It's Pasture Birthday

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 79th month of de-stash and we are into our 5th year of our 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.

Danielle posted our February challenge--Make a fun fold card- any fold as long as it's not just folded in half- and include the color red.

I love making gate fold cards, so that is where I went.  The panels were colored with Taylored Expressions inks with my TE blending brushes.  I used my Taylored Expressions Better Half Cutting Plates to die cut each of the gates.  I picked a new to me set from Pink & Main called The Herd.  It has a number of fun farm animal images and some cut sentiments.  I stamped the horse, pig and goat to color with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut them with the coordinating dies.  The sentiment is from the same set.  I added some Studio Katia Clear Drops for the final touch!

Here is card as it opens:

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 CYSFEB.  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 March, Kelly is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  Pink & Main The Herd

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Real Red, Basic Black

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Ink Cubes; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina K Master Layouts 2; Taylored Expressions Better Half Cutting Plates; Copic Sketch Markers; Studio Katia Clear Drops

Christmas Kids

Today I showcasing a card I made with a Christmas kit that I received from Jen for our Christmas Crazy group on SCS.  She sent me the entire Avery Elle stamp set called Christmas kids.  That was so sweet.  I then ordered the matching set of of dies as I know I will use the set more.  The sentiment is from the same set.

I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and die cut the kids and trees.   I stamped the sentiment and layered it over three strands of Cherry Cobbler baker's twine.  The background paper was also sent by Jenn and I love the gold snowflakes!

 

Here is the inside of my card:

I like this card and hope you and Jen does too.  

Image/Sentiment:  Avery Elle Christmas Kids Stamp and Coordinating Dies

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Opaque Cougar 110# White; Stampin' Up Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler; Recollections Patterned Paper

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Double Duty-Month 2

Here we go.  This is month #2 of another challenge for the trio of stampers—Barb, Jeanette and Kelly!  This is our 7th challenge that the three of us are doing together! This was a thought that I had in the middle of the night, similar to what Kelly has had in the past.  Plus, it is a bit of offshoot of our Stamp What Challenge! This one is called Double Duty!

 

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 February, the company that I picked was Lawn Fawn. They really have some sweet images and many coordinating dies.  I picked the fun set called Sweet Smiles--and it has matching dies!    I love the cute images!

For both cards, I colored the cute gumball machine with my Copic Sketch Markers. I die cut the image with the matching die and then decided how I was gong to layer the image.  I also used the same sentiment on both cards, die cut from Gina K Designs' Master Layouts 2.  I also decided I would use an embossing folder on both cards, as the second part of the Double Duty!

For my first card, I  layered the image over a black oval from CottageCutz Double Stitched Oval dies.  The background is from Stampin' Up's Tufted Embossing Folder. 

For my second card, I placed the gumball on a piece of embossed cardstock from We R Memory Keepers Polka Dots.  The embossed piece and black layer, as well as the two layers of background, were cut with the same Master Layouts 2 dies.   I love that set so much as there are so many options!

I had a number of Double Duty elements on this cards.  I used the same image and sentiment,  the same color theme, an embossing folder on each one and die cuts on both cards too!

I hope you enjoyed my card for our new group.  Please be sure to check out the other Double cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards! I hope Kelly and Jeanette like my card. My Favorite Things is the company we will use in March, so be sure to check back to see how we double up and make two cards on the 22nd!

Image/Sentiment:  Lawn Fawn Sweet Smiles Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Real Red and Basic Black

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:   Copic Sketch Markers; Sizzix We R Memory Keepers Polka Dot Embossing Folder; Stampin' Up Tufted Embossing Folder; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; CottageCutz Double Stitched Ovals

Creative Card Chicks

This is my card for February'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. This is the 9th month of this round and it will end in the middle 2021.

Vikki Jo is the hostess this month and she sent everyone two fun images along with some fun patterned paper and embellishments.  I colored the House Mouse Gruffles Digging in the Dirt image with my Copic Sketch Markers. The background paper is Stampin' Up's Flowers for Every Season.  Two green brads were added for the final touch for this card.

Here is the inside of my card:

The Creative Card Chicks are to post our cards between the 21st and 23rd of each month--so if you check the blogs on my sidebars, 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.  Be sure to come back and join us again in March with an image that Roxie sends out.

Image/Sentiment:  House Mouse Gruffles Digging in the Dirt

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Stampin' Up Whisper White, crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Green Brads

Always Better Together

This is my February card is for the monthly swap that Pam hosts on SCS.  Each month we make 8 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 inked up one of my un-inked-until-today stamp sets from Unity Stamp Company called Difficult Roads! I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers. The background paper is from Stampin' Up called Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper.   I think everyone can use a card like this.

Here is the inside of my card:

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

Image/Sentiment:  Unity Stamp Company Difficult Road

Cardstock:  Neenah Class Crest 110# Solar White; Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss, Petal Pink,  Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers

Alpaca My Party Hat!

This is my card for the 54th round of the UIS--Unidentified Image Swap on SCS.  Yes, the 54th round!  It is a group of ladies who are a part of a bi-monthly swap where we all use the same image, sent to us by the hostess.  The unidentified part is that we are to not discuss the image at all until the day they are to be posted.   The image for this round was provided by Terry!  She will swap the cards and include the next image that Tracie sent in our return envie. And then we get to do it all again--for round #55--in April! 

Terry sent everyone this fun Taylored Expressions Llama Love image.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then colored and added the fun polka-dotted scarf that Terry included.  I used my Stampin' Up punch and die to cut out the sentiment on the outside and one also on the inside. The fun patterned party hat paper was perfect for the sentiment.

Here is the inside of my card, with the second sentiment:

If you check some of the other blogs listed on my sidebars, you may find some other swappers who have posted their creations--due date is today, the 18th--or they may post in the upcoming days. You can also check out SCS and use the keyword UIS54 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Llama Love
 
Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest 110# Solar White;  Stampin' Up Garden Green, Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake; Crate Paper Party Day Patterned Paper
 
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Punches and Stitched So Sweetly Die

What to Give Up?

Today is the third Wednesday of the month and this is my Ready, Set, Go Challenge Card! The 3 Musketeers--Kelly, Jeanette and me--are back with another challenge for February, our 46th month!  That means we are coming to the end of 4th year--YAY!

i provided the challenge for us this month: Our posting date is February 17^th, the first day of lent in 2021 and National RAK Day.  During Lent, many people traditionally give up items—chocolate, coffee, alcohol, etc.  Me—I kiddingly say I give up Lobster and drinking water from the outside water spigot-ha!  So, for our challenge in February, you need to “give up” an item you almost always use or have on a card.  Do you usually color with Copics—not this month.  How about patterned paper for a background layer—not this time.  So—you need to give up something on your card.  Then, you are being asked to send  your card as a RAK—a card to a random person in your life who would not be expecting it.

Ready, Set, Go!

I thought about what to give up on my card and I decided to not use my Copic Markers as they are my go to coloring medium.  I picked up my case of colored pencil along with a container of Gamsol and blending stumps.  I am not sure the last time I colored with them, so it was a bit of a relearning curve!  I picked a large floral image from a Stampin' Up set called Blended Seasons.  I thought the flower looked a bit like pansies, so I colored the with my favorites--yellow inners and a purple outer edge.  The background is a Stampin' Up embossing folder called Stylish Stripes--I do not use my embossing folders enough.  I added a flag of Mossy Meadow ribbon and rounded the corners of the image layer.  I punched out one of the sentiments from the same set and added two layers from additional Stampin' Up punches.  I added a strip of three pearls for a bit of bling!   I think this is the perfect sentiment for a RAK!  

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of washi tape:

Please be sure to check out the other Ready, Set, Go cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and 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. Jeanette is up for the next theme, so be sure to check back to see what we are up to on the 3rd Wednesday in March.

Image/Sentiment:  Stampin' Up Blended Seasons

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Garden Green, Gorgeous Grape

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow Diagonal Stripe Ribbon,  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Punches, white pearls; Caran d 'Ache Pablo Colored Pencils; Gamsol; Blending Stumps

The Classy Card Ladies Return

Today is the 15th and that means it is another posting day for our group with the new name--Crafty Card Ladies!   The new team names are the Pearls and the Diamonds--very Classy names for us!   For our February Challenge, Suzy and Debby, the sisters from Texas, are the hostesses. Debby is a Pearl and Suzy is a Diamond--same as me!   And we are all team Classy Card Ladies!  

The theme for February picked by Suzy and Debby is cactus. They have them growing all around outside--I have one small one in my house!    Suzy sent us a fun filled kit with with a cute cactus image, a coordinating sentiment, some sweet patterned paper, fun ribbons and pretty embellishments. 

The cute cactus image Suzy sent is from Deadbeat Designs and the sentiment is Texana designs. I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the image with a MFT Tag Corner Rectangle die.  I also die cut the sentiment with my Stampin' Up Tasteful Label die. I then cut three strips from the patterned paper Suzy included for the background.  I layered two of the pretty ribbons.  This was fun card kit to play with--thanks Suzy!

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of the fun cactus paper:

I hope all of the Classy Card Ladies enjoy my card this month. Please be sure to stop in to see what all of the Diamonds as well the Pearls have created this month.  There are two members who do not have blogs: Suzy who is on the Diamond team and Debby who is a Pearl. 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!  See you next month in March, when Tracie and I are the hostesses!

Image/Sentiment:  Cactus image from Deadbeat Designs and sentiment is Texana Designs

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Lemon-Lime Twist, Magenta Madness, Basic Black; The Paper Studio Patterned Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Pink Bling from Offray; MFT-My Favorite Things Tag Corner Rectangles; Stampin' Up Tasteful Dies; Green and Purple Ribbon

Gel Press and Bleach

This weekend, I am participating in a fun workshop that Lydia--Understand Blue--called UNWIND Gel Press!  Lydia is showing us 8 different techniques for using that gel press we had to have and are so afraid to use it!  We then have Zoom breakout sections to work on the technique presented. It is so fun!

These two cards were made with a bleach technique.  The background is Tim Holtz Oxide Inks and then I put a masking stencil over the top.  Then, I lifted the color with my cardstock.  The images were then stamped and I used a water brush, dipped in bleach, to take away the color of the petals. I added a sentiment and a few enamel dots--done!

Here is a close up of a card using a MFT stamp called Flowers in Bloom, with my Taylored Expressions circle masking stencil. The sentiment is from a Simon Says Stamp sentiment package.

The second card was made using a Gina K Designs stamp called Bitty Blossom and a Taylored Expressions oval masking stencil. The image was then die cut with Gina K's Master Layouts 3. The sentiment is from the same Gina K Set.

These classes are so fun and Lydia is a great teacher.  My gel press is getting a work out this weekend and my shopping list is growing, with accessories that I know I need!

Image/Sentiment: MFT-My Favorite Things Flowers in Bloom/Gina K Designs Bitty Blooms

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Neenah Classic Crest Solar White ; Stampin' Up Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Wild Wasabi

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black; Tim Holtz Oxide Inks

Accessories:  Studio Gel Press; Bleach; Taylored Expressions Masking Stencils; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 3; Enamel Dots

Hat-bee Birthday

This is my card for our February swap for my local stamp store called Polka Dots.  The theme is Birthday Cards.  I went with a sweet stamp from Whipper Snapper Designs called Hat-Bee Birthday. I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I added some Spectrum Noir Clear Sparkle on the wings for some shimmer.  The background is embossed with Stampin' Up Hexagons Dynamic Textured Impressions Folder. I added some yellow enamel dots for an embellishment.

Here is the inside of my card:

I am sure I will get back some sweet birthday cards!

Image/Sentiment:  Whipper Snapper Designs Hat-Bee Birthday

Cardstock:  Neenah The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White ; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Garden Green, Crushed Curry

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:   Stampin' Up Hexagons Dynamic Textured Impressions Folder; Copic Sketch Markers; Yellow Enamel Dots; Spectrum Noir Clear Sparkle Pen