#imayneedmorecoffee!

This is my card for a fun challenge that Jeanette came up with two years called Mission Possible!  Jeanette sent us a mystery item three times in 2020 and asked if we would accept the challenge to make a project with the items even before opening the package!  Of course, Kelly and I said yes, so the challenge is on.  In 2021, we each took turns sending an item to each other.  We are back in 2022 with this challenge and plan to do this three times a year and the item will change each round!  This Will be Mission Impossible Possible!

For the first challenge in 2022, I sent something for us to use along with the following info: Good Day, Ms. Card-Maker.  Your next mission, should you decide to accept it, involves the use of this starry stencil.  As in the past, you will be working alongside the same two team members. This message will not self-destruct in five seconds, since I have no ability to do that and besides, you might need to refer to it again at some point.  Good Day and Good Luck!

I sent out this sweet stamp set from The Rabbit Hole Designs called Rory-the Caffeinated Raccoon. It is a fun image with a number of coordinating sentiments.  I colored Rory with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then stamped the sentiment with black ink and die cut it with my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 banner.  The patterned paper is from a fun Lawn Fawn Rainbow Watercolor Wishes 6x6 paper pack.  I added a few green enamel dots.  

I think I met the challenge--mission accomplished! And, I hope Kelly and Jeanette enjoyed the challenge this round.  We will be back later this year with another fun challenge!  

Please be sure to check out the other Mission Possible projects with this fun stamp set.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards! I hope Kelly and Jeanette like my card. Be sure to check back to see what else create this year.

Image/Sentiment:  The Rabbit Hole Designs Rory-the Caffeinated Raccoon

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Stampin' Up Shaded Spruce, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black;  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Lawn Fawn Rainbow Watercolor Wishes 6x6 patterned paper pack

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Copic Sketch Markers; Green Enamel Dots

CC Designs Easter

Here we are!  This is the 15th month, so we are into year #2.  This was a thought that I had in the middle of the night and it is called Double Duty! 

Each month, we get to pick a stamp set from a predetermined company. Then, we will use that one stamp set and make two cards from the set.  Different images and sentiments from the same set can be used, or use the same image two different ways—Double Duty either way!  But, as an added challenge, one item must be used on both cards—same color cardstock, same ribbon, same stencil, same something.  Double Duty Again!  We will post both cards on our blog on the the 22nd of each month.  See-Double Duty again!  We will be sure to have fun getting doubly inky each month with a different stamp company.  Let’s have fun!

For April, the company we are using is CC Designs. This is a newer company to me and I only have a few stamp sets.  I do have a fun Easter set, so I thought that is perfect for April!  It is called Easter Egg Hunt and comes with matching dies!

For my slimline card, I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and die cut the sweet bunnies along with the cute flowers. I used The Paper Cut's slimline card base and triple window front for my card in fun, bright, spring colors.  The white background was embossed with We R Memory Keepers Polka Dot Folder.   I placed the bunnies and flowers in the windows, along with the sentiment from the same set.  I added some Wink of Stella to the pink bunny's tail

For my second card, I also colored one of the bunnies with my Copic Sketch Markers and die cut the image.  The frame is from Memory Box and is called Easter Eggstravaganza!   I used the same Easter Wishes sentiment on this card.  I again used bright spring colors for my cardstock.  A few pink enamel dots were added for the final touch. 

I had a number of Double Duty elements on these cards.  I used my Copic Sketch Markers on both cards.  I also used some of the same colors of cardstock.  I did use the same bunny image and sentiment on both cards--but I did add a few of his friends on the slimline card!

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 and Carol's blogs. I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards.  Our friend Kelly might occasionally post a card for our challenge, but she could not commit to the entire year.  So, check her blog to see if she did play along this month!

Stamping Bella is up for our our May challenge, so be sure to check out our cards on the 22nd!

Image/Sentiment:  CC Designs Easter Egg Hunt stamp and die set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Stampin' Up Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay; The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White, and Slimline Cardstock

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; We R Memory Keepers Polka Dot Embossing Folder; Memory Box Easter Eggstravaganza Frame; Pink Enamel Dots; Wink of Stella

Just a Little Note

This is my card for a newer swap called the SIS--Surprise Image Swap.   This is card #2 and it is the same premise as before with the UIS or mystery image swap. The group will be 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 Sharon.  She will swap the cards and include the new image for round #3 that Darlene stamps in everyone's return envie. Then--we do it all again in June!

Sharon sent everyone this pretty image from Altenew called Best Mom.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut the image panel with my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 and backed the panel with Basic Black.  The sentiment is from the Anytime Expressions from Taylored Expressions.  I added some Gina K Designs Angel Aura Rhinestones as 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.  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 SIS02 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment: Altenew Best Mom/Taylored Expressions Anytime Expressions
 
Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White;  Stampin' Up Garden Green, Basic Black
 
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2, Angel Aura Rhinestones

Dueling Darlings Sparkle!

 

Today is the 15th and that means the Dueling Darlings are back to post their fun cards!  This group was founded 10 years ago and there are a few of us that are the original members.  Kelly and Jeanette are still our team leaders and they try so hard to keep us all in line and going strong!  On team Kelly are Terry, Carol and me.  Team Jeanette consists of Lorraine, Darlene and Tracie.  And, we are all Dueling Darlings!  

Terry and Darlene sent out the April kits--so I have a sweet kit from Terry. The theme this month is Holographic!  Both Terry and Darlene bought the same holographic paper for us to use.  They added a twist as they each cut apart some of of the papers to use on our cards--Terry sent us 3 sizes of hexagons!  She also sent us sweet birthday candle images from Simon Says Stamp--she die cut a few and that is what I used.  Terry also sent a coordinating sentiment from Altenew and it is perfect with the papers and candles!  The included some fun glittery papers along with a few more holographic papers.   And, of course some very colorful embellishments for the bling!  

I colored the candles in rainbow order with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die-cut the sentiment with a stitched banner die from Gina K Designs Master Layouts 5.  I then layered 6 of the medium holographic hexagons along the left side of the glittery cardstock panel. I added the candle image and sentiment on the panel. The bling are rainbow gems from The Paper Studio that are placed on the panel.  This was fun card to make and I sure love all of the shimmer, shine and glimmer on this sweet birthday card!

Here is the inside of my card, with the background of another sheet of the holographic paper:

I hope all of the Dueling Darlings enjoy my card this month and that my team liked their coffee themed kit. Please be sure to stop in to see what fun morning beverage creations are posted!  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blogs, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the wonderful creations this month!   May is listed as a surprise,  so be sure to check back on the 15th to see all of our creations.

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamp Birthday Wishes Stamp Set/Sentiment is Altenew Kind Confetti

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:   White;  Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss; The Paper Studio Glitter; Pink and Main Holographic Set 2

Ink:  Black

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2;  Copic Sketch Markers; The Paper Studio Gems; Hexagons were cut Fiskars Punches

Hot Mess = Success

 

Today is the day after the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card.  This is card number 35 and we are coming to the end of year #3. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success started with Kelly and the general theme 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 group of 6 and we will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other 5 members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For this month's messiness, I used two colors of Creative Expressions Metallic Gilding Polish--Silver Dream and Purple Mist. I first used this medium a few months ago when Darlene sent me two tubs--and I think these are the 2 colors she sent.  Of course, since then I have added a few other tubs to my collection!  I rubbed the colors on an black panel that was embossed with Stampin' Up's Tin Tile Dynamic Folder.  I love the shine and texture--looks like a tin ceiling.  I cut the Just Because from a Simon Says Stamp die set. The words are cut from silver metallic and layered three times added dimension.  The backer is die cut from black glossy.  The sentiment is from Taylored Expressions Simple Strips in Reverse-Everyday Occasions.   I added some black enamel dots as the final touch.   I really like the look of this card and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies liked it too!  

Here are the links to the other members of Hot Mess ~ Success.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's, Terry's, Kelly's , Carol's and Darlene's blogs. Be sure to check back a day as I bet they were on time!   I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up to on May 12th.  I hope to be on time!

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamp Just Because/Taylored Expressions Simple Strips in Reverse-Everyday Occasions

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Stampin' Up Basic Black, Gorgeous Grape; The Paper Cut Black Glossy, Silver Mirricard

Ink:  Creative Expressions Purple Mist and Silver Dream Metallic Gilding Polish

Accessories:  Black Enamel Dots; Stampin' Up Tin Tile Dynamic Embossing Folder

Happy Easter

This is my April card for the monthly themed swap that Terry is hosting on SCS. Each month she will post a theme and we make cards using any stamp set we believe follows that thought. This is our 70th month and the theme for April  "Spring Forward" 

I picked a stamp from The Rabbit Hole Designs-TRHD called Line Happy Easter.  I bought it last year and have not inked it up yet--so it is time this month!   I colored just the ears and little nose of this cutie--and added some Wink of Stella over both for a bit of shine.  I then die cut the image and layer with Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2--this time using one of the other rectangle dies in the set.  The background paper is some fun and colorful eggs from Echo Park Paper Easter Wishes--Baskets of Fun line.  I added some green baker's twine under the image.  I think this is a fun card and will be sure to send out this week.

Here is the inside of my card with a strip of the sweet paper:

I hope Terry and the others swappers like my card this month too! Terry has posted all of the 2022 themes, so be sure to come back to see what we create!  

Image/Sentiment: The Rabbit Hole Designs-TRHD Line Happy Easter

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron; Echo Park Paper Easter Wishes-Baskets of Fun Patterned Paper

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 die; Wink of Stella; Green Baker's Twine

Easter Bunnies!

 

It is time for another The Three Musketeers post. We are ready to showcase the card we all created with the sweet bunny image from Great Impressions called Bunnies that Kelly sent out for our April card #92! That means we are in the middle of year number 7 with this fun challenge!  All three of us sure have enjoyed the challenges every month and we hope that it continues for a long time! 

I colored the sweet image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I then added a line of very light blue all around the image so it looks like a bit of sky.  The background is from a sweet Stampin' Up 6x6 paper pack called Gingham Gala. The sentiment is from a Gina K Designs set called Easter Blessings and I layered it over some green baker's twine.   I added some green enamel dots for the final touch!   I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of the gingham:

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is the link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards!  They may post today or tomorrow, so be sure to check out their blogs for their card!   I am up for our May challenge.  Please be sure to join us again.  

Image/Sentiment:   Great Impressions Bunnies/Sentiment from Gina K Designs Easter Blessings

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Granny Apple Green, Gingham Gala 6x6 Paper Pack

Ink: Brutus Monroe Raven Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers; Green Bakers Twine; Green Enamel Dots

Crafters of Faith

This is my April Crafters of Faith card.  This is a great group that my friend Kelly started on SCS.  She hosted for 5 years and now Faith has taken over for year #7. We will continue as we have in the past with each month a new hostess gives us a scripture and challenges us to make a card with that theme. 

Renata is the hostess this month and gave everyone this challenge:

Scripture:  Hebrews 6:19:  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.

Challenge: Make a card with a seafaring theme, using the colours of the sea and sky.

I really like this stamp from Our Daily Bread called Lighthouse 2.  It iis a large stamp, so it is definitely the focal point of the card.  I stamped it with Island Indigo ink and layered it over a piece of colorful watery Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper from the Adventure Bound 4x6 pack.  The final touch is some Night of Navy thick bakers twine.   I really like the look of this card and I think it can be used for pretty much any occasion.  And, it could be a good masculine card.

Here is the inside of my card, with another strip of the patterned paper:

I hope you and the others from the Crafters of Faith group like my card this month!  We are to post on the 7th of each month, so if you look on my sidebar, you may see other creations.  I know that there will be many posted in the COF thread on SCS too! 

Image/Sentiment:  Our Daily Bread Lighthouse 2

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow, Island Indigo, Adventure Bound 4x6 Patterned Paper Pack

Ink:  Stampin' Up Island Indigo

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Night of Navy Thick Bakers Twine

First Annual No Foolin' Retreat

 

Hello Friends!  I wanted to share some photos from my past 3 plus days at a stamping and crafting retreat that I organized called No Foolin' Retreat.  It was held at The Gather House in Waunakee, WI, a bit over an hour away.  I have attended Sarah's Galentine Retreat twice and was not sure if I would have a spot in the future as I did not go in 2020 and 2021.  So--I asked a few stamping friends if they wanted to join me and they said YES!  A couple ladies brought a friend, and in the end, two individuals could not make it, so we had 10 attendees.  The photo above shows us displaying a card we made along with one of the items from our goodie bag.

Here is a picture of my car packed to head up Thursday morning--the four large boxes in the front are the attendee gifts!

Here is a picture of the attendee gift items so generously donated to the retreat or offered at a great discount.  There are also some "sweet" tems that the EB-Easter Bunny-left on each craft space in the morning before everyone got to the stamp room!

Thanks so much to Marci Snee, Rubbernecker Stamps, Gina K Designs, Taylored Expressions, Pinkfresh Studio, Waffle Flower, Ink Blot Shop, The Paper Cut, The Rabbit Hole Designs, Thermoweb, The Project Bin and Newton's Nook!  

We did a shoebox swap and these are the cards that everyone made:

My mission for the weekend was to make 25 Easter cards.  Our church members donate money to buy grocery gift cards that we then send to families at our sister church in Milwaukee.  I made a few varieties of cards and delivered them today so they can be sent to the families with the gift cards this week.

Here are some pictures of the awesome crafting space:

We also did a white elephant exchange for a new or gently used stamping item that you knew someone else would use.  It was very fun and a hot Stampin' Up bundle was stolen three times!  

Susan is the owner and is so sweet and an absolute hoot!  She has all of her Stampin' Up items for us to use along with a number of make 'n takes if anyone wanted to purchase and make those too.  Each of the bedrooms--either a double or triple room--was responsible for one of the meals and we sure ate well!  We had a late breakfast, snacked and had wonderful appetizers during the day and then had dinner later.  

It was such a fun weekend and I am missing everyone already.  Everyone is in for 2023, so we have the same weekend booked. No Foolin' Retreat, part II.  Look Out!

Sending Healing Thoughts

 

This is my One Plus Twelve card for March!  This was the brainchild of Kelly and she asked Jeanette and me to join her in this challenge in 2019. We are to use just one stamp, to make a card every month and post on the 3rd of each month.  It was so much fun that the three of decided to continue for our fourth year and pick a new image to use.

For 2022, I picked newer Stampin' Up set called Nature's Harvest.  I think this set is so pretty and I picked the largest coneflower or sunflower image to use each month.  There is also a coordinating die set called Harvest so I can use that some months too.

For my card this month, I used one of the panels that I made a bit ago with my Gel Press.  They are combos of pinks, yellows and orange.  I used a Gina Marie Designs Peek-a-Boo Oval to die cut a center of the white panel and then embossed it with Stampin' Up Pinewood Planks folder.  I placed the colored panel behind the oval and placed the flowers that I colored with Copics and then die cut on the side of the oval. I also stamped one of the sentiments in this sweet set and die cut it also with one of the dies in this sweet set. I added some orange dots for the final touch!

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blog. I am sure you will enjoy checking out each of our stamps for 2022 and will see a couple of great cards! I hope Kelly and Jeanette like my card and that you might too! Be sure to check back every month on the 3rd to see our cards!

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Nature's Harvest Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque; Gel Press panel, colored with acrylic paints

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers; Gina Marie Designs Peek-a-Boo Oval Die; Stampin' Up Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder; Orange Enamel Dots