Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #297

Well, it's the last day of 2018. Hope it was a good year for you. I was a great year for me - I retired and took advantage of all the "extra" time to get some travel in and to spend some time with dear friends. 

Here's the last sketch of 2018 at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge



Here's my card

I stamped the "joy" using Hero Arts Joy Stamp and Cut with Hero Arts strawberry ink and the "to the world" using the same stamp set with Hero Arts Soft Granite ink. I trimmed the panel to 3" x 2.75" and matted it with green cardstock. The background patterned paper is by American Crafts. I used a scrap of bright green cardstock to complee the card.

Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you and yours a happy and properous 2019.
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #296

Happy Christmas Eve Day! Are you ready for Christmas? It's almost here - the big guy in the red suit is probably already delivering gifts to boys and girls somewhere in the world. Here's this week's sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge



Here's my card

For this card, I started with Hero Arts Color Layering Joy Message stamp set. Using my MISTI, I stamped the JOY with Hero Arts Strawberry ink (several times to get a good impression). I stamped the rest of the sentiment with Hero Arts Soft Granite ink. The panel seemed a bit plain, so I added some holly and berries from Hero Arts Joy Stamp & Cut set using Hero Arts Strawberry and Emerald Green inks. I looked through my collection of Christmas paper for a patterned paper for the background. I used Lawn Fawn's Perfectly Plaid Blitzen patterned paper. I added some red strips to complete the card.

Hoping you have some time to craft this holiday season. Sending Merry Christmas greetings to you.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

STAMPlorations CAS - Monthly Reminder Post

Stopping by with a reminder post about the current CAS challenge at STAMPlorations CAS



Here's my card

I started with STAMPlorations Typografia Christmas - Merry Little Christmas stamp which I heat embossed with silver embossing powder. I created a mask from a post-it note for the "little" banner. I also masked off a triangle shaped tree. I added Lucky Clover distress ink with an ink blending tool to fill in the tree. Then I removed the mask. I found a small silver star, which was just perfect for the top of the tree. 

Hoping I inspired you just a little to join us at STAMPlorations CAS.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #295

Howdy! Happy Monday! It's time for another sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge



Here's my card

I rotated this sketch 90 degrees to make it a "landscape" card. I picked up a great stamp set while at the Stamp and Scrapbook Expo in Puyallup. It's Joy to the World stamp set by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Honestly, I had never heard of this stamp company before. I love this set. I stamped the JOY onto some white cardstock and added color with Prismacolor Premier colored pencils. My coloring needs some practice. To help even out the color, I used a Prismacolor blending pencil. I trimmed the panel with black cardstock to make it "pop". To complete the card, I added some red and yellow cardstock. I matted the entire panel with black to frame it.

Would love to see how you are inspired by this week's sketch.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #294

It's time for a new sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge



Here's my card

I took some liberties with this sketch because frankly, I was stumped. I layered the circles on top of the rectangles, instead of them being below the rectangles. I stamped the Christmas tree ornaments from The Alley Way's Fa-la-la stamp set and added color with distress inks and an ink brush. I was away at a crafting retreat that I flew to, so my supplies were limited. I think that the "organic" look works just fine. If I had been at home, I would have added color with Copic markers - I just didn't take them with me. I used a Sizzix circle die to diecut the circles. The rectangles were scraps of patterned paper. The sentiment uses a stamp from Paper Smooches' Christmas Sampler stamp set.

I'm anxious to see how you interpret this week's sketch because it was a tough one for me.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

The Stockings Were Hung ~ Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us for the 

Stockings were Hung Blog Hop!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there!

This is a blog hop featuring projects inspired by Christmas Stockings! Each of our projects will have at least one stocking on it.

You should have arrived from EK but if you just so happened to stumble across our hop and need to start at the very start,

Connie Can Crop is the beginning of this Special holiday hop! 

This is a one day blog hop, but you have until Sunday at 10pm to finish hopping and leaving your love for all of these talented crafters.

We have three awesome sponsors for this hop!!

Will be giving away this gorgeous Winter mailbox die, glitter tape and fun twine!

The Stamp Shop

is giving away Kaisercraft Peace and Joy paper pad and collectibles

and

Wendy Chapman Bellino

is giving away a Christmas themed digital kit from Club Scrap

Gnome for the Holidays

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects.

You will have until 10 pm Sunday to finish the hop and leave your comments on every blog to be eligible to win. 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 12/12/18 at Connie Can Crop.

Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

Here's my card

I stamped a stockings from The Alley Way's Mistletoe Kisses and The Alley Way's Fa-la-la stamp set with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I added non-traditional Christmas colors with Copic markers R22, BV13, BG05, YG06, G07, R37, V15, BG15. I added some borders - a thin red strip and Stampin' Up's Double Scalloped border punch. The sentiment is from The Alley Way's Fa-la-la stamp set. 

Be sure to hop over toCharlotte who is next on our blog hop.

Here's our line up in case you get lost along the way.

Connie- conniecancrop.blogspot.com  

Rebecca A.- Rebeccaanndesigns.com

Amanda- salnclts76.blogspot.com

Kim- pinkzebrapapercreations.blogspot.com
 

Sandy- simplycraftycreationsbysandys.blogspot.com

Shannon- shannonhdesigns.blogspot.com 

Cindy- https://inlovewithpaper.blogspot.com

Liz- lizwithlove.blogspot.com

   Alicia- goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com

EK- ekgormandesigns.com

Sue- foleysfriend.blogspot.com

Charlotte- thejoyfulsoulcreates.wordpress.com

Veronica- vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com

Rebecca B.- makinwithbacon.blogspot.com

Narelle- http://www.simplystampingwithnarelle.com

Jearise- lorbysworld.blogspot.com

Sue- suek86401.blogspot.com

Nicole- pmretreat.com

Wendy- wendybellino.co

Nikki- nikkiscreativenook.blogspot.com

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Be sure to join us next month for our
This Magic Moment Disney Themed Blog hop!

Thank you for letting us inspire you!

STAMPlorations CAS December Challenge

It's so difficult to believe that it's already the last month of 2018. Where does the time go? I have so much to do before the big guy in the red suit appears. I know ... make a list, check it twice (oops, wrong list!).

Here's this month's challenge at STAMPlorations CAS




Here's my card

It's a "simple" one this month. I started with a scrap of shiny silver cardstock - actually any non-porous material, like Yupo would work. I added some Adirondack alcohol ink (stream and citrus) with an ink applicator and applicator felt. I placed a few drops randomly onto the applicator felt and stamped multiple times to cover the silver cardstock. I let the alcohol ink dry. I made a 4.25" square card base and using STAMPlorations Christmas Icons - Christmas Tree #2 CUTplorations die, die cut the tree in the centre of the card. I placed the alcohol inked panel behind the cutout and adhered it in place. Here's a close-up (it's difficult to capture the colors).

This is a clean and simple card that would be easy to reproduce several times over. Hmm - maybe it would make a good choice for my annual Christmas card. 

We'd love for you to join us this month.
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #293

Happy Monday to you. It's time for a new sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge



Here's my card for this week

I was feeling very Christmas-y when sitting down to create a card for this week's sketch. I started by stamping the holly leaves and berries from The Alley Way's Fa-la-la stamp set randomly. I used my MISTI to help me stamp both the leaves and berries using Distress inks (peeled paint and candied apple). With a water brush, I "colored" in the leaves and berries. I trimmed the panel to 4" x 3" and matted it with a matching green cardstock. I used a scrap of pink/red for the 0.5" vertical strip. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches - A Blessed Christmas, which I die cut with a Sizzix circle die. From scraps of pink and red cardstock, I punched out 5/8" and 1" circles to complete the card.

Would love to see how you're inspired by this week's sketch.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards Blog Hop

It's time for the end of season House of Cards Blog Hop. Actually, this year, it's also going to be the end of the House of Cards challenge blog. It's going to be shutting down after this blog hop. I've enjoyed being part of this crafty community. 

Here's the inspiration photo



Here's my card

I started with our sponsor, Beccy's Place's 



Silver Bells digital stamp which I printed out on cardstock with my inkjet printer. I added color with Copic markers, using similar colors as shown on the inspiration photo.

Here's the blog hop order. 

House of Cards Blog

Cohenna 

Donna 

Em 

Judy 

Karen

Michele

Rocky 

Rosi 

Sue N. 

Susan 

You should have arrived from Rosi and the next stop is Susan 

Thanks for stopping by

sue

Rainbow Card Challenge: Design Team Call

I love a good card challenge - one that makes me think, that pushes me outside my comfort zone; that encourages me to try new things. Well, my crafty friend Mynn Kitchen has a new challenge blog here


For this design team call, we've been asked to create a monochromatic card. I'm thinking that the minimal usage of "neutrals" would be allowed - at least, I hope so.

Here's my card

Mynn provided an inspiration board. 



I was inspired by the blue colors and the mittens. I stamped the mittens with strings using Poppy Stamps' Dreaming of a White Christmas stamp set with Versamark ink. I used clear embossing powder which I heat set. I added color with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. I like the look of lighter colored pencils on dark cardstock. The sentiment from Newton's Nook Designs' Stylish Stockings stamp set which was heat set using silver embossing powder. 

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Coffee Lovers Hop - Fall/Winter

So proud to be a member of the STAMPlorations CAS Team. STAMPlorations is happy to be one of the sponsors of the Coffee Lovers Hop.

Here's a card I've made for the Hop.

I started with the background on a natural A2 card panel, where I used STAMPlorations Shutters stencil with distress inks (tea dye, antique linen, vintage photo) applied randomly, with ink blending tools. I stamped STAMPlorations' Brew-tiful Day coffee cup onto poinsettia/holly patterned paper from Authentique's Believe 6x6 paper pack, as well as onto some scrap kraft paper and the background A2 card panel. I fussy cut the "beverage" from the kraft paper and the cup and saucer. I adhered them onto the background panel and added the sentiment from the same stamp set.

Seems like a nice idea - a nice warm beverage on a cold winter evening. Aahhh!

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #292

Phew! Slowly my life is getting back on track. It's been awhile. 

It's Monday which means that it's time for a new sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge



Here's my card

I started by creating the main panel with Newton's Nook's Holiday Foliage Purr-fect Stencil and distress inks (candied apple, twisted citron, mowed lawn, peeled paint, lucky clover, ground espresso). I trimmed the panel and matted with green cardstock. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches' Christmas Sampler stamp set. I used some scraps of patterned paper for the banners and a strip of blue all placed on a dark brown A2 card panel.

We'd love to see how you're inspired by this week's sketch.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #291

Well, I'm a bit late but not too late to post my card for this week's challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge. Here's this week's sketch



Here's my card

I made this card while away at a crafting retreat so my supplies were limited as I flew there. I used My Minds Eye Oh What Fun 6x6 paper pad. I love using paper pads, especially 6x6 for cards as the designs are "scaled" down (from the 12x12 versions) and the colors all go together. The sentiment is from Your Next Stamps' Believe in the Magic stamp set. I didn't have scalloped circle dies with me, so a simple circle will have to do! I felt that a natural card base worked best with these patterned papers but the white sentiment circle just helped to "pop" the sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by. Would love to see what you create starting with this week's sketch.
sue

STAMPlorations - November Reminder Post

I have a new card for the reminder post at STAMPlorations

This month's challenge is



Here's my card

I started with a page from the STAMPlorations Blossom Bliss coloring book. I added color with Prismacolor Premier colored pencils, in rainbow order. I used a Prismacolor blender pencil to smooth out my coloring. I matted the panel with blue and placed it on an A2 card base. For the sentiment, I stamped using STAMPlorations Fond Expressions 2 stamp set on a white strip of cardstock to complete the card.

You still have time to join us this month
sue

25 Days of Christmas Tags 2018

I can't believe that I get to represent STAMPlorations this day here at 25 Days of Christmas Tags 2018

I love STAMPlorations products - there are lots of stamps, stencils, dies, coloring books. Here are my tags.

I couldn't stop at one. For the one on the left, I created a background using distress inks (picked raspberry, seedless preserves, salty ocean, chipped sapphire, black soot). I spritzed some water using Tim Holtz' Distress Sprayer and added some Gansai Tambi Pearl paint splatters. I die cut the tag using STAMPplorations Stitched Tags - Nesting Dies. I heat embossed with silver embossing powder the STAMPlorations Typografia Christmas Come Adore Him stamp on vellum. I fussy cut the vellum and adhered it to the background. I added some silver ribbon to the top of the tag. For the one on the right, I used STAMPlorations Christmas Trees stencil and inked it up with distress inks (twisted citron and mowed lawn). I made sure that the ink had dried before gold heat embossing using STAMPlorations Typografia Christmas Merry Little Christmas stamp. I had to use the largest die from STAMPlorations Stitched Tags - Nesting Dies. I added some gold strips towards the bottom of the tag and some gold organza ribbon and a bow at the top.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #290

UGH! Why is it long weekends mess with my head? I had forgotten that today was Monday. At least, it's still Monday, at least on the west coast. 

It's time for a new sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge



Here's my card

When I saw this sketch, I reached for Stampin' Up's Pocketful of Sunshine stamp set. I made some "denim"-like paper using Stampin' Up's Ballet Blue ink, applied direct to paper. I stamped the pocket and fussy cut it out. I stamped the "money" using some green cardstock and Hero Arts Charcoal ink. I used Stampin' Up's Scallop Trim border punch on some extra "denim" paper and added a strip of royal blue cardstock. I found some blue striped patterned paper and the sentiment is from the same stamp set, stamped with Hero Arts Indigo ink.

We'd love to see how you're inspired by this week's sketch.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

STAMPlorations 4th Giving Thanks Blog Hop

I am so grateful to be part of the CAS design team at STAMPlorations and be given opportunities to join awesome blog hops like the STAMPlorations 4th Giving Thanks Blog Hop.



Here's my card

I was away at a crafting retreat in Dripping Springs, Texas when I made this card. I flew there, so obviously, I had limited crafting supplies with me. I stamped the eight butterflies from STAMPlorations' new Grateful Flutters stamp set with Versafine Onyx Black ink onto an A2 card panel, leaving a spot for the sentiment. I added color with distress inks (mustard seed, spiced marmalade, picked raspberry, salty ocean, peacock feathers, wilted violet) with a waterbrush. I stamped the sentiment with Hero Arts Tide Pool ink. I matted the card with teal cardstock to complete the card. 

Over $200 in products, gift certificates and coupon codes being given out to those visiting our blog hop. Specific details can be found here.

Also, if you're wanting to shop ...

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Down on the Farm Blog Hop

Welcome to the Down on the Farm Blog Hop

This is a blog hop featuring projects inspired by Farms across America...the livestock, the plants, and the farmers!

Connie Can Crop  is the beginning of this fun filled hop! 

This is a one day blog hop, but you have until Sunday at 10pm to finish hopping and leaving your love for all of these talented crafters.

We have an awesome sponsor for this hop!!

Cheapo Dies will be donating 3 of their fabulous dies!

(must be local to the US)

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects.

You will have until 10 pm Sunday to finish the hop and leave your comments on every blog to be eligible to win. 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 11/14/18 at Connie Can Crop.

Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

Here's my card

I started by creating the background with distress inks (mowed lawn, twisted citron, lucky clover) and ink blending tools, placed randomly on an A2 card panel. I was recently introduced to the partial diecutting technique and am kind of obsessed with it now. I don't actually have a lamb/sheep die but with fussy cutting, I was able to achieve the same effect. I stamped the cute lamb/sheep from Gerda Steiner Designs' How Are Ewe stamp set and the sentiment is from My Favorite Things' Ewe and Me Forever stamp set. I added some color using a Copic W2 marker. 

I'm the last person on the blog hop. In case you started part-way, here's our line up in case you got lost along the way.

Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com  

Rebecca- Rebeccaanndesigns.com

Kim- www.pinkzebrapapercreations.blogspot.com   

Amanda- https://salnclts76.blogspot.com/

Sarah- www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com

Miranda- www.craftingwithmiranda.blogspot.com/

Shannon-https://shannonhdesigns.blogspot.com /

   Alicia- http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

 Christi-https://scrappingfortranquility.blogspot.com

Sue- https://foleysfriend.blogspot.com

Be sure to join us next month for our

Stocking were hung hop!

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #289

It's Monday and time for a new sketch challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge




Here's my card

I started with my Tim Holtz Latticework stencil and distress inks (salty ocean, wilted violet and picked raspberry). I cut the panel down and matted it with a purple cardstock. I made banners from scraps of light blue and hot pink cardstock. The sentiment is from Altenew's Floral Shadow stamp set. I stamped it on hot pink cardstock and die cut it using Sizzix's Stacked Baroque thinlits. The background is a panel cut from a sheet of Basic Grey Euphoria Collection, called Cool. Anyone else hoarding Basic Grey paper? I figure that it's time to actually use some. 

We'd love to see what you create based on this week's sketch.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

STAMPlorations CAS November Challenge

Well, we're back from a summer break at STAMPlorations CAS Challenge. I think that I now understand what it must feel like for bears after their hibernation. I need to find my crafting mojo. I feel a bit lost and my brain is a bit fuzzy. Here's this month's challenge

Here's my card

Rainbows make me happy - maybe it's the idea that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or maybe it's the bright and happy colours. I used Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and a water brush to create the background on 96 lb bristol. The sentiment is from STAMPlorations Faith Expressions stamp set. I added a few sequins for a bit of sparkle and shine.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards November Challenge

How is it possible that it's already November? Wasn't it just summer? Oh my goodness - before you know it, it's going to be Christmas and I'm no where close to being ready. 

Since it's November 1st, it's time for a new challenge at House of Cards. Here's the challenge 


Gold & Pearl Accents and/or Colors




Here's my card

I thought that I'd focus on the gold and pearls part of the challenge this month. I love the elegant look of gold on black, so I went with a black background. I heat embossed with gold embossing powder this image using Hero Arts Scroll Tree wood stamp. I matted it with gold and then adhered it onto a black card panel. The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP's Handwritten Sentiments stamp set, which was also heat embossed with gold embossing powder. I adhered some faux pearls onto the tree. Here's a close-up.

Show us how you're inspired by this month's challenge.

Thanks for stopping by
sue