From My Heart

 

Today as it is the 28th and the day I am posting my cards for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS. This is our 110th 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.

Tracie posted our February challenge--Use a heart and the color pink!

This is one of my favorite D. Morgan stamps. It is perfect for Valentines Day or for any other time of the year.  It is a wood mounted stamp and I am not used to not pulling out my Misti!  But, I did stamp the image and colored it with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I used my Gina Marie Designs Rounded Stitched Square dies to cut out the image and a black layer backer.  The background is a very old Cuttlebug Embossing Folder called Love Language.   I added some Stampin' Up Real Red ribbon behind the image and a few Trinity Clay Hearts around the square. I like the contrast in colors on this card and I hope you like it too.

 

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

Image/Sentiment:  D. Morgan-Stamps Happen From My Heart stamp

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Sweet Sorbet

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Gina Marie Designs Rounded Stitched Square Dies; Stampin' Up Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon; Trinity Stamps Clay Hearts; Copic Sketch Markers

Happy Gnome Birthday

 

I am a bit late as I missed posting on the 19th--but here I am with my February At Home With Gnomes.  I am doing a monthly challenge for myself to use one of the many gnomes stamp or die sets that I have.  Each month I will create a card using one of my many gnome images and I plan to post on the 19th.

For my February card, I picked a fun Unity stamp set called Happy Gnome Birthday.  And, the sentiments are perfect for a belated birthday, which I need t times...........  I picked my background paper first--a fun Carta Bella patterned paper called It's a Celebration!  I stamped the image and sentiments with my Hero Arts Intense Black ink.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and then die cut the image with a Gina Marie Designs Pierced Chain Rounded Rectangle.  I added the image and sentiments on my card, along with some enamel dots.   I think this is a fun card.

I know I have enough gnomes to use a different one each month.  I will be back on March 19th, hopefully on time, and will show you another gnome, so stay tuned!

Image/Sentiment:  Unity Stamps Happy Birthday Gnome Stamp Set 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Lost Lagoon; Carta Bella It's A Celebration Patterned Paper

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs Pierced Chain Rounded Rectangles; Copic Sketch Markers; Enamel Dots

Live Happy

 

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 February, I picked a Picket Fence Studios stamp that I have not used called Live Happy. I think the words are powerful!  I saw the musical Hamilton last week and the first line reminds me of one of the famous lines Aaron Burr tells Alexander Hamilton--Talk Less, Smile More.

For my card, I went with Taylored Expressions Fruit Punch ink on white cardstock. I die cut the phrase with a Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Rectangle die.   I then embossed the Fruit Punch Panel with a Taylored Expressions folder called Lots of Love.  I added some Trinity Stamps pink clay hearts 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 March 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More. 

Image/Sentiment:  Picket Fence Studios Live Happy

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Fruit Punch

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Fruit Punch

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Rectangles;  Trinity Stamps Pink Clay Hearts

Let it Snow!

 

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 January, I picked a Brass & Bliss Stamp and Die that I have not used called Penguin. I think he is so dang cute and I can always use more Winter or Christmas Cards.

For my card, I decided to make a gate-fold card.  I had just watched a live with Gina K Designs and her 12 Days of Christmas Kit where she made some with her Day 11 gift.  I picked some fun patterned paper that kind of coordinates with the fun stamped penguin image. I used Gina's Master Layouts 13 to cut the stitched panels and the backers--first time using that set too!!!!  I stamped and colored the penguin with my Copic Sketch Markers, then die cut.  I added a stitched circle behind the penguin which overlaps the middle opening.  I also used a stitched circle die to cut the sentiment, which I popped up so the circle with the image slips under it.  I added some lime green enamel dots by 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 February 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More. 

Image/Sentiment:  Brass & Bliss Penguin Stamp and matching die; Sentiment is from my stash

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Real Red, Granny Apple Green; Pebbles Holly Jolly-Mittens

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Gina K Designs Master Layouts 3 and 13; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die; Lime Green Enamel Dots

Challenge Your Stash

 

Today as it is the 28th and the day I am posting my cards for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS. This is our 106th 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.

Jeanette posted our October challenge---Make a non-Halloween card. Use colors typically associated with Halloween (orange, black) on a card that is NOT a Halloween card.

I decided to do another type of fall card for Thanksgiving--I did not want to break the rules.  I picked an often used set for Thanksgiving cards for our sister church from Colorado Craft Company called Truly Thankful for the main sentiment image.  I die cut the sentiment and the black backer with a Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Rectangles set. The background panel is from a 6x6 Carta Bella pack called Americana.  The leaves are die cut from Tangerine Tango using the Stampin' Up Gorgeous Leaves die set. I added some black and white baker's twine behind the image and a few black matte enamel dots on the sentiment.

 

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

Image/Sentiment: Colorado Craft Company Truly Thankful

Cardstock: Stampin' Up Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango; Carta Bella Americana 6x6 Paper Pack

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Stampin' Up Gorgeous Leaves Dies, Black & White Baker's Twine; Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Rectangles; Black Matte Enamel Dots

Big Hugs from Snoopy

 

Today is the 9th of the month and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Kelly is the hostess and sent out a sweet image from CC Designs called Charles.  Snoopy's birthday was in August, but Kelly was not up that month for sending the images, so we are celebrating friendship now!  She also 2 sentiments from the same set.   For October this is card #134 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 12 strong years!  

I colored the sweet image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I then picked the Spellbinders Embossing Folder called Hand Drawn Lines for my background.  I die cut the image and a  black backer with my Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Circle Dies.  I used a Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strip Die to cut the sentiments and a black backer. I added a strip of black cardstock to continue the theme for Black and White--For Snoopy! I added some Black Drip Drops from Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces  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 cute cards!  I am up for our November challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  CC Designs Charles stamp set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest White; Stampin' Up Basic Black

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Spellbinders Hand Drawn Lines Embossing Folder; Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Circle Dies; Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strips; Taylored Expression Bits & Pieces-Black Drip Drops

Getting Messy with Watercolors, part 2

 

Today is the the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card. This card is #74, so we are into year #8. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success 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 very fun group and will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For my messiness this month, I cheated a bit and used some leftovers from last month when I used Taylored Expressions Liquid Watercolors on Yupo paper.  I had made two panels and used the second full panel as the background.  I had some leftover leaves and a part of the first panel where I was able to die cut the sentiment.  From last month, I smooched the Yupo paper on the liquid watercolor that I placed on my glassboard.  I then die cut the leaves from the colorful paper with a Simon Hurley-Spellbinders die set called Foliage Hello. I also die cut a set of foliage from solid Blue Corn cardstock. The Thanks sentiment is from a Pinkfresh Studio die set called Scripted Greetings.  I picked a Gina Marie Designs Cottage Lattice Cover Die and layered it in white three times over the colorful panel. I then die cut a Pinkfresh Studio Double Stitched Oval from vellum to place under the leaves and the sentiment.  I add some Studio Katia Teal Ocean Pearls around the foliage.

I really like the look of this card and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies like them too!  Here are the links to the other somewhat messy crafters: Darlene, Jeanette and Terry. I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy this month and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up in October!

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Hurley-Spellbinders Foliage Hello Die Set; Pinkfresh Studio Scripted Greetings Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Taylored Expression Blue Corn; Yupo; Vellum

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Liquid Watercolors--Blue Corn, Brussel Sprouts

Accessories:  Gina Marie Cottage Lattice Cover; Pinkfresh Studio Double Stitched Oval Die; Studio Katia Teal Ocean Pearls

Singing in the Rain

 

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 104th 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 August challenge----use water on your card, either an image or watercolor or spritz, or the word water.

I picked a cute image from Whipper Snapper Designs called Singing in the Rain--Perfect!  I stamped the image and colored the rainy scene with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut an oval from a Gina Marie Designs set called In & Out Double Stitched Ovals.  I trimmed the panel and then embossed with a Stampin' Up folder called Softly Falling.  I added foam tape behind the panel and added some Taylored Expressions Sparkle Party discs.  The sentiment is from 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:  Whipper Snapper Designs Singing in the Rain Stamp;  Sentiment from stash

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black;

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs In & Out Double Stitched Oval Dies; Stampin' Up Softly Falling Embossing Folder; Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Sparkle Party Discs

Tulip Bouquet

 

Today is the 22nd so this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 56th 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 August, the company we picked is Hero Arts!  They make so many products and probably is the company most of us bought our first wood mounted stamp from! I am sure I did!

I picked a stamp and die set called Tulip Bouquet along with the matching Color Layering Tulip Bouquet stencil. For the card on the right, I stamped the image and then added the 4-piece stencil layers. For the card on the left, I just used the stencils, so there is no outline, and a much softer image. I used the same colors of Taylored Expression inks on both cards.  I die cut the images with the matching die. I used oval dies on both cards along with embossing folders for the background behind the image as well as the top.   I also stamped two of the sentiments from the same set and used my Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strip dies.  I added some bling on both cards.

Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards. Here is a link to Jeanette's,  Darlene’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 make cards with Stampin' Up. So be sure to check out our cards on September 22nd!    

Image/Sentiment: Hero Arts Tulip Bouquet Stamp Set and Die, Color Layering Tulip Bouquet Stencils

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black Ink; Taylored Expressions Pea Pod, Granny Smith, Sweet Corn, Lemon Meringue

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Subtle and Pinewood Planks Dynamic, Taylored Expressions Cross Stitch Embossing Folders; Pinkfresh Studio Elongated Oval Dies, Peach Fuzz Jewels; Gina Marie Designs Peekaboo Oval Die; Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strips; Yellow Enamel Dots

Wrapped Bouquet

 

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 July, I picked a Technique Tuesday Floral Stamp and Die Set that I have not used called Wrapped Bouquet.  I have a number of their small floral sets and picked this sweet one for July.  

For this card, I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and then die cut the bouquet with the matching die.  I was watching a Gina K Designs video while I was creating this card and decided to use a "grounding" technique she was demonstrating.  I die cut a panel and the backer with Gina's Master Layouts 2 die.  I then used a Hero Arts stencil called Circular Grid and ink blended with Taylored Expressions Oyster ink lightly in the middle of the panel.  I added a vellum circle die cut from a Gina Marie Stitched Circle die and added the bouquet over the top. I also went with an Oyster card base instead of a traditional white, also suggested by Gina in the video.  I picked a sentiment from my stash and added some Studio Katia Stormcloud Pearls 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, Carol, Terry, and Darlene.  Be sure to come back on August 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More.  

Image/Sentiment:  Technique Tuesday Wrapped Bouquet Stamp Set and Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Vellum; Taylored Expressions Oreo, Oyster

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Taylored Expressions Oyster

Accessories: Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Hero Arts Circular Grid Stencil; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die; Copic Sketch Markers; Studio Katia Stormcloud Pearls; 

Silver Sunflower

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our One Plus Twelve challenge in 2025.  This is year number 7.  For this challenge, we are to use just one stamp, to make a card every month and post on the 3rd of each month.  For this year, I picked a Gina K Designs set called Blooming Sunflower.  The set includes a sweet stamp set and matching dies for the image and all four of the sentiments.  I am excited that I get to use this set every month for all of 2025. 

For my card this month, I stamped the image with Versamark and used Brutus Monroe Rose Sterling Embossing Powder.  I decided this month to not color the image for more of monochromatic look.  I then die cut the image with the coordinating die.   I used a Brass & Bliss Wood Plank Panel cut from Silver Metallic Cardstock from The Paper Cut.  I added a circle from vellum from a Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die. I used the birthday sentiment from the same set, layered over a black cardstock strip.   I added some Silver Drip Drops from Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces around the image and sentiment. 

 

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve posts to see the the stamp set for the 2025 cards that Kelly and Jeanette have created for July!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on August 3rd to see another fun card. 

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Blooming Sunflower stamp and die set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Metallic Silver; Vellum

Ink: Versamark; Brutus Monroe Rose Sterling Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die, Brass & Bliss Wood Plank Panel Die; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Silver Drip Drops