Nice List

 

Today is the 9th of the month and here is my card for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Kelly was the hostess and sent out a sweet elf image and 2 sentiments from Avery Elle called Nice List.  For August, this is card #144 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong coming up on 13 years! 

I colored the sweet elf that Kelly had already die cut for us with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I also colored the ornament Kelly included in the kit and each of us got a different small Christmas image.  I decided to use one of my newer Newton's Nook dies called Card Layout 7.  Jen, the owner and designer for Newton's Nook, came to my retreat in April for a make & take and showed us many of these fun Layout Dies!  I used a 6x6 Christmas Party patterned paper pack, also from Newton's Nook for 2 of the stitched panel.  I used a lime green metallic for the middle panel.  The sentiment is from the same set.  I did not add any bling at all to this 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 fun Christmas cards!  I will be for our September challenge, so please be sure to join us again next month!  I had better decide what image to send! 

Image/Sentiment:  Avery Elle Nice List

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White; Taylored Expressions Cherry Pop; The Paper Cut Lime Green Metallic; Newton's Nook Christmas Party

Ink:   Memento Black 

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Newton's Nook Card Layout 7

Sip Sip Hooray

 

Today is the day I post a card 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 October, I picked an Avery Elle Stamp Set that I have not used called Sip Sip Hooray.  

For my card, I colored the stamped image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I decided to pick a circle die from Pinkfresh Studio called Inverted Stitched Scallop Circle to layer over the image and added foam tape behind it. I thought the  card could use a bit of color, so I added a layer of Cherry Cobbler between the circle layer and the card base.  The sentiment is from the same set and I used an older Stampin' Up punch with it.  I added some Black Rhinestones from Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces 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.  Links to the blogs of Jeanette, Terry, and Darlene.  Be sure to come back on November 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More.  

Image/Sentiment:  Avery Elle Sip Sip Hooray Stamp Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; 

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Inverted Stitched Scallop Circle Die; Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Punch; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Black Rhinestones

Best of the Bunch

Today is the 15th and this is my card for our The Creative Crew!  We are a group of 7 and all one team--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 Tracie sent us all a sweet kit.  It was perfect for Tracie's theme of May Flowers! 

Tracie sent everyone this sweet image from Avery Elle called The Best of the Bunch.  I thought it looked like a raccoon, but when I got the details from Tracie, she said it was a fox!  I had already colored one of the images that she had die cut, so I went with it.  Fox-Raccoon? You Choose!  She also included some sweet papers by Echo Park along with some flowers from the Taylored Expressions Garden Variety set.  Tracie also had some sweet bling and fibers too--a Packed Card Kit!

I colored the "animal" image with my Copic Sketch Markers and found a sweet sketch from a 2022 Sheet Load of Cards layout that was able to showcase some of the pretty papers Tracie sent. The sentiment was from the assortment Tracie sent and I thought this was a pretty card for sending smiles.   I added the twine along with various bling to the card for the added sparkle!  This was fun card to make!

Tracie also asked us to tell what our favorite flower is.  My standard answer to that question--"Whatever is Blooming in our Garden at this Time".  So, right now, I love tulips, bluebells and lilacs.   Later it will be lilies and irises.  Also hydrangea and lupines.  Later in the summer will be sunflowers.  We start seeds under grow lights in the late winter and move them to our greenhouse early in May.  Mid-May I then transplant into the pots and baskets that are on our deck and driveway.   So, we have lots of petunias and colorful coleus in the greenhouse right now. There are a few buds of petunias ready to bloom.  I then move them out to their summer location Memorial Day Weekend as the chance of frost in Wisconsin is probably gone!

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 wonderful creations this month!   

We will be back in June with the kit I will be sending out.  I do not have a theme yet, so had better start thinking!  Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun she has planned!

Image/Sentiment: Avery Elle Best of the Bunch

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White;  Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight, Melon Mamba,  Granny Apple Green;  Echo Park Paper New Day Patterned Paper

Ink:   Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Twine; Pinkfresh Gems; Taylored Expressions Garden Variety Dies for Flowers

Wood You!

It is time for another The Three Musketeers post. We are ready to showcase the card we all created with the cute images from the Avery Elle stamp set called Wood You I sent out for February card #90! That means we are in the middle of year number 7 with this fun challenge!  All three of us sure have enjoyed the challenges every month and we hope that it continues for a long time! 

I colored the cute woodchuck, tree stump and small hearts with my Copic Sketch Markers.  The background paper is from a 6x6 The Stamps of Life patterned paper pack called Sweetheart Creations. I thought a cute heart doily would be pretty behind the images. I used a banner punch for the sentiment and black layer.  I added three small hearts from the same stamp set on the doily.  I think this is such a sweet Valentine card--or one for any time of the year!   I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!

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

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 great cards!  They may post today or tomorrow, so be sure to check out their blogs for their card!   Jeanette is up for our March challenge.  Please be sure to join us again.  

Image/Sentiment:   Avery Elle Wood You

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Real Red; The Stamps of Life Sweetheart Collection 6x6 paper pack

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers; White Heart Doily; Stampin' Up Banner Punch

24 Hour Blueprints

Welcome to the 3rd edition of 24 Hour Blueprints.  This is another brainchild of Kelly and I think it might be our 8th challenge between the three of us--Kelly, Jeanette and me!  Yes, we have agreed to try another type of fun challenge.  Pretty soon my blog will be full of challenges with the three of us!!!!!!

So--how does 24 Hour Blueprint work? 

1--We each have 24 hours to make your card(s),  We post the following morning of the hostess's mysterious challenge.

2--Hostesses will announce the number of card(s) 24 hours before the challenge - not 2 days before or 20 minutes before ... you get 24 hours and that's. it! 

3--Hostesses can chose up to 4 mysterious blueprints but they must be made in under an hour - so nothing FANCY SCHMANCY!

4--Hostesses give us ONLY the specs for the card requirements (blueprints) and what EACH layer should be. The stamps/colors/papers used may vary per player.  You may say A2 card bases or slimline, 1 base layer DSP, 3 heart and 1 circle for card #1 yadda yadda!  Each card must have it's own blueprint so please give a description for each!

5--We use any stamp and/or company.   It's open to interpretation. 

6--We are going to post every other month--dates to be determined each month.  

Jeanette is up for our third round and sent us the blueprints this morning.

Theme--It's Seasonal: Choose a different for each of your three cards.

Color Palette:  You have the freedom to use colors indicative of the season on each card-but please use at least a bit of black on each of the cards.

Sketch #1 is a Halloween Card:

For this sketch, I picked a fun Stampabilities wood mounted stamp that is very old called Flying Witch.  The sentiment is from Stamp Antonio Arts called Witchy Wishes.  The patterned paper is from a Kaisercraft 6x6 pack called 13th hour.  I added a black glitter bat in the corner. And--there is lots of black on this card.

Here is the inside of this card:

Now on to Sketch #2, with a Christmas or Winter theme:

This time, I picked a fun Avery Elle set called Christmas Critters and it comes with matching dies!  The image was colored with my Copic Sketch Markers and then die cut.  The sentiment is from the same set.  I added a fun brad on the sentiment strip.  The background paper and green buffalo plaid strip is from Stampin' Up called Merry Little Christmas.  The corners of the sketch were rounded, so mine are too.  There is lots of black on this card!

Here is the inside of my card:

And the final card, sketch #3

For Sketch 3, I went with a spring theme.  I used a cute stamp set from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps called Spring Tulips.  The sentiment is from the same set nd that is layered on black cardstock.   I colored the tulips with my Copic Sketch Markers and die cut the image with a Gina Marie Ball and Chain Circle Die.  The colorful patterned paper is from Peebles called Petunia. The   A few colorful enamel dots complete this card.  

Here is the inside of my card:

Here are all three of the seasonal cards, with back on each one!

This was a great challenge and I loved it very much!  Please be sure to check out the other 24 Hour Blueprints cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blogs. I am sure you will enjoy checking out what each of them have created in the past 24 hours! 

Image/Sentiment: 1-- Stampabilities Flying Witch-Stamp Antonio Arts Witchy Wishes; 2--Avery Elle Christmas Critters Stamps/Dies;  3--Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps Spring Tulips

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Old Olive, Basic Black, Gorgeous Grape, Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Pear Pizazz, Merry Little Christmas Designer Series Paper;  Pebbles Petunia Patterned Paper; Kaisercraft 13th Hour 6x6 Patterned Paper Pack

Ink:  Simon Says Stamp Intense Black; 

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Christmas Brad; Colorful  Enamel Dots; Gina Marie Design Ball and Chain Circle Dies; Corner Rounder Punch; Stampin' Up Bat Punch; 

Double Duty-Avery Elle

Here we go.  This is month #4 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 April, the company that I picked was Avery Elle. They really have some sweet images, many different varieties and many have coordinating dies.  I picked the cute floral set Spring Bouquet--and it has a matching die set!    I love the image and coordinating sentiments!

     

For both cards, I colored the bouquet with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I also decided I would use an embossing folder on both cards, as the second part of the Double Duty!  I also embossed the words "Wishing You A" on black cardstock and added a different sentiment on each of the two cards.

For my first card, I embossed the background cardstock with my Stampin' Up Tufted Embossing Folder--one of my favorite folders!  I die cut the image and then picked the sentiment Wishing You a Speedy Recovery.  I then added mini-pearls where each of the diamonds met and love the final result!

For my second card, I also die cut the image and added some linen thread around the bouquet.  The embossing folder is also from Stampin' Up called Polka Dot.    This time I added some yellow enamel dots for this Birthday card!

I had a number of Double Duty elements on these cards.  I used the same image and coordinating die, Copic Sketch Markers and an embossing folder.

Here is the inside of both cards:

I hope you enjoyed my card for our group.  Please be sure to check out the other Double cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blog-they may post today or tomorrow, so be sure to check back.  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. Unity is the company we will use in May, so be sure to check back to see how we double up and make two cards on the 22nd!

Image/Sentiment:  Avery Elle Spring Bouquet Stamp and Coordinating Dies

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody, Blushing Bride, Rococo Rose

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Polka Dots and Tufted Embossing Folders, Mini White Pearls; Yellow Enamel Dots; Linen Thread; Copic Sketch Markers; 

Critter Crew!

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 62nd round!  I am our hostess this month and sent everyone this fun birthday image from Avery Elle called Critter Crew.  I will also send everyone the next image, which Tracie stamped and sent to me! We then get to do it all again, for round #64, in May!   

I think this image is so cute.  I colored all of the fun guys in the present with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I did not think there was room for a sentiment, so I layered the image on some fun birthday patterned paper from the Celebrate line by American Tradition Designs called Brights!  I then added a few yellow enamel dots as the final touch.

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:  Avery Elle Critter Birthday

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest 100# Solar White; Stampin' Up Gorgeous Grape, Pineapple Punch, Highland Heather; American Tradition Designs Celebrate-Brights

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Yellow Enamel Dots

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

Glamper Camper!

This is my card for the 51st round of the UIS--Unidentified Image Swap on SCS.   Yes, the 51st 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 Nancy!  She will swap the cards and include the next image that Carol sent in our return envie. And then we get to do it all again--for round #52--in October! 

Nancy sent everyone this sweet Avery Elle image called Glamper Campers.  She said this set just makes her happy and she thought we all could use some cards to build each other up these days!  That is so true!!!!!

I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and found some fun camping patterned paper for my background. A bit of Stampin' Up Old Olive Chevron Ribbon is the added touch.  

Here is the inside of my card:

If you check some of the other blogs listed on my sidebars, you may find some other swappers who have posted their creations within the past couple of days as they date to post was on the 18th--or they may post in the upcoming days. You can also check out SCS and use the keyword UIS51 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment: Avery Elle Glamper Camper
 
Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Neenah Bright White;  Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive; Imaginisce Scooters Vacation Ruffin' It Paper
 
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Old Olive Mini Chevron Ribbon