Better Late Than Never

I missed a challenge deadline a few weeks ago, and never posted the card I made. It was a nice layout and I needed a masculine thinking of you card. Like a lot of stampers, I struggle with masculine cards. I kept this one simple, and relied on the fresh Afternoon Picnic DSP.

Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!

It's been too long since I last posted. Blogging is much more time consuming than I ever imagined. I have a new found respect for all the blogs I read on a regular basis. I'm trying to find my groove with everything. Forgive me!!

I played along with the Less is More challenge this week: String or Twine.

Hope you get plenty of treats in your goodie bags tomorrow. Happy Halloween!

Christmas Creating Begins

I decided to start making a few Christmas cards every couple weeks because it never fails that December gets here and we're crazy busy. I never have enough time to make the cards  I want to send, and drive myself a bit crazy trying to get everything finished before the holidays.

I thought of the Christmas ornament stamps when I saw this week's retro sketches challenge. I hope you like it!

Oh, Happy Day

Just a quick post tonight! We had a busy week going to several Pirate games, and saw the Bucs take over first place in the MLB. It's been a long time coming, but baseball is alive in Pittsburgh! My son, a fan through thick and thin, is loving it.

I participated in two challenges with this card, ColourQ and Freshly Made Sketches. I'm a sucker for banners in a layout, and the inspiration image was so great and lively I couldn't wait to get to my supplies.

               

The card isn't quite how I pictured it, and I'm not so sure I really like it, but if I only posted cards I loved, it might be even longer between my posts. I can be my own worst critic!

Let me know what you think. Until next time, let's go Bucs!!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Bloomin' Marvelous (retired), Fresh Vintage (retired)
Ink: Midnight Muse
Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Accessories: Retired So Saffron ribbon, rhinestones

Finding Inspiration Everywhere

I saw the challenge at retro sketches, and loved the simplicity of the sketch. While The Play Date cafe challenge has a great color combo, the little leaves on the tea cups got me connecting the two challenges. It's funny how you can find inspiration in the little things all around you.

Keep your eyes open for your next bit of inspiration. Who knows where you'll find it!

Card Recipe

Stamps: Secret Garden, Petite Pairs, French Foliage (retired)

Inks: Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz, Sahara Sand

Paper: Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Antique Brads, ribbon (retired)

The Little Things

As soon as I saw this single stamp from Stampin' Up!, I knew I had to have it. It puts a smile on my face every time I hear it. This little phrase has wonderful memories for me. From my mom singing to me, to rocking my own babies and singing to them. While they're not babies anymore, we still sing the song together sometimes. And I hope it's a song they will sing to their babies in the future.

I joined in the Less is More challenge this week, and hope my sunshine can still count as a handmade flower! I used the Boho Blossoms punch and incorporated one of the Vintage Faceted buttons to give it a little more sparkle.

When I added the Dazzling Details, the ink started to bleed, but I really liked the effect. So I took my paper-piercing tool and swirled the details with the ink to color in the rest of the letters. It added another feature without having to add another color or layer.

Have a great day!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Sunshine
Colors: Pacific Point
Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Dazzling Details, Vintage Faceted Buttons, Boho Blossom punch

Oh, Hello!

Forgive my absence. Finding time to stamp has not come easy lately. However, I did get to spend some time in my craft room today to create! I love when you have an afternoon to just stamp, not a project for someone or a card you quickly need, but to just sit and remember why you like this hobby so much. That was my day to day. I hope you all find time like that for yourselves and that you truly enjoy your time. I sure did!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Oh, Hello!
Colors: Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Pool Paper, Whisper White, DSP Sycamore Street (retired)
Accessories: Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Bitty Butterfly and Elegant Butterfly punches