Snail Mail

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 57th month of de-stash and we are in the middle of 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.

Jeanette posted our September challenge--I want the participants to make a card that includes something that begins with the letter "S".

I used a newer to me stamp and die set by Studio Katia called Flourishing Note.  First S--Studio Katia.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers--another S.  I then die cut the image and layered it on an embossed background from Stampin' Up's Subtle Dynamic Folder--two more S's!  The word Hello is a die from the same stamp set/die set.  I added a few green enamel dots for the final touch.

This is my Snail Mail Card--for another S to make a total of 5!

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 CYSSEP.  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 October, Sue is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment: Studio Katia Flourishing Note Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight, Mint Macaron

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Stampin' Up Subtle Dynamic Embossing Folder; Green Enamel Dots; Copic Sketch Markers

Tulla's Birthday Party!

Today I am showing you a card for my monthly challenge for 2021--At Home With Gnomes. Each month I will create a card using one of my many gnome images. 

For this card, I picked a gnome and sentiment set from Photo Play Paper called Tulla's Birthday Party-and it comes with matching dies! I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and die cut the gnome along with the cupcake. I layered the images on the sweet birthday patterned paper from American Crafts called cupcake-same as the background layer!  I picked a fun sentiment from the same set, flagged the corners and placed the cupcake on the words.   I added some crystal embellishments for some sparkle and the  final touch! 

I am sure I have more than enough gnome images to use a different one each month.  I will be back in October and will show you another gnome, so stay tuned!

Image/Sentiment:  Photo Play Paper Tulla's Birthday Party Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Gina K Designs Wild Dandelion, Tranquil Tide; American Crafts Cupcake  Patterned Paper

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Crystal Embellishments

Picket Fence Double Duty-Late!

OKAY--so this is a few days late, but here we go.  This is month #9 of another challenge for our group of 4 stampers—Barb, Jeanette, Kelly, and Carol!  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 September,  the company that I picked was Picket Fence Studio. They have some wonderful stamp sets.  For our challenge this month, I picked a a set called Part of the Pack--I love the faces of all of these cute dogs!

For my first card, I stamped the image and ink blended with my Taylored Expressions ink cubes and blending brushes.  They are so smooth and I love the colors!  I embossed the background Granny Apple Green with my Taylored Expressions Dotted Lattice Embossing Folder. I punched out the sentiment from the same stamp set with circle punches and I think this is a perfect one for the colorful card.  I then added some Taylored Expressions Clear Drip Dots for the final touch!

For my second card, I decided to go with a spotlight!  I stamped the image twice and colored some of the dogs with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I used orange as a highlight color in the spotlight.  I then die cut the colored image with my Spellbinders Nestabilities Circle Dies.  I used Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie for the cardstock colors as additional highlights!   think the sentiment is perfect for so many of my dog owner friends!

I think this is perfect image to use for my Double Duty this month--so versatile. 

Here is the inside of both cards, with a strip of washi tape:

I hope you enjoyed my card for our group.  Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's,  Kelly's  and Carol's blogs.  Now--remember I am a few days late, so you will need to check back a few days to see their cards.    I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards! I hope Kelly, Jeanette and Carol like my card. Taylored Expressions is the company we will use in October so be sure to check back to see how we double up and make two cards on the 22nd!

Image/Sentiment:  Picket Fence Part of the Pack Stamp  Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Granny Apple Green, Melon Mambo, Mango Melody, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Taylored Expressions Ink Cubes and Blending Brushes

Accessories:   Taylored Expressions Dotted Lattice Embossing Folder, Clear Drip Drops; Copic Sketch Markers; Spellbinders Nestabilities Circle Dies; Round Punches

Altenew and Double Duty

So--this is a mess-up post for me. This post should have been on August 22nd.  but, early in August, we were still thinking we were going to be in Ireland September 1-18th.  I was working ahead on many cards for my blog posts and this was done, but it was an August challenge.  However, I scheduled it for September 22nd--today and skipped the August 22nd date to post.  And--I do not have my cards done for the September Double Duty--which is to be a Picket Fence stamp. So--I will work on that today.  AND-we did not go to Ireland as we canceled our trip mid-August and right now are thinking we will go in May of 2022.  So--the rest of this post will remain as I wrote it--please think it is now August 22nd!

Here we go.  This is month #8 of another challenge for our group of 4 stampers—Barb, Jeanette, Kelly, and Carol!  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 August the company that I picked was Altenew. They have some beautiful stamp sets, especially florals.  For our challenge this month, I picked a a set called Build a Chrysanthemum Stamp and the matching Die Set   

First, I decided to pick one flower and layer the colors.   I also wanted to use an embossing folder on both cards, as the second part of the Double Duty!  Also, both of the sentiments are from the same stamp set. It is hard to see, but each flower was also die cut and there are slices between each of the petals for added dimension.

For my first card, I stamped the layers with my Pink Fresh ink cubes in yellow colors. I also stamped the leaves with Pink Fresh green cubes.  I embossed the background Granny Apple Green with my Stampin' Up Layered Leaves Embossing folder. I then added white pearls and the Believe in Yourself sentiment from the same stamp set.

For my second card, I stamped the layers with my Pinkfresh Studio pink ink cubes.  The Granny Apple Green Background this time was using a Stampin' Up Dainty Diamonds embossing folder.   I then added some iridescent bling and the Be Yourself sentiment from the same stamp set

I had a number of Double Duty elements on these cards.  I used the same floral image and sentiments from the same set and an embossing folder.  I used Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes on both floral images along with Granny Apple Green as the main color!

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

Image/Sentiment:  Altenew Build a Chrysanthemum Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Stampin' Up Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo;  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes in Yellow and Pinks

Accessories:   Stampin' Up Layering Leaves and Dainty Diamonds Embossing Folders; White Pearls; Iridescent Rhinestones

Mimi!

Today is the 18th and the due date for a Mystery Swap on SCS. This is my card for that swap.  It is a group of us who do 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--back in 2010 and we are now in our 66th round!  Carol is our hostess this month and sent everyone this cute image from Taylored Expressions called Mimi. This is the second month we have highlighted dogs--yay!   She will also send everyone the next image, which Terry stamped.  We then get to do it all again, for round #67, in November!   

I think this image is so cute. And, I think with the name Mimi, it shouts Pink!  and shiny pink too!   I colored her shades of gray with my Copic Sketch Markers. I die cut the image with a MFT-My Favorite Things Stitched Mod Rectangle Die-namic. The patterned paper is from Stampin' Up's Painted With Love Designer Series Paper Pack.  I then used my Stampin' Up Banner Dies to cut three banners with some of the other papers from the same pack--all shades of pink!   I added a few pink enamel dots as the final touch on the banners.  I did not add a sentiment so this card can be used for pretty much any occasion.  

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope you and all of the mystery swappers like my card.  If you check my sidebar on the left, you might see some other swappers who have posted their cards today or in the next few days.

Image/Sentiment:   Taylored Expressions Mimi

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White; Stampin' Up Calypso Coral, Melon Mambo, Powder Pink, Painted With Love Designer Series Pape

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Banner Dies; My Favorite Thing-MFT Stitched Mod Rectangle Die-Namics; Pink Enamel Dots

Change is Good?

Today is not the third Wednesday of the month, but it is my Ready, Set, Go Challenge Card! The 3 of us, Kelly, Jeanette and me, are back with another challenge for September, our 53rd month!  That means we are into year #5 for us-WOW!

Jeanette provided the challenge for us this month: Change!  

It’s hard to believe that the 9/11 attack happened 20 years ago this month. It has changed us as a nation and it has most likely changed us as individuals, too. I remember in those first days after the attack, amongst the tears and frustrations, the heartache and anxiety, we gathered close to those we loved and reached out to others who were impacted by the attack, as well. Church attendance increased (briefly, at least), and people reflected more on their mortality. Neighbors checked in on neighbors. People helped one another. Life took on new meaning.

So. Many. Changes.

 

This month’s challenge will be about “Change”. I want you to look back at your cards from the past year or so and choose one of them as your starting point. (FYI – it will be best if you choose a card you didn’t absolutely love.) Now… I want you to make changes to that card and make it even better.

 

Obviously, you won’t have the same papers and such that the original card had. Sheesh! You might not even have the same stamps, though you might. Using that card as your starting point could simply mean you’ll use the same overall design (sketch).

 

Oh, and one more thing – please show us the “starting point” card, too (or link us to the blog post featuring it) when you post your card.

 

 Ready Set Go! 

This was a struggle this month and I am not sure why. I started this card more than three weeks ago and I am still not happy with it.  Maybe I need to Change It!

This is the card I picked to change--

I decided to pick a card that had an interesting background that I could recreate.  I also decided to make a slimline card for another change.  I used a WOW Stencil I just won in an IG giveaway called Lots Dots.  I used my Brutus Monroe Velveteen Glaze in Fresh Kale for the dotted background.  I then layered with green and black cardstock on the white card base.  I also just got the very large word Celebrate die from Picket Fence in the Scallop Framed Die Set--it is perfect for a slimline.  I die cut it from White Glitter Cardstock for a bit of sparkle as I did not thin I was going to add any embellishments-and I did not.  I layered the word three times for added dimension-though it is hard to see all of the sparkle in the picture!

I hope my new card is a positive change!

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. Kelly is up for the next theme, so be sure to check back to see what we are up to on the 3rd Wednesday in October.

Image/Sentiment: Picket Fence Scallop Framed Die Set-Celebrate

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:   Stampin' The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, Silver Glitter Cardstock, Gamma Green, Black

Ink:  None

Accessories:  WOW Lots Dots Stencil; Brutus Monroe Velveteen Glaze-Fresh Kale

Pumpkin Day!

Today is the 15th and the day we post our card for our group, the Crafty Card Ladies!   The team names are the Pearls and the Diamonds--very Classy names for us!   For our September Challenge, I am the hostess for the Diamonds and my partner Tracie is the hostess for the Pearls.   And we are all team Classy Card Ladies!  

The theme for September is Pumpkins!  I sent all of the Diamonds this fun fall  image from Great Impressions called Harvest Cart.  I did not include any sentiments, so you may see some different ones or none at all, like on my card.  I also included some fun fall patterned paper, some fall ribbons, fibers and  embellishments. 

I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the colored image with an older Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 8.   The background is a piece of Imaginisce fall words patterned paper.   I then layered 3 types of ribbon and topped it with the orange, brown and white baker's twine--I do this often on my card kits to showcase the fun ribbons included!   I added some of the orange enamel dots.  This was fun card to make!

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of the patterned 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 October when Darlene and Laura Jean are the hostesses!

Image/Sentiment:  Great Impressions Harvest Cart

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso; Imaginisce Fall Words Patterned Paper

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Orange Enamel Dots; Ribbons and Fibers; Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 8 Die

Mega Hello!

Today is the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card.  This is card number 26 and we are now into year #3. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success started with Kelly and the general theme 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 group of 6 and we will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other 5 members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For this month's messiness, I made two backgrounds with Ken Oliver Color Burst.  I have three sets of these and have used them only once or twice before.  For this background, I used blue, violet and green on Tim Holtz Watercolor Cardstock.  I die cut the Altenew Mega Hello from the panel. I layered the word on an embossed panel I made from Sizzix Brick Wall Embossing Folder.  I added a sentiment from Taylored Expressions Crafty Sentiment Strips.  I added a few Trinity Stamps Midnight Ball Embellishment Mix for the final touch!   I really like the look of this card and hope you do too. 

Here is the inside of my card:

Here are the links to the other members of Hot Mess ~ Success.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's, Terry's, Kelly's , Carol's and Darlene's blogs. I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy and was successful in making some great cards!   We will all continuing this year, so be sure to check back to see what we are up to on October 12th.  

Image/Sentiment:  Altenew Mega Hello/Taylored Expressions Crafty Sentiment Strips

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Tim Holtz Watercolor Cardstock; Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Gorgeous Grape

Ink:  Ken Oliver Color Burst Green, Blue and Violet

Accessories:  Sizzix Brick Wall Embossing Folder; Trinity Stamps Midnight Ball Embellishment Mix

Teacher Thanks!

First--I am saying a Prayer this morning for all of those lives that were lost 20 years ago today.  How can it be that long ago?  We Shall Never Forget!

This is my September 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 64th month and the theme for September is "Use your A-B-C's--use something on your card that starts with A-B-C".  

I m not sure I have met all of the A-B-C expectations, but I think using patterned paper with the alphabet on it counts too!  The die is from Taylored Expressions and is called Thanks and Backer.  I die cut the word from white and it is layered three times--the backer is in black.  The background is a fun teacher and school themed paper from Little Yellow Bicycle called Bookworm/Penmanship Green. I added some garden green satin stitched ribbon and an apple brad  I think this is a fun card and would be perfect for a back to school thank you teacher card!

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

I hope Terry and the others swappers like my card this month too! Terry has already posted the October theme and the ones for the rest of the year.  Be sure to come back in to see what we create!  

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Thanks and Backer Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Garden Green; Little Yellow Bicycle Bookworm/Penmanship Green

Ink:  None

Accessories:  Stampin' Up 3/8" Satin Stitched Garden Green Ribbon; Apple Brad