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 pink and black.  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 cat image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I printed the image, colored the kitty with Copic markers, then paper-pieced the pillow.  The polka dot paper is from October Afternoon and the sweet sentiment is from Stampin Up.  I completed the card by adding ribbon, rhinestones, and faux stitching.  Such a sweet little kitty!

Purrrfectly Simple

I made this card for the One Layer Wednesday Challenge #17.  The challenge this week, is to make a one-layer card using a border stamp.  For my card, I used the kitty border stamp from the retired "The Cats Meow" set by Stampin Up.  The sentiment is from Stamping Bella.  I added some paw ribbon and a few small rhinestones to complete this simple card.  I just love the expressions on those sweet kitty faces.

A Few Misc. Cards

I recently purchased two digital images from the Little Paper Shop.  I wanted to share the cards that I made with those images.

Aren't this little boy and his dog cute?  I used Bo Bunny animal-themed papers and added a paw brad to further the animal theme. 

For this card, I used an Alice image and paired her with Alice in Wonderland papers from Graphic 45.  I used a playing card border punch and some miniature playing cards to complete the Wonderland-feel.

Design Team News!!

I am excited to announce that I have been chosen as a design team member for the Doodle Pantry!  Laurie Wilson, from The Doodle Pantry, designs a variety of cute and whimsical digital stamps.  I am excited to join Laurie and the other design team members in creating with these wonderful images.  Join us at the Doodle Pantry Group at Crafter's Digital Arts Center for challenges and other events.

 I made this card with the "Fluffy Squirrel" image and sentiment from the Doodle Pantry.  I colored the squirrel with Copic markers then added him to a woodland scene.  To create the scene, I used a Tim Holtz wood grain embossing folder for the background, and a Martha Stewart vine punch for the top of the card.  I used an oval punch to create a knothole then added the sentiment.  To complete the card, I added a small pile of leaves made with punches. 

Crafty Sentiments Digis Challenge Day

We are having a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog. This week the challenge is to use one ribbon and two brads on your card. 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 an image from our sponsor Di's Digis.  I printed the image and colored it with Copic markers.  I used a Nestabilities die to frame the image and a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the white panel.  I completed the card by adding one white ribbon and two red brads.  One Christmas card down, many more to go.

Halloween Test Tubes

Last week when I was at Jo Ann's Fabrics, I found these awesome Martha Stewart test tubes.  They are great for putting candy in.  I found an online tutorial for test tube holders.  It can be seen seen here. http://www.scribd.com/doc/5255543/singletesttubebox  I used black cardstock for the base then added a small strip of Halloween paper by Basic Grey. The skull and headstone are made with Sizzix dies.  I sponged Tim Holtz inks on them to make them look aged.  I don't yet have any Halloween candy to put in the tube, but I plan to use Halloween M & M's.  I am entering this in the following challenges: Hand Stamped Sentiments-(HSSABC30) Anything But a Card, and I Did It Creations-Anything But a Card.

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

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

For my card, I used the "Buffy the Cat" image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  The sketch I used is SC294 from Splitcoaststampers.  I used Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers patterned papers with Hazelnut Tan cardstock from Mark's Finest Papers.  I made my flower by using the five-petal punch from Stampin Up.  I ran the petals through a Cuttlebug embossing folder and added a meow button to the center.  I completed the card by adding a paw print ribbon.

Autumn Squirrel

I made this card for three different challenges: 1. Speedy's Friends #17- Harvest theme.

 2. Stampin B's #72- Use a circle, die cut, and flower.  I read that acorns start out as flowers, hence my flower.  3. Inspiration Challenge (IC246) at Splitcoaststampers.  For my card, I used the squirrel and sentiment from the soon-to-be-released "Autumn Fun" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  Isn't he the cutest?  I used Stampin Up's new card stock colors, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, and Cajun Craze.  The Pear Pizzazz panel is embossed with a fall words embossing folder by Cuttlebug. I completed the card by adding corduroy brads, ribbon, and leaf sprigs made with a Martha Stewart punch.

Clean and Simple Christmas

I made this card for Susan's one layer scene challenge (OLW16).  Susan is a fellow design team member at Mark's Finest Papers.  She makes the most awesome clean and simple cards!  For my card I used a piece of Desert Sand cardstock from Mark's Finest Papers.  I cut a circle out of the front with a Nestabilities die.  I stamped the sentiment on the front then ran it through a holly embossing folder from Cuttlebug.  I stamped the winter scene on the inside of the card then added a ribbon.  The stamps are from the "Sleigh Bells
Ring" set from Stampin Up.  I will be making many more clean and simple Christmas cards, as they are good to give to co-workers, teachers, etc.

Hello Owl

 I made this card for three challenges: SS294 at Splitcoaststampers, WT284 to use Versamark at Splitcoaststampers, and Speedy the Cat's Challenge 15, think flowers.  For my card I used one of the owl stamps from the recently-released "Owl Be There" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the owl with Versamark then embossed it with black embossing powder.  I used some gorgeous new patterned papers from Graphic 45.  The back panel has flowers on it and I also used flower-shaped brads to meet the requirements of Speedy's Challenge.  To complete the card, I added some black lace that I purchased at Archivers.

Crafty Sentiments Digis Challenge Day

We are having a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog. This week the challenge is to make a monochromatic card.  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 an image from Meljen's, our sponsor for this week.  I chose to use shades of brown and yellow on my card.  I colored the bear with Copics then cut it out to have it "rest" on the yellow panel.  The patterned papers are from October Afternoon and the Desert Sand cardstock is from Mark's Finest Papers.  I ran the Desert Sand panel through a large polka dot Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I completed the card by adding ribbon and a large Prima flower.

Double Challenge Christmas Card

I made this card for two challenges: a sketch challenge (HSSSC29) at Hand Stamped Sentiments and a color challenge (CC284) at Splitcoaststampers.  The colors to be used were: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Pretty In Pink.  I used Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler cardstock and my designer paper has a shade of pink in it similar to Pretty In Pink.  For this card, I used one of the stamps from my new SU Greeting Card Kids stamp set.  I colored the girl with Copic markers then used Tim Holtz Distress ink on image to give it an antique-feel. I added a sentiment, half pearls, a snowflake brad, and a bow to complete the card.  For some reason, my picture did not turn out real clear, but I don't have time to retake it right now. :)

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day and Tim Holtz photos

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. This week, we are having an open challenge, anything goes!  How easy is that?  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 apple image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I decided to go with a school-theme for my card, since many children are preparing to return back to school.  I paper-pieced the apple, worm, and leaf.  I created a notebook page by using a Tim Holtz distress folder then punching holes in it and directly applying blue ink to it.  I used the Martha Stewart "abc123" border punch that I recently purchased for $5.99 on clearance.  To complete the card, I added real red ribbon and an apple sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers. 

Speaking of Tim Holtz, he was in Cincinnati, OH this weekend for the Stampaway USA stamp convention.  I have many of Tim Holtz's products, such as inks, embossing folders, dies, and grunge paper, and I love them!  It was so fun to be able to "see him in action."  Here are few pictures of took of him.

Dog Sympathy

I made this card for Splitcoaststamper's FS184. A friend of mine asked me to make a dog sympathy card for one of her friends. I was trying to figure out what I was going to make. I was looking through CAKath's gallery and I came across this card and I found my idea.  Rather than CASE this card, I guess you could say I was inspired by it. I decided to use the same tree from the "Family Tree" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers. I used the dog silhouette from the "More of Speedy's Friends" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers. I tried to create a scene in which the dog is ready to cross over the rainbow bridge, the place where all of our beloved animal friends go.

Speedy the Cat

I made this card for Splitcoaststamper's FS183- featured stamper Vicki Dutcher. Vicki is one of my fellow design team members for Mark's Finest Papers. Congratulations Vicki on being chosen for this challenge!  I chose to case this card by Vicki.  I made several changes to the card. I changed the yellow panel to red, then embossed it. Instead of the stars, I used a Speedy the Cat silhouette stamp from the new "Tweet Blessings" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers. Instead of stitching on the card, I used a black layer of cardstock. I used black and white gingham ribbon rather than black ribbon. Finally, I stamped the sentiment on the bottom panel of the card.

A few Greeting Farm cards

Since I am now on four design teams, I rarely get to "play" with images from The Greeting Farm, or any other company, for that matter.  The Greeting Farm is one of my favorite stamp companies, as they have such cute that stamps that are fun to work with.  They recently had a design team call for their Critter Crew.  I submitted the following two cards, but was not selected, however, I had fun making them.

This was my first Halloween card of the year.  Halloween cards are my favorite!

This was my first winter card for the year.  She sure nailed him with that snowball...

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 to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. 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 August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 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.)

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

 

Today we are featuring the "Owl be There" stamp set.

I decided to make two cards featuring different owls from the set.

For this card, I stamped the owl and greenery by applying the ink directly to the stamp, as I did not want to use the border for this stamp.  I stamped the greenery several more times around and on the owl. I colored the owl with Copic markers then framed it with Spellbinders Nestabilities.  I stamped the background panel with the crackle background stamp from the "Background Fun" set, and ran the other panel through a Stampin Up embossing folder.  The papers used are Bravo Burgundy and Soft Suede from Stampin Up and fibrous handmade paper.  I completed the card by adding a ribbon, antique brads, and a fern charm.  The Copic markers, Spellbinders Nestabilities, brads, and charm can all be purchased from Mark's Finest Papers.   

 For this card, I wanted went for a clean and simple look.  I stamped the bird and sentiment in black onto Desert Sand card stock by Mark's Finest Papers.  I added three pieces of felt rick-rack to complete the card.  Wow, that was just too easy!  I'm starting to like these clean and simple cards.

  

August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.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/

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

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

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

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

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

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

Joanne G- http://inkyoceangazer.blogspot.com/

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

Join us tomorrow to see the Blog Hop winners!

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog. This week, the theme is "Anything goes."  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 a cat and frog image from Fanyella.  I colored them with Copic markers then cut them out.  For the background I used a Martha Stewart grass punch and a Cuttlebug grass embossing folder. Very simple, yet cute scene!

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 to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. 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 August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 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.)

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

Today we are featuring the "Regal and Proud" stamp set.

For my card, I created an outodoor scene featuring Speedy the Cat.  I stamped the tree, bird, and Speedy, then sponged the scene with Tim Holtz Distress inks. I drew a silver collar onto Speedy.  I stamped the sentiment "Soar with the Eagles" on the lower corner of the card, however it doesn't show up well in the photo.  The papers used are Speedy the Cat Black from Mark's Finest Papers and patterned paper by Basic Grey.  I completed the card by adding swirling pearls and a black ribbon.  The stamps, distress inks, and ribbon are available at Mark's Finest Papers.

August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.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/

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

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lynn - http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

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

Join us tomorrow for our final day of the blog hop!

Crafty Sentiments Digi Challenge Day

We are having a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog.  This week the challenge is to use distressing 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 "Pat with Flowers" digi from Crafty Sentiments.  I paper-pieced Pat's dress, colored her with Copic markers, then added some gems.  I used a floral paper and several other plain color cardstocks.  I honestly don't remember what I did other than sponge them with a variety of different Tim Holtz Distress inks.  That's the fun part of distressing.  You just keep adding ink colors until you are happy with the result.  I ran the tan panel through a Cuttlebug embossing folder and used a border punch on the other panel.  I completed the card by adding a ribbon, charm, and sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers.  

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 to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. 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 August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 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.)

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

Today we are featuring the "Flourished Sea Creatures" stamp set.

For my card, I wanted to create a vintage feel.  I used vintage-style patterned papers by Graphic 45.  I stamped the seahorse then colored it with Copic markers.  I used a Martha Stewart punch on the blue background panel.  I completed the card by adding brads, ribbon, a starfish charm, and half pearl "bubbles."  The stamps, Spellbinders Nestabilities dies, Copic markers, ribbon, and charm are available at Mark's Finest Papers.

 

August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.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/
Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/
Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/
Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/
Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/
Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/ (you are here)
Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/
Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/
Joanne G - http://inkyoceangazer.blogspot.com/
Geri- http://geriscards.blogspot.com/
Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

Join us tomorrow for day 3 of the blog hop!

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 to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. 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 August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 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.)

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

Today we are featuring the Tweet Blessings stamp set.

For my card, I used the birdhouse and one of the sentiments from this set.  I embossed the birdhouse in black then colored it with Tim Holtz Distress inks.  The papers used are Hazelnut Tan from Mark's Finest Papers, Kiwi Kiss from Stampin Up, and Basic Grey's Origins paper pad.  I completed the card by adding a layered flower and ribbons.  The stamps, Hazelnut Tan paper, Tim Holtz inks, and ribbons are all available at Mark's Finest Papers.

August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.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/

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

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join us tomorrow for day 2 of the blog hop!

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. This week, we are having a color challenge: black, green, and red.  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 "love monkey" from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I paper-pieced the monkey then paired it with patterned papers from Basic Grey's Oliver Paper pad.  The monkeys match so well!  I also used Cherry Cobbler paper from Stampin up and a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers.  I added red and black brads to complete the card.

Exciting Design Team News!!

For the past three months, I have had the pleasure of serving on the Speedy's The Cat's Blog Team by Mark's Finest Papers.  My term ended last week, and Faith asked if I would like to join the Senior Design Team.  I accepted, of course!!  What does this mean?  Well, this means that I will be working with all of the Mark's Finest Papers stamp sets and creating even more cards each week.  Additionally, the term for this design team post is indefinite.  Since it's beginning last Fall, Mark's Finest Papers has grown by leaps and bounds, and it continues to grow.  I am so excited to be a part of this super-talented design team and wonderful company!

Fetch The Stick

I made this card for three challenges: Splitcoaststampers WT282 (Stick It), SC292, and Stampin B's #70 (make a card with a dog.)  I used a dog, bone, and sentiment from the "More of Speedy's Friends" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I drew and cut out a small stick, and put it in the doggie's mouth.  I created the doggie's grass with a Martha Stewart punch.  The papers used are Deepest Mahogeny from Mark's Finest Papers and Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers paper pad.  I completed the card by adding a "go fetch" brad and a silver gem collar.   

I Did It Creations Challenge Day

It's time for a new challenge at the I Did It Creations challenge blog. This week, the theme is "Cute, Cute, Cute."  We want to see "cute" 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 card, I used a kitty in a basket digital stamp from JLJ Designs.  The front of the basket has a sentiment, but I chose to cover it up with three small flowers.  To make the patchwork, I cut patterned papers with a 1 1/4 inch square punch, lined them up, then ran them through the Sizzix Top Note die.  The background panel was run through a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  The papers used are Pear Pizzaz from Stampin Up and patterned papers from October Afternoon.  I completed the card by adding a gingham ribbon from Mark's Finest Papers. 

Crafty Sentiments Digis Challenge Day

We are having a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Digi Blog. This week the challenge is to make a tag.  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.

I decided to make a bookmark for this challenge.  I used the new mermaid Pat image from Crafty Sentiments Digis.  I colored Pat with Copic markers then cut her out.  To create the underwater scene, I used stamps from Mark's Finest Papers and a mesh background stamp from Stampin Up.  After creating the scene, I ran it through a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  To complete the card, I added a ribbon, half pearl "bubbles", and a crab made with a Martha Stewart Punch.

Cupcake Birthday

I made this card for a color challenge at the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge Blog.  We were to use: Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Tempting Turquoise.  I wouldn't usually use all these bright colors together, so I though this would be a good "challenge" for me.  In addition to using these colors of card stock, I also used patterned papers from Basic Grey's Sugar Rush Pad.  I paper-pieced the cupcake and cherry with the Basic Grey papers.  The stamps are from the "Cupcake Birthday" set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I used an old sketch (SC75) from Splitcoaststampers for my layout.  I completed the card by adding a small border cut with a Martha Stewart cupcake punch, some dew drops, and gingham ribbon, which coordinates almost perfectly with the Daffodil Delight.

3 Clean and Simple Cards

Just wanted to post a few cards that I recently made.  Each of the cards are considered "clean and simple."  Most of my cards have multiple layers and numerous embellishments.  I am trying to become better at making clean and simple cards.  While they appear to be easier, they often require more thought on my part than the more complex cards.

I made this card for Splitcoaststampers FS182.  It was a case of Alanna.  The stamps used are a sneak peak of the soon-to-be-released "Flourished Sea Creatures" from Mark's Finest Papers.

I made this card for CAS78 at Splitcoaststampers.  We were to make a clean and simple card with polka dots.  I used several polka-dot elements, including paper, texture, ribbon, and hand-drawn dots.  The stamps are from the "Chicken Scratch" set from Mark's Finest Papers.

For this card, I went for the ultimate in clean and simple. I cut out the images with a Sizzix die using several different designer papers.  I glued the images to a black panel on a white card and added a large rhinestone.  Simple, yet beautiful! 

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

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

For my card, I used an image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  Because I used several colorful patterned papers, I decided not to color the guitar.  I think it looks pretty good in black and white.  I used a Stampin up photo corner punch to make the corners.  I completed the card by adding glittery brads and a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers.