Sunshine of Hope

 

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 September, I picked a Studio Katia  Stamp Set that I have not used called Sunshine of Hope.  I think this set might have been from 2022 as an honor to Ukraine--maybe.........................

For my card, I colored the stamped image with my Copic Sketch Markers. It is a very large image and fills the entire panel, so I decided to add a white frame around it.  The die is an MFT Stitched Rectangle Frame and I layered 3 times in white.   The sentiment is from the same set and I die cut with a Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strip.  I added some yellow bling from The Ton 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 October 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More.  

Image/Sentiment:  Studio Katia Sunshine of Hope Stamp Set

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

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; 

Accessories:  My Favorite Things-MFT Stitched Rectangle Frame Die; Copic Sketch Markers; Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strips; The Ton Yellow Bling 

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

Vintage Looks

 

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 102nd 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.

Vickie posted our June challenge---Make a card with a vintage style

I picked a cute set from The Project Bin called Classic Man.  I love the old car image and the set has some amazing sentiments too.  I stamped the image in black ink and die cut it, along with a black layer,  with my Pinkfresh Studio Fancy Labels Frames Dies. I stamped a sentiment from the set and die cut it with a Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strip Die.  I added some Stampin' Up black twine behind the sentiment.  The background panel is from Graphic 45.  I added some Stampin' Up black enamel dots around the 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 CYSJUN.  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 July, Jeanette is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  The Project Bin Classic Man Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Mossy Meadow; Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman-Dressed to the Nines

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Sizzix Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strip Dies; Pinkfresh Studio Fancy Label Frame Dies; Stampin' Up Black Twine, Black 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

We Mermaid to be Friends

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Kelly is the hostess and sent out these cute under the sea images from Pink and Main's Be a Mermaid set. She also included 2 sweet sentiments.  For January, this is card #125 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 11 strong years!  And, we are back for 2025!

I colored the cute images with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I picked out a pre-colored Alcohol Ink panel from Taylored Expressions in shades of blue and purple.  I then took a MFT die cut called Wave and added it over the top. I placed the 3 images in the wave along with the die cut sentiment.  No bling was needed on this card.   I  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 February challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Pink and Main Be A Mermaid

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100 Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Alcohol Ink Panel

Ink:  Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; My Favorite Things-MFT Wave Die

Non-traditional Colors

 

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 96th 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 December challenge---Make a Christmas Card with non-traditional colors!

I picked a Pink & Main bundle that needed some love. First I picked 3 shades of purple for the snowflakes that were cut with the Snowflake Emboss and Cut Folder.  I ran the folder through my Big Shot three times, once with each color of cardstock. I layered two or three colors of the snowflakes on a white panel I embossed with a Ellison Sizzix Snowflake Embossing Folder. I then picked a fun sentiment from the coordinating stamp and die set called Snowflake Sayings.  I added some white enamel dots in the middle of the snowflakes and along the sentiment. I do really like the colors on this card and know I can use this any time this winter as a thank you or hello 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 CYSDEC.  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 January, Lisa is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  Pink & Main Snowflake Emboss and Cut Folder, Snowflake Sayings Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Bubble Bath, Fresh Freesia, Highland Heather

Ink:  Versamark; Brutus Monroe Alabaster White Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Ellison Sizzix Snowflake Embossing Folder; White Enamel Dots

Berry Cupcake

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Kelly is the hostess and sent out this sweet image from Pink & Main from the Berry Cupcake set. Kelly included one die cut and the other two images on a card panel. I picked the die cut cupcake!  For November, this is card #123 and we are now in year #11!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 11 strong years!  And, we will be back for 2025!

I colored the cute cupcake image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I picked out a Brass & Bliss Quilted Cover Plate for the background, cut from Lemon Lime Twist.  The cardbase is Petal Pink, with a layer of gold metallic peeking through the holes!   The sentiment is from a foiled Pinkfresh Studio sentiment set.  I then added some Pink Pearls around the cupcake for some bling!  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 December challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:   Pink and Masin Berry Cupcake/Pinkfresh Studio Sentiment

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Michael's 110# White; Stampin' Up Petal Pink, Lemon Lime Twist; The Paper Cut Gold Metallic

Ink:  Altenew Obsidian Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Brass & Bliss Quilted Cover Plate; Pink Pearls; 

It's Pasture Birthday

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 79th month of de-stash and we are into 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.

Danielle posted our February challenge--Make a fun fold card- any fold as long as it's not just folded in half- and include the color red.

I love making gate fold cards, so that is where I went.  The panels were colored with Taylored Expressions inks with my TE blending brushes.  I used my Taylored Expressions Better Half Cutting Plates to die cut each of the gates.  I picked a new to me set from Pink & Main called The Herd.  It has a number of fun farm animal images and some cut sentiments.  I stamped the horse, pig and goat to color with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut them with the coordinating dies.  The sentiment is from the same set.  I added some Studio Katia Clear Drops for the final touch!

Here is card as it opens:

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

Image/Sentiment:  Pink & Main The Herd

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Real Red, Basic Black

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Ink Cubes; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina K Master Layouts 2; Taylored Expressions Better Half Cutting Plates; Copic Sketch Markers; Studio Katia Clear Drops

Hey Gnomie!

It is the 15^th of the month and that means I am showing you a new Dueling Darlings card.  For our May Challenge, Kelly and Jeanette are the hostesses. They are also our leaders--Jeanette keeps an eye on the Dazzlers and Kelly tries to keep the Diva's, like me, in line.   And we are all Dueling Darlings!  And, we have been doing this since August of 2010--so we are coming to the end of our 9th year!

The theme for May is Bargain Hunters!  Jeanette and Kelly both love thrift stores and looking for the bargain treasures.  Every single thing that Kelly sent in our kits was on sale or clearance-so she was quite the shopper for this round!  Kelly sent this sweet image from Pink and Main called Hey Gnomie.   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!  

I colored one of the die cut Gnome and Mushroom images Kelly sent with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I cut the rainbow patterned paper in one inch strips and layered on a piece of Daffodil Delight.  I added a pair of Lawn Fawn Clouds at the top.  The sentiment was cut from one of the coordination patterned papers as was the banner it is layered on.  

Here is the inside of my card, with another mushroom image and a piece of ribbon:

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.  Darlene and Judy are the hostesses for June, so be sure to check back next month.

There are a few members who do not have blogs: Suzy and LJ who are 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:  Pink and Main Hey Gnomie

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight; Photo Play Paper Rainbow Patterned Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Lawn Fawn Cloud Dies; Eyelet Outlet Mushroom Ribbon