Reminder Post ~ Cupcake Inspirations ~ Challenge #511

Hi! Have you had a chance to join us at Cupcake Inspirations yet? There is just under a week left in our current color challenge.

Admittedly, maroon, teal and gold are not my usual go-to colors. That's what's great about challenges - they can push one outside one's comfort zone. Whether it be trying new techniques or playing with new colors or new patterns, it's good sometimes to have to put on your thinking cap! 

Here's my card

I have quite an extensive collection of 6x6 paper packs. I flipped through to find some maroon and teal patterns - bonus points for gold as a second color! I cut them into 5/8" strips and cut a fish-tail at the bottom. I found some gold colored cardstock and adhered the banners. I used a strip of the same gold (to cover the uneven top edges!), one edge detailed with the EK Success Postage Stamp border punch. For the sentiment, I used Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments stamp set with Hero Arts Charcoal ink. For something a bit different, I used We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper for the bottom two corners.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Happy Little Stampers ~ February Watercolour Challenge

Yeah - we've made it through the first month of 2021! With the COVID vaccines, there seems to be a bit more optimism as we look forward. We're not out of this mess, but at least, there is some hope that our lives will once again, be "normal".

We have a new challenge at Happy Little Stampers ~ Watercolour Challenge

Here's my card

I started with an A2 panel of 96 lb bristol. I smooshed some distress ink (salty ocean, mermaid lagoon and faded jeans) onto a square acrylic block and spritzed lightly with water before applying the acrylic block, ink side down onto the 96 lb bristol. I carefully lifted the acrylic block and used a paper towel to pick up any puddles of ink/water. I repeated the process a few times until I was happy with the effect. I stamped the sentiment, from the same stamp set below the inked square. For the fish, I stamped them using Paper Smooches Birthday Buddies stamp set with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto some scrap white cardstock. I added color with Copic markers - BV13, E08, R37, Y02, Y15, Y38 and carefully fussy cut them. I added glossy accents to the eyes. When dry, I adhered them in the inked square. For a bit of whimsy, I added small pompoms to the tops of their birthday hats. Not sure how I'll be able to mail them though ...  Here's a close up

We'd love for you to join us and show us your watercolour creations.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Die Cut Divas ~ Last Day to Play

Hi Friends! It's the last day to join us at Die Cut Divas. This month we are sponsored by Rachel Vass Designs

The month's winner will be able to chose three digital stamps from the store

Our theme this month is "FRAME IT"

Here's my card

For my card, I started with Rachel Vass Designs' Gratitude digital stamp. I sized it and printed it out onto white cardstock with my inkjet printer. I added color with Copic markers - B63, BV13, G82, YG63. To frame the image, I used a Spellbinders Label 8 die and blue cardstock. Instead of die cutting the focal image, I thought that I'd make a proper frame out of the blue cardstock, in keeping with this month's theme.

There is a bit of time left for you to join us. Don't forget to use a die cutting machine with either a die or embossing folder.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Addicted to CAS ~ Challenge #190

It's time for a new challenge at Addicted to CAS. It was my turn to choose a code word. I chose

I tried to pick a code word that could be interpreted in different ways - patterns on paper, patterns with stamps, patterns with color, sewing patterns, blueprint patterns, etc. Here's my card

For my card, I chose an inked chevron pattern. I used Lawn Fawn's Chevron Backdrops. To achieve the rainbow look, I inked up the stamp using Color Box Paintbox - Bright Pigment ink pad and I moved the paintbox ink pads slightly left and right to achieve a blended look as the colors changed. For my sentiment, I used Paper Smooches' Word Salad stamp set. I had planned on a one-layer card. However, the "universe" had other ideas. When I stamped the "You color my world", it wasn't straight. So, I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap of cardstock and trimmed it to cover my boo-boo! LOL!

I can't wait to see how you're inspired by our code word "pattern".

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #405

Happy Monday! It's time for a new challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge. Here is this week's sketch

  

Here's my card

 

For my card, I started with the wonky cake using Sugar Pea Designs Bring On The Cake stamp set with Hero Arts Neon Blue, Neon Green, Butter Bar. I fussy cut the pieces and adhered them to a square of orange. I used the We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper to round off the corners of the orange square. I stamped the sentiment onto a strip of pick and found some striped patterned paper for the wider strip. I adhered everything to a bright blue card panel to complete the card.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Cupcake Inspirations ~ Challenge #511

Hope you had time to join us for Challenge #510. It's time for a new challenge at Cupcake Inspirations. For the next two weeks. it'll be a color challenge.

Here's my card

For my card, I found some teal and maroon cardstock. I cut them into 1 5/8" squares and stamped them with one of the outline flowers using Stampin' Up's Flower Shop stamp set and Hero Arts Wet Cement shadow ink. Because I knew that I wouldn't be able to perfectly center the flower, I intentionally stamped them off-center. I adhered the squares to a gold A2 card panel. For the sentiment, I stamped the "thank you" from Stampin' Up's Made for You stamp set with Versamark ink and heat embossed with gold embossing powder. I used Stampin' Up's oval punch to punch out the sentiment. I adhered it to a gold die cut made with a Spellbinders' Label 8 die.

We'd love to see how you're inspired by our teal, maroon and gold color challenge.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Addicted to Stamps and More! Challenge #397

It's time for a new challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! Our challenge is

This card was actually my Christmas card this past holiday season.

I signed up for the Simply Watercolor Christmas class through Online Card Classes and my card was a combination using some of the ideas shared during the class. On some watercolor paper, I used a turquoise color from Michael's Artist's Loft Watercolor paints to make a large "blob" shape, with more color on the edges and less towards the middle. Once dry, I added the black "ground" with Cotman Water Colours Lamp Black. When that was dry, I splattered some watered down White Gouache and some Perfect Pearls for a bit of shimmer. I used Tombow's Dual Brush Pen Art Marker - Lamp Black to "scribble" trees. I used Yasutomo Pearlescent Watercolor Set to paint the word "joy". I stamped "to the world" using Simon Says STAMP CZ Designs' Chunky Christmas stamp set and Versafine Onyx Black ink. I trimmed the watercolor to A2 size and adhered it to a A2 card base.

I made 30 of these cards and they all are a bit different from each other - variations on a theme. 

We'd love for you to join us for our Christmas challenge.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Try Stampin' On Tuesday ~ Challenge #490

Hope you're all doing well. Starting to get back into a routine after the holiday season. It's time for a new challenge at Try Stampin' On Tuesday.

Here's my card

For my card, I started with the scrap of patterned paper. I found some grosgrain ribbon that matched the blue on the patterned paper. For a bit of texture, I used Sizzix/Stampin' Up's Stripes embossing folder with some red cardstock for the area below the ribbon. I adhered the patterned paper, ribbon and embossed strip to some olive cardstock. For the sentiment, I used Poppystamps' Peony Stems and Blossoms, stamped onto a natural A2 card base.

How are you inspired by this week's sketch?

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Cupcake Inspirations ~ Challenge #510 Reminder

Just a reminder of our current challenge at Cupcake Inspirations

For this challenge, we are sponsored by Pixel Paper Prints who is giving away three sets of digital prints to our winner.

Here's my card

For my card, I started with Pixel Paper Prints - Arctic Animals set. I chose this super cute wolf. I printed it out with my inkjet printer and added color with Copic markers (C2, C5, E40, E93, R32). When I colored the ears with E93, it was too dark for me. So, I used my white Prismacolor Premier colored pencil to tone down the color. I trimmed the panel. I found some patterned paper for the background that had similar colors. For the sentiment, I used Hero Arts Everyday Greetings and Hero Arts Charcoal ink stamped onto a strip of white cardstock. I matted both the focal image and sentiment strip with dark grey before adhering to the patterned paper.

There is still time for you to join us. What kind of Arctic Animal will you use?

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Addicted to CAS ~ Challenge #189

 Loving the code word for our next challenge at Addicted to CAS

As a Canadian, I love snow - as long as I don't have to drive in it nor have to shovel it! It can be so pretty. For my card, I was inspired by Laura Bassen at her old blog with this card

Here's my card

I started by heat embossing with white embossing powder, two sizes of snowflakes using CASual Friday Stamps' Sugar Plum Fairy stamp set arranged randomly towards the top of an A2 card panel. I did the embossing in three stages as I didn't want to accidentally stamp on top of another snowflake and I was concerned that the Versamark would lose its stickiness. To add the color, I punched out with a 0.5" circle punch and a 0.75" circle punch some paper masks. I then added distress ink (candied apple, picked raspberry, wilted violet, spiced marmalade, peacock feathers, salty ocean, mustard seed) with an ink blending tool. For the sentiment, I used Hero Arts Winter Silhouettes and Hero Arts Summer Sky ink. There it is, a snowy, one layer card.

We'd love to see how you're inspired.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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STAMPlorations CAS ~ Reminder Post

This post contains affiliate links. When you click on them and place an order, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

We're midway through December and midway through the CAS challenge at STAMPlorations CAS

Here's my card

For my card, I stamped the image using STAMPlorations Cup of Blooms #3 with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I wanted to use bright and happy colors because the world is pretty dreary here in rainy Vancouver. I used Copic markers B60, C2, C5, R29, R35, Y02, Y06, Y15, Y17, Y38, YR04, YR16 to add color to the image. I wanted the flowers to take center stage and the leaves and cup to be "faded" away in the background. I trimmed the panel and matted with orange cardstock. I mounted the panel onto a yellow A2 card panel. I couldn't figure out a good place to put a sentiment, so I left this card without a sentiment. LOL!

We'd love for you to join our challenge. If you'd like to check out all of the gorgeous STAMPlorations products, you can do that here. Also, please use my 20% off your purchase code. Also, for purchases over $15, you can add a free $7 product! 

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Perfectly CAS ~ January Challenge

Clean and Simple, that's definitely my "style" and I just love the challenges at Perfectly CAS. The main attribute of Perfectly CAS cards is that they must ONLY cover up to one-third of the card. Some days, that's a challenge.

We're back with new challenges after taking a bit of a break. Our next challenge is

Here's my card

For my card, I started with STAMPlorations ARTplorations Flutterby stencil and distress inks (mustard seed, spiced marmalade and picked raspberry) applied with an ink blending tool. The stencil has many butterflies so I used some scraps of paper to mask off the butterfly I was inking up. For the sentiment, I used STAMPlorations Trendy Butterflies 2 stamp set and Hero Arts Butter Bar ink. To complete this one layer card, I used a We R Memory Keepers' Corner Chomper to round the bottom two corners.

We'd love to see your creation.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #403

It's Monday, so it must be time for a new challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge. Here is this week's sketch

Here's my card

I find myself dreaming of some place tropical - sunshine, sand and flip flops. So, I picked up Lawn Fawn's Life is Good stamp set and dies. I stamped the flip flops with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and added color with Copics BG09, BG13. I then used the dies to die cut the flip flops. For the sentiment, I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white cardstock and die cut with a Spellbinders Labels 8 die. I found some scraps of patterned paper for the two vertical strips and adhered everything to a light teal A2 card panel. I added a few sequins for a bit of sparkle and shine.

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

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Cupcake Inspirations ~ Challenge #510

Happy New Year Friends! We're back with a new challenge at Cupcake Inspirations

For this challenge, we are sponsored by Pixel Paper Prints. They are offering three sets of digital stamps to the winner.

Here's my card

From Pixel Paper Prints' Arctic Animals stamp set, I chose the narwhal digital stamp for my card. I printed out the image with my inkjet printer. I added color with Copic markers B93, BG72, C2, E21. I trimmed the panel down and matted with light gray. I found some patterned paper with similar colors for a vertical strip. I stamped the sentiment "get well soon", using Hero Arts Color Layering  Bouquet with Hero Arts Soft Stone ink. To make the sentiment, more pun-ny, I stamped the word "whale" from The Alley Way Stamps' Sea Mates stamp set with Hero Arts charcoal ink onto a scrap of light teal. I trimmed it down and placed it over the word "well".

We'd love to see your Arctic Animal - maybe a polar bear or a penguin or reindeer?

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Die Cut Divas ~ January Challenge

 Happy New Year! It's the first challenge of 2021 for Die Cut Divas. Our sponsor this month is Rachel Vass Designs. The winner of this month's challenge will be able to choose three digital designs from her store.

Our theme for the challenge this month is FRAME IT!

Here's my card

For my card, I started with Rachel Vass Designs' Gratitude digital stamp. I printed it out on white cardstock and added color with Copic markers G82, Y38, YG63, YR04. Using a Sizzix circle die, I die cut the cardstock into a circle. To "frame" the circle, I used some dark orange cardstock and a Spellbinders' scalloped circle die. I also printed out the sentiment from the Gratitude digital stamp. I trimmed that down. I found some patterned paper that I cut to A2 size. 

We'd love for you to join us this month. Don't forget to "frame it" and use a die cutting machine (die or embossing folder).

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Happy Little Stampers ~ Stencil Challenge January 2021

 Hello Friends! I'm so excited to tell you that I'm part of the design team at a new challenge at Happy Little Stampers ~ Stencil Challenge. Happy Little Stampers hosts many different monthly challenges. This Stencil Challenge is new. Our challenge will be

I love this challenge. It gives me the opportunity to dust off my stencils (once I find them, that is) and showcase my favorite stencils. Here's my first card

It's pretty dark and dreary here in rainy Vancouver. Making this card cheered me up with the bright colors. I started by inking up a strip of 96 lb bristol with distress inks (carved pumpkin, picked raspberry, ripe persimmon) using an ink blending tool. Next, I spritzed with water the stencil - STAMPlorations ARTplorations Art Flowers 2 stencil. I carefully placed the stencil, water-side down onto the inked panel. I left the stencil for a few minutes. I carefully removed it and picked up any extra water with a paper towel. I love how it turned out. I also dusted off my Stampin' Up Scallop Trim Border Punch and using a scrap strip of orangy-pink cardstock for the left edge of the card. I stamped the sentiment using Simon Says STAMP's Flower Friend stamp set with Hero Arts Strawberry ink onto a bright pink A2 card panel. 

We'd love for you to come join us

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Addicted to Stamps and More! Challenge #396

Happy New Year Friends! The design team at Addicted to Stamps and More! are back with a new challenge to start off 2021! 

For a "Make Your Mark" challenge, your entry MUST contain the use of anything that can make a mark (markers, paints, chalks, inks, watercolours, etc.)

Here's my card

For this clean and simple card, I created a circle mask using a Sizzix circle die and a post-it note. I inked up my Stampin' Up French Script stamp with Versafine Onyx Black ink. The plan was to ink up the inside circle area (inside the mask). Note, my French Script stamp is mounted on a wood block, so using my MISTI was out of the question - LOL! I learned with practice, that it was easiest to place the stamp facing up, ink it and then apply the white A2 panel, with the mask in place to the inked stamp. Before removing the mask, I stamped a few blooms using Technique Tuesday's Growing Wild stamp set with Versafine Onyx Black ink. I carefully removed the mask and stamped the sentiment, using Poppy Stamps' Peony Stems and Blossoms stamp set. I trimmed the white A2 panel slightly and matted with black cardstock. 

We'd love for you to join us this month. Making a mark on your card shouldn't be too hard - right?

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Try Stampin' On Tuesday ~ Challenge #488

Welcome 2021! I was very happy to see 2020 leave and have hope that 2021 will be better. 

We have a new challenge at Try Stampin' on Tuesday. Here it is

Isn't this a fun sketch? Here's my card

I felt that the banners on the sketch should be for a celebration, like a birthday and it's so dreary and rainy here in Vancouver, I needed some bright colors. I created the banners with some washi tape and baker's twine. I found some bright patterned paper that contained most of the colors and cut a 1.75" x 5.5" strip. For the sentiment, I used CAS-ual Fridays All About You stamp set and Hero Arts Strawberry  ink. I stamped on white cardstock and used a Sizzix circle die. I wanted a bit more color, so I added a scalloped circle mat using a Spellbinders scalloped circle die. I used a square of a mustard cardstock and adhered everything to a light yellow A2 card panel.

Now ... who to send this card to! Decisions decisions.

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

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Addicted to CAS ~ January Challenge

We're back .... It's a new year and a new month and it's time for a new challenge at Addicted to CAS. Our challenge this month is

When you see the word, "EMBOSS", what do you think of - heat embossing or embossing with an embossing folder and your Big Shot? For me, I thought of using an embossing folder. 

I had recently organized my embossing folders by embossing a small piece of cardstock, labelling it with the company and folder name and placing it in a "trading card" pocket sleeve. I have them in a duotang folder. It's so much easier to pull out the folder and flip through the embossed samples to find one I want to work with.

Right ... onto my card

I started with Provocraft Cuttlebug's Victoria embossing folder and black cardstock. I rubbed cracked pistachio distress ink over the panel with a cloth (I could have used my finger but didn't want a colored finger tip!). I trimmed the panel down (to make the card, clean and simple). For the sentiment, I stamped using a sentiment stamp from Paper Smooches' Good Gab stamp set onto some pale teal cardstock. I adhered everything onto a black A2 card panel. 

Hope you're inspired by this month's code word. We'd love to have you join us.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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Rainbow Card Challenge ~ January Challenge

Happy New Year! Hoping that we'll soon have this pandemic behind us. It's time for a new challenge at Rainbow Card Challenge

Here's my card

I personally like the look of cards with a neutral color palette. For my card, I found some patterned paper covered with writing. I pulled out my Stampin' Up's Upsy Daisy stamp set. I used to use it a lot but it seems to be collecting dust now. I love this image and stamped it on the patterned paper. Don't look too closely, because I stamped the image upside down on the patterned paper. Shhhh - please don't tell anyone. I decided to just go with the flow and finish the card I trimmed the panel down and matted with black. For a bit of texture, I added wide hemp ribbon behind the panel and a bow using black organza ribbon. I adhered everything to a natural A2 card panel.

Hoping you're inspired by our Neutrals challenge.

Thanks for stopping by

sue

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STAMPlorations CAS ~ January Challenge

This post contains affiliate links. When you click on them and place an order, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Happy New Year! Hoping 2021 is a good one - hoping it's better than 2020 was.

We have a new challenge at STAMPlorations CAS

Here's my card

During these drab rainy days here in Vancouver, I needed some bright and happy colors. I inked up a white 96 lb bristol A2 card panel with distress inks (carved pumpkin, picked raspberry, ripe persimmon) and an ink blending tool. I then picked up my STAMPlorations ARTplorations Art Flowers 2 stencil and generously spritzed water onto the stencil. I then applied the stencil to the inked panel. I carefully removed the stencil and picked up any extra water with a paper towel. I trimmed the panel down to 2.75" x 5.5". I then die cut the sentiment using STAMPlorations CUTplorations Happy word die with some bright pink cardstock. I added Wink of Stella to the die cut for a bit of sparkle. The word "thoughts" uses STAMPlorations Shine Bright Clear Stickers. The sticker actually said "happy thoughts" and I just cut the word "thoughts" out and adhered it to the panel. I adhered the panel to an A2 light pink card base. 

We'd love for you to join our challenge. If you'd like to check out all of the gorgeous STAMPlorations products, you can do that here. Also, please use my 20% off your purchase code. Also, for purchases over $15, you can add a free $7 product! 

Thanks for stopping by

sue

This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and analyze traffic. Your IP address and user-agent are shared with Google along with performance and security metrics to ensure quality of service, generate usage statistics, and to detect and address abuse.