Less is More Challenge #372

I was inspired to join the gang at Less is More where the challenge is



Here's my card

It's a clean and simple card - perfect for a sympathy card. I started with dark gray cardstock for my card base. I heat embossed with clear embossing powder the image from Penny Black's Sprigs stamp set. I offset the foliage on the left with the sentiment to the right. The sentiment was stamped with Versafine Onyx Black ink using the stamp from Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments stamp set.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

CAS(E) this Sketch #273

It has been some time since I've had time to play over at CAS(E) this Sketch. You'd think that now that I've retired, I'd have more time - dunno, where all the time goes. How did I ever find time to work full-time? Here's this week's sketch




Here's my card

For my card, I decided to use washi tape. HOLD THE BUS ... yes, you read that correctly. I actually used some washi tape, as I believe it was intended to decorate. The bottom three strips are all washi tape of different thicknesses. For the sentiment, I kept to a simple thank you sentiment, using Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments on a strip of white cardstock, matted with a dark teal cardstock. Here's a close-up.

I feel the need to add something up top. However, I'm resisting and keeping this card clean and simple.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

2018 Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

I have another card for the blog hop at Coffee Loving Cardmakers



Here it is

I used Avery Elle's Cool Beans stamp set. I stamped the coffee to go cup and fussy cut it. For the cup sleeve, I stamped on floral paper and fussy cut it. For the background, I used tea dye distress ink (I hope it's OK to mix coffee and tea on my card - LOL!) and Elizabeth Craft's coffee stencil. The sentiment is from the same stamp set, stamped onto a strip of teal cardstock to add a bit more color to the card.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

2018 Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Bloghop

It's time for a blog hop. Especially, one that appeals to my love of coffee/tea at Coffee Loving Cardmakers



Here's my card

I started with Paper Smooches' Cozy Coffee die - cutting the outline from kraft cardstock, the main cup parts with a speckled gray cardstock and the coffee sleeve from some flower-y cardstock. I used Tim Holtz' Splatters stencil, an ink blending tool and Ground Espresso distress ink for the background. The sentiment is from Clearly Besotted's Coffee First stamp set stamped with Hero Arts Cup O' Joe ink.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

STAMPlorations Spotlight Project - Guest Designer - May 29

My second guest designer post for STAMPlorations Spotlight Projects. I'm so honoured to have been invited to create and post a spotlight project.

I've used STAMPlorations The Birds and the Blooms stamp set for my card



Here's my card

I started by stamping the hummingbird onto 96 lb bristol with Versafine Onyx black ink. I chose Versafine ink as I was planning on doing some watercoloring. I used Gansai Tambi Pearl Colors water-based pigment, applied with a water brush to add the shimmer color to the hummingbird. I used some Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers to color in the flower and the stems. I trimmed the panel to 3"x3". It look a little blah. I used an ink blending tool to add distress ink (broken china) to the background of the panel to give just a hint of a sky. I matted the panel with black. I added a simple sentiment, from the same stamp set to complete my clean and simple card.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #266

It's the start of a new week, which means that it's time for a new sketch challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge. Here's the sketch to inspire you.




Here's my card

I lightly drew with a pencil, a 2.5" circle on my card base. I stamped a variety of small floral images from Hero Arts Lia Griffith Spring Hello by Lia and Hero Arts Lia Griffith Garden Flowers by Lia with Hero Arts inks (dusty blue, passion flower, bubble gum, fresh peach, tide pool, butter bar) scattered around the circle. Once the ink had dried, I erased the circle. The sentiment is from Hero Arts Color Layering Bouquet, stamped onto a strip of purple, cut into a banner shape.

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

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Muse Challenge # 267

When I saw the current inspiration card at Muse, created by Kim Heggins




I knew what I wanted to do. That doesn't happen often, so I was going with it. 

I was inspired by:

• the "tea" theme
• the general layout
• card with dimension

Here's my card

I started with Unity Stamp's Cup of Tea. I stamped the tea bag and tag towards to bottom right of the card and the sentiment towards the upper left of the card with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I added some color to the tea bag and tag with Copic markers. I trimmed the panel slightly, added some fun foam between the card base and the panel to add dimension. Some sequins complete the card.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

AAA Cards - CAS Game #115

I was inspired by the challenge at AAA Cards




Here's my card

I love floral stamps. For this card, I chose Altenew's Hello Sunshine stamp set and the variety of small floral images. I stamped them somewhat randomly on my card panel, knowing that I wanted the sentiment on the right, roughly in the middle of the card vertically. I stamped them with Versafine Onyx Black ink and added color with Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and a water brush. The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP's Big Scripty Greetings. I matted the card panel with black and adhered it to a card base.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

The Merry Christmas Challenge #21

Hi! It's time for a new challenge at The Merry Christmas Challenge. The challenge is

Anything Goes + Christmas

(optional Holly & Ivy)

Here's my card

A clean and simple card for you today. I started by stamping the holly leaves from Catherine Pooler's Candy Cane Lane stamp set with both Hero Arts Field Greens and Green Hills inks and the holly berries using the same stamp set with Hero Arts Pale Tomato ink. The sentiment used both green inks used for the holly leaves, using Catherine Pooler's Hip Holiday stamp set. The inked panel was matted with green cardstock and adhered to the front of a card base with a wide white border.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

Less is More Challenge #371

I would have thought that once I retired from working full time that I would have lots of time to play in my craft space. Somehow, it's not working. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I need to correct this .... soon! My crafting helps me keep my sanity.

I found a fun challenge at Less is More. It's a colour challenge.





Here's my card

I die cut the sun using Reverse Confetti's Sun 'n Clouds Confetti cuts and the stamped "face" uses The Alley Way's Neener Neener stamp set. The sentiment uses Altenew's Hello Sunshine stamp set. For the background, I used Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots embossing folder for a bit of texture.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #265

It's time for another sketch challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge. Here's the sketch to inspired



Here's my card

I scribbled onto some 96 lb bristol with some Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and then blended the color with a water brush. I then used an "oh thank you" die from my stash (I don't know the manufacturer) to do an inlaid die cut sentiment with the inked panel and black cardstock. I found some paper - on the left, printed paper and on the right, regular cardstock for the background. I used My Favorite Things Die-namics Flower and Leaf dies for the graphic flower which I cut from white cardstock. I added a rhinestone in the center of the flower to complete the card.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

STAMPlorations May Challenge Reminder Post

Time for a reminder of the current challenge at STAMPlorations CAS Cards




Here's my card

I have to say that I started out experimenting with STAMPlorations ARTplorations Clouds stencil, Color Box frost white pigment ink and an ink dauber on a blue card panel. I was surprised that the experiment worked, actually better than I had hope. Most of my experiments end up in the recycle bin. I think that the clouds look nice a puffy. I then stamped the pterodactyl from STAMPlorations Dino Things stamp set with Memento tuxedo black ink and added color with Copic markers. I then fussy cut the pterodactyl and added glossy accents to its eyes. I stamped the sentiment (I just love pun-ny sentiments) from the same stamp set on a scrap of white cardstock, which I trimmed to size. I popped up the pterodactyl with dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Just Us Girls Challenge #440

I saw this beautiful card created by Angie Cimbalo 



She created it for the current challenge at Just Us Girls where the theme is



Here's my card

I inked up a 96 lb bristol card panel with distress inks (mustard seed, spiced marmalade, picked raspberry) and ink blending tools. I then picked up Shower of Flutters stencil by STAMPlorations ARTplorations and spritzed a lot of water onto one side. I placed the stencil onto the inked card panel and let the water "pull" the color from the panel. Carefully, I lifted the stencil and blotted up the extra water from the panel. I let the panel dry. For the sentiment, I used Simon Says STAMP Flower Friend stamp set, inked up with Versafine Onyx Black ink. I trimmed the panel and matted with a bright pink before adhering it to a card base. To complete the card, I added a few sequins, which I placed around the sentiment. 

Thanks for stopping by
sue

CAS on Friday - Challenge #132

When I saw the current challenge at CAS on Friday, I just couldn't resist. The challenge is 

Cute - Use a cute stamp on your card


Here's my card

When looking for a cute stamp, I immediately went to my collection of The Alley Way stamps. They are all so cute - man, I wish they were still in business. I chose the cute octopus from the Castaways stamp set. I stamped the body on a scrap of cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and added color with Copic markers. I added glossy accents to the eyes and fussy cut the octopus body out. For the background, I used Hero Arts Mermaid Sea Waves Stencil and distress inks (cracked pistachio, peacock feathers, mermaid lagoon), applied randomly. I cut a piece 2.5" x 3.5" and stamped the octopus on it. I adhered the colored octopus body onto the background piece and matted it on some teal cardstock. The sentiment is also from The Alley Way stamps from a set called Sea Mates.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

STAMPlorations sponsors Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #446

Proudly representing STAMPlorations at Cupcake Inspiration Challenge where the challenge is 



Here's my card

I started with STAMPlorations CUTplorations Gift Builder #2 die set to cut out the gift package. I found some printed paper for the cut out portion and used coordinating cardstock for the background of the package and the ribbon. For the sentiment banner, I had a scrap of a distress oxide experiment where is smooshed distress oxides on a craft sheet, spritzed with water and moved glossy cardstock through the puddles of distress oxides. I used both twisted citron and cracked pistachio. The sentiment is from STAMPlorations Fond Expressions 2 stamp set. I felt that the card needed a bit more, so I embossed the background cardstock with Cuttlebug's Swiss Dot embossing folder.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

CASology Week 299

It's been awhile since I've found time to make cards for various card challenge blogs. This week, at CASology where the cue card is



I was thinking Marine, like a branch of the US military, the US Marine Corps and I realized that I didn't have anything that I could do that was military-inspired. Then I saw the great inspiration provided by the design team and realized that marine could also refer to ocean life. 

Here's my card

I started with the background using Hero Arts Mermaid Sea Waves stencil and distress inks (peacock feathers, cracked pistachio, mermaid lagoon) applied randomly with ink blending tools. For the fish, I used The Alley Way's Sea Mates and Gill-Friend stamp sets, inked with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I added color with copic markers and fussy cut them. The sentiment is from Sunny Studio Oceans of Joy stamp set.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Far East Blog Hop

You never know what you might find on Facebook. I found a group that does monthly blog hops where participation isn't mandatory - you know, for those times when things just get a bit too chaotic. Well, this month, it's a "far east" inspired blog hop. 

Welcome to the Far East Blog Hop

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

This is a blog hop featuring projects inspired by the Asian culture. Join us as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage!

You should have arrived from Shannon but if not, 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!!

One lucky winner is going to win 4 dies from Cheapo Dies!!

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 5/16/18 at Connie Can Crop.

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

Here's my card

I made cards similar to this one to thank those who were so thoughtful and compassionate, following my mom's passing. I used a stamp set that is asian inspired but I have no idea what the company that made it is, nor the name of the stamp set. Nonetheless, I used a little girl wearing a kimono stamp. I added color with Copics and fussy cut her out. For the background, to continue the far east influence, I used the Darice Bamboo embossing folder and some dark green cardstock. The sentiment is from Lawn Fawn's Let's Roll stamp set. In case you're not aware, arigato means thank you in Japanese.

Next head on over to Miranda !!

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

Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com

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

Sue- https://suek86401.blogspot.com/  

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

Kim - http://pinkzebrapapercreations.blogspot.ca/

Veronica- https://vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com/

Sue- https://foleysfriend.blogspot.com  <<that's me

Miranda- http://www.nanasscrapspot.com

Thanks for stopping by
sue

The Merry Christmas Challenge #19

I have a new card for this week's challenge at The Merry Christmas Challenge where the challenge is

Anything Goes + Christmas

Optional: plaid

Here's my card

Isn't this ice skating moose cute? It's from Avery Elle's Snow Much Fun stamp set. I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I added color with Copic markers. The sentiment is from the same stamp set. I matted the panel with red, to match the moose's sweater.

Won't you join us this week? We'd love to see what you create.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #263

Well, it's time for a new sketch for the challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge




Here's my card

I started by inking up some white cardstock, to mimic a sunset using distress inks (squeezed lemonade, ripe persimmon, picked raspberry, chipped sapphire). I stamped the silhouettes from Technique Tuesday's Wildflowers stamp set. I then used a Sizzix circle die to die cut the panel. I used a Spellbinders scalloped circle to mat the inked circle. I found some patterned paper scraps for the other elements of the sketch. The sentiment uses a stamp from the Hero Arts CM124 Color Layering Fuchsia stamp set. 

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

Thanks for stopping by
sue

Tic Tac Toe Challenge TTTC046

I love participating in Tic Tac Toe challenges. Sometimes, it's a difficult decision which line to use as inspiration for my card. The current board at Tic Tac Toe Challenge is



I chose the center vertical line - sponge or brush, sunset, single layer. Here's my card

Starting with an A2 card base, I masked off a 2.25" circle and added ink (distress ink - mustard seed, spiced marmalade, chipped sapphire) with a sponge applicator. I used "sunset-like" colors. I stamped using Stampin' Up's Artistically Asian set, to add the plant silhouette to the inked circle. The sentiment is from the same stamp set.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

a2z Scrapbooking - May 5th post

We have a new challenge for the month of May at a2z Scrapbooking




I wanted to join in the fun with the "Shape Shift" challenge. So, I made this card.

I started with Sugartree Stamps KN002 Hug in a Mug digital kit, available exclusively at a2z Scrapbooking Etsy store. I printed out the "To Go Cup" stamp with my inkjet printer. I added color with copic markers. Through trial and error, I have found that alcohol-based markers work so much better than water-based markers. I have found that water-based markers make the inkjet ink bleed. I fussy-cut the "to go cup" out. I made a top folding card base and traced the "to go cup", overhanging the top of the cup a bit (for the fold).  I then cut out the card base, needing to trim a bit so that the card base didn't peek out from behind the "to go cup" and adhered them together. I couldn't figure out where to put a sentiment, so I left it without a sentiment.

We'd love to see what kind of shaped card you create.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

STAMPlorations CAS - May Challenge

After a bit of a break, the monthly challenge at STAMPlorations CAS is back.



Here's my card

I started by stamping STAMPlorations Butterfly Row on a 96 lb bristol A2 card panel. I added color to the butterflies with Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers (Orange, Bright Yellow) and blended the colors with a water brush. I cut a mask of the butterflies from post-it notes. I covered the butterflies and added distress ink (salty ocean, broken china) with ink blending tools to create the background. I added the sentiment from STAMPlorations Trendy Butterflies 2. I adhered the panel to a card base.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards - May Challenge

Yikes - where does the time go? I can't believe that it's May 1st. But it is. So, that must mean that there is a new challenge at House of Cards.

May 2018
May 201Shaped card and/or Colors8

Here's my card

I decided on an Asian lantern shaped card. I started by crimping some cardstock - remember Fiskars' crimper? Yes, I had to dust it off. I haven't used it for some time. However, it was perfect to create the texture of an Asian lantern. I then used a Sizzix's circle die to die cut the crimped paper. I cut two circles, one for the top and one for the bottom. Here's a close-up.

To "join" the two circles, I used some black cardstock 2"x1" scored lengthwise for the lantern's top. I used black cardstock for the bottom of the lantern (adhered to only the top circle!). I used CC Designs Cherry Blossoms die to die cut the step and cherry blossoms. Using a fine tip black marker, I added some lines & dots for the flowers' centers. For the sentiment, I used Lawn Fawn's Let's Roll, stamped onto some dark green cardstock, trimmed to fit onto the circle.

We'd love for you to join us this month. What shaped card will you create?

Thanks for stopping by
sue