Monday 30 May 2016

Simon Says STAMP Wednesday Challenge

The current challenge at Simon Says STAMP Wednesday Challenge is…

ANYTHING GOES!

They are showcasing Technique Tuesday Products this week. You don’t have to use them to join in with the challenge, but if you have them we would love to see them used!

Here's my card



I started with MFT Brick Wall stencil and pumice stone distress ink added with an ink blending tool. I used Technique Tuesday's Wildflower stamp set with distress inks markers (peeled paint, festive berries, worn lipstick and ripe persimmon) lightly spritzed with water before applying to the panel. The sentiment is from Technique Tuesday's Heartful Thanks stamp set.

Thanks for visiting
sue

CAS Colours & Sketches - Sketch #175

Here's the sketch for the current challenge at CAS Colours & Sketches




Here's my card




I used Poppy Stamps Dazzling Diamonds dies and a watercolour panel created with Ken Oliver's Color Burst powders - Alizarin Crimson and Lemon Yellow and a bit of water. I added some Wink of Stella to add some sparkle. I used Simon Says STAMP Stitched Slopes and Hills for the upper left and lower right panels. The background was created with distress inks (tumbled glass, salty ocean and faded jeans). The sentiment is from Paper Smooches Group Hugs stamp set.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Essentials by Ellen May Pin-Sights Challenge

Here is the beautiful photo inspiration at Ellen Hutson

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Here is my card



I used the Mondo Magnolia stamp set by Ellen Hutson. For the large blossom, I used Versamark and clear embossing powder on a piece of watercolour paper. I added Picked Raspberry distress ink with a water brush. The sentiment is from the same stamp set and used the same Picked Raspberry distress ink with  light spritz of water. I felt that it needed something else, so I added a small dark gray mat.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Sunday 29 May 2016

Stampin' Royalty Challenge SR#331

Here's the photo inspiration for the current challenge at Stampin' Royalty




Here's my card


When I saw the photo inspiration, I knew what I wanted to do. I love the look of gold embossing powder. I used Impression Obsession Cover-A-Card Flourishes stamp with Versamark and gold embossing powder. I added colour with ink blending tools and distress inks (ripe persimmon and abandoned coral). The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP Many Thanks stamp set.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Muse Card Challenge #167

I enjoy participating at Muse Card Challenge because the Muse cards are always so beautiful and I love the opportunity to "stretch outside my box".  To take the Muse card and apply my own interpretation, I find to be liberating. I'm enjoying the process. I enjoy checking out the other submissions every week and to find out how the others were inspired. I'm such a rule-follower that any "stretch outside my box" exercise is a welcomed challenge.

Here's the wonderful Muse card created by Jenni Murray




Here's my card


I used the row of gift boxes from the Celebrate You stamp set by My Favorite Things. I was trying to figure out how to add colour to the gift boxes. At first, I thought about masking each of the gift boxes and stamping them one at a time. I didn't think that I could figure that out. So instead, I used my Color Box Paintbox with 12 colours, moving the stamp slightly to the right and left to try to blend the colours. The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP It's Your Birthday stamp set.

Oops - I forgot to add how I was inspired by Jenni's card. I think that it's pretty obvious though. Inspired by:

  • row of gift boxes in multiple colours
  • scripty Happy Birthday greeting
  • lots of white space


Thanks for visiting
sue

A Blog Named Hero - May Challenge

So happy that I was able to participate in the current challenge at A Blog Named Hero





Here's my card







While I didn't stamp with the same colour ink as the cardstock. I was able to achieve the "tone on tone" effect by stamping with Versamark Ink. I love the effect of the tone on tone as a way to add interest.

Here's a close-up


I used Hero Arts Leaf and Floral background stamp. The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP Lots of Thanks stamp set.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Paper Smooches May Challenge

The current monthly challenge at Paper Smooches is

This month's challenge is... RAINBOWS





Here's my card


I used ink blending tools and distress inks (twisted citron, mustard seed, spiced marmalade, picked raspberry, seedless preserves, faded jeans) to create the rainbow background.  I cut out two flowers with Paper Smooches' Dainty Flowers die. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches Salutations stamp set.

Thanks for visiting
sue



Monday 23 May 2016

CAS(E) this Sketch #173

Here's the sketch for the current challenge at CAS(E) this Sketch!




Here's my card


I started by masking off an area where I was planning on stamping the sentiment. I used the balloon stamps from Paper Smooches Stamptember 2014 stamp set. I used the balloon strings from Technique Tuesday Smirthday stamp set. I removed the mask and then stamped the sentiment from Paper Smooches Birthday Sampler.

Thanks for visiting
sue
 

MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge - Sketch #281

Here is this week's sketch for the current challenge at My Favorite Things



Here is my card





I used MFT Brick Wall stencil with pumice stone distress ink and an ink blending tool. I used a circle die to cut out the circle. For the flowers, I used both MFT Buildable Blooms and Modern Blooms in a variety of colours. The sentiment is from MFT Chalkboard Greetings.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Sunday 22 May 2016

One-Layer Simplicity Challenge OLS27

The current challenge is a yummy one over at One-Layer Simplicity

The challenge at One Layer Simplicity is to make a fruity card for the Fruit Smoothie challenge.


Who doesn't love fruit smoothies - just had one earlier today. I chose to use "fruity" inks. Here's my card


I made this card by stamping the beautiful flower/flourish stamp from Gina K's A Beautiful Live stamp set and Sugar Pea Design's Enchanged Garden stamp set, both from Catherine Pooler's latest Stamp of Approval box. I masked off the "back" of the card to prevent inking the back of the card with post-it tape. I  used distress inks and ink blending tools to add Ripe Persimmon, Festive Berries and Picked Raspberry to the card.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Saturday 21 May 2016

Muse Card Challenge #166

The current challenge at Muse Card Challenge is this beautiful card by Tracey McNeely




Here's my card


I was inspired by:
  • one layer card
  • different hues of pink flowers and lime green leaves
  • sketch - flowers & leaves bottom, left corner
  • gold embossed sentiment 
I used flowers and leaves from Paper Smooches stamp sets - Reflections and Bold Blooms and WPlus9 Fresh Cut Florals. The sentiment is from the Stamp of Approval - Sugar Pea Design - Enchanted Garden stamp set.

I need to work on my photography skills (or lack thereof). I can't seem to get a good photo of the gold embossed sentiment.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Freshly Made Sketches #237

There's a great sketch for this week's challenge at Freshly Made Sketches

 

Here's my card




I started with the Impression Obsession Cover-A-Card Flourishes stamp with versamark and white embossing powder. I then added colour with ink blending tools and distress inks (spiced marmalade, ripe persimmon, picked raspberry). I cut out a 1/4" section of the panel. Using fun foam, I "popped up" the coloured panels onto a grey cardbase. I die cut the hello using My Favorite Things Die-namics Happy Hellos die set. I added some Wink of Stella to add a bit of sparkle andlong with a few sequins.

Thanks for visiting
sue

CASology Challenge Week 198

The cue word for the current challenge at CASology is



Here is my card




I used a small stencil I found at Michaels (I've since lost the packaging). I added colour with ink daubers and distress inks (spiced marmalade, ripe persimmon and picked raspberry). I matted the panel with a pink cardstock. I die cut the sentiment from My Favorite Things Die-namics Happy Hellos die with black cardstock. I added a few sequins for a bit of sparkle.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Christmas in May ?

Is it too early to start on Christmas cards? For me, no way! I'm a champion procrastinator, so by starting now, there is hope that I might finish by the Christmas season 2016.

Here's my card


I used ink blending tools and distress inks (tumbled glass, salty ocean and faded jeans) to make the background.  I die cut snowflakes from shimmer paper with Simon Says STAMP Maryanne Snowflake and Kate Snowflake. I used silver embossing powder and the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps Snowy Sayings stamp set from Catherine Pooler's Stamp of Approval Holiday Magic 2015 box.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Thursday 19 May 2016

Less is More: Week #276

The current challenge at Less is More

it's time for the 
ONE LAYER CARD
challenge!

so the theme for this week is 
At Sea


Here is my card



The seaweed and fish are from The Alley Way Stamps Castaways stamp set and the sentiment is from The Alley Way Stamps Sea Mates. I added colour to the seaweed and fish with ink daubers and distress inks (ripe persimmon, twisted citron and peeled paint). With an ink blending tool, I randomly added distress ink (tumbled glass) to mimic the sea.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Time Out Challenge #56

The current challenge at TIME OUT Challenges is a

CASE with your own twist challenge 

Here's a beautiful card by Kay Miller

 


Here's my card






I started with the splatter stamp from Stampin' Up's Gorgeous Grunge and pumice stone distress ink. The frame is die cut from Simon Says STAMP Lunch Box Notes die. The leaves are die cut from Paper Smooches Foliage 1. The flourish is die cut from My Favorite Things Die-namics Fancy Flourish. The flowers are die cut from  My Favorite Things Die-namics Flower & Leaf Trio and Paper Smooches Flowers 2. The sentiment is from Penny Black Flower Sparks.

Thanks for visiting
sue

 

Thursday 12 May 2016

Stamp of Approval - Beautiful World

The latest Stamp of Approval Box - Beautiful World was released in April 2016. It contains "A beautiful world" stamp set by Gina K Designs. The flower and flourish stamp is lovely. I made a few cards with it, along with distress inks (mustard seed, spiced marmalade, picked raspberry) applied with ink blending tools. The sentiment is from Sweet Pea Designs - Enchanted Garden.



A few sequins complete the card.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Less is More Challenge; Week #275

The current challenge at Less is More is a colour challenge

Colour Challenge
and we'd like to see 

Pastel shades in a clean and simple style.

Here's my card


I used Stampin' Up's Bordering Blooms stamp set, coloured with markers (distress ink - tumbled glass and squeezed lemonade and Stampin' Up's certainly celery). I found a scrap piece of yellow printed paper for the left border.  Sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP Lots of Thanks.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Uniko Challenge #31

I'm playing along with the current challenge at Uniko Studio




Here's my card


I used versamark and gold embossing powder for the butterfly from Uniko's English Country Garden - Butterflies set and the sentiment from Uniko's Nautical Treasures on vellum. I love the way the gold looks on the vellum.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Tuesday 10 May 2016

Addicted to CAS Challenge #87

The code word for the current challenge at Addicted to CAS is



Here's my card


So, I started to make a plaid panel until I accidently inked up using the wrong ink pad - fail! At least, it wasn't the last line - I was "only" about half way through! UGH. So then, I changed gears and decided to use a recent purchase - the Lawn Fawn 6x6 Perfectly Plaid paper pack and the Simon Says STAMP Butterfly Drift die. The sentiment is from MFT Blissful Butterflies.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Monday 9 May 2016

MFT Card Sketch Challenge - Sketch 279

The current sketch for the Sketch Challenge at MFT Blog



Here is my card


I used MFT Modern Blooms to make the floral panel. The sentiment is from MFT Celebrate You stamp set. The striped panel is actually a scrap piece of striped vellum.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Sunday 8 May 2016

Stampin' Royalty Challenge SR328

The current challenge at Stampin' Royalty is to create
Anything BUT a Card!!
Create any papercrafting project except a card!!!

Here's my submission.


It's a gift card holder. Clever - eh? It wasn't my own creation. There are several versions, check out Pinterest. So simple to make too.






Thanks for visiting
sue

Muse Card Challenge #164

Well, I admit it, I was pretty stumped with this week's beautiful Muse card created by Michele Ferguson



It's the Muse for the current challenge at Muse Card Challenge

I thought - well, I don't have lilacs and even if I did, I likely wouldn't have corresponding dies, because my fussy cutting isn't that precise! I love purple though and really wanted to join in the fun. So, I took some liberties with my card.


I was inspired by:
  • purple flowers (different shades of purple)
  • flowers in a grey container
  • purple cardstock
  • circle impression (bottom right of card)
  • focal point - bottom right corner of card
For the different shades of purple, I stamped off the middle flower once. The flowers, stems, leaves and container are from Clearly Besotted Flower Arrangement stamp set. The sentiment is from the SU Lotus Blossom stamp set.

Thanks for visiting
sue

CAS(E) this Sketch #171

Here's the current sketch for the challenge at CAS(E) this Sketch!



Here's my card



I used dylusions Alphabet Border small stencil with distress inks (pumice stone and antique linen) on the bottom right corner to provide the background. I added some "splashes" using Rangers' Splatters stencil with the pumice stone distress ink. For the flower, I inked up a scrap piece of cardstock with festive berries and picked raspberry. I used a flower stamp from Stampin' Up's Flower Shop set and then used the coordinating punch to punch out the flower. I added a rhinestone for a bit of sparkle. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Made for You stamp set.

Here's a close-up




Thanks for visiting
sue

Simon Says STAMP Wednesday Challenge

The current challenge at Simon Says STAMP Wednesday Challenge

STENCIL IT

We are showcasing Stencil Girl Stencils this week. You don’t have to use them to join in with the challenge, but if you have them we would love to see them used!

Here's my card



I used the Hero Arts Petals stencil, inked with distress inks (mustard seed, spiced marmalade, picked raspberry and peeled paint). The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMPS Flower Friend stamp set. To complete the card, I added some sequins, because I think that it needed a little sparkle.

Thanks for visiting
sue

Freshly Made Sketches #235

Here's the current sketch for the challenge at Freshly Made Sketches



Here's my card



I used MFT Stencil Abstract with distress inks (mustard seed, spiced marmalade and picked raspberry). I adhered it to a grey panel. I then used SSS Script thanks die to cut out the sentiment from both the main panel and a complementary colour. I used the orange sentiment to inset it on the mail panel

Thanks for visiting
sue

CASology Week 196

Here's the cue card for the current challenge at CASology is




Here's my card




I used CTMH Born to Ride stamp set for the flame, which is inked with HA Butter Bar and Orange Soda.  The motorcycle and sentiment are from SU's Rev Up the Fun stamp set. I fussy cut the motorcycle and then used dimensionals to have the motorcycle "pop".

Thanks for visiting
sue