Birthday Cards with PFS and Yana

 

This past weekend, I participated in another Pinkfresh Studio Event called Create and Connect.  I actually did some of the homework for a few of the 6 different classes and I was able to watch parts of 4 of the classes.  I did not create along with the classes, but I did complete the two birthday cards from Yana's class.  She is so creative and is an amazing teacher, living in Ukraine!

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. 

This class by Yana was so fun and she had some good tips on using this sweet bundle called Birthday Balloons.  The set includes the stamp set, matching die and a 5 piece stencil.  I did add on the Press Plate class, so I also have a coordinating press plate, which I have not used yet.  There are another 3 classes from that part that I also need to watch and create. I really like the colors Yana picked out for both cards.  And, the glitter cardstock from Pinkfresh is so pretty!  It makes a sweet background for the pink-yellow card.

 

Next up is the class with Bridget Casey and Altenew.  They were the guest company and I did watch most of her class live.  She is a hoot!  

Image/Sentiment:  Pinkfresh Studio Birthday Balloons Stamp Set, Coordinating Dies and Stencils 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100#  Cougar Opaque White, Pinkfresh Studio Magenta glitter cardstock

Ink:  Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes

Accessories:  Sequins from the kit

Birthday Giraffe

 

This is my card for a swap called the SIS--Surprise Image Swap.   This is card #19 for our group.  It is a bi-monthly swap where we all use the same image, sent to us by the hostess.  The surprise part is that we are to not discuss the image at all until the day they are to be posted--the 18th of every other month.  This sweet image for this round was provided by Lori!  She will swap the cards and include the new image for round #20 that Jody will have stamped in each return envie. Then--we do it all again in April! 

Lori sent us this cute giraffe image from the Simon Says Stamp set called Birthday Giraffe.  I picked my background patterned paper first--Carta Bella It's a Celebration Balloons.  I then colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the panel with a Gina Marie Designs Slash Stitched Rectangle Die and backed it with a Mossy Meadow layer.  The sentiment from the same set was sent by Lori too and I die cut it with a Taylored Expressions sentiment label die. This was a fun card to make!

If you check some of the other blogs listed on my sidebars, you may find some other swappers who have posted their creations.  The due date is today, the 18th, or they may post in the upcoming days. You can also check out SCS and use the keyword SIS19 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamp Birthday Giraffe

Cardstock: Neenah White; Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow, Crushed Cutty; Carta Bella It's a Celebration-Balloons

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black;

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Sentiment Label Die; Gina Marie Designs Slash Stitched Rectangle Die

Ethel in Swimsuit

 

Today is the 15th and this is my card this month for our The Creative Crew!  We are a group of 7--Jeanette, Carol, Darlene, Lorraine, Terry, Tracie and me. Each month will be a new challenge posed by one of the members sending out a kit. This month, Carol sent out two funny images from a retired Rubbernecker Stamps set called Ethel in Swimsuit, from the old characters collection.  She included some hilarious sentiments from a Dylusions set.  She included some beautiful black and gold patterned paper--Carol's signature colors!

I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers--yes, Ethel has been out in the sun a long time as she has quite a tan!  I had a hard time picking which of the 4 funny sentiments to use, but I thought this one was perfect for the purple and pink polka dotted bikini Ethel is modeling!  I picked two of the patterned papers for the background and a strip for a pop of gold and pink!   I added some Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces--Purple Glitter Dots as I am sure Ethel is the queen of bling!  This was a very fun card to make and I am imagining who I can send this to!

I hope all of The Creative Crew Gals enjoy my card this month.  Please be sure to stop in to see what fun crafty cards are posted this month.  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blog, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the fun holiday cards!

We will be back in March with another challenge that Jeanette and I will pose to the group.   Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun is planned!

Image/Sentiment:  Rubbernecker Ethel in Swimsuit Stamp from Old Characters Collection; Dylusions sentiment

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Highland Heather; The Paper Studio Pretty as a Poppy Patterned Paper

Ink: Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Purple Glimmer Dots

Hello

 

Today is the the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card. This card is #68, so we are in the middle of year #7. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success is to Get Messy and you will have Success!  Messiness can be almost anything that we come up with--glitter, alcohol inks, glimmer glitz, sponged backgrounds, etc., anything that is a bit messy.  We are a very fun group and will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For my messiness this month, I used Creative Expressions Metallic Gilding Pastes--Chocolate Bronze, Tarnished Gold and Enchanted Gold. I used a Gina K Designs Stencil called Fizzy and used the blending brushes that are attached to each of the pastes and pounced it over all of the dots.  I then picked some Mirricard Copper cardstock to use as a layer behind the dots and also for the die cut the word Hello from my Concord & 9th set called Everyday Sayings.  I die cut the backer from velum and added some copper bling from The Ton.   

I really like the look of this card and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies like them too!  Here are the links to the other somewhat messy crafters:   Carol, Darlene, Jeanette and Terry. I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy this month and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up in March!

Image/Sentiment:  Concord & 9th Hello from Everyday Sayings Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Copper Metallic, Velum;

Ink:  None, but Creative Expressions Metallic Gilding Paste--Chocolate Bronze, Tarnished Gold, Enchanted Gold

Accessories:   The Ton Copper Rhinestones; Gina K Designs Fizzy Stencil

Sketchbook Bouquet

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, I am the hostess and sent out this pretty floral image from Taylored Expressions called Sketchbook Bouquet. I did not include a sentiment, so we can pick out own theme.  For February, this is card #126 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 11 strong years!  

I colored the bouquet image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I decided to go with a purple theme. I then die cut the image with the matching die. I layered the image on a velum oval with a Cottage Cutz Double Stitched Oval die.  The background is Concord & 9th background plate called Stitched Vines and then I die cut that with my MFT-My Favorite Things-Blueprints 20. The sentiment strip is from my sentiment box, so I am not sure what company it is from.  I added some Studio Katia Color Burst Pearls for some bling on this card.   I  I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!  

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is the link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of cute cards!  Jeanette is up for our March challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Sketchbook Bouquet/Sentiment Strip

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100 Cougar Opaque White; Velum

Ink: Simon Says Stamp Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Cottage Cutz Double Stitched Oval Die; Studio Katia Color Burst Pearls; Concord & 9th Stitched Vines Cover Plate; MFT-My Favorite Things Blueprints 20 Die

Bee Young-Well Wishes

 

Today is the day I post a card for our challenge called Unused No More!  This is a monthly challenge to be posted on the 6th with a group of friends from my No Foolin' Retreat.  Some may post on their blog and I will note those with blogs at the end of this post.  And, some might post on other social media.  Those that participate each month will send a picture in the text thread we have between us, showing our creation.  The premise is to use a stamp set, stencil die, hot foil plate or press plate that is new and has never been used.  So--Unused No More!  

My plan is to pick a different company each month to highlight and maybe even a different product than the month before.  For February, I picked a sweet Honey Bee stamp set that I have not gotten inky called Bee Young-Well Wishes.  It has a gardener image, a couple of flowers and grass, plus some sentiments. 

For my card,  I stamped the main image, a flower and grass, plus the Wishing You Well sentiment in Hero Arts Intense Black ink.  I colored the images with my Copic Sketch Markers and then die cut the matching dies. I die cut a panel and a black backer from my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 and then embossed the white panel with a Taylored Expressions folder called Burlap for a bit of texture. I placed the images and sentiment on the panel, then adding two grass strips.  

 

I am not sure who will post each month on their blog, but this is a list of the other ladies who do have blogs.  Links to the blogs of Jeanette, Carol, Terry, Darlene, Shelly, and Rebekah.  Be sure to come back on March 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More

Image/Sentiment:  Honey Bee Stamps Bee Young-Well Wishes

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Garden Green

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black; 

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 Dies;  Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Burlap Embossing Folder

Blooming Sunflower

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our first One Plus Twelve challenge in 2025.  This is year number 7.  For this challenge, we are to use just one stamp, to make a card every month and post on the 3rd of each month.  For this year, I picked a Gina K Designs set called Blooming Sunflower.  The set includes a sweet  stamp set and matching dies for the image and all four of the sentiments.  I am excited that I get to use this set every month for all of 2025. 

For my card this month, I stamped the image and sentiment in Hero Arts Intense Black ink.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and die cut both the image and sentiment.   I then picked a Honey Bee Stamps Spring Leaves Cover plate for the background.  I placed a strip of Stampin' Up Coastal Cabana ribbon in the middle of the background and placed the image over the top.   I added some Teal enamel dots around the image.

 

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve posts to see the the stamp set for the 2025 cards that Kelly and Jeanette have created for February!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on March 3rd to see another fun card. 

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Blooming Sunflower stamp and die set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Coastal Cabana, Pretty Peacock

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Coastal Cabana Ribbon; Teal Enamel Dots; Honey Bee Stamps Spring Leaves Cover Plate; Copic Sketch Markers

Holiday Joy

 

Welcome to February!  I have completed another virtual event so one more pouch is now emptied from my shelf!  This is a pair of cards from the Concord & 9th In the Classroom event that was held in October of 2022!  There t3wo two classes, this one by Kristina Werner and the other by Jennifer McGuire.  There were also some bonus cards made by Greg, the owner of C9, but those will be done later.    

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. The Holiday Joy class was taught by Kristina.

This class was very fun. We used the three piece large Joy stencil set, the matching die set and the coordinating stencils. We also received a package containing C9 cardstock used on the cards.  I really like the look and colors used on these cards.

 

Image/Sentiment: Concord & 9th Holiday Joy Stamp Set, Coordinating Dies and 3-piece Stencil set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Concord & 9th cardstock included in the kit

Ink:  Concord & 9th ink cubes

Accessories:  Sequins from the kit

SCT Celebrations Delivered #3

 

Today is the last day of December and I am posting a set of cards for our challenge-The Catch-up Club!  A few of my stamping friends, Darlene, Jeanette and Terry along with myself, have signed up for a number of virtual stamping events in the past 4+ years.  One of the benefits of these events are that they are available to rewatch or even watch for the first time at a later date as they are all recorded. The 4 of us "try" to watch live and chat by texting during the event.  But, life steps in and there are times when one or more of us are not participating during the live.  Then, the kits from sponsors sits in our stamping area until we are ready to watch the video and create.  During one of the events, we decided we needed to push ourselves (and each other) to get some of these events done!   So--we all decided to devote one day a month, the last day of the month for the somewhat procrastinators that we are, to post cards we missed making.  So--here we are in our 15th month of The Catch Up Club!

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. This month the creations are from the SCT Celebrations Delivered and this Cathy Zielske's class.  This virtual class was in February 2024, so I am slowly catching up.  There is another SCT class this February and of course I signed up!

This kit came with a sweet stamp set, 40 dies, 3 stencils and all of the needed cardstock. This kit included many items to celebrate milestones--like a new home, graduation, new baby, wedding, etc.  It was an amazing kit and the class by CZ was so fun! 

 

This is the last class from this event to make!!!!!  Yay, it feels so good to have another event done!  Now, I have parts of other virtual events and classes from 2023 and 2024 that need to be completed.  And, I have 3 events coming up in February and I am able to watch one live. I am already way behind, so more Catch Up to Come!

I hope you enjoyed my cards!  Here are the links to the other of the Catch Up Club.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's, Terry's, and Darlene's blogs.  They may post today or tomorrow, but we have all promised to post cards that we have missed the making along the way!

Image/Sentiment:  SCT Celebrations Delivered Stamp Set, Coordinating Dies and Stencils 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White, Gold; Concord & 9th cardstock

Ink:   Concord & 9th ink cubes

Accessories:  Silver Pearl

SCT Celebrations Delivered #2

 

These are another set of cards from the Celebrations Delivered event that was held in February.  There were three classes along with a special class by Jennifer McGuire.  We received a pouch filled to the brim a sweet stamp set, 40 dies, 3 stencils and all of the needed cardstock. This kit included many items to celebrate milestones--like a new home, graduation, new baby, wedding, etc.  

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. This class was taught by the very talented Meghann Andrew.

This class by Meghann was very fun. The new home card had lots of die cutting and sweet colors for the houses!  The engagement/wedding card is so elegant with a soft gray background. And for the birthday card, we embossed the background with the balloon die.  I love the dimension on all of the cards!

 

I have one more class from this event to make.  I still have more pouches on the shelf, and a few virtual events in the next 6 weeks!

Image/Sentiment:  SCT Celebrations Delivered Stamp Set, Coordinating Dies and Stencils 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White, Gold;  Concord & 9th cardstock

Ink:  Concord & 9th ink cubes

Accessories:  Sequins from the kit

Hoppy Birthday

 

Today as it is the 28th and the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 97th month of de-stash, so we are into our 8th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 8+ years old!   I really like these challenges and know they will continue as I know I have many, many items in my stash that I can use and love the fun challenges!  

The premise is to create a card or something else that uses only items that are in your own stamp room--nothing new is to be purchased.  The hostess each month posts their challenge to the group. Each person in the group creates their card with their own image, their own papers, their own embellishments with their own supplies--using up items from their own stash!  The card can be for any occasion and each person is encouraged to send the card on its way to someone so it can be admired.  It is a way for us to step out of the box a bit and create something that follows a challenge--isn't that what a challenge is supposed to be.  And--no money is spent as all items are to be already available in each of own stamping spaces.

Lisa posted our January challenge---Make a Masculine Card!

I picked a very old Darcie's Stamp Set called Cheers.  I love the big mug of beer!  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and fussy cut the image.  I picked some masculine patterned paper that looks like paneling.  I added a piece of Basic Black cardstock that I embossed with a Sizzix folder called Woven. I used a very old Stampin' Up punch for the Hoppy sentiment.   I added some silver stars around the card.

 

If you check some of the blogs on my sidebar, you may find others who have posted their cards in the next few days. There may be more posted in the thread on SCS, so you might want to check out the link here.  We also have a keyword for the SCS Gallery--it is CYSJAN.  You might see many cards there if you do a search.  They probably will be posted today or in the next few days.

I hope you enjoyed my card and I know I am excited to check out what my other hoarders, I mean stash reducers have made!  Thanks for stopping by today!  For February, Suzy is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  Darcie's Cheers Stamp Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Gray Granite; My Mind's Eye Hello Patterned Paper

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Sizzix Woven Embossing Folder; Copic Sketch Markers; Silver Stars

Celebrations Delivered Class 1

 

I am now moving on to another virtual card event from 2024. This time it is the Celebrations Delivered event that was held in February.  Yes, close to a year ago!  There were three classes along with a special class by Jennifer McGuire.  We received a pouch filled to the brim a sweet stamp set, 40 dies, 3 stencils and all of the needed cardstock. This kit included many items to celebrate milestones--like a new home, graduation, new baby, wedding, etc.  

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. This class was taught by the very talented and funny Mindy Eggen.

This class by Mindy was very fun. We used the stencils on all three cards along with some ink blending. I love the dimension on all of the cards!

 

I have two more classes from this event to make. I hope to finish soon as I still have more pouches on the shelf, and a few virtual events in the next 6 weeks!

Image/Sentiment:  SCT Celebrations Delivered Stamp Set, Coordinating Dies and Stencils 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White;  Concord & 9th cardstock

Ink:   Gina K Designs ink cubes

Accessories:  Sequins from the kit

Encore Challenge

 

Today I am debuting another new challenge called The Encore Challenge!  This is a monthly challenge to be posted on the 25th with a group of friends, also from the April Retreat.  Some may post on their blog and I will note those with blogs at the end of this post.  And, some might post on other social media. Darlene came up with this challenge and these are her words:  Go and grab a stamp set, stencil or dies--your choice, that you have used once before and have always wanted to revisit it and use it again.  However, despite your best intentions, you have yet to use it!  Now's your chance! Go dig it out and have fun with it once again.  Create anything you like, a card, gift card holder, decorate a gift bag, make a refrigerator magnet...whatever lights up your creative juices! So--Encore Challenge! 

My plan is to pick a different company each month to highlight and maybe even a different product than the month before.  For January, I picked a Gina K Designs stamp set that has some ink on it, so I used it once before.  It has a sweet lily image and some sweet sentiments.

For my card, I stamped the image and sentiment in Hero Arts Intense Black ink on a panel.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut the  white panel with the image and another white panel, both with Pinkfresh Studio Nested Elongated Oval dies.  I then used my Stampin' Up Exposed Brick embossing folder for the cardbase for  bit of texture.  I die cut one of the sentiments with a Stitched Oval die from The Paper Cut.  I added some Pinkfresh Studio Peach Fuzz Jewels around the image.

 

I am not sure who will post each month on their blog, but this is a list of the other ladies who do have blogs.  Jeanette, Carol, Terry, Darlene and Rebekah.  Be sure to come back on February 25th  to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Thank You Friend

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black; 

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Elongate Oval Dies, Peach Fuzz Jewels; The Paper Cut Stitched Oval Die; Copic Sketch Markers;  Stampin' Up Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder