Encore Challenge

 

Today I am posting my cards for the 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 June,  I picked a Create-In Quad stencil set from Taylored Expressions called Flit & Flutter. The quad stencil makes 4 cards panels and there is also some matching dies.  Plus, I also have some coordinating Foil-It panels and foiled three panels in gold and silver.  I took the 4 foiled panels to Camp Stamp-In-Oga last Saturday and ink blended them, so I now have 12 card fronts for future use.  I made these two cards from one of the blended panels.  

For my Hummingbird card, I die cut the two birds out of the panel.  I then die cut the panel and silver metallic backer with my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2. I then used foam tape behind the hummingbirds for added dimension. The sentiment is from my stash and is from Pinkfresh Studios.   I added some Taylored Expression Bits & Pieces in silver around the image.

For the floral card, I also die cut th4 flowers and the butterfly from the inked panel. The background is a Taylored Expressions Rays Pierce & Cut Plate. I again used foam tape behind the flowers and butterfly. The sentiment is from my stash and is from Pinkfresh Studios.   I added some Taylored Expression Bits & Pieces in silver 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.  Be sure to come back on July 25th to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Create-In-Quads Flit & Flutter Stencil and Dies/Pinkfresh Studio Sentiment

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White

Ink: Taylored Expressions Cupcake, Plum Punch, Dragon Fruit, Huckleberry

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 dies; Taylored Expressions Rays Pierce & Cut Plate, Bits & Pieces Silver Drip Drops

Foiling Summer School

 

These cards are from Taylored Expressions Summer School last weekend!  Yes, I went to summer school and it was FUN!  It was all on foiling and I learned so many new techniques. I do not foil as much as I would like, but I am not encouraged to do more!

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

This class used a few different Taylored Expressions stencils, Foil-it packages, stamp sets and foils.  We received many items in our kits--all of the cardstock needed for each card along with bling.  We did a lot of ink blending, double foiling, used Foil & Glitter Grab, and some new-to-me techniques.  Taylor and Susan also tried things on the fly when people asked if something would work.  It was such a fun class!  

There is so much shine on all four of the cards--but hard to see in the picture.

 

I had a blast in this class and I sure hope Taylor does more classes!

Image/Sentiment:   Taylored Expressions Items

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:   Taylored Expressions Items

Ink: Taylored Expressions Various Colors;  

Accessories:   Taylored Expressions Bling and various colors of foils

Brass & Bliss Double Duty

 

Today is the 22nd so this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 54th month, so we are in to our 5th year!

Each month, we get to pick a stamp set from a predetermined company. Then, we will use that one stamp set and make two cards from the set.  Different images and sentiments from the same set can be used, or use the same image two different ways—Double Duty either way!  But, as an added challenge, one item must be used on both cards—same color cardstock, same ribbon, same stencil, same something.  Double Duty Again!  We will post both cards on our blog on the the 22nd of each month.  See-Double Duty again!  We will be sure to have fun getting doubly inky each month with a different stamp company.  Let’s have fun!

For June, we decided to use Brass & Bliss, what used to be called Rubbernecker Stamps.  They are a favorite company of mine as I demoed for Dave many, many years ago at a stamp show in the Milwaukee area for a few years.  

For this month, I picked a stamp and die set called Group of Friends.  This set is very appropriate for this group as it has the best sentiments for friendship!  I stamped the image twice and colored with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the image and one of the sentiments.  For the backgrounds I picked a Stampin' Up embossing folder called Absolutely Argyle for the one on the right and used gray cardstock.  I added some black twine on the die cut sentiment.   For the one of the left, I picked silver metallic cardstock and used a Picket Fence Cobblestone background plate. I added Black and Silver Drip Drops from Taylored Expression Bits & Pieces bling.  Fun cards for some fun friends! 

Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards. Here is a link to Jeanette's,  Darlene’s,  and Terry's blogs. I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards. 

Next month we will do something different and use any Christmas image.. So be sure to check out our cards on June 22nd!    

Image/Sentiment: Brass & Bliss-Rubbernecker Group of Friends Stamp Set and Die

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Silver Metallic; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Basic Gray

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black Ink

Accessories:  Picket Fence Studio Cobblestone Background Plate Stampin' Up Greetings of the Season die, Absolutely Argyle Embossing Folder, black twine; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Drip Dots Silver and Black

Creative Crate-Lawn Fawn

 

These cards are from a very recent virtual event sponsored by Firefly Farm called S'Mores Edition of the Creative Crates. These 3 cards are from the Lawn Fawn class taught by Jenn Shurkus.  I participated in a few Creative Crates early on during Covid.  I stopped at the Firefly Farm stamp store in May on my way to a retreat and met Trisha, the owner, in person.  She showed me some of the products and cards for the upcoming event and I could not resist.  More classes to come!

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 used a few different stamp sets and matching dies along with patterned paper from Lawn Fawn.  We also received most of the images and sentiments already die cut in our kit--WIN!  We did some ink blending and Copic Coloring. We also glittered all the things. Jenn's favorite saying!

 

I have three more classes to go--hoping to finish in the next week or so.

Image/Sentiment:  Lawn Fawn Summer Friends, Treat Cart Add-ons Taco Stamp Sets and Matching Dies

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Lawn Fawn and Distress White Heavystock -all provided in the kit 

Ink: Taylored Expressions Various Colors;  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Lawn Fawn Prisma Glitter

Happy Mail--Happy to be Done!

 

I am done!  These are the last cards from the SCT March virtual event, Crop & Create. These 3 cards are from the Concord & 9th class taught by the talented and so funny, Cathy Zielske 

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

This class used this stamp set, matching dies and an embossing folder called Happy Mail. We stamped the images, did a whole lot of die cutting and used the embossing folder on the three cards. I really like the set--so unique!  And, two of the three cards are pop-up cards, as shown in the second photo.  So Fun!

 

So--I have finished all of the classes from this event.  Now, on to more classes in pouches on my shelf!  More to Come!

Image/Sentiment:  Concord & 9th Happy Mail Stamp Set, Matching Dies and Embossing Folder 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: All supplied by Concord & 9th

Ink: Concord & 9th

Accessories:  None

Late, but here!

 

I am very late as this is NOT 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 Darlene sent us a sweet kit with a masculine theme.  She included a boat load of Gina K Designs images and sentiments from a newer set called Mr. Fix It. They were all die cut--How Awesome! She also included some patterned paper and an embossed panel that she added ink--that is the one I picked for my background!

I colored a few of the tools and hardware with my Copic Sketch Markers. The background was sent by Darlene and it was embossed with a Sizzix woodgrain folder, brushed with Cinnamon Ink. I picked one of the sentiments Tracie sent and die cut it with an older Stampin' Up punch.  I added a strip of the green patterned paper from the kit for a place to "lay" the tools and hardware! I added two of the sentiments that Darlene included.  This was a very fun card to make.

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 cards!  AND--be sure to check back a few days as they probably were posted on time!

We will be back in July with another challenge that I will provide for us.  I better start to think of what to send.   Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun is planned!

Image/Sentiment: Gina K Designs Mr. Fix It stamp set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: 80# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow, Early Espresso; Green Patterned Paper

Ink:   Versafine Clair Nocturn

Accessories: Sizzix Woodgrain Embossing Folder; Copic Sketch Markers;

Sweet Birthday

 

This is my card for a swap called the SIS--Surprise Image Swap.   This is card #21 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 Janet!  She will swap the cards and include the new image for round #22 that Terry will have stamped in each return envie. Then--we do it all again in August! 

Janet sent us this cute frog image from House Mouse called Sweet Birthday.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the panel and a gray backer with a new to me Stampin' Up die set called Textured Notes.  I picked a Celebrate die cut from a set by The Paper Cut called Balloon Layering Dies and used sticky dots to adhere it to the image panel.  The background was embossed with a Sizzix-Tim Holtz folder called Cobblestone 2.  I added some Pinkfresh Studio Sunshine Jewels around the image. 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 SIS21 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment:  House Mouse Sweet Birthday/Die Cut Sentiment from The Paper Cut Balloon Layering Dies

Cardstock:  Paper Studio White; Stampin' Up Basic Gray, Lemon Lolly

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black;

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Textured Notes Dies; Sizzix/Tim Holtz Cobblestone 2 Embossing Folder; Pinkfresh Studio Sunshine Jewels

Hi

 

Today is the the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card. This card is #71, so we are coming to the end 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 went with a summery type of card.  I used Picket Fence Paper Glaze in Snow Drifts over a Brass & Bliss stencil called Organic Wave. After the panel dried, I die cut it along with a back backer from Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2.  I wanted a simple sentiment so the panel would shine, so I picked Hi from Concord & 9th's Everyday Sayings die set.  I die cut the word three times from The Paper Cut's Silver Mirricard. I add some Taylored Expressions White Glossy Bits & Pieces around the word.

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: 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 July!

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

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, Silver Mirricard; Stampin' Up Basic Black

Ink:  None

Accessories:   Creative Picket Fence Snow Drift Paper Glaze; Brass & Bliss Organic Wave Stencil; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Taylored Expressions Glossy White Rhinestones Bits & Pieces

Fresh Cut Flowers

 

I am continuing making cards from the SCT March virtual event, Crop & Create. These 2 cards are from the LDRS Creative class taught by Angie Hunt.  

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 used 2 stamp sets and a mask stencil for each.  The sets were Fresh Cut Tulips and Fresh Cut Daisies.  We did a new to me technique by using the masking stencils--the negatives--when stamping all of the components.  Once everything was stamped we then colored the sweet floral images in the tea cup with Copic Markers.  I really liked this class and now have ordered the matching dies along with layering stencils for both sets!  I added the Best Wishes sentiment from my stash. 

 

I have one more classes to go--hoping it is done by the time this is posted!

Image/Sentiment: LDRS Creative Fresh Cut Tulips and Fresh Cut Daisies Stamp Sets and Coordinating Masking Stencils 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, 

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Trinity Stamps Bling; Copic Sketch Markers

Don't Hurry, Be Happy

 

Today is the 9th of the month and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Jeanette is the hostess and sent each of us a sweet stamp set from Unity called Turtley.  Yes, a sweet stamp set was our "image" for this month--Thanks Loads Jeanette and Unity!    For June this is card #130 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 12 strong years!  

I stamped the turtle and one of the sentiments with black ink.  I then colored the sweet turtle image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I then die cut the panel and backer with Gina Marie Stitched Square dies.  I also die cut the sentiment from a Taylored Expressions Modern Sentiment Label Die. I picked some fun green patterned paper from Doodlebug and the Petite Prints line called Limeade Gingham-Linen.  I added some Stampin' Up Lime Green Bakers Twine and Pinkfresh Studio Leaf Glitter Drops to complete my card.   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!  Kelly is up for our July challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Unity Stamps Turtley stamp set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut #100 Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Dill Pickle; Doodlebug Petite Prints Limeade Gingham-Linen

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Square Dies; Taylored Expressions Modern Sentiment Label Dies; Stampin' Up Lime Green Baker's Twine; Pinkfresh Studio Leaf Glitter Drops

Floral Laurel

 

I am continuing making cards from the SCT March virtual event, Crop & Create. These 3 cards are from the Altenew class taught by Bridget Casey 

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 used this stamp set, matching dies, a stencil set and 3D embossing Folder called Floral Laurel. We stamped the images, did ink blending with the stencils and used the embossing folder for all three cards. I really like the florals in this kit.  The sentiments are perfect for sympathy and thinking of you cards so  I am sure I will use this kit often in the future.

 

I have two more classes to go--hoping to finish in the next few days.

Image/Sentiment:  Altenew Floral Laurel Stamp Set, Matching Dies, Embossing Folder and Stencils 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, 

Ink: Taylored Expressions

Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Bling

Time to Grow

 

Today is the day I post a card (or two)  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 June, I picked a Taylored Expressions Combo Club Stamp and Stencil bundle that I have not used called Time to Grow.  I used a coordinating foil it packet instead of the stamp set. I foiled a bunch of panels with a few different foils and took the set along to a crafty retreat in MN over Memorial Day weekend.  I think I made a 6 or 8 cards with this set in a variety of colors.  

For these cards, I laid out three foiled panels on my grip mat.   I inked blended the panels with my Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes that I took to the retreat. I used some die sets from Chris, who was sitting next to me for the sentiments.  I picked some metallic cardstock for the backer on some of the cards. I added some bling around the words.

 

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, and Darlene.  Be sure to come back on July 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More.  

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions  Time to Grow stamp and 4-piece stencil set along with Foil It/Various Sentiment Dies

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink: Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes

Accessories:  Various Bling