Early Spring

 

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 April,  I picked a cute set from Gina K Designs called Early Spring. The set has a sweet corner tulip mages and a number of sentiments.  I always need Easter cards as our church sends about 25 families from our sister church in Milwaukee grocery gift cards for Easter.  I am working on my 2026 cards! 

For my card, I stamped the image in Hero Arts Intense Black ink in the corner of a panel.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I then die cut the panel and backer with my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2.  I die cut the sentiment from a new to me die set from Stampin' Up called Greetings of the Season dies-- know I will use that set all year round!  I added some Stampin' Up pink twine on the stitched label.  I added some pink enamel dots 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 May 25th to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment: Gina K Designs Early Spring

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 dies; Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Greetings of the Season Die, Pink Thread; Pink Enamel Dots

Double Bunny Ears

 

Today is the 22nd so this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 52nd month, so we are in to our 5th year!

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, we decided to use Pink & Main, a fun and unique company.  The company has great stamps, dies, foiling, and so many other unique items.  Michelle, the owner and creative director,  also participates in a few of the virtual events I sign up for and her classes are so fun.  

For this month, I picked a cute stamp called Bunny Ears.  I will need about 25 Easter cards for next year as our Human Concerns Ministry Team from church sends grocery gift cards to members of our sister church in Milwaukee. I try to make some throughout the year.

For my these cards, I used ovals as a double duty theme.  I also used "dots" on both cards and colored the bunny with my Copic Sketch Markers.

For my first card, I die cut the image and the pink backer from ovals from The Sizzix Dotted Oval Die set.  I picked some spring patterned paper with fun pastel stripes for the background and added a strip of Stampin' Up Pretty in Pink Taffeta ribbon behind the image.   I added a few pink Trinity Stamps pearls around the bunny!

For my second card, I die cut an oval from my Pinkfresh Studio Elongated Die set. I then embossed the panel with a very old Stampin' Up folder called Perfect Polka Dots. I added the bunny image inside the oval and then layered the white panel on the white card base.  I added a few pink enamel dots around the bunny!

 I think both of these cards are so cute and sweet!  Fun cards for this month' Double Duty---Dots, Ovals and Copics!

Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards. Here is a link to Jeanette's,  Darlene’s,  Carol's   and Terry's blogs. I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards. 

Next month we will highlight another amazing company, Brass & Bliss. So be sure to check out our cards on May 22nd!    

Image/Sentiment: Pink & Main Bunny Ears

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Pretty in Pink; Spring Striped Patterned Paper

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black Ink

Accessories:  Gina Copic Sketch Markers; Sizzix Dotted Oval Dies; Trinity Stamps Pink Pearl Embellishments; Pinkfresh Studio Elongated Oval Die; Stampin' Up Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Pretty in Pink 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon; Pink Enamel Dots

Happy Easter

 

Today as it is the 28th and the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS. This is our 98th month of de-stash, so we are into our 8th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 8+ years old! 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 March challenge---Make a card with a fun fold and use the color green!

I decided it was a perfect time to make an Easter card.  I make about 25 cards each year for our church as send grocery gift cards to some families at our sister church in Milwaukee.  I first found the perfect paper.  I picked some green glitter cardstock from Recollections and jelly bean patterned paper from Photo Play Paper.  I used a die from The Greetery set called Easter Morning Sentiments. I am not sure what this fold is called, so I will say it is a Flap Fold!  I added some Trinity Stamps Aquamarine Ripple Mix around the words.  

 

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

Image/Sentiment:  The Greetery Easter Morning Sentiments Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Recollections Green Glitter 6x6 pack; Photo Play Paper Happy Easter Patterned Paper

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Trinity Stamps Aquamarine Ripple Mix

Yellow Flowers

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 92nd month of de-stash, so we are into our 8th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 8+ years old!   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.

Suzy posted our August challenge--Sunflowers for the theme or any yellow flower 

I went with an Gina K Designs called Easter Blessings. I always need Easter cards as we send about 30 some with grocery gift cards before Easter to some members of our sister church in Milwaukee.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and then cut the image with a Sizzix Dotted Squares Die.  I also stamped one of the sentiments and added a flag of Crushed Curry ribbon. I picked a fun background panel by using a Brass & Bliss Quilted Cover Plate. I added some Wink of Stella on the daffodils so they look like dew is all over them.   I now have another Easter card to add to my stash!

 

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

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Easter Blessings

Cardstock: The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Crushed Curry

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:   Sizzix Dotted Square Dies; Brass & Bliss Quilted Cover Plate; Stampin' Up Crushed Curry; Wink of Stella; Copic Sketch Markers; 

The Stamp Market

 

Here we are--this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 44th month, so we are in our 4th year!  WOW--4 years of making two cards with the same stamp from different companies each month!

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 we decided on is The Stamp Market.  This is a rather new company and I think I was introduced to them during one of the virtual events held in the last few years.  I picked a set called Easter Joy and it is a stamp set with a matching die. I also used the Bunny Ears die set.  

For both cards, I heat embossed the words Easter Joy and then die cut with the coordinating die. I then die cut the Bunny Ears in white and pink.  Both cards have a background panel behind the ears and words! 

                           

For this pink card, I embossed the Easter Joy words on Taylored Expressions Pink Champagne cardstock with clear embossing powder.  The background is Brass & Bliss Wood Plank Panel Background Plate.  The bunny ears are in the corner with the words centered.  I then added some Stampin' Up white pearls around words.

                         

For the white card, I used white embossing powder on Blushing Bride cardstock. I added a white panel die cut from a Pinkfresh Studio plate called Simply Diamonds.  I added foam tape behind the panel and placed it on Blushing Bride. The bunny ears are in the middle, right under the words.  I added some Pinkfresh Studio Glacier Jewels on the Blushing Bride, between the diamonds. 

I hope you enjoyed my cards for our group.  Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards. Here is a link to Jeanette's, Darlene’s  and  Carol's blogs.   I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards.  

Next month we will highlight a favorite of all of us, Gina K Designs.   So be sure to check out our cards on September 22nd!  

Image/Sentiment:  The Stamp Market Easter Joy Stamps and Die, along with Bunny Ears Dies

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque; Stampin' Up Blushing Bride; Taylored Expressions Pink Champagne

Ink:  Versamark Ink, Brutus Monroe Clear and White Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Simply Diamonds Plate, Glacier Jewels; Brass & Bliss Wood Plank Panel Die;  Stampin' Up White Pearls

Easter Cards

 

Today is the day I am posting my cards for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 87th month of de-stash, so we are starting our 8th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 8+ years old!   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.

Lisa posted our March challenge--Create anything you would like with an Easter theme.

I make cards every year for our Human Concerns committee from church when we sent gift cards to members of our sister church in Milwaukee.  This year we sent to 23 families and my stash of Easter cards is now low for 2025.  So, I decided to do a mass production of 8 cards using my new Gina K Designs die set called Elegant Cross.  I also recently bought the Taylored Expressions Joyful Joyful stamp, die and Foil It panels so I used those for the sentiments.  I die cut the cross and backer from gold and white shimmery cardstock from The Paper Cut.  I then used some of my new gold foil from Taylored Expressions and foiled the panels from the Joyful Joyful set and then die cut each of the sentiments.  The background paper is some fun and colorful pastel colors from Stampin' Up as are the enamel dots I added around the cross.

I now have a start on the cards I need for next Easter!

 

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 CYSMAR.  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 cards 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 April, Sharon is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Joyful Joyful Foil It Panels and Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, White Lady and Antique Gold Shimmer Cardstock; Stampin' Up Pastel colors and patterned paper

Ink:  None, but Gold Taylored Expression Foil

Accessories:   Gina K Designs Elegant Cross Dies; Stampin' Up Enamel Dots

Taylored Expressions Lily

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, I was the hostess and sent out a pretty Big Blooms-Lily from Taylored Expressions!  I sent a couple images that I die cut with the coordinating die and a few on quarter sheets.    So for March, this is card #115 and we are into year number 10!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 10 plus years!  

I picked one of the die cut images and colored it with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I added two layers under the image for some dimension and strength. I picked a yellow gingham patterned paper from Echo Park paper for the background.  I added a strip of white cardstock on the side, where I stamped a Happy Easter sentiment from a Sweet 'N Sassy set called He Lives.  For the final touch, I added some Pinkfresh Studio clear gems with gold dust around the image.  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 great cards!  Jeanette will be up for our April challenge.   Please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Big Blooms-Lily stamp and matching die; Sweet 'N Sassy He Lives Sentiment

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight; Echo Park Paper Easter Wishes Patterned Paper

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Pinkfresh Studio Clear Gems with Gold Dust

Happy Easter

 

This is my card for a swap called the SIS--Surprise Image Swap.   This is card #13 for our group.  It is a bi-monthly swap where we all use the same image, sent to us by the hostess.  The surprise part is that we are to not discuss the image at all until the day they are to be posted--the 18th of every other month.   The image for this round was provided by Me!  I will swap the cards and include the new image for round #14 that Sharon stamped in each return envie. Then--we do it all again in April!  We have completed one round and now are on to another one!

I sent everyone this sweet image from Colorado Craft Company called Happy Easter. I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I die cut the image with the matching die that I have along with the Happy Easter sentiment from the same set.  I then picked two coordinating patterned papers and die cut them and the backer with Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2. I die cut some additional pieces of the image and sentiment to layer for added dimension. I added a bit of Wink of Stella Clear Pen on each of the bunnies tails!  For the final touch, three rhinestones in the corner!

If you check some of the other blogs listed on my sidebars, you may find some other swappers who have posted their creations.  The due date is today, the 18th, or they may post in the upcoming days. You can also check out SCS and use the keyword SIS13 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment:  Colorado Craft Company Happy Easter Stamp Set
 
Cardstock/Patterned Paper:   Gina K Designs Artist Choice White; Taylored Expressions Dill Pickle; Photo Play Paper Sunday Best and Egg Hunt Patterned Paper
 
Ink:   Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Wink of Stella-Clear; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Rainbow Rhinestones

Easter Baskets!

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 77th month of de-stash, so we are in the middle of our 7th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 6+ years old!   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.

Sharon posted our May challenge--I am thinking of how we used to make May Day baskets and put them on the porches. Weave something or put a basket on your card.

I have had this panel with the Easter baskets sitting on my desk for a bit, waiting for a sentiment to use for my church next year.  Our church has a sister church in Milwaukee and we provide Easter and Thanksgiving meals to about 25 families.  Before Covid, these "baskets of food" were delivered to each of the families.  Now, we send a grocery gift card to them and I have made cards to go with each of the gift cards.  So--I always need to be sure to have enough cards for those holidays.  

I am not sure who makes the Easter basket patterned paper, but I picked the die from Impression Obsession.   I layered the words three times and the backer was cut from Early Espresso.  It was placed on a vellum circle over the patterned paper.  No embellishments were needed.   I hope Sharon likes my basket card!

 

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

Image/Sentiment: Impression Obsession Happy Easter Die

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Early Espresso, Cool Caribbean, Velumn; Easter Basket Patterned Paper

Ink: None

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Layering Circles Die