Sending Warm Winter Hugs

 

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 us a sweet sowman image and two sentiments from the Gina K Designs set called Snowflake Kisses. Isn't it a fun image for the three of us!   For February,  this is card #138 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 12 1/2 strong years! 

I colored the cute snowmen with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I used Wink of Stella to add some glitter and shine on the ball at the top their hats along with the snow below them. I picked a Brass & Bliss die called Nested scallop Ovals and cut the center of a white panel.  I then embossed the panel with a Simon Says Stamp folder called Snowflake Oval.  I added foam tape under the oval when I placed it over the snowmen image.  I added one of the sweet sentiments in the corner and added some white sequins 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 cute cards!  I am up for our March challenge, so please be sure to join us again next month!

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Snowflake Kisses

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Coastal Cabana

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Clear Sequins; Wink of Stella; Simon Says Stamp Snowflake Oval Embossing Folder. Brass & Bliss Nested Scallops Oval Die

Peaceful Poinsettia

 

As Promised--here are 3 more cards from the Scrapbook & Cards Fall 2025 Crop & Create Delivered event.  The pouches with each class has been waiting patiently for me and I am now going through them! 

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. These creations are from Gina Krupsky and Gina K Designs.  My cards are identical to hers as I did not use the gift card holder die with any of cards, so they are kind-of my own designs........................ 

We received an awesome Gina K kit in our box. We received a large Peaceful Poinsettia stamp, the coordinating stencils and the matching die set.  We also got another large stamp called Seasonal Phrases and the Scrolled Gift Card Holder Die Set. I used the gold metallic cardstock that was provided by SCT and it sure is nice.  I used my Gina K Master Layouts 2 to die cut the white panel and black backer on each cards.  I ink blended with Gina K ink cubes and did a bit of splattering with gold on one card.  I added Wink of Stella to the middle of each of the poinsettias and the berries on the branch.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my cards! More to come as this is the second set of cards from 3 days of classes!  

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Peaceful Poinsettia Stamp, Stencil and Die set

Cardstock:  White, Black and Gold Metallic cardstock from SCT; Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow

Ink:  Various Colors of Gina K Designs Ink Cubes; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Silver and Gold Embellishments; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Gold Watercolor for splattering; Wink of Stella

Encore Challenge

 

Today I am posting my card for the The Encore Challenge!  This is a monthly challenge to be posted on the 25th with a group of friends from my 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 September,  I picked a stamp set and matching dies from Ranger and Simon Hurley called Penguins.  This set was a part of the Scrapbook & Cards Crop and Create from the fall of 2024.

I colored the two penguin images with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I used Honey Bee Stamps Snowflake Embossing Folder with a Pool Party panel. I then gently swiped my Hero Arts Unicorn White ink pad over the raised snowflakes.  The sentiment is from the same set and I placed it along with the penguins on the snowflake panel.  I added some Wink of Stella on the top of their hats and the balloon.   I added a few crystal bling in the middle of some of the snowflakes.  This will be a fun winter birthday card to send!

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, Terry, Darlene.  Be sure to come back on October 25th to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment: Ranger-Simon Hurley Penguins Stamp Set and Dies

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Night of Navy, Pool Party

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black, Unicorn White

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Honey Bee Stamps Snowflakes Embossing Folder; Crystal Bling; Wink of Stella

Snow Tweet

 

This is my card for a swap called the SIS--Surprise Image Swap.   This is card #18 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.  This sweet image for this round was provided by Kathi!  She will swap the cards and include the new image for round #19 that Lori will have stamped in each return envie. Then--we do it all again in February! 

Kathy sent us this cute snowman image from the Clear Dollar Stamp called Snow Tweet.  I knew I wanted an oval overlay cut from patterned paper, so I picked that out first to be able to match the colors. I choose Simple Stories Cozy Christmas-Dear Santa as I really like the more rustic colors.  I then colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the oval with my Cottage Cutz ovals in the center of the patterned paper panel.  The cardbase is Crumb Cake and the layer behind the oval panel is Mossy Meadow. I added foam tape between the image and oval layer as it gives it a bit of dimension.  The sentiment is from a Gina K Designs sentiment pack and I die cut it with a MFT Skinny Strip die set.  I added a few rhinestones around the snowman for a bit of bling and I also added a bit of Wink of Stella on his hat and on the ends of his scarf--more sparkle!     This was a fun card to make!

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 SIS18 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment:  Clear Dollar Stamps Snow Tweet/ Gina K Designs Sentiment

Cardstock: Taylored Expressions White; Stampin' Up Crumb Cake, Early Espresso; Simple Stories Cozy Christmas-Dear Santa

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black;

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; MFT Skinny Strip Die; Cottage Cutz Oval Die; Rhinestones; Wink of Stella

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; 

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

Masculine Winter Birthday Card

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 85th month of de-stash, so we are at the end of our 7th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 7 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!  This is the first one for 2024 and we have themes set for all of the months.

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.

Anna posted our January challenge--We have a number of January birthdays in my family, all men.  Make a winter birthday card for a man.

I picked a Stampin' Up set called Christmas Barn and it also has a set of coordinating dies called Barn. I stamped the barn with Taylored Expressions Mulled Wine and die cut the image.  I also die cut the fence from the same die set.  I picked a birthday sentiment from the Stampin' Up Hey Chuck set and stamped with Chocolate Truffle.  I then die cut the sentiment  and a backer with Taylored Expression Modern Sentiment Label dies. I added some twine behind the sentiment.   I added some clear Wink of Stella in the snow around the barn for some shine.  I then used Frosted Lace Stickles along the fence for some added snow.  The background paper is from Carta Bella Let it Snow-Pretty Pines.  

 

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, I am up to give our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  Stampin' Up Christmas Barn Stamp Set/Barn Die Set, Hey Chuck Stamp Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Old Olive, Early Espresso; Carta Bella Let It Snow-Pretty Pines

Ink: Taylored Expressions Chocolate Truffle, Mulled Wine

Accessories:  Wink of Stella-Clear; Frosted Lace Stickles;  Twine; Taylored Expressions Modern Sentiment Labels Dies

Two Snowmen with Presents!

 

Here we are--this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 33rd month, so we are now in year #3

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 September, the company we picked was Rubbernecker Stamps.  I love this company and the owners too!  I demoed a number of years ago--like probably 12 years ago, for Dave and Rubbernecker at a local stamp show in the Milwaukee area.  I think I did it for 3 or 4 years and had a blast.  Now Dave's son Rob is also in the business and I had the pleasure to meet him at a show in Illinois in August.  They really make some fun stamps and dies.  Plus fun stencils and inks and many, many other crafty items.  

I picked the fun stamp called Snowman With Present.  I have a single rubber stamp but this image is also a part of a fun snowman set with coordinating words and dies.   

For both cards, I used an embossing folder and a oval die.  I also colored each of the snowmen with my Copic Sketch Markers and his hat in shades of green.  I also added Wink of Stella to the body of each of the guys along with rhinestones on both cards.

For the first card, I die cut a Studio Katia Dotted Nested Oval from a white panel and then used a Sizzix Snowflake 3-D Embossing Folder.  I then placed the colored image behind the oval and used foam tape all around the snowy panel.  I added rhinestones in the center of a number of the snowflakes

For the second card, I used a panel from The Paper Cut's White Glitter cardstock to emboss with a Simon Says Stamp Oval Frame.  I die cut the colored image with the same Studio Katia Dotted Oval die and layered it three times for some dimension. I used the same rhinestones in the middle of some of the snowflakes on the embossed panel.  

Again, both cards use an embossed folder, the same Studio Katia die and rhinestones in the center of the snowflakes.  I colored both images with my Copic Sketch Markers and added Wink of Stella for some shimmer on their bodies!

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 are using Lawn Fawn Stamps--should be some cute cards.  So be sure to check out our cards on October 22nd!  

Image/Sentiment:  Rubbernecker Stamps Snowman With Present

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, White Glitter Cardstock; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Real Red, Garden Green

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Sizzix Snowflake Oval Frame and Snowflake 3-D Embossing Folders; Studio Katia Dotted Nested Oval Dies; Wink of Stella; Copic Sketch Markers; Clear Rhinestones

24 Hour Blueprints in July

Welcome to the 2nd edition of 24 Hour Blueprint.  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.  

So--yesterday morning, I sent an email with the following information:

I love Christmas and found some fun and pretty simple sketches!

For Sketch #1, I picked a fun Whipper Snapper Designs Gifts From Santa. I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and added some Lawn Fawn Chunky Prisma Glitter on the fur on his hat and sleeve. The patterned paper pieces are from Pebbles Welcome Christmas called Merry Christmas.  The colors used on this card are Evening Evergreen and Real Red.  A few green enamel dots are the final touch.

Now on to Sketch #2.

This time, I picked two older wooden stamps.  The image is from PSX called Six Pt Snowflake and the sentiment is from Great Impressions. I silver embossing powder on both of these.  The background paper are from The Paper Cut.  One is called Blast Holographic and the other is Silver Mirri Sparkle.  The cardstock Gorgeous Grape.  I added to purple enamel dots along the strip of Holographic paper.

And the final card:

For Sketch 3, I used another wood mounted image from Stampabilities called Whimsy Santa. The sentiment is from Hero Arts, also wood mounted.  Santa was colored with my Copic Sketch Markers and I added some black gel pen on his boots, gloves and belt. It does not show up well at all in the picture.  I also added Wink of Stella on the fur on his Santa suit and hat--again, it does sparkle in real life! The fun patterned paper is Stampin' Up's Merry Moments Designer Series Paper. I used Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive on this card.  A few green enamel dots complete this card.  

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!  Jeanette will be  up for the next challenge and that will happen sometime in September.  Please be sure to check back.

Image/Sentiment: Whipper Snapper Designs Gift from Santa; PSX Six Pt. Snowflake/Great Impressions sentiment; Stampabilities Whimsy Santa/Hero Arts sentiment

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Real Red, Evening Evergreen; Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Gorgeous Grape, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper; The Paper Cut Blast Holographic, Silver Mirricard; Pebbles Welcome Christmas-Merry Christmas

Ink:  Simon Says Stamp Intense Black; Versa Mark; Silver Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Wink of Stella-Clear; Black Gel Pen; Lawn Fawn Chunky Prisma Glitter; Green and Purple Enamel Dots;

Cocktail Time!

This is my card for the 53rd round of the UIS--Unidentified Image Swap on SCS.  Yes, the 52nd 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 Laura Jean!  She will swap the cards and include the next image that Terry sent in our return envie. And then we get to do it all again--for round #54--in February! 

Laura Jean sent everyone this great Tim Holtz Cocktails Blueprints image.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and added some Wink of Stella on the beverage portion of the image.  I used some fun Stampin Up designer series paper called See a Silhouette for my background.  A set of three peach sequins and some navy baker's twine are the final 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 is on the 18th--or they may post in the upcoming days. You can also check out SCS and use the keyword UIS53 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment: Tim Holtz Cocktail Blueprints
 
Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White;  Stampin' Up Night of Navy, Poppy Parade, Mango Melody, See a Silhouette Designer Series Paper
 
Ink:  Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Night of Navy Baker's Twine; Peach Sequins; Wink of Stella

Christmas in July

This is one of the 2 cards I made for Ashley's Christmas in July swap.  I love making Christmas cards and always try to join her swap.  

I inked up a fun Cottage Impressions stamp called Penguin w/skis.  I colored it with my Copic Sketch Markers and layered over some Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper called Be of Good Cheer.  The sentiment is from the Season's Greetings set by Miss Ink Stamps--lots of fun sentiments in that set!  I layered the sentiment over a strip of Cherry Cobbler satin ribbon and then added a few white glittery enamel dots. There is also some Wink of Stella on the stocking cap.  I think it is a fun holiday card!

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Ashley and the others swappers like my card.

Image/Sentiment:  Cottage Impressions Penguin w/skis; Sentiment-Miss Ink Stamps Season's Greetings 

Cardstock:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar 110# White; Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Satin Ribbon; Copic Sketch Markers; Wink of Stella; White Glittery Enamel Dots