Monday, June 30, 2014

Muse Guest Designer


Good morning!  I'm thrilled to be here today as a Guest Designer over at Muse!  It's a super challenge with a small but seriously talented Design Team.  If you haven't checked out the blogs of the DT members then you must - you'll find no end of inspiration!  

Once I'd decided on my design this card came together quite quickly as it's pretty much all die cuts.  That Memory Box palm is quickly becoming a favourite of mine especially when I need Bermuda themed cards. :)  Anyway enough of that - it's time for you to get creating!  I'm so excited to see how this inspired you!


For those of you who may not have played along before here are the basics straight form the Muse blog:

Here are the 3 simple rules:

Use the Muse card as inspiration, explain your interpretation and link back to Muse.

Provide supportive comments to at least 3 of your fellow members' submissions.

Vote for 3 of your fellow members' submissions that you find inspiring.

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzil, (So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, Soft Sky, Soft Suede) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Hello from Swirly Twirly Tags) Neat & Tangled
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Punch:  (3" circle) Marvy Uchida
Dies:  (Sun) Lil' Inker Designs, (Swaying Palm) Memory Box, (Small scallop border) Papertrey Ink

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Hey Sweets



Hi there!  Today I'm playing along with the Anything Goes challenge over at Seize the Birthday.  No ready made embellishments from me today but I did get a little crazy with the patterned paper on this one!  I paired Neat & Tangled and Altenew stamps with some fun Crate Paper patterns.  I've definitely stepped outside of my CAS comfort zone this week but it's been fun and I've used up some stash which always makes me feel good.  And it frees up room for more stash but we'll not go there…  :)




Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill
Patterned Paper:  Crate Paper
Stamps:  (Cupcake & speech bubble from Sketchy Cupcake) Neat & Tangled, (Celebrate) Altenew
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Birthday Bouquet



I recently discovered a new (to me) sketch challenge aptly named The Challenge, hosted by Lesley Croghan of Always Playing with Paper.  The current sketch worked perfectly with my continuing efforts to use up ready made embellishments.  I dressed up this chipboard bouquet with some twine and some Stickles to give it a little more pizzazz and paired it with some fun patterned paper.  Easy peasy!  Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!








Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (Kraft) Papertrey Ink, (Basic Black) Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper:  (Lakeside 6x6) Pebbles
Stamps:  (Happy from Happy Everything) Lawn Fawn
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Die:  (Birthday) Papertrey Ink
Twine:  (Pink Sorbet) The Twinery
Glitter:  (Star Dust Stickles) Ranger
Chipboard:  Pebbles

Friday, June 27, 2014

Flower Friends



Hello again!  When I was in the Craft Cave earlier this week I decided to make a concerted effort to use up some of the ready made embellishments I've hoarded accumulated over the years.  Somehow they seemed to make me a little braver in the busyness department so you'll see some decidedly un-CAS creations for the next few days.  For this card I used the current Paper Players sketch and a flower from Me & My Big Ideas (which is fabulously sparkly in real life!).  I added a few gems to the flowers in the sentiment to really make it pop.  Hope you all have a lovely day!





Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill
Patterned Paper:  (Snippets 6x6) Studio Calico
Stamps:  (Sentiment from Hello Friend) Lawn Fawn
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Dies:  (Flag Tags) Paper Smooches, (Double-Ended Banners) Papertrey Ink
Sticker:  (Soft Spoken embellishments) Me & My Big Ideas

Thursday, June 26, 2014

CAS(E) This Sketch #82


Welcome to Week 82 of CAS(E) This Sketch!  Take a look at this week's sketch by N@ Ali:


While I'm excited to share today's sketch with you I'm sad to say that this will be my last design as part of the CAS(E) This Sketch team.  I've been struggling for a while to keep up with my duties as a team member and I feel that if I can't fulfill my role properly then I need to step down.  I'm so grateful to have been part of such a wonderful and talented group of gals.  If it wasn't for joining this team then I'd probably still be terrified of sketches but they don't scare me anymore!  LOL!  I dedicate this card to the fabulous DT and especially to Chrissy Larson for being a fantastic leader and all around cool chick!

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (Real Red, Bashful Blue, Tempting Turquoise) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Whale & fantastic from Briny Blue, You're from Surf and Turf) Paper Smooches
Inks:  (VersaMark, VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Embossing Powder:  (Clear) Ranger
Dies:  (Die-Namics Catch a Wave) My Favourite Things, (Speech bubble) Xcut, (Heart from Holiday Shapes) Simon Says Stamp

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

A Little Bit Naughty...

***This is my second post for the day.  For my blog candy winner please scroll down or 



Good morning!  Today I'm sharing a card for the For The Men challenge at Naughty or Nice.  This card was inspired by a t-shirt my brother had.  The best part about the shirt was that mom didn't get it at all.  She even commented on the "lovely scene" depicted on it! When we finally stopped laughing and explained it to her she just rolled her eyes and sighed, "I should have known it was something like that."  So glad my mom is so easy going!  






Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Old Olive, Soft Suede) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Lake, trees & sun from Happy Camper) Avery Elle, (Letters from Smitty's ABCs) Lawn Fawn
Inks:  (VersaMark, VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko, (Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Always Artichoke, Tempting Turquoise) Stampin' Up
Die:  (Stitched polaroid) Lil' Inker

Blog Candy Winner

Hi there!  Just popping in quickly with the winner of my blog candy from CASology's 100th challenge celebration!

After adjusting for teammates and multiple entries the winner is Lisa of Lisa's Creative Niche!

Congrats, Lisa!  Please send your email to LilJen1 at northrock dot bm and I'll get your prize sent out to you!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

CASology #101


Welcome to Week 101 of CASology!  Take a look at the cue word for this week:


I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who participated in last week's challenge.  It was such a great way to celebrate and there were so many gorgeous entries - you guys rock!  This week I had to make a second card as my first one wasn't quite CAS enough (you can see it tomorrow).  After pondering a few ideas I finally settled on a good old fashioned pencil.  Perfect time of year for this one with schools letting out for summer - I know someone will need this!  Now it's time to check out all the gorgeousness from the rest of the Design Team and then get to work on your own card!    



Link your creations to the CASology blog and remember that the deadline for entries is Monday at noon (CST).

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, Brushed Silver) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Pencil and sentiment from Smarty Pants) Paper Smooches
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Punch:  (1/16" hole punch) McGill

Monday, June 23, 2014

Best Wishes




Hi there!  I'm just popping in quickly with an entry for the latest Colour Throwdown challenge which closes in a few hours.  I love the colours this week and I took my design inspiration directly from the photo.  Isn't that a gorgeous cake?  Way too pretty to eat.  Guess I'd have to close my eyes while I dug in!  LOL!  Anyway must dash but I'll be back tomorrow.  Have a lovely evening!





Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Daffodil Delight, Bermuda Bay, Smokey Slate) Stampin' Up
Stamp:  (Sentiment from Everyday Gretings) Mama Elephant
Inks:  (VersaFine) Tsukineko
Dies:  (Die-Namics Flower Trio) My Favourite Things, (Loopy Leaf) Paper Smooches, (Small flower) CAS-ual Fridays
Punches:  (1/8" & 1/4" hole punches) McGill
Other:  Glossy Accents

CASology DT Feature


Hi there!  It's my turn to be featured on the CASology blog today as part of our 100th challenge celebration.  I hope you've all played along with us and our cue word Celebrate!  

I'm so proud to be a part of such an amazing design team.  It's a fabulous group of gals who are super supportive and seriously funny.  Love you, ladies!

I'm sharing a quick card that I made using random die cuts that have been sitting on my desk for ages.  Instead of decorating my trashcan they're providing a bright an cheerful hello!

I've got some blog candy to give away as part of our celebration.  Just tell me your current favourite product and I'll pick a winner!  You have until 10am EDT tomorrow!



Thursday, June 19, 2014

CAS(E) This Sketch #81


Welcome to Week 81 of CAS(E) This Sketch!  This week we're teaming up with Fusion for a joint challenge! We hope that our joint challenge will inspire you to play along with both challenges this week.  Just a note for all of you, to play in the Fusion challenge you do not necessarily have to use the sketch but to link it up to our CAS(E) this Sketch challenge, you will have to use the sketch.  We hope to see tons of cards using the sketch and the inspiration photo (good for both challenges) but you are welcome to only use the sketch (good for both challenges) or only use the picture (Fusion challenge only).  We'll leave that up to you.  We are just excited to have you join us both!


Aren't the Fusion photo and the CTS sketch so perfect for each other?  I took my inspiration from the gold butterfly and the white linens.  I know there's no blue in the Fusion photo but I knew I wanted my butterfly and vellum flag to really pop and I just felt like a dark blue was the way to go.  That's the beauty of all these challenges - they're really just staring points to get your minds whirling.  And I can't wait to see where your minds whirl this week!  Be sure and check out all the gorgeous design team cards both at CAS(E) This Sketch and Fusion and then play along!

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (Midnight Muse, Brushed Gold) Stampin' Up
Stamp:  (Sentiment from Sohcahtoa) Altenew
Inks:  (VersaMark) Tsukineko
Embossing Powder:  (Super Fine White) Wow
Dies:  (Butterfly) Papertrey Ink, (Flag) Paper Smooches
Gems:  Recollections

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

CASology #100!!


Welcome to Week 100 of CASology!  Take a look at the cue word for this week:


It's a wholly appropriate word given that this is our 100th challenge!  Whoop whoop!  Big congrats to Melissa for turning her fantastic idea into such a roaring success!  I'm honored to have had the pleasure of working with her and such an amazing design team and I'm thrilled to have discovered so many talented designers along the way.  And I hope to discover more this week!  Check out the awesome designs from the rest of the DT and then play along!  



And this week's guest designer:

Link your creations to the CASology blog and remember that the deadline for entries is Monday at noon (CST).

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise) Stampin' Up
Stamp:  (Sentiment from Super Script) Altenew
Inks:  (VersaMark, VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Embossing Powder:  (Clear) Ranger
Dies:  (Balloons & string) Lil' Inker

Monday, June 16, 2014

Fusion Friend

***This is my third post for the day.  For my Colour Throwdown post please scroll down or click here!***


Hi again!  I've got a two for one challenge here today.  I'm playing along with the Fusion challenge and also Darnell's NBUS challenge.  I love the rainbow of colours in the Fusion photo - so very yummy! They were my main inspiration for my card (although there's also a slight nod to the sketch).  I used my circle scribbles dies for the first time here which are my NBUS.  I then inked the sentiment in coordinating ink colours and spritzed them with some water before stamping.  I used regular white cardstock instead of watercolor paper and I kind of like the marbled effect it gave to the ink.  Okay, that's it for me today. I'll see you tomorrow!

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Sentiment from Super Script) Altenew
Inks:  (Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black) Stampin' Up
Dies:  (Small scribble circle) Papertrey Ink
Gems:  Recollections

CASology 100th Cue Card Celebration - Day 3

We're on Day 3 of our "Meet the DT" part of CASology's big 100th Cue Card party! Have you been enjoying it so far?

You have until Tuesday morning at 9 am EDT to leave a comment with your guess as to what our 100th Cue Card will be. If you win, you will be our Guest Designer for the month of July!



Also, each day, at 11 am EDT, one of the DT members will be featured at CASology (today is Tracey). Once you've had a chance to get to know each designer better, head over to their personal blogs within 24 hours to leave a comment for a chance at some blog candy!

There's more information at CASology - go check it out!

Dusting Off Some Oldies


Good morning!  I'm back with another card I made yesterday.  This one uses the colours from the latest Colour Throwdown challenge.  I used some neglected PTI stamps and dies - ones that I HAD to have when I first started crafting!  LOL!  I'm pretty sure that I was mostly in love with the clouds but the balloons are pretty cute too.  :)  I also used the stitched border dies from Mama Elephant to make some rolling hills - love those!  Hope your Monday is going well and I'll be back later with another card!


Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Lucky Limeade, Bashful Blue) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Balloons & clouds from Up, Up & Away,  Sentiment from Up, Up & Away Sentiments) Papertrey Ink
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko, (Fresh Snow) Papertrey Ink
Dies:  (Balloons) Papertrey Ink, (Hills) Mama Elephant
Markers:  (Stampin' Write Pink Pirouette, Regal Roase, Lucky Limeade) Stampin' Up

Sunday, June 15, 2014

The Right Stuff!


Hi there!  Sorry it's been so quiet around here but the extra work shifts have been keeping me busy and I have another week of them to go.  Today though I managed to steal a few hours to play in the Craft Cave.  I got some DT and special order cards done and even found a time to play along with some challenges.  Whoop whoop!  This card is for the current challenge over at Little Tangles.  I was inspired by the colours - those of the flip flops and the background.  I used some Copics on this lovely bird and perched him on an upside down tag.  

The other reason I've been quiet is because I was a little distracted last weekend.  I was a huge New Kids on the Block fan when I was a kid and the latest NKOTB cruise made a stop in Bermuda last Saturday.  I was there to greet the boat with a 3' x 6' sign saying "Danny!  I've waited 25 years to meet you!"  I waited on that dock from 7am until 3:30pm when Danny came off the boat solely to talk to me.  He gave me an autograph, took some pictures and promised me tickets for a future show before heading back onboard.  Whoop whoop!  I was a very happy (and extremely sunburnt) camper.  :)  I'll let you know if the ticket thing pans out…





Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Kraft) Papertrey Ink
Stamps:  (Bird from My Heart Sings, Tag fromSwirly Twirly Tags, Sentiment from Just Thinking of You) Neat & Tangled
Inks:  ( VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko, (Real Red) Stampin' Up
Markers:  (R27, R35, Y02, Y08, YG06, YG11, B02, B05) Copic

CASology 100th Cue Card Celebration - Day 2

We're on Day 2 of our "Meet the DT" part of CASology's big 100th Cue Card party! But you're the ones getting the gifts!

The first way to win is to go to CASology and leave a comment with your guess as to what our 100th Cue Card will be. If you win, you will be our Guest Designer for the month of July!


The big reveal for this part of the prizes will be at our normal challenge time, Tuesday at 9 am EDT.

Also, each day, at 11 am EDT, one of the DT members will be featured at CASology (today is Kimberly). Once you've had a chance to get to know each designer better, head over to their personal blogs within 24 hours to leave a comment for a chance at some blog candy!

There's more information at CASology - go check it out!

Saturday, June 14, 2014

CASOLOGY

Have you heard? There's a big event going on at CASology! We're coming up to our 100th Cue Card and we're dying to mark this happy occasion with you! And there's PRIZES!

The first way to win is to go to CASology and leave a comment with your guess as to what our 100th Cue Card will be. If you win, you will be our Guest Designer for the month of July!


The big reveal will be at our normal challenge time, Tuesday at 9 am EDT.

Also, each day, at 11 am EDT, one of the DT members will be featured at CASology (today is Melissa). Once you've had a chance to get to know each designer better, head over to their personal blogs within 24 hours to leave a comment for a chance at some blog candy! That's 10 (count 'em!) chances to win!

There's more information at CASology - go check it out! 

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

CASology #99


Welcome to Week 99 of CASology!  Take a look at the cue word for this week:


When I was in Boston last fall I found these fun retro stickers at Dick Blick.  They've been waiting patiently for some action and this week's cue word gave me the perfect excuse to use one of them.  I paired it with some Lil' Inker sentiments from their super cute anniversary set called It's Today, Right?  Quick, simple and fun! Now it's your turn.  Check out the rest of the awesome designs from the design team and then get creating!



Link your creations to the CASology blog and remember that the deadline for entries is Monday at noon (CST).

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Kraft) Papertrey Ink
Stamps:  (Sentiment from It's Today, Right?) Lil' Inker Designs
Inks:  ( VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Sticker:  (Retro Vintage Stickers) Cavalli & Co

Friday, June 6, 2014

Wanna Sketch Hello



More new PTI goodness!  How yummy are these new butterfly dies?  I love them!! I haven't tried the stamp version of them yet but I'll get there.  :)  This card is pretty unusual for me - no stamping and a whole lot of patterned paper!  I used the sketch from Lisa Arana's Wanna Sketch? challenge.  I cut out a second Hello speech bubble from another piece of patterned paper and popped it up on foam tape to emphasize it as the sentiment.  A bright and happy hello greeting!  Hope you all have a bright and happy weekend!




Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill
Patterned Paper:  (My Girl) American Crafts
Dies:  (Butterflies fromLife is Beautiful) Papertrey Ink
Gems:  Recollections

Thursday, June 5, 2014

CAS(E) This Sketch #79


Welcome to Week 79 of CAS(E) This Sketch!  Take a look at this week's sketch by Chrissy Larson:


I broke out another of my new PTI dies for this week's card and used the inlaid die technique.  I needed some help with colours so I turned to the ColourQ challenge for some inspiration.  It's a great masculine palette and now that I'm looking at it I'm thinking I should have used "Father's Day" instead of "birthday" for the sentiment.  Guess I'll have to make a few more...


Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Birthday from Super Script) Altenew
Inks:  ( Tangerine Tango) Stampin' Up
Die:  (Happy) Papertrey Ink

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

CASology #98


Welcome to Week 98 of CASology!  Take a look at the cue word for this week:


This was a tough card to get a picture of and, even now, what is a spray of shine in real life looks a bit like a blob of colour here.  However, it is what it is.  I'm still getting the hang of those mists but I' having fun playing with them in the mean time.  I can't wait to see how your cards shine this week!  Check out the always amazing inspiration front he design team and then play along!



And this week's guest designer:


Link your creations to the CASology blog and remember that the deadline for entries is Monday at noon (CST).