Lucky Green

March has finally arrived. Although we are still covered with snow here in Chicago, the weatherman is promising warmer temperatures in a couple of days. I sure hope he's right.
My card today, created with the Mojo Monday sketch in mind, celebrates St. Patrick's day. My card base uses kraft cardstock. The white background is dry embossed using a Tim Holtz background texture fade. The green panel and shamrocks are cut from glittery cardstock. The sentiment is one of the Tim Holtz stamps and is framed with glossy gold. The card is finished with a pearl embellishment that I have hoarded for a long, long time.
I am entering this card in these challenges: Mojo Monday -- sketch challenge; Simon Says Monday challenge -- just a hint of clover; Kraft Journal --St. Patrick's Day; Great Impressions -- go green; Art With Heart Challenge -- go green.

Snowmen

This card is quite appropriate for today. Although the snow isn't really deep here in Chicago, it has covered everything outside. It's the time that snowmen start to appear.
It's also the time of year where many challenges want to see something "new" for the New Year. Since I didn't receive any new art products over the holidays, I decided to take this opportunity to try out a couple of my never-before-used products (ie. new to me). The background panel was done on a gelli plate. Not too long ago I ordered the smallest gelli plates, but I never got a chance to use them. For this card I used the 5"x 7" plate. I love the fact that it fits nicely in the tiny space I have on my table for working. The other new item is the snowflake border die (Cheery Lynn). There's also a little something old on the card. The snowflakes on the background were stenciled with Ranger's metallic pearl dabber paint. That's been around (and unused) for quite a while. The snowman stamp (Tim Holtz) and the sentiment stamp (can't remember) have been in my collection for a long time.
My card layout is based on the sketch challenge from Mojo Monday. I am also entering my card in these challenges: Kraft Journal--take your pick (die cut, white, snowman); Simon Says Wednesday -- something new; Frilly & Funkie -- anything goes; Dies R Us -- something new; Artistic Stamper -- new beginnings; Great Impressions -- snow friends; Mixed Media -- something new for the New Year; V's Sweet Ideas -- something new; Ink on My Fingers -- anything goes; Cheery Lynn Designs -- snowflakes.

Be Thankful

I had a wonderful and busy day in the studio today. I used the Mojo Monday sketch challenge as my layout inspiration. However, I made a few artistic prerogative changes. First I turned the sketch 90 degrees to the right. Then, instead of a card, I made a tag.
I started with a black tag cut using a Tim Holtz die. The layering panel was dry embossed and then highlighted with distress ink. My stamped top panel was made using the acorn blueprint framelits set from Tim Holtz ( a prize from Mario and Tim for the 12 Tags challenge)  That is really a fun set to use. The layered acorn represents the circle on the sketch. I added the sentiment on the ribbon hanging from the top.
My tag is being entered in these additional challenges: Ink on my Fingers Sunday challenge -- black; Word Art Wednesday -- anything goes; Mixed Media -- stamps.

Good Old Fun

I am a city girl and I do love the city. However, I have memories of spending summer vacations during my childhood at my great-grandparents farm. There my great-uncles would ride us around on the tractor and we could see the different crops they had growing. When Simon Says challenged us on Monday to remember the good old days, this is what I came up with. I used the layout from the Mojo Monday sketch challenge as the basis for my layout. All of the stamps used are from Artistic Outpost. Prisma colored pencils were used to color the images. This layout was a bit of a challenge since I had to use six masks to get every stamp where I wanted them to be.
I am entering this card into these challenges: Mojo Monday -- sketch; Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge -- Good Old Days; Artistic Outpost -- anything goes using Artistic Outpost stamps.

Golden Autumn Days

My card today is based on the Mojo Monday challenge sketch layout.  My image and sentiment are brand new stamps (to me) from Serendipity stamps. I was really happy to be able to use them. I stamped my image on watercolor paper. I used the distress marker watercolor technique to watercolor the pheasants. The top layering panel was perfect for the sentiment. My background was made by layering leaves which were die cut  (Tim Holtz/Sizix) from an old book page onto a cardstock panel. The leaves were edged with distress ink. I think that the leaves, colors, and image make a wonderful autumn card.
I am also entering my card into these challenges: Ink on my Fingers Sunday Challenge -- add leaves; City Crafter -- leaves; Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge -- use watercoloring; Word Art Wednesday -- anything goes; Fashionable Stamping -- anything goes; Frilly and Funkie --autumn colors; Great Impressions -- autumnal elegance; Serendipity Stamps -- fall.

Welcome Autumn

This will be the last card that I'm sharing today. I'm so happy that I got a chance to use my tree stamp from Kitchen Sink Stamps showing fall foliage. I have to use this stamp at least once every year. My card layout is based on the Mojo Monday tall and skinny sketch challenge. Fashionable Stamping challenged us to show a tree with autumn colors so I pulled out this stamp. Marks finest Papers Simple Salutations challenged us to use a metal embellishment on our card. I thought that the ribbons at the top could use a little embellishment.  The sentiment is an Artistic Outpost stamp.

Autumn

The first official day of Autumn 2014 is just around the corner, so why not a card celebrating autumn. My card layout is based on the Mojo Monday challenge sketch. My colors were all chosen to represent autumn. My background is a more current take on a technique I learned at my first stamp show, years ago. Then it was Versamark and chalk. For this card I pulled out my Pan Pastels. The colors are so much richer than any chalk I have in my stash and they work in a similar way. I stamped the background  on watercolor paper (for the tooth) with Versamark ink. Then I added the Pan Pastels. The technique is easy to do, and quite effective. All of the sunflower stamps are from the latest Heartfelt Creations release. I do love sunflowers! All of the die cuts were cut with Spellbinder dies.) All of the coloring was done with my Pan Pastels. The sentiment is a Club Scrap stamp.The diagonal design paper is from my stash.
I am also entering my card in these challenges: Bloggers Challenge -- fall colors; Simon Says Monday Challenge -- techniques; City Crafter -- diagonals; Dies R Us -- fall festival; Inspiration Journal -- fall is in the air; E-Play -- fall; Art With Heart -- fall back.

Autumn Bloom

Today is Labor Day her in the U.S. It was a beautiful day here in my part of Chicago. My lovely daughter grilled, so I could enjoy some time in the studio followed by a great meal. It was the perfect set up for a brightly colored card.
My card layout is based on the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. The Mixed Media Monthly challenge wanted us to be inspired by the colors in their photo (above) When I looked at the inspiration photo my reaction was bright, bold, and floral. I started with a neutral, white cardbase. The background panel is burnt orange. The left panel is a piece of white cardstock which I colored metallic gold using the metallic pan pastels. I then took my marbled stencil (Prima)  and used embossing paste for the marbling. Over that I stenciled a border of leaves (Dylusions) with distress paint. The panel on the right is blue cardstock layered with mesh dry wall tape. The flower (Heartfelt Creations) which was stamped on watercolor paper and then was colored using the watercolor marker technique (Marvy markers). I added the ribbon and a pressed flower sticker (SEI Inc.) which I layered on a white background and then a burnt orange framing panel. I stamped the word "autumn" right on the sticker.
I am also entering my card in these challenges: Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge -- bold colors; Ink on my Fingers Sunday Challenge -- bright colors; Artistic Stamper -- fall colors.

Again be Children for a Day

Today's card celebrates the fun of Halloween. Last year I missed all of the fall stamping since I was in the hospital, so I decided to start on Halloween a  little early. My card layout is based on the Mojo Monday tall and skinny sketch challenge. My card base is kraft cardstock. The background design papers come from Tim Holtz's Seasonal Stash. I used a kraft panel to back my image and sentiment.  The Simon Says Stamp Monday challenge was witch-kraft. I decided to use both kraft cardstock and the adorable witch from Artistic Outpost. In fact, all of the stamps used are Artistic Outpost stamps. Artistic Outpost has a monthly challenge. The August challenge is anything goes using Artistic Outpost stamps. At City Crafter the challenge was to create a shaker card. I think the little owl makes a great shaker.

Holiday Greenery

Here I have another Christmas card to share. This one uses the current Mojo Monday challenge sketch for the layout. My background panel is dry embossed with lots of holly which I highlighted with iced spruce distress ink. The ribbon is gingham from my stash. For the circle panel I used one of my favorite Christmas dies, the wreath from Tim Holtz. The image (a partial) and sentiment are SweetStamps stamps. The bird and branch are colored using distress markers. Below the image panel is an icicle die cut from Cheery Lynn. This card called for lots of bling. The bling used here is Want2Scrap which you can get from Classy Cards 'n Such, as well as the distress ink and markers.
I am entering my card into these challenges: Mojo Monday -- sketch; SweetStamps-- Christmas greenery; Classy Cards 'n Such -- gingham; Ink on my Fingers Sunday Challenge -- Christmas/winter.

Miracles

This weeks Bloggers Challenge is quotes. My card layout is based on the current Mojo Monday sketch challenge.
To make my card I started with a sage card base. I used a Spellbinders embossing die to make the background of butterflies. The decorating panels are Graphics 45 designer paper. I needed spots and dots. My quote is from Quietfire stamps. The quote is from a poster by Karen Salmansohn. I really like this saying.

I am also entering my card into these challenges: Marks Finest Papers Speedy Fox and Friends -- red; Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge --spots and dots; and Craft-Dee Bowz -- anything goes with a handmade bow.

By the Sea

It's a beautiful summer day in Chicago -- a perfect day to think about enjoying a day at the beach. My card uses the sketch from the Mojo Monday challenge, although I did turn it on its side. I started with a gelli print that I had made a few days ago. I went over the paint with salty ocean distress stain. Then I stamped several versions of Fred Mullett fish. The image of the bathing beauty is from Gecko Galz. I colored it with colored pencils The waves are Cheery Lynn die cuts. The shell and sentiment are from Artistic Outpost. I'm ready for an enjoyable summer day by the sea.
 I am also entering my card into these challenges: Kraft Journal -- sea and sand; Fashionable Stamping -- dreaming of summer; Artistic Stamper -- by the seaside; Inspiration Emporium -- summer fun; Gecko Galz -- beachy keen.

Friendship

This week the Bloggers Challenge is friendship. I used the Mojo Monday challenge sketch as the layout for my card. The background design papers are from Graphic 45. Aren't those two girls adorable? The doily and butterfly are Cheery Lynn die cuts. The sentiment is a Quietfire stamp.
I am also entering this card into these challenges: Ink on My Fingers Sunday Challenge -- green; Simon Says Wednesday Challenge -- anything goes; and Word Art Wednesday -- anything goes.

Thanks

Different things inspire my muse. Today I used one of my favorite inspirations...new stamps. I received some new stamps from Quietfire Stamps. The "Thanks" stamp was one of them. I love the open T. On this card I used paper piecing to decorate it. My layout is based on this weeks Mojo Monday sketch challenge. My flower and leaves are SweetStamps stamps. The design paper (background and T) is from Heartfelt Creations. Although the photo doesn't show it very well, the flower is highlighted with Stickles.
I am entering my card into these challenges: SweetStamps -- anything goes; Stampin' for the weekend -- anything goes; and Mojo Monday -- sketch.

Father's Day

It's Friday and that means it's time for Bloggers Challenge. I've been missing in action for a couple of weeks, but I'm back today! This week the challenge is masculine since June is the month of Father's Day.

Today's card is based on the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. My background panel is a piece of Tim Holtz design paper. The strip down the side is a Cheery Lynn die cut. The father's day stamp is from Club Scrap and is stamped on a Cheery Lynn die cut. The image and sentiment (stamped on a Spellbinders die cut) are stamps from Artistic Outpost.
I will be entering this card into these additional challenges: Dies R Us -- one for the boys/Father's Day; Frilly & Funkie -- for all fathers; Simon Says Wednesday Challenge -- Father's Day/masculine.

Birthday Celebration

Today I created a birthday card. I used the sketch from the Mojo Monday challenge. It's a tall and skinny card (3 1/2 x 5 1/2"). The base card is actually  a bright pink cardstock, but that color always scans purple. Hmmm? The background panel is a piece of design paper which I stamped with a background "Happy Birthday" stamp from Hero Arts. Instead of the plain center panel, I used pennants die cut using a Tim Holtz edger die. The bird is a Sizzix die cut. The flower parts are cut from several Spellbinder dies and combined together. to make one flower.
I am also entering my card into these challenges: City Crafter -- birthday banners; Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge -- anything goes.

Journey

It's been a fun studio day. I spent lots of time creating. Fashionable Stamping has the challenge theme - Circle the Globe. They want to see circles. Mojo Monday gave us this sketch to follow, and what do we see, but lots of circles. I love it when challenges work together. The car, balloon, sentiment stamps, and globe die cut are all from the Tim Holtz collection. I figured that as long as we were circling the globe, I'd stick to the journey theme. I'm also entering my card in the Simon Says Stamp Monday challenge. The theme is "M", so I went monochromatic.

Happy Mother's Day

I think that this is a perfect challenge card to show today. It's Mother's Day and I want to wish all my friends a very Happy Mother's Day.

I used the Mojo Monday sketch as my layout. I die cut the small tag using kraft caardstock to coordinate with the kraft base card. The image is from SweetStamps and is colored using Prisma pencils. The background is design paper from my stash. The diamond panel was embossed using a Tim Holtz Sizzix folder. I highlighted the leaves with perfect pearls for the sparkle. The sentiment is from Rogue Redhead Designs.
I am entering my card into these challenges: SweetStamps -- for Mom; Mojo Monday -- sketch; Kraft Journal -- Just for her.

Magic Inside Us

This week the Bloggers Challenge is stencil it. I used Tim Holtz's stars stencil and a touch of bleach to stencil the panels on my card which is based on the Mojo  Monday tall and skinny sketch challenge.
The base card is kraft. The focal sentiment is from Artistic Outpost. Since Kraft Journal challenged us to show inside and out, I am also sharing the inside of my card. All of the stamps are also from Artistic Outpost. The Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge is happy birthday.
I am also entering my card into these challenges: Ink on my Fingers Sunday Challenge -- brown; Take a Word -- stars; Simon Says Monday challenge -- anything goes; Marks Finest Paper Friends of Speedy -- up in the sky; and Word Art Wednesday --anything goes.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Today's Bloggers Challenge is animals. What represents animals better than Noah's Ark? This adorable image and the accompanying sentiment are both stamps from Our Daily Bread Designs. The layout design is the sketch challenge from Mojo Monday. The image was colored using distress markers. Kraft cardstock was used for the base card.
 My card is also being entered into these challenges: Mojo Monday --  sketch; Kraft Journal -- color challenge; Our Daily Bread Designs -- all ODBD stamps; Word Art Wednesday -- anything goes; and V's Sweet Ideas -- kid's theme.