Encore Challenge #2

 

Today I am posting my card for the newer 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 February, I picked a Stampin' Up set that includes a stamp set, matching die set and a 5 piece stencil set too. It has a sweet large rose image, additional smaller images and some sweet sentiments.

For my card, I stamped the image and sentiment in Hero Arts Intense Black ink on a panel.  I then ink blended the image with my Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes an die cut the image.  I then used a Stampin' Up cover plate called Stitched Greenery for the back panel.  I then die cut the leafy panel with a die from My Favorite Things called Blueprints 20, which added the scallop and stitched edge. I die cut the sentiment with a Taylored Expressions label die.  I added some Pinkfresh Studio Ballet Slipper 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 March 25th  to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment:  Stampin' Up Layers of Beauty-stamps, dies and stencil set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black;  Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Ballet Slipper Jewels; My Favorite Things-MFT-Blueprints 20 die; Stampin' Up Stitched Greenery Cover Plate; Taylored Expressions Sentiment Label Die

Happy Anniversary

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 73rd month of de-stash, so we are just starting our 7th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 6!   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.

I posted our January challenge--Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary for 6 years of this group. Make a celebration card that has metallic on it.

I recently bought this Spellbinders Happy Anniversary Vignette die set.  So yes, it technically was in my stash as I did not buy it specifically for this challenge. I bought it a I needed something to make anniversary cards and this set of 4 dies was perfect.  I die cut the middle section with Copper Mirricard from The Paper Cut and the filigree border from Opal Mirricard, also from The Paper Cut.  I then embossed a copper panel with my Spellbinders Geo Screen folder.  I added a few ivory pearls around the card, thought they are a bit hard to see.  There is lots of shine and sparkle on this card and it was pretty easy to make.  

 

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

Image/Sentiment:   Spellbinders Happy Anniversary Vignette Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, Mirricard Gold and Opal

Ink: None

Accessories:  Spellbinders Geo Screen Embossing Folder; Ivory Pearls

White on White Anniversary Card

Today I am posting a card for a SCS Challenge by Misti Monday to use one of the mini stamps that many of us have.  I have a few of the sweet mini stamp sets from Colorado Craft Company--love them!  My friend Jeanette recently posted a card with layers and layers of white patterns, so I thought I would give that a try.  I do really like white on white cards!

I picked the Colorado Craft Company mini stamp set called Anniversary Mini.  I think this couple is so dang cute!  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and then used a coordinating die I have to cut it out.  The sentiment is from the same set and I die cut it with my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2.  The background layer is a newer to me embossing folder from Sizzix called 3-D Art Deco.  I love the dimension is gives to the card.  I then die cut 2 circles from a MFT-My Favorite Things set called Wonky Stitched Circles.   A perfect anniversary card!

 

I hope you like my card.  Be sure to use those mini-stamps and try a multi-layered white on white card

Image/Sentiment:  Colorado Craft Company Anniversary Mini Stamp Set

Cardstock: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Sizzix 3-D Art Deco Embossing Folder; MFT-My Favorite Things Wonky Stitched Circles; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2

Happy Anniversary

This is a fun and colorful card I made with many Taylored Expressions products.  I used the 3 layering stencils in the Bokeh set, with TE Confetti Cake, Blue Raspberry and Lollipop inks along with my blending brushes.  I picked a fun image from the Gus & Gertie stamp set, but I cut off Gertie the bird...........  The image was colored with my Copic Sketch Markers.    I added the Anniversary sentiment from the Friendly Phrases stamp set--also Taylored Expressions.

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

I think this is a fun card and I hope you do too!

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Gus & Gertie/Friendly Phrases

Cardstock:  Neenah Class Crest 110# Solar White; Stampin' Up Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Taylored Expressions Confetti Cake, Blue Raspberry, Lollipop; 

Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Bokeh Stencil; Copic Sketch Markers

Stop, Drop and Roll

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 33rd month!  That means we are coming to the end our third year--YAY! 

Kelly provided the challenge for February: Stop, Drop and Roll!  Remember when you were little and were taught that in fire safety?  She asked us to take each part of that saying for our challenge.

Stop-Use one of the letter of STOP as your main color.  
Drop-Use any element on the card that you have to drop-like re-inkers, Nuvo drops, water, etc.
Roll-Use anything that rolls-a brayer, a marble.  Drop and Roll pair nicely together!

Ready? Set? Go!

I decided to go with a technique that I did for the first time more than 10 years ago--Rolling Marble Technique.  First, the STOP color--Shaded Spruce-extra credit for 2 S's!  Drop--I dropped a few drops of the Shaded Spruce re-inker into a plastic stamp case.  I then added a few marbles and a piece of white cardstock to roll around!  I added a triple layered Cheers die from Stampin' UP, but I think I should have used a different color for more contrast.  I think I met the challenge!

Here is the inside of my card, with a sentiment from an A*Muse stamp set.

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. 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 March!  

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Cheers to That/Sentiment A*Muse Essential Sentiments

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Shaded Spruce, Mint Macaron, Calypso Coral

Ink: Stampin' Up Shaded Spruce

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Cheers Die; Wine Glass Brads; 

Dueling Darlings

It is the 15^th of the month and that means I am showing you a new Dueling Darlings card.  For our February Challenge, Carol and Shelly are the hostesses. They decided on the theme-Let Me Call You Sweetheart!  Shelly is one of the Dazzlers and Carol is a Diva, like me. And we are all Dueling Darlings!  And, we have been doing this since August of 2010--so we are into our 9th year!

Carol sent out this sweet image from Inkadinkadoo.  She also sent some sweet patterned paper along with a variety of fun embellishments. This was fun card to make and I hope the other Divas thought so too!

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.  Tami and Terry are the hostesses for March, so be sure to check back next month.

There are a few members who do not have blogs:  Suzy who is on the Diva team and Debby and Terry S 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: Inkadinkado Vintage Couple/Sentiment A*Muse Essential Sentiments

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso; My Mind's Eye Bloom Patterned Paper

Ink:  Black; Watercolored with Stampin' Up inks

Accessories:  Pearls, Ribbon

Old Crumbs of Cherry Cobbler

This is the 32nd week of A Card a Week Challenge. One card a week--for 52 weeks--with a preset challenge for each month. August is to use a Color Challenge from SCS.  Every Tuesday I will post a card that fits the theme of the monthly challenge. 

I picked Color Challenge #724 for my third card in August.  It is to use Old Olive, Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler.  The title on SCS is Old Crumbs of Cherry Cobbler!

I thought these colors would look nice with some of my new to me Verses anniversary stamps.  I am making some anniversary cards for a friend and this is a great color combo!  I used a Memory Box die to cut a square of Cherry Cobbler to layer over the Old Olive.  The patterned paper is actually a Christmas paper called Deck the Halls.................................

I really like the look of this card and hope you do too. 

  
Here is the inside of my card: 

I hope you will stop back each Tuesday to see my creation for my A Card a Week Challenge!  Be sure to check back to see my what colors I used for my last card!

Image/Sentiment: Verses Bright Hope Anniversary

Cardstock:  Recollections 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler and Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper

Ink: Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Memory Box Stitched Work Dies; Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding

A Very Special Dream

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 inked a new Stampin' Up set called Special Celebrations.  I think everyone can use a wedding or anniversary card like this!

Here is the inside of my card:

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

Image/Sentiment:  Stampin' Up Special Celebrations

Cardstock:  Recollections 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Brushed Gold, Merry Merlot; Making Memories Tie The Knot

Ink:  Stampin' Up Merry Merlot

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Gold Ribbon; Merlot Brads

Love is Patient

This is the card I made for our bi-monthly swap at my local stamp and scrapbook store called Polka Dots, in Mukwonago.  The theme this month our choice of Love, Valentine's Day, Wedding or Anniversary. I inked up one of my favorite stamps and I think this card can be used for any of those 4 occasions. 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope everyone likes my card!


Image/Sentiment:  Stampabilities--Love Is Patient

Ink:  Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler

Cardstock:  Recollections 110# White, Su Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake; Jillibean Soup-Heart Healthy Red--Bean Soup, Heart Healthy Broth--Bay Leaves Patterned Papers

Accessories:  SU Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Stitched Satin Ribbon; Red Brads

Black, White and Silver Challenge

It is the 28th and that means a new group is posting their cards today.  It is a group that I organized on SCS along with a bit of inspiration and nudging from my friends Kelly and Jeanette.  The name of the group is 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 by the 5th of the month and the card is due to be posted on the 28th.  The challenges can be a color challenge or a sketch challenge or a technique challenge or a combination.  Then, each person in the group--there are currently 15 of us--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--Easy Peasy!

I posted the first challenge for our group and it was a color challenge--use Black, White and Silver on your card.  I made an anniversary card by using a Gina K stamp that I am not sure has ever been inked up.  I embossed the image with silver and layered over silver vellum.  The anniversary theme is carried over to the inside with Happy Anniversary silver ribbon.

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 CYSJAN.  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 reducer have made!  Thanks for stopping by today!

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K ~ Always and Forever Set


Cardstock:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Silver Fancy Foil Designer Vellum; Silver Metallic Cardstock

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Versamark

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Ovals; SU Silver Embossing Powder, Ticket Corner Punch; Black and Silver Ribbon; Happy Anniversary Ribbon