D. Morgan My Special Friend

It is the 28th and that means a new post for our group on SCS.  This is post #5 for Challenge Your Stash!

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 and the card is due to be posted on the 28th. 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.

Terry posted our May challenge.  Use your favorite floral stamps for your focal image. You can make a card for any occasion, but make sure you focus on flowers.

I love D. Morgan stamps and I have a few of them.  This is one of my favorites.  I cannot do justice in my coloring though for her wonderful images.  This card is going to be sent to a friend who loves these images even more than me.  However, she is not a fan of pink, but I hope she likes the card anyway..........

Here is the inside of my card:

If you check some of the blogs on my sidebar, you may find others who have posted their cards today.  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 CYSMAY.  You might see many cards there is you do a search.

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!

Image/Sentiment:  Stamps Happen, D. Morgan My Special Friend


Cardstock:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler, Basic Gray, Blushing Bride; Unknown Patterned Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  SU Strawberry Slush Stretch Ruffle Trim, White Doily; Copic Markers; Sequins; Pink Buttons with White Fiber

Boys to Men Swap

This is the second of the cards I made for Kari's Boys to Men Swap that she is hosting on SCS. She had three categories, boys, dudes and men.  This is for the men's category.  My first card was posted on Wednesday, if you want to check back. 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Kari and the other swappers like my card!

Image/Sentiment: Stampscapes Light, Rocks & Waves/ Stampin' Up Express Yourself

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Smokey Slate, Basic Gray; Lasting Impressions Stormy Day Gray Chalky Stripes Patterned Paper

Ink: SU Smokey Slate, Basic Gray

Accessories:  Metallic Screw Brads; SU Triple Tag Punch

Charlie Brown

This is one of the two cards I made for Kari's Boys to Men Swap that she is hosting on SCS. She had three categories, boys, dudes and men.  This is my boys spot!  My second card will be posted on Friday,  if you want to check back. 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Kari and the other swappers like my card!

Image/Sentiment: Stampabilities Swingin' Charlie

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Gina K Lipstick Red, Wild Dandelion, In the Navy; Little Yellow Bicycle Get Your Game On-Game On Pennants Patterned Paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  SU Red and White 1/2" Stitched Ribbon; Baseball Brad

Tickled Pink

This is my card for May's Monthly Challenge for the Creative Card Chicks.  This group is a kind of mystery image swap, where we each get an image and additional items to complete the challenge each month.  We just started a new round and Terry is the hostess this month.  She sent us this great flamingo image and some fun sentiments. Terry also included some great patterned paper, ribbons and embellishments for us to create a bright and sunny card

The Creative Card Chicks to post our cards between the 21st and 23rd of each month--so if you check the blogs on my sidebars today or in the next few days, you may see more of these wonderful creations!  Many of our members also post their card in our SCS thread--so you might find more there.  Debby is up for the June Challenge.  Please be sure to come back to see what image she has sent!

Here is the inside of my card:

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Tickled Pink and MFT Tickled Pink

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Gina K White, Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Daffodil Delight; American Crafts Patterned Paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers; Pink Gems; Pink Paper Flowers; MFT Sun Die; Paper Studio Baker's Twine

Be A Good One

This card is for the monthly swap that Pam hosts on SCS.  Each month we make 10 cards and include a matching envelope.  They can be any theme for any month.  All of the swappers are wonderful and I have received awesome cards each and every month.  

I used one of my newer, fun sentiment stamp sets by The Project Bin.  Everyone needs to follow this!

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Pam and the others swappers like my card this month!

Image/Sentiment:  The Project Bin Wise Men


Cardstock:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Strawberry Slush, Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper

Ink: SU Strawberry Slush

Accessories:  SU Strawberry Slush Stretch Ruffle Trim Ribbon; Pink Button with Bermuda Bay Baker's Twine

We're How Old!?

This card is for a Mystery Swap on SCS. A group of us are doing a bi-monthly swap where we all use the same mystery image, sent to us by the hostess. This swap was created by Forest Ranger—Jeanette and we are now in our 40th round!  Carol is the hostess this month and she sent everyone this hilarious Art impression image and some matching sentiments.  Carol will swap the cards and send everyone the next image, which is being sent by Terry. We then get to do it all again, for round 41! 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Carol and the other swappers like my card.  If you check my sidebar on the left, you might see some other swappers who have posted their cards.


Image/Sentiment: Art Impressions Live, Laugh Love

Cardstock: Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow, Watermelon Wonder, Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers; SU Mossy Meadow 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Circle Punches

Ready? Set? Go!

There's a new challenge in town!  The 3 Musketeers (Jeanette, Kelly and me) are about to kick it up a notch!  In the 3M, the 3 of us take turns sending the same image out and we all create a card with that same image.  We're living up to the adventurous Musketeer name and adding on an additional challenge on the 3rd Wednesday of each month {courtesy of the adorable Smoochy-the-Wednesday-camel that I periodically post on SCS--and not often enough for Jeanette!}  The challenges will be bolder, creatively adventurous and artistically out of the box.  When thinking up our challenge name, we thought:  We got this. "We're ready. Dates, challenges, hostess - all Set.  Let's Go!"  

Kelly is first to throw down the gauntlet and she's chosen theme #1:   Mix-it-mash-it-up!  Taking the oldest stamp set that we still own and the newest stamp set that we've gotten, create a card using both stamp sets.  Mix it, mash it, and combine the two.  If it has multiple stamps in the sets, we must pick at least one stamp from each set.  The added fun was that even if the two don't mix and mash at all, we have to make it work.  Ready? Set? Go! 

So, we all looked back in our SCS gallery from the first cards we each posted.  And, each of us bemoaned how our stamping, and photographing has greatly improved.  I think the comments from each of us in the text thread was-- "please do not go and look at my gallery" and "boy, were those first cards bad!"  My first gallery posts were in February of 2008 and I posted 5 cards.  Three cards used a tag set I no longer own, but one of them was using "Lovely as a Tree".  As some of you know, that is my favorite Stampin' Up set and it still is current.  I think it was one of the first stamp sets I bought in my first hostess club in 2004.  The gallery for that set starts in 2003, so it has been around for 14 years!

Now, to the most recent set I bought.  It is Flourishing Phrases and I used one of the sentiments on the front. I guess I took the directions from Kelly literally as I used a stamp from the oldest and the newest.  However, I was called a cheater as I was to use an "image stamp" from each of the sets.  So, I added a leaf image from the newest set to the inside.  I do not want to be considered a slacker on our first post!

For something new, I used a Dies by Dave set of dies that match Lovely as a Tree.  I stamped the tree image twice--once in Old Olive and then again in Chocolate Chip.  I cut out both images with the die and then trimmed the brown to make the trunk.  I also used one of my older Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper Packs--Hello Neighbor.  I think it was one of the first 6x6 packs they came out with in 2010.

Here is the inside of my card:

Please be sure to check out the other Ready, Set, Go cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards! I hope Kelly and Jeanette like my card and I sure hope Kelly thinks I came close to meeting the challenge. I am up for the next theme, so be sure to check back to see what we are up to on the 3rd Wednesday in June.

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Lovely as a Tree and Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Hello Neighbor 6x6 Designer Series Paper Pack

Ink: SU Old Olive and Chocolate Chip

Accessories:  SU Oval Punches; Orange Baker's Twine; Green Brads

Dueling Flowers

It is the 15^th of the month and that means I am showing you a new Dueling Darlings card.  For the May Challenge, Judy and Debbie decided on the theme--May Flowers!  Debbie is the one of the Darlings and I am a part of the Diva team, which Judy is also on! 

Judy sent us two cute images of girls with flowers and a few different sentiments too.  She also included wonderful papers and cute embellishments!

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope all of the Darlings enjoy my card this month. Please be sure to stop in to see what all of the Divas as well the Dazzlers have created this month. 

There are a few members who do not have blogs:  Suzy and Terry S who both are on the Diva team, and Terry A, Paola and Debby who are Dazzlers.  You will be able to check out their creations in their SCS gallery, if you click on the link for their name.  All of the others should be found on my left sidebar.  I am sure you will enjoy all of the wonderful creations this month!

Image/Sentiment: Sarah Kay-Girl With Butterfly/Sentiment Stampin' Up Fabulous Florets

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: White; Stampin' Up Crushed Curry, Cherry Cobbler, Tangerine Tango; Echo Park Handmade and Kaisercraft Cock-a-doodle-doo Woof Patterned Papers

Ink: Black;

Accessories:  Copic Markers; Ribbon; Orange Paper Flower; Orange Rhinestones

Heavy Metal

This is my card for the monthly themed swap that Terry is hosting on SCS.  Each month she will post a theme and we make cards using any stamp set we believe follows that thought. This is our 17th month and the theme for May is "Heavy Metal".  I am sure there will be some wonderful cards this month

I hope Terry and the others swappers like my card this month too!  I cannot wait to see what our theme is for June!

Here is the inside of my card:

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock:  Recollections 110# Ivory;  Copper Metallic; Stampin' Up Wisteria Wonder, So Saffron, Pear Pizzaz, Afternoon Picnic Designer Series Paper;

Ink: SU Pear Pizzaz

Accessories:  SU Flourishing Phrases Framelits, Oval Punches, Copper Brads; Sizzix 3-D Leaves Embossing Folder

I am Late!

Yes, I am late.........................   Well, not technically, as it still is the 9th.  However, as of 7:00 this morning, this card was not a thought and I realized I did not have my Three Musketeers card done for our posting today.  AND--I stamped the image, so I have had it the longest.  Geesh!

Yes, it is The Three Musketeers day and this is Card #32!  All three of us sure have enjoyed the challenges every month for close to three years and we hope that it continues for a few more!  I know we all love picking the next image and even more fun making a card with the image sent every month!  Kelly is up next for the June challenge and I already have her image.  I guess that means I am really, really late in posting!   Be sure to come back to see what we create!

For our card this month, I sent us this Tim Holtz Blueprint image that I bought recently at a stamp show.  The set has three other birthday images, all blueprint designs. This is the second time we have used a Tim Holtz image--the other was a coffee blueprint that I sent last fall.   I hope Jeanette and Kelly like my card. And, they give me a pass on being tardy today and no kick me out of the group!

Here is the inside of my card:

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards!  They may post today, or it may be upcoming, so be sure to check out their blog for their card!  But, I am pretty sure they were both on time!

Image/Sentiment:  Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Birthday Blueprint

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: White; Stampin' Up So Saffron, Soft Sky, Marina Mist; Bo Bunny Surprise-Confetti Patterned Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers; SU Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Button with White Floss

A Balanced Diet

This is another card is from one of the new stamp companies I have recently found--The Project Bin.  My friend Kelly introduced me to this great company and I love many, many of their stamp sets.   Plus, they have matching dies for some of their sets--that is just perfect! They have some wonderful sentiment sets too--you just have to see them! Please click on the link above and check out their store.  Here is a link to their blog, which has some wonderful inspiration too!  They recently released Spencer's Set and a portion of the proceeds of the sales will be donated to the Autism Research Institute--how great is that!  So--you do need to check them out for sure!

This card is from a stamp set called, Fun is Good.  There are some other great sentiments in the is set--you do need to go and check out this wonderful company!

Here is the inside of my card:

Image/Sentiment: The Project Bin ~ Fun is Good Stamp Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Flirty Flamingo, Watermelon Wonder, Pink Pirouette;

Ink: SU Watermelon Wonder

Accessories:  MFT Stitched Arch Dies; White Pearls;  SU Mini Pennant Punch; Pink Stitched Ribbon; The Paper Studio Cupcakes Embossing Folder

Comfort is a Latte

It is the 7th, so that means a Crafters of Faith post is due today.  This is a great group that my friend Kelly started on SCS. This is our 5th month and Sue gave us this challenge:   My favorite verse is:  "Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God." Psalm 90:2.

Whenever I feel like I can't make it through a tough time, I remind myself that whatever problem I'm facing is so teensy-tiny in the big scheme of things. God always was, He is, and He always will be...long before I was on this earth and long after I am gone. All I have to do is be still and let Him take care of things. Thoughts of His constancy comforts my soul, even in the most troubled times.

Comfort is the key word for May. Make a card of something that brings you comfort. It can be a bowl of chicken soup, a fuzzy pet, reading a good book or spending time with a special person.

Comfort?  There are many things that give me comfort or make me feel comfortable.  I decided that similar to last month, the outdoors give me comfort. So--this card shows off a new stamp set that I got a few weeks ago at the stamp show from a new company to me, The Stamps of Life.  Many of their sets have matching dies and I even signed up for a monthly kit that will be send to me.  Back to comfort....... I love coffee and latte's as I have an almond milk latte every morning at home, along with a couple of cups of favored coffee.  And--one of the best things about our green house is to go out on a Saturday morning during the winter when the sun is shining  and have our morning coffee and read the newspaper--comfort and very comfortable! 


Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Kelly and Sue along the others like my card this month!  We are to post between the 7th and 10th of each month, so if you look on my sidebar, you may see other creations.  I know that there will be many posted in the COF thread on SCS too!

Image/Sentiment:  The Stamps of Life Coffee 4 Two Stamp Set


Cardstock:  Recollections 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake; Moxie Perfect Blend-Coffee Addict Patterned Paper


Ink:  Stampin' Up Early Espresso

Accessories:  SU Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Ribbon, Black Candy Dots and Matching Brads, Ivory Doily; Red heart brad inside

Some Times..............

This is the third of the three cards I made for Laura Jean's Raining Cats and Dogs Swap that she is hosting on SCS. My other two cards were posted yesterday and the day before, if you want to check back. 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope LJ and the other swappers like my card!

Image/Sentiment: Whipper Snapper Designs Sheepdog Hydrant/Sentiment-Some Days

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake; Reminisce Dog's Life-Talk to the Paw Patterned Paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers; Black Brad; Black Wink of Stella; SU Tag Punch and Linen Thread

Dogs Are...........

This is the second of the three cards I made for Laura Jean's Raining Cats and Dogs Swap that she is hosting on SCS. My first card was posted yesterday and the third will be posted tomorrow, if you want to check back. 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope LJ and the other swappers like my card!

Image/Sentiment: Seaside Stampin' Ink Dog/Agreeable

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand; Bella Blvd Tail Waggers Paws & Claws Patterned Paper

Ink: SU Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Stitched Ribbon; Silver Dog Dish Brad

Triple Dog Dare

This is the first of the three cards I made for Laura Jean's Raining Cats and Dogs Swap that she is hosting on SCS. My other two cards will be posted tomorrow and Saturday, if you want to check back. 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope LJ and the other swappers like my card!

Image/Sentiment: Whipper Snapper Triple Dog Dare

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze; Bo Bunny Happy Tails-Ruff Life Patterned Paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  SU Oval Punch, Early Espresso 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon; Dog Bone Brad; Copic Markers