Naughty Kitty

I made this card for my October design team requirement for Purrs and Pants.  The kitty image and the sentiment are from Purrs and Pants.  I know all about cats getting into the toilet paper!  My cat Snowball shreds toilet paper whenever he can get his paws on it.  I stamped the kitty and colored it with Copic markers.  The papers used are Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral, and patterned papers by the Echo Park Paper Company.  I completed the card by adding a ribbon and paper piercing around the edges.  This is my last design team card for Purrs and Pants, as my six-month term has come to an end.  I have enjoyed working with their whimsical cat images and sentiments for the past six months. 

Bells on Bobtail

For this card, I used the soon-to-be-released "Bells on Bobtail" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I think the sleigh and horse image lends itself well to a clean and simple look.  To qualify for OLW26, the card has just one layer.  I stamped the image and sentiments onto white card stock then added a gingham ribbon by Mark's Finest Papers. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

1. CAS90 Splitcoaststampers- use gingham and/or checks

2.  Speedy the Cat's Friends- holiday card

3.  One Layer Wednesday (OLW26)- black, red, and white

Cat and Mouse

I made this card for color challenge 294 (CC294) at Splitcoaststampers.  We were to use Baja Breeze, Brushing Bride, and Crumb Cake.  We were also encouraged to use pearls on our project.  For my card, I used a recently-release cat and mouse image and sentiment from the Doodle Pantry.  I colored the cat and mouse with Copic markers then used Nestabiliites dies to frame them. The papers used are Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, and retired SU designer paper that includes Crumb Cake and Baja Breeze.  The Blushing Bride panel was cut with my new Martha Stewart corner and border punches.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment, half pearls, and Baja Breeze ribbon. 

Shaggy Cat

I made this card for Sketch Challenge 304 (SC304) at Splitcoaststampers.  The "Shaggy Kitty" is from Doodle Pantry.  I colored the kitty with Copic markers then added a small gemstone to her collar.  I decided to keep the card simple and only added a piece of Kiwi Kiss ribbon as an embellishment.  The papers used are Kiwi Kiss and patterned papers from the Echo Park Paper Co.  Anyone who knows me, knows I love making kitty cards! 

Crafty Sentiments Challenge Day

Today there is a new challenge at the Crafty Sentiments Challenge Blog.  Today's challenge is to make a male card. Head over to the blog to view the details of the challenge. While you are there, be sure to check out the beautiful projects made by my fellow design team members.

For my card, I used the new "Mike" stamp from Crafty Sentiments.  The papers used are Crumb Cake from Stampin Up and patterned papers from K & Co.  The oval panel behind Mike was cut with a Spellbinders die then embossed with a Tim Holtz embossing folder.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers and a glitter snowflake to the center of Mike's package.

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog. This week we would like you to use sparkle or glitter 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 a hot chocolate image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I used several elements of sparkle: rhinestones, silver Stickles, and sparkly ribbon.  I don't often use a lot of sparkle on my cards throughout the year, but when making winter and Christmas cards, I find myself using glitter or sparkle quite often.  I used a winter-themed Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background.  The papers used are white, Marina Mist from Stampin Up, and Yum Yum's Blue Eyes from Mark's Finest Papers.  

This is my last week of serving on the Craft Your Passion design team.  I began the design team six months ago when Lauretta and Corrine started the challenge blog.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the team for the past six months.  I have decided to step down at the end of my term, as I have just started a new job and I have several other design team commitments.  I will continue to follow the blog and play along when I can.  Thanks Lauretta, Corrine, and the team members! 

Crafty Sentiments Blog Hop

We are having a blog hop at Crafty Sentiments to celebrate the release of four new Winter stamps, as well as several new digital paper designs.  The hop starts today and ends Saturday, October 23.  One lucky winner will win two of the newly-released stamps.  Head over to the challenge blog to read about the details and to start the hop.

For this project, I decorated a small gift box I recycled from a local cupcake bakery.  I used the new "Amy with Letter" image from Crafty Sentiments.  I decorated the top and each side of the box with a white panel that was embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder and cut out with a Spellbinders die.  I used a Sizzix die to cut the large snowflake and Martha Stewart punches for the smaller snowflakes.  I completed the box by adding a sentiment and a bow on the top.

This is a four-panel sign I made that can be placed on a table or mantle during the holiday season.  The pendant shapes and letters were cut with Accucut dies.  The images used are "Mike" and "Christmas Amy" from Crafty Sentiments.  To complete the decoration I added a few snowflakes and a snowflake border. 

Your next stop on the hop is Jac.

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: purple, black, and orange. 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 spooky tree image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I printed the image then colored it with Copic markers.  I used Martha Stewart punches to create the ghost frame and the spooky fence.  The papers used are white, black, Pumpkin Pie, and Concord Crush from Stampin Up.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers, a ribbon, a witch made from a Martha Stewart punch.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  Aly's Sunday Sketch- Halloween

2.  2 Sister Challenge- Halloween

3.  Bee Crafty- Halloween

4.  One Stop Craft Challenge- Halloween

5.  Stampin for The Weekend- Halloween/fall

6.  Stamp Something- Halloween

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 4

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country

For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today, we are featuring the "Snowman Country" stamp set.

For this candle, I stamped and masked the tree and snowman onto tissue paper.  I colored the images with Copic markers then cut it out close to the edge.  I used my heat gun to "melt" the image onto the candle.  Very easy, yet pretty effect!  These candles would be great to give to teachers, friends, and family.

For this card, I used a Cuttlebug winter scene embossing folder for the main panel.  The base of the card is Bang Up Blue from Mark's Finest Papers.  I stamped the snowman, colored him with Copics, added a small amount of glitter, then added him to the winter scene.  I completed the card by adding the sentiment, a few rhinestones, and a rhinestone snowflake from the Michael's $1 bin.  This style of card would be fast and easy to "mass-produce" for friends, co-workers, and family.

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/

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

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to check the MFP blog tomorrow to see the blog hop winners!

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 3

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country

For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today, we are featuring the "Thankful For You" stamp set.

For my card, I used one of the sentiments and the pilgrim girl from the "Thankful For You" stamp set.  I just love this pilgrim stamp!  The papers used are Hazelnut Tan from Mark's Finest Papers, Cajun Craze from Stampin up, and Basic Grey's Ambrosia paper pad.  I used Martha Stewart punches to create the border and the fence.  I completed the card by stamping the sentiment and adding a ribbon from Mark's Finest Papers.

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/

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/

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

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

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

Join us tomorrow for the fourth and final day of the Blog Hop!

Crafty Sentiments Challenge Day

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

When I first read of this challenge of using only white except for the image, I couldn't image what I was going to make.  Well, embossing folders lend themself very well to this challenge.  I used a Cuttlebug holiday words embossing folder as the main layer of my card.  I stamped the sweet "Daisy" from Crafty Sentiments, colored her Copic markers, then framed her with white ovals.  I completed the card by adding a white ribbon and white glitterly half pearls.  I really like the look this technique creates! 

Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop- Day 2

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country

For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today, we are featuring the "A Walk In The Woods" and "Greetings of the Seasons" stamp sets.

For this card, I used one of the trees and sentiments from the "A Walk in the Woods" stamp set.  I inked the tree in Versamark then embossed it with white embossing powder.  The papers used are Hazelnut Tan, Scarlett Red, and Seeds of Thyme from Mark's Finest Papers.  I ran the tan piece through a Cuttlebug holiday embossing folder.  I completed the card by adding a few silver half pearls, three small red flowers, and a few sprigs of greenery cut with a Martha Stewart punch.

For this card, I used the cardinal and one of the sentiments from the "Greetings of the Season" stamp set.  This is such a beautiful and versatile cardinal stamp.  I wanted to color a female cardinal, as I needed another color to balance out all of the red in the papers.  I colored the cardinal with Copic markers then placed it on a frame made with a Spellbinders Pendant die and a small piece of designer paper.  The papers used are Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke from Stampin Up and holiday patterned paper from Bo Bunny.  I completed the card by adding a ribbon, half pearls, and a snow-flake punched border. 

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.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

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country

For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Today, we are featuring the "Seasonal Poinsettias" and "Time To Chill" stamp sets.

For my card, I used the wreath and one of the sentiments from the "Seasonal Poinsettias" set.  I stamped the wreath in black ink then colored it with Copic markers.  The papers used are white, Scarlett Red and Speedy the Cat Black from Mark's Finest Papers. I ran the white panel through a "Merry Christmas" Sizzix embossing folder.  To complete the card I added flocked red brads and a wide-striped ribbon from Stampin Up.

For this project, I decorated a candle with the large poinsettia stamp from the "Seasonal Poinsettias" set.  I stamped the flower onto tissue paper then colored it with Copic markers.  I cut around the flower then placed it on the candle.  I slowly "melted" the image onto the candle with my heat gun.  I added some micro-glass beads to the center of the flower to finish it off.  I plan to make more of these candles to give to co-workers, teachers, and others for Christmas gifts. 

I made this card with several of the stamps from the "Time to Chill" stamp set.  I wanted to create and masculine and "woodsy" feel, so I used a plaid patterned paper and zig-zag stitching, along with the deer.  I colored this noble buck with Copic markers then placed him on a frame made with Nestabilites dies.  The papers used are Scarlett Red and Seeds of Thyme from Mark's Finest Papers and Basic Grey's Jovial paper pad, also available at MFP.  I completed the card adding the sentiment, stamped snowflakes, and large red bow.

Head over to the Mark's Finest Papers Blog for the links to the other design team members.  Be sure to join us again 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 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.

I made this card with the scarecrow image from Cocodingo Digital Stamps.  I love making fall cards and this was no exception.  I colored the scarecrow with Copic markers then used Tim Holtz distress inks to make the sun.  The papers used are Hazelnut Tan and Desert Sand from Mark's Finest Papers, Dusty Durango from Stampin Up, and patterned paper from Graphic 45.  I ran the orange paper through a Cuttlebug embossing folder and used a Martha Stewart fence punch on the tan piece.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers and three Prima leaves.

Caroling Sheep

I made this card with the recently released "Holiday Sheep" image from the Doodle Pantry.  Isn't he a sweet little caroling sheep?  I used sketch 301 (SC301) from Splitcoaststampers for my layout.  I used the colors from HSSCS36 at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  I used Pear Pizazz, Early Expressso, and Real Red card stock.  I colored the caroling book a color very similar to Pacific Point.  The patterned papers are from Basic Grey's Jovial paper pad.  Although the card is a little "busy", I thought the sheep looks cute paired with all the snowmen. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  SC301 Splitcoaststampers

2.  HSSCS36 Hand Stamped Sentiments- color challenge

3.  Bah! Humbug!- Christmas cuties

4.  Stamp Something- something punchy

5.  Delightful Challenges- red, white, and green

6.  Glitterbabe- anything goes with sparkle (I used white glitter gems)

Crafty Sentiments Challenge Day

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

For my card, I used a sweet stamp called "The Bride" from Crafty Sentiments.  I paper-pieced the dress then colored the girl with Copic markers.  I love the effect you get with paper-piercing.  For my fall colors, I used Basic Grey's Indian Summer patterned papers.  I paired them with Early Expresso and Blushing Bride, two of Stampin Up's new card stock colors.  I completed the card by adding half pearls, a ribbon, and stick pin.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  Fresh Brewed Designs- girly

2.  Paper Sundaes- something from your stash (I took the stick pin from my stash.)

Clearly Delightful Challenge by the Doodle Pantry

Today is the start of a new Clearly Delightful Challenge by the Doodle Pantry.  For this challenge, we would like you to use a Doodle Pantry image and ribbon on your card or creation.  Head over to the challenge blog for more details about the new digital releases and challenge details.

Here is one of the new digital sets that is now available at the Doodle Pantry: "Agapanthus"

Here is the card I made with this beautiful set:

I wanted to go for a bold look with this card, so I used bold colors and a bold bow!  The papers are Bang Up Blue and Speedy the Cat's Black from Mark's Finest Papers.  The wide black and white striped ribbon is from Stampin Up.  I printed the agapanthus flower and colored it with Copic markers.  I added a small amount of glitter to some of the flower centers.  I ran the blue panel through a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I completed the card by adding the sentiment and white half pearls.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  Karber Weekly Challenge- use a digital image

2.  Stamps R Us- all nature theme

3.  Stampin Sisters in Christ- nature

4.  Pixie Dust Studio- swirls

Digital Tuesday Guest Designer

Today, I am the guest designer for the Digital Two for Tuesday blog.  Each week this site features two free vintage downloads.  Here are the two cards I made for this week.

For my first card, I made a clean and simple card. I thought this house image

would be perfect for "we've moved" cards. I simply printed the image, cut it

out with an oval Nestabilities die, then mounted it on a black oval shape. For

the base of the card, I ran it through a embossing folder from Stampin Up. I

completed the card by adding a computer-generated sentiment and a few black

rhinestones. These "we've moved" cards would be fast and easy to

"mass-produce."

 For this card I wanted to create a holiday/winter scene. I printed the house,

colored it with Copic markers, then used Tim Holtz distress inks to distress the

edges. To create the winter feel, I added Flower Soft snow to the roof, bushes,

and trees. The papers used are Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Deck the

Halls DSP by Stampin Up. I cut out the green panel with a Nestabilites die then

ran it through a Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder. I completed the card by

adding a ribbon, snowflake charm, sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers.

Kitty Broom Rides

I made this card for CAS87 at Splitcoaststampers.  We were challenged to use a Faux Letterpress technique.  I inked one side of a Cuttlebug haunted house embossing folder with a brayer then embossed onto a white piece of paper.  This embossing folder lends itself very well to this technique.  The stamps are from the "Broom Rides" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I also used Martha Stewart cat and fence punches.  Notice how one of the cat's is riding on the broom and the other one is patiently waiting on the fence for his ride. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  Crafty Pad- spooky

2.  I Did It Creations- spooky

3.  One Stitch at a Time- Halloween

4.  Baby Bud Designs- Fall/Halloween

Craft Your Passion Challenge Day

Today there is another challenge over at the Craft Your Passion Challenge blog.   This week we would like you to use crinkled paper on your card or 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 penguin image from Lauretta's Digital Stamps.  I embossed the back panel with a Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder then rubbed white ink across it.  For the snow mounds, I tore and crumpled white paper then added Flower Soft snow to the upper edges.  I completed the card by adding a sentiment by Hero Arts, a bow, and three small dew drops.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  Cow Girls Sunday- anything goes

2.  Christmas Blog Challenge- male Christmas card

3.  Charisma Cardz- Christmas crafting

4.  Creative Inspirations- Christmas in September

Fuzzy Penguin

I made this card for sketch challenge 300 (SC300) at Splitcoaststampers.  The sentiment and cute penguin are from the Doodle Pantry.  I decided to keep this layout simple by just using layered panels of Marina Mist, black, and white card stock. I embossed the white panels with a Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder.  I colored the penguin with Copic markers and cut out the sentiment with an oval punch.  I completed the card by adding black half pearls.  I think this penguin is just as sweet as can be. 

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  Stamptacular Sunday Challenge- layer it on

2.  2 Sisters Challenge Blog- animal fun

2.  Sew Many Challenges- anything goes

4.  Fab N Funky Challenges- black, white, and one other color

Fall Mum

I made this card with a mum and sentiment from the "Thankful Mums and Pumpkin" stamp set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I used sketch SC300 from Splitcoaststampers.  Splitcoaststampers is celebrating their 300th sketch challenge this week and giving away prizes.  I colored the mum with Copic markers.  The awesome patterned paper is from Crate Paper.  I paired it with More Mustard from Stampin Up and Desert Sand and Corn Husk from Mark's Finest Papers.  I added a button and bow so that it would qualify for Speedy's Friends #23- buttons and bows.  I am also entering this in IC252 at Splitcoaststampers, as I was inspired by one of the wallpapers that were posted.