Parfait from Stampin Up.  Stampin Up recently came out with Peach Parfait, and I really like this color!  In addition to those colors, I also used Baja Breeze cardstock and K & Co's Greenhouse patterned papers.  The stamps used for this card are from the soon-to-be-released "Owl Be There" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I also used a Martha Stewart vine punch, a large oval punch, and a modern label punch.  I completed the card by adding Old Olive ribbon and the coordinating sentiment.   

Hug The Cat

I made this card for my monthly design team requirement for the Purrs and Pants Stamp Company.  The image and the sentiment are each from Purrs and Pants.  I colored the image with Copic markers then cut it out and framed it with a brown oval and a piece of pink card stock cut with a Spellbinders pendant die.  The papers used are Pretty In Pink and Chocolate Chip by Stampin Up, and patterned paper by Basic Grey.  I completed the card by adding a pink bow, half pearls, and the sentiment.  What a sweet kitty!  Definitely huggable.

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. Today we are having a color challenge: orange, yellow, and blue.  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 printed the image three times.  I colored the moon with Tim Holtz Distress inks and the clown with Copic markers.  The colored the base image, which contains the stars, with distress inks.  I layered and put together the image.  I framed the scene with a Nestabilities die.  I embossed the background layer with a Sizzix embossing plate.  The embossing plates create a more subtle impression than the embossing folders.  I completed the card by adding ribbon, rhinestones, and a small star charm. 

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 a color challenge: red, orange, and yellow.  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!

For my card, combined two different stamp sets from Mark's Finest Papers.  I used the chicken wire background and sentiment from the "Chicken Scratch" set, and the large chick from the "Spring and Easter" set.  I just love using this chick!  I stamped the chicken wire in black then sponged the scene with Tim Holtz distress inks.  I also used distress inks to color the chick.  The papers used are Ripened Tomato from MFP, Summer Sun from Stampin Up, and patterned paper from Basic Grey's June Bug collection.  I completed the card by adding red brads and gingham ribbon from MFP.

New Release Day at Crafty Sentiments Digis

Crafty Sentiments is releasing eight new digital stamps today!  The stamps feature Flopsy and Toby.  Head over to the Crafty Sentiments Challenge Blog to see the cards made by my fellow DT members, learn how you can win free digital stamps, and how you can purchase the new digital stamps.

I made this card with the new "Flopsy with a Flower" image. Isn't he cute holding that large flower?  I colored Flopsy with Copic markers then cut him out with oval Nestabilities dies.  I used patterned papers from Pebbles and Peach Parfait cardstock from Stampin Up.  I completed the card by using a Martha Stewart punch on the yellow layer, adding a sentiment by Mark's Finest Papers, then adding a layered Prima flower. 

Stamp Something Challenge

My friend, Lauretta, of Lauretta's Digital Stamps, is one of the sponsors this week for the Stamp Something digi challenge.  She asked me if I could make a card with one of her images to feature ofnthe challenge site.  This is what I came up with.  I used the "Bibi in the Sunset" image.  I printed the image, colored the log, girl and kitty, and cut it out.  I sponged the sun and scene with Tim Holtz Distress inks.  The image was framed with my new octagon-shaped Nestabilities dies.  The papers used are black, Daffodil Delight from Stampin Up, and patterned paper from K & Co.  I complted the card by adding a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers, a ribbon, and rhinestones.  Head over to the Stamp Something challenge site.  There are many prizes to be won!

I Did It Creations Challenge

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog. This week, we are having a sketch challenge.  Head over to 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 "Katie Cat" from Robyn's Fetish.  Isn't she so sweet?  I colored her with Copic markers and paired her with patterned papers from October Afternoon.  I completed the card by using a Martha Stewart heart border punch, adding a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers, and three fabric flowers from Prima. 

Crafty Sentiments Digi Challenge

Today we are having a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog. This week we are having a color challenge: green, brown, and yellow.  This week we are being sponsored by Digital Delights by Louby Loo.  Head over to the blog to read more about it and check out the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members. I would encourage you to participate along with us.

For my card, I used "Sandcastle Briley" from Digital Delights by Louby Loo.  I colored her with Copic markers, cut her out with a circle Nestabilties die then placed her in front of a pendant die that looks like a sun.  The papers used are Summer Sun by Stampin Up, Hazelnut Tan by Mark's Finest Papers, and Basic Grey's Origins paper pad.  I completed the card by adding rhinestones and a ribbon. 

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 4

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop! Sit back, and hold on to your mouse! This is going to be a FABULOUS ride! Come Hop along with us!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Background Fun, Southwest Cowboy, Flourishes & Frame, and Apples & Camellia. 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 on July 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2010. On Saturday, (July 17, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. ( There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)

SO THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the Apples and Camellia stamp set:

For my first card, I wanted a homespun, vintage feel.  To achieve this, I used vintage style patterned papers from October Afternoon, added stitching to the card, used a homespun sentiment, and made the apple look candied.  I stamped the apple, colored it with Tim Holtz Distress inks, then applied micro-beads.  I completed the card by adding the sentiment, ribbon, and apple charm.  The red paper, ribbon, charm, Tim Holtz distress inks, and stamps are all available at Mark's Finest Papers. 

For this card, I wanted a warm, Autumn feel.  I inked around the edges of the apple stamp, omitting the floral center.  See how versatile this stamp is!  I colored each of the apples with Tim Holtz distress inks then added two punched leaves.  I ran the Stampin Up Crushed Curry layer through a Cuttlebug leaf and vine embossing folder and placed it behind the apples.  The patterned papers are from Basic Grey's Indian Summer paper pad.  To complete the card, I added a sentiment from the Apples and Camellia set and added some paper piercing.  The stamp set, Tim Holtz distress inks, and Basic Grey papers are available at Mark's Finest Papers.  

July Guest Designer- Melisa Waldorf- http://melisawaldorf.blogspot.com/
Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/
Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/
Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/
Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/
Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/
Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/
Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/
Faith - http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/
Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/
Susan- http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/
Judi- http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/
Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Karen- http://www.karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/
Connie- http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/
Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/  (you are here)
Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/ 
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

Thanks for joining our blog hop.  I hope you drew inspiration from the beautiful DT creations.  Make sure you check the Mark's Finest Papers blog tomorrow to see who the blog hop winners are.

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 3

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop! Sit back, and hold on to your mouse! This is going to be a FABULOUS ride! Come Hop along with us!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Background Fun, Southwest Cowboy, Flourishes  & Frame, and Apples  & Camellia. 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 on July 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2010. On Saturday, (July 17, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. ( There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)

SO THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the Flourishes and Frame stamp set:

For my card, I used the flourish frame and one of the sentiments from the "Flourishes and Frame" set.  I embossed the flourish frame then cut it out with a circle die.  I cut the brown frame with a Nestabilites die then embossed it with a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  On the green layer, I used Martha Stewart border and corner punches.  I completed the card by adding a double bow and a small flower spring.  The papers, Nestabilities dies, ribbon, and stamp set are available at Mark's Finest Papers.

Here I made a small gratitude journal by using the "Flourishes and Frame" stamp set and the Bind It All binding machine.  Mark's Finest Papers now sells the Bind It All machine and accessories.  For my book, I covered two coasters with patterned papers from Bo Bunny.  I stamped the pocketwatch from MFP's "Take the Time/Father's Day" set inside of the flourish frame.  It's amazing how perfectly the clock fits inside this frame.  I used one of the flourish stamps to stamp on the patterned paper for a subtle look.  The sentiment is also from this same stamp set.  Finally, I added blank pages and put the book together with a 5/8 inch Bind It All coil.   

 

July Guest Designer- Melisa Waldorf- http://melisawaldorf.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

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

Susan- http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi- http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://www.karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Connie- http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

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

Joanne: http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

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

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

Join us tomorrow for the final day of the blog hop!  We will be featuring the
Apples and Camellia stamp set.

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 2

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop! Sit back, and hold on to your mouse! This is going to be a FABULOUS ride! Come Hop along with us!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Background Fun, Southwest Cowboy, Flourishes  & Frame, and Apples & Camellia. 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 on July 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2010. On Saturday, (July 17, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. ( There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)

SO THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the Southwest Cowboy stamp set:

For my card, I wanted a rugged look to go with the masculine stamps in the "Southwest Cowboy" set.  I used a faux leather technique for the background panel.  It's amazing how easy this technique is (see tutorial at Splitcoaststampers) and how much it looks like leather!  I made the red panel by embossing red cardstock with a Cuttlebug paisley embossing folder then sponging it with Tim Holtz Distress inks.  For the main image, I stamped the cowboy, sentiment, and barbed wire with distress inks then sponged the scene with distress inks.  All of the Tim Holtz distress inks are now available at Mark's Finest Papers.  The colors are fabulous, and they work well to create scenes or a distressed-look.  To complete the card, I sewed around a few of the layers, distressed the edges, and added star brads from Stampin Up.    

July Guest Designer- Melisa Waldorf- http://melisawaldorf.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

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

Susan- http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi- http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://www.karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Connie- http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

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

Joanne: http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Julia- http://createwithjulia.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

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

Join us tomorrow for day 3 of the blog hop.  We will be featuring the Flourishes and Frame stamp set.

Mark's Finest Papers- Blog Hop Day 1

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop! Sit back, and hold on to your mouse! This is going to be a FABULOUS ride! Come Hop along with us!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Background Fun, Southwest Cowboy, Flourishes & Frame, and Apples & Camellia. 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 on July 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2010. On Saturday, (July 17, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. ( There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)

SO THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today we are featuring the Background Fun stamp set:

For my card, I wanted to highlight one of the sentiment stamps along with the basketweave stamp from the Background Fun stamp set.  I punched out 9-1 inch squares, then stamped each of them in black with the basketweave stamp.  I mounted the squares on punched scallop squares.  Nestabilities dies were used to make the layers for the sentiment.  I used Speedy the Cat's Black and Bang Up Blue papers from Mark's Finest papers.  To complete the card, I added a coordinating layered Prima flower.

July Guest Designer- Melisa Waldorf- http://melisawaldorf.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

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

Susan- http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi- http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://www.karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Connie- http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

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

Cathleen- http://crookedcardcreations.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

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

Join us tomorrow for day 2 of the blog hop!  We will be featuring the Southwest Cowboy stamp set.

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 Lauretta's Digital Images.  I printed the girl, colored her with Copic markers, and cut her out with an oval Nestabilitie die.  The papers used are Crushed Curry from Stampin Up and patterned papers from October Afternoon.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment by Mark's Finest Papers and a large butterfly I purchased at a local stamp store. 

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the MFP Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Blog! This is just our 11th challenge and it is growing by leaps and bounds.  At my last check last night, we had 133 entries!! Wow! Thanks for your support of this challenge!

The challenge today is to use a punch on your card.  We all like punches and there are so many great punches on the market. 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!  Also, be sure to come back next week July 13-16 for our four-day blog hop.  You will be able to see the July release stamp sets and have more chances to win!

For my card, I used the recently released "Pears and Hollyhock" set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I colored the pear with Tim Holtz distress inks then added micro-beads to make it look like sugared fruit.  I used Martha Stewart quilt border and corner punches on my card. I have to admit, I have become a "punch junkie."  I have almost all of the Stampin Up punches and I have many, many Martha Stewart punches.  In fact, almost everytime I go to Michael's, I come out with a new Martha Stewart punch.  The papers I used for this card are Stampin Up's Blue Bayou and So Saffron, Hazelnut Tan by MFP, and patterned paper by October Afternoon.  The ribbon that I used to tie it all together is also So Saffron from Stampin Up.  The stamp set, Hazelnut Tan paper, and Tim Holtz distress inks can all be purchased from Mark's Finest Papers.  

Triple Challenge Cowboy

I made this card for three challenges: SC288 at Splitcoaststampers, F4A20 at Splitcoaststampers, and HSSC23 at the Hand Stamped Sentiments Blog.  For the F4A20 challenge, we were to use something new that we have not yet used.  I used my new woodgrain Tim Holtz embossing folder and my new crackled background stamp from Mark's Finest Papers.  The crackle background and the cowboy stamps will be released next week.  For the HSSC23 color challenge, we were to use Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, White, and Rose Red.  I used each of these colored papers except for the Rose Red.  Instead I inked the papers with Tim Holtz Fired Brick distress inks, which is very similar in color.  I was suprised when I just found out that Stampin Up's new Crumb Cake is the same as their Kraft.  They just renamed it.     

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 to make a card for an occasion.  It could be an occasion you choose.  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 an image from Stitchy Stamps.  I printed her and colored her with Copic markers.  To complement her, I used rain-themed papers from October Afternoon.  I also used Stampin Up's Real Red and So Saffron.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment by Impression Obession and a So Saffron ribbon tied with my new Bow-Easy, bow-making template.  So what's the occasion for my card?  To celebrate and find enjoyment in a rainy day!

1st challenge at Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog

Today is the first day for challenges at the new Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog.  Crafty Sentiments is a stamp company based in the UK.  They have just started creating digital stamps and have created a new challenge blog to go along with the stamps.  There will be a new challenge each Thursday.  Head over to the blog to read more about it, pick up your free digi stamp, check out the beautiful cards made by my fellow DT members.  I would encourage you to participate along with us.

Today's challenge is to use pink, green, and white.

For my card, I used the new "Sammy Snail" digital stamp from Crafty Sentiments Digis.  I printed Sammy, colored him by sponging on Tim Holtz distress inks, and highlighted him with a white gel pen.  I used a Martha Stewart punch to make some grass for him to crawl along.  The papers used are Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, and Kiwi Kiss from Stampin Up, and Basic Grey's Olivia paper pad.  I completed the card by adding rhinestones, ribbon, a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers, and a layered Prima flower.

I am also entering this in Stampin B's #66, polka dot challenge.  There are polka dots on the paper, snail, and embossing folder.

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. Today the challenge is to use stiching/sewing on your card.  This could be real or faux stitching.  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 newly released image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I decided to do real machine stitching on my card.  It's not as difficult as it may seem.  I used lavender and green papers from Stampin UP and Basic Grey's Wisteria patterned papers.  I completed hte card by adding a ribbon and green half pearls.

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 to use red, white, or blue on 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!

In honor of the Fourth of July, I used a George Washington image from Robyn's Fetish.  I printed the image, curled the papers to look like a document, then aged the paper with Tim Holtz distress inks.  I created a flag by using two different Cuttlebug embossing folders.  I embossed the stars onto blue paper, then rubbed a white ink pad over the paper.  For the striped paper, I used my brayer to directly roll red ink onto one side of the striped embossing folder.  I then embossed the paper and it created the red lines on the paper.  I sewed around the edges of flag and further aged it by using more distress inks. 

American Eagle

I made this card for today's challenge (WT277) on Splitcoaststampers.  We were to make a fourth of July card without using red or blue.  It also fits with yesterday's sketch challenge (SC287).  The eagle I used for this card is an ultra sneak-peak of the "Regal and Proud" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  Although this set will not be released until August, Faith, the owner of MFP, allowed us to use the set for this challenge, as it works so well with it.  I stamped the eagle with Tim Holtz Distress ink then colored it in with Copic markers.  I used the Cuttlebug star embossing folder and Martha Stewart crown border punch.  All the papers used are from Mark's Finest Papers.  I completed the card by adding twine and a star brad, both from Stampin Up.  Happy Fourth of July to everyone!!