Pre-Hurricane Card

Hi there!

I've got a card today for the CAS(E) This Sketch challenge using some Woodware stamps that I've had forever.  They're coloured with Copics, fussy cut and popped up on foam tape.  Nice and simple!

I figured I'd get this card in before Hurricane Humberto arrives.  Overnight he got upgraded to a Cat 3 but at the moment there's not supposed to be a direct hit - he should pass to our northeast.  Still pretty close though so cross your fingers for us!  

Here's a couple of photos from last evening when I took Chica for her walk:

Chica was unfazed by the weather - she was too busy making a new friend:

Supplies Used:

Cardstock:  (White) Papertrey Ink, (Textured White, textured red) Bazzill

Stamps:  (Tree, star, sentiment from various sets) Woodware

Inks:  (VersaMark, Memento Tuxedo Black) Tsukineko

Embossing Powder:  (Opaque Bright White Super Fine) Wow

Markers:  (R27, Y15, G14, E35) Copic

Glitter:  (Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss) Tonic

Other:  (Nuvo Red Berry Crystal Drops) Tonic, (Glossy Accents) Ranger

Festive Gifts

It felt so good to be back in the Craft Cave today after another unplanned break.  Wednesday and Thursday I was in bed with a migraine.  My own fault really as I had recently told someone I hadn't had a bad one in ages.  And this was a bad one.  I haven't had a headache free day since but at least they're minor enough that I can function.  I even managed to spend half the day outside with Luis yesterday clearing more trees.  

Anyway today's card is for two challenges.  I used the sketch from the Fusion challenge and the photo inspiration from Festive Friday.  I was inspired by the gifts and the reds.  I used some Fancy Pants paper to paper piece the Woodware gifts and added a Sweet Stamp Shop sentiment. And that's it for today!  See you tomorrow!

Card Supplies
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill

Patterned Paper:  (Happy Holidays) Fancy PantsStamps:  (Gifts) Woodware, (Sentiment from Holiday Seniments) Sweet Stamp Shop
Ink:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko, (Cherry Cobbler) Stampin' Up
Gems:  Recollections   

CAS(E) This Sketch #41

Welcome to Week 41 of CAS(E) This Sketch!  Take a look at this week's sketch by Chrissy Larson:

I used the colours from this week's Paper Players challenge to help me out with my sketch this week. I don't have the new Stampin' Up In Colours yet so I found some relatively close substitutes.  I also pulled out this old Woodware Pop Flower punch that I've had for ages.  Love the funky retro look of it!  I also love to see what you guys come up with when you play along so hop over to the CAS(E) This Sketch blog, check out the DT inspiration and then join in the fun!

Supplies Used:

Cardstock:  (White, Dark Pink) Bazzill, (Pear Pizzazz) Stampin' Up, (Melon Berry) Paertrey Ink

Stamps:  (Sentiment from Grand Greetings) Lawn Fawn

Ink:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko

Die:  (Nesties Labels 14) Spellbinders

Punch:  (2" Pop Flower) Woodware Craft Collection, (3/4' circle) Marvy Uchida, 5/16" hole punch) McGill

Gems:  (Limeade assortment) Doodlebug, (Pearls) Recollections

Fusion Throwdown

Whew!  I crept in with seconds to spare on this challenge! This card uses the colours from The Colour Throwdown and the sketch from the Fusion challenge.  The Throwdown colours matched this Pebbles paper perfectly so I had to use it.  I'm usually not so good at working patterned paper into colour challenges so I'm feeling pretty chuffed about it.  Sorry to be short but there's dinner to be made so I'm off.  Have a good evening!

Supplies Used:

Cardstock:  (Kraft) Papertrey Ink,  (Daffodil Delight, Pool Party) Stampin' Up, (Green) DCWV, (Blue) Paperbilities

Patterned Paper:  (Family Ties) Pebbles

Stamp:  (Sentiment from Big & Bold Wishes) Papertrey Ink

Ink:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko

Dies:  (Nesties Classic Squares Large) Spellbinders, (Turning A New Leaf) Papertrey Ink

Punches:  (1", 1 1/2" & 2" flowers) Woodware Craft Collection, (1/4" hole punch) McGill

Gem:  (Swimming Pool assortment) Doodlebug

Thinking of Branches

Last Minute Lucy strikes again!  Scooting in with about 10 minutes to spare for this week's Colour Throwdown challenge.  I broke out some new (to me) Memory Box dies and paired them with an old Woodware flower punch.  Sticking down all those tiny leaves was rather tedious but I like the end result - simple and pretty!

Supplies Used:

Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Blushing Bride, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip) Stampin' Up

Stamp:  (Sentiment from Simple Salutations) Market Street Stamps

Ink:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko

Dies:  (Grove Branch, Grove Leaves) Memory Box

Punch:  (Flower) Woodware Craft Collection

Gems:  (Cupcake assortment) Doodlebug

Sending Flowery Love

***This is my second post today.  for my ColourQ/Inkspirational post please scroll dow on click here!***

Hello again!  Yes, a second post from me today as I'm trying to make the deadline for the Colour Throwdown. Another tricky colour combo -  pink and orange always trip me up when they're put together!  I used the sketch from RetroSketches to get my brain moving and went very literal with it.  I ended up pulling out some old Woodware Craft Collection Daisy punches - some of the first I ever bought!  I layered them and then punched circles for the centers.  Simple but effective!

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake) Stampin' Up

Stamp:  (Sentiment from Grand Greetings) Lawn Fawn

Inks:  (VersaMark) Tsukineko

Embossing Powder:  (Seafoam White) Ranger

Punches:  (2" & 1 1/2" Daisy) Woodware Craft Collection, (1/2" circle) Marvy Uchida, (1/4" & 5/16" hole punches) McGill

Other:  Glossy Accents

  

Christmas Candle

My mojo and I have not been getting along at all this week.  I've been working on some Christmas cards for a client but when it comes to challenges my brain has completely frozen over.  I finally managed to make a card for the CAS-ual Fridays Over the Edge challenge and I'm squeaking it in with about half an hour to spare.  I'm hoping this has loosened up my brain a bit and maybe I can get some other challenge cards made this afternoon.

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill, (Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pacific Point) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Image) Woodware, (Sentiment) Hero Arts
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black)  Tsukineko

Die:  (Double Ended Banners) PTI

Gems:  (Bumblebee assortment) Doodlebug

RetroSketches #33

Happy Saturday, everyone!  I'm back again this week as an October Headliner at RetroSketches!  This week's sketch is based on this adorable card by Kasia.  I decided to flip the sketch upside down and create a little garden with this dotty Doodlebug paper.  The sentiment is from Neat and Tangled.  Hope you'll play along with us this week!

Supplies Used:
Cardstock:  (White) Bazzill

Patterned Paper:  Doodlebug Design

Stamp:  (Sentiment from Fresh Blooms) Neat and Tangled

Ink:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko

Die:  (Die-namiccs Fresh Cut Grass) MFT

Punch:  (Flowers) Woodware Craft Collection

Gems:  (Ladybug & Beetle Black assortments) Doodlebug Design

Conquering The Colours!

The latest Play Date Cafe challenge was another one that almost thwarted me.  I pondered, flipped through my stamp books and discarded one idea after another until finally I looked at my dies and punches.  Some days I feel like I will never have another halfway decent idea again so it's always sweet relief when something finally comes together.  It also feels good to use things that have been languishing untouched for ages.  I had just been thinking the other day how I hardly ever use SU Tangerine Tango (I'm more of a Pumpkin Pie girl) or Garden Green and lo and behold they have made an appearance today!      

Cardstock:  (Kraft) PTI, (Tangerine Tango, Garden Green, Basic Black) Stampin' Up
Stamps:  (Sentiment from Signature Greetings) PT
Inks:  (VersaFine Onyx Black) Tsukineko
Die:  (Simple Circles Border) PTI
Punch:  (3/4" & 1" flowers) Woodware Craft Collection
Gems:  Craft Supplies for Less

Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger: A Citrus Celebration

The Tuesday Trigger this week at Moxie Fab is a gorgeous, bright picture.  I was inspired by the polka dots and the bright colours.    

My card came out looking a bit red looking in this photo - it's actually a nice bold orange in real life.   

Supplies: CB: The Stamp Pad Co; PP: Scenic Route; Stamp: Elzybells: Inks: Palette Jardin Moss & Orangerie; Punches: Woodware; Twine: Ikandee; Copics: r05 & YG23

 Luis and I are off to our favourite pub for lunch with some friends today.  It's gorgeous and sunny and the pub has just reopened after 4 months so we're going to go welcome it back!  :)  Hope you're all having a lovely day!

Happiness

This week 2 different sites have challenged us to use a sentiment as the focal point of a card: Sentimental Sunday Challenge #47 - Let's Get Sentimental! and Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #103 - Are You Talking To Me?  I found a bright and happy colour combo at The Colour Throwdown to work with and then went looking for the perfect sentiment.

Supplies: CS: SU Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Marina Mist; Stamp: JRL Designs; Ink: Memento Tuxedo black; Other: Woodware Punches,  Circle & Lacey Circle Nesties, Copics, Cuttlebug EF & Diamond Glaze

I thought this quote about happiness would pair well with the bright colours and was also strong enough to stand on it's own.

Must dash as Jem has just trotted by with my pajama bottoms in his mouth!!  Hope your day is happy!

ColourQ #68 & Mojo Monday #174

**2nd Post of the Day**

Another 2-for-1 challenge today as I'm entering the following card in ColourQ's and Mojo Monday's challenges.  

Supplies: Card Blank: Handy Hippo, Cardstock: SU Cherry Cobbler, Poppy Parade, So Saffron & Always Artichoke; Stamps: Penny Black image & Hero Arts sentiment; Ink: SU Poppy Parade, Memento Black; Copics: R17, R59, Y21, YG63, YG91; Other: Woodware flower punches, Nestabilties Standard Circles Large & Lacey Circles, EK Success fibres, Doodlebug bling

When I saw Always Artichoke I immediately thought of frogs (weird, I know) so I dug out these Penny Black stamps and decided to practice a little colouring with my Copics.  Once I had finished it and put it together I thought, "Darn it!!  I should have embossed the Artichoke paper."  (And maybe the Cherry Cobbler too...)  I seem to be doing this a lot lately.  Embossing has not been crossing my mind until the card is all put together and  it is too late.  Perhaps I need to line my embossing folders up on my desk so they're right in front of me and don't get forgotten!  Or maybe I need something like this awesome sign made by Karen B to hang over my desk - only mine will say Emboss!

Card Positioning Systems, Moxie Fab & Stamptacular Sunday

3rd Post of the Day! - Please scroll to end of this post for improved card photo!                                                                                                                              

I'm entering this card in 3 challenges: Card Positioning Systems #199, Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger , and Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #92.  SSC92 is a photo inspired challenge but I can't seem to get the photo to follow me home to my post!  You can check it out on the link above.  I turned the CPS sketch 90 degrees to the left.

Supplies:  Card Blank: Handy Hippo; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, glitter vellum; Stamp: Rubber Stampede Scribble Heart; Punches: Woodware grass punch, Marianne Designs flower punch; Other: Martha Stewart glue pad & Crystal Fine glitter, Stickles Frosted Lace, Basic Grey gems, Nestabilities Lacey Circles, tulle, pearl button

I know it's stretching it a bit for the CPS sketch but that's half the fun isn't it?  ;)  I busted out all sorts of odds and ends for this one - shimmery paper, vellum, punches, a stamp, bling, glitter a button and some tulle.  I had the wreath idea when I started and was originally going to have some branches make the upper part of the shape from the CPS sketch.  Then I started playing with the tulle and thought it looked like a veil so I went with it.  I really had fun with this and am still rather glittery (as are the hounds - Jem's nose is particularly sparkly!).

P.S. Spent ages on Photoshop improving the quality of the picture.  Finally got a result I was pretty pleased with and blogger won't let me upload it!!  It keeps saying "Server Rejected".  What the heck is that all about??  Will have to use the dark and dingy pic I guess...

UPDATE!

Photoshop Success!

Challenges - JUGS #65 &TSG #87

I planned to enter this card in the Just Us Girls #65 and There She Goes #87 challenges but I've just realised I'm way too late for the TSG challenge!  LOL! The JUGS challenge is a sketch challenge and the TSG challenge was "to recycle something from Christmas to create a non-Christmas card."  I used a wrapper from a Quality Street candy (which only ever seem to appear at Christmas time) as my recycled item.  I'm pretty pleased with how this one came out.  I love the paper (DCWV Green Stack) and I seem to be using a lot of Ikandee twine these days.  Good for bows and for twisty flower stems!        

Supplies: Card Blank: Handy Hippo; Paper: DCWV Green Stack; Stamps: Hero Arts flower, Elzybells sentiment; Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink, VersaMark; Other: Ranger clear embossing powder. Ikandee twine, Woodware punch 

Sweet Stop Challenge 88 & My Learning Curve

My first entry for a Sweet Stop challenge.  I've been checking the sketches out each week for a couple of months now but this is my first attempt:

Supplies:  Card blank:  Handy Hippo;  Card Stock:  Paperbilities;  Patterned Paper: No clue!;  Stamps:  Hero Arts bird, Elzybells sentiment; Ink:  Versafine black & Vintage Photo Distress ink;  Die:  Woodware; Other:  Ikandee twine

I don't love it but I decided to post it anyway and here's why:  
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I often get overwhelmed by too much craft stash to choose from and end up freezing up and not making anything.  My other problem, or maybe it's really part of the same thing, is my fear of screwing up.  I know that there's no right and wrong when it comes to art and creativity but I  have spent my life being crippled by a fear of imperfection.  School was torture for me - the specter of failure was always looming over me.  I was a top student but I certainly never felt like one.  I was always waiting to be "found out" - not as good as people thought.  I haven't done a lot of things in my life because I didn't think I'd "do it right".  I've never been any good at practicing or training at things to improve - if I couldn't do it right the first time I didn't want to do it.  
Recently, I've been working hard to overcome this.  Back in June a friend started dragging me to her rugby club's pre-season fitness sessions.  I have never been fit or sporty - rather I have always been on the chubby side.  I've joined gyms and tried other activities occasionally but never stuck with anything.  I don't know what made me hang in there this time but I did.  At that first session I couldn't run once around the track at the stadium.  When I stopped training in November (due to injury) I could run 2 1/2 miles - on a hilly route no less!  The first time I completed it I was ecstatic.  I had finally set myself a goal, worked towards it and reached it and it felt great.
I am now turning that goal setting to card making.  Instead of not making a card because I don't think I'll be able to execute my vision I am going to just do it.  If it doesn't come out as I had hoped then I'll use it as a learning experience and hopefully the next one will be a little closer to what is in my head.  As with the running I will only get better if I just keep making more cards.  I would love to feel that all my cards are perfect but they won't be no matter what. So I'm going to continue to post cards that I love and also those that I don't love so much.  If nothing else, I want to be able to look back in a few months and see some general improvement in my skills and hopefully that will continue to spur me on to keep learning and experimenting.