I LOVE PENGUINS!!!!!

Image: Penguin House by Stamping Boutique. Colored with Copics and Spica Glitter Pens.  Lots of Diamond stickles on background.

All else from stash

Challenges:

Pile it On: P is for Penguin

Crafting fron the Heart: Anything Goes

Pink Elephant: Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew: Anything Goes

Creative Card Thursday: Anything Goes

So of course I needed one last Christmas card.....  Luckily The Stamping Boutique has tons of cute Christmas images,  actually their entire store is adorable.  This is Christmas Reindeer.  I colored him in Copics,  used my Sepia Glitter pens for the ornaments, and LOTS of Stickles on the flakes and border.  This card SPARKLES!!!!

On a sad note....  Basic Grey Challenges is ending.  I love BG products and really enjoyed this challenge.  So in their honor I used Dasher DP as my background paper.

CHALLENGES:
Basic Grey: Anything Goes
(Pin)spirsational #88
Simon Says:  Bling it On
Challenges 4 Everyone: Anything Goes
Squirrel and The Fox: Christmas
Di's Digi Design: Anything Goes

Last Christmas Card made.....  I LOVE this image, "Mail Girl" by The Stamping Boutique.  I love her Vintage coat and hat,  and I think the blues are awesome here.  

Colored with Copics,  Paper is from Melody Ross, ribbon from stash.  LOTS of stickles in black and diamond dust.  This card sparkles!

Challenges:

Paper Time Tuesday: Winter Wonderland

Simon Says: Snow

Digi Stamps for Joy: anything goes

Divas by Design: Festive Flurry

4 Krafty Girls: Anything goes

Crafty Ribbon: anything goes with ribbon

Cute Card Thursday: Christmas Card

Mik, Coffee, Challenges: Christmas non traditional colors

"Bring it on Snowman" by Stamping Boutique

I LOVE Snowmen,  hate snow and cold but LOVE Snowmen!!!  This is almost too cute to give away, but my BFF also loves Snowmen so this is her package topper/tag for her Christmas gift, and since she also scrapbooks I know she will put this to good use.

Colored with Copics,  and At You Spica Glitter pens.  Liquid applique for fur, lots of Stickles.  Glitter paper and Festive Flurry die are from Stampin UP.  Die on image is Spellbinders.  

Challenges:

Outlawz

Creative Knockouts: Snowflakes

Cute Card Thursday: Anything Goes

Crafts 4 Eternity Challenge: Non-Traditional Christmas

Sister Act: Anything Goes

Totally Papercrafts: Ho HO Holidays

4 Crafty Girls: Anything goes

Delightful Chalenges: Favorite things  (Snowmen)

Simon Says Stamp: Anything goes

Scrappers Delight: Sparkle

Party Time Tuesday: anything goes

Love how this turned out!  Image is Smoochie by Stamping Boutique.  DP is Basic Grey,  doily, ribbon, flowers, from stash. Colored with Colored pencils, Gamsol for shading and Glitter spica pens.

Challenges:
Sister Act:  Anything Goes
Totally Papercrafts: Bow  (Hair bow)
4 Crafty Chicks: Anything Goes
Fab N Funky: Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everyone: Anything Goes
Come and get it Challenges: Digi

I went to a Stamp camp last weekend, held by Laura Z,  my direct from Stamin UP.  It was AWESOME!!!!!  Laura did an awesome job, not only did I leave camp with two Christmas gifts,  and10 cards but I also left with tons of inspiration.  (Now to find tons of time, LOL)

I made this card to thank her for her inspiration along with her time spend providing us with this awesome camp.

Image "Be Inspiring"by Stamping Boutique.  Colored with Copics and At You Spica Glitter Pens for highlighting.  Die cut with Spellbinders.  Paper is Early Espresso by Stampin UP.


CHALLENGES:
Challenges 4 Everybody: anything goes
Pile It On: Thanks
Tuesday Throwdown: Gratitude
Delightful Cjallenges: Thankful
Sister Act: Anything Goes
4 Krafty Girls: anything goes
Aud Sentiments: Feminine
Crafty Creations: dies
Outlawz Challenges

The brisk days of Fall are here.....

I love this image from Stamping Boutique....  Fall Days.  I can taste the YUMMY carmel apples.

Colored with my Copics, I used glossy accents on the carmel to add that carmel shine.  StampinUp Labels Framelits for the die cuts  and DP by StampinUP.

Challenges:

Simon Says:  CAS

Crafting for all Seasons: Fall Colors

Divas by Design: Digi

Crafty Creatures: Autumn Colors

Paper Take Weekly: Anything Goes

Tip Top Tuesday: Seasons

I am sooooooo excited!!!!! I made the Design Team for "The Stamping Boutique"  i am so honored to be working with such a talented group of artists.  Check their store out, awesome images at great prices,  badge to left will take you there!

I LOVE all their images.  This is one of my favorites,  Winter Time Smoochie.  My daughter will be getting this card,  as her Ice Skating competition season stars very soon.  

Colored with Pencils and used Gamsol for all shading. Atyou spica glitter pens for highlighting,  Diamond stickles for ice and on pom poms,  liquid applique to make pom poms. Border Die is from 

Memory Box, Snowflakes Festival, All DP and ribbon is from Stampin UP.  Button is from stash.

Challenges:

Crafty Hands Challenge: Anything Goes (http://craftyhandsdevon.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-very-first-challenge-anything-goes.html)

Sister Act : Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday: Sparkles

Die Cuttin Divas: Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesday: Anything Goes

Simon Says: Anything Goes

After the Chicago Marathon and celebrating my son's accomplishments I had Play Time,  its been so long!


I Love the Halloween Paper line from Stampin Up,  Combine that with my Favorite Technique- "Chalkboard"   I can't loose.

DP: Stampin Up,  Chalked with Vanilla Ink,  embellishments from Martha Stewart and Tim Holtz.  Frame from Hobby Lobby.

Challenges:
Crafty Catz: Halloween
Jos Scrap Shack: Favorite Technique
Anything But a Card Challenge: Orange/Black
Challenges 4 Everybody: Anything Goes
Two Sisters: Anything Goes
Quircky Crafts: Favorite Technique

World Card Making Day

Happy World Card Making Day!!!  

I LOVE making cards and Scrapbooking.  Today was AWESOME!!!  

Made a card for a dear friend, Pat and played with my favorite technique, "Chalkboard"  Then I went to a 12 hour crop and got 60 photos done,  HURRAY!!!!

Plus I spent 12 hours with two dear friends.  I'm so lucky.

Thanks to Stef,  AKA Glitterbabe I found this AWESOME blog!!!!  Stamp-Smiles,  Vicki is amazing.  I love her work and she uses Stampin-Up products,  my fav.

Not to mention her great blog candy!   Check out Vicki's bog,   http://stampsmiles.blogspot.com/2013/09/flashback-friday-with-birthday-blog.html#.UkY

Altered Mouse Trap....  Finally made one and love it!!!!!!! Naturally I did it in Vintage-Shabby.  So easy with Graphic 45 and Tim Holtz!!  Love that paper line.

Challenges:
Crafting Musketeers: Vintage
Inspire Me Fridays: Anything Goes
4 Krafty Girls: Anything Goes

My daughter is moving tomorrow..... New job as an Actuary on Monday!!!  I am so sad yet so proud of her.  she worked so hard at U of I and she is one of the lucky college grads who got a job in her field of study.  But it still hurts.....

So I made her this card to let her know how special she is and how much she will always be loved.  

All products are by Stampin UP.  Chevron folder,  Hearts a Flutter stamp set. Pool Party and Primrose Pink paper.  (Love that color combo)

Challenges:
Create with Connie and Mary:  sketch
Paper Take weekly: Anything Goes
Loves Rubber Stamps: Anything Goes

I LOVE the CHalkboard technique!!!!  I was afraid to try it thinking it was hard.  OMG!!!!  Easy and so gorgeous!!!!  I went crazy and made 5 cards with this technique, LOL

Stamp Set  Keep Calm, Eyelet embossing folder, DP Sycamore Street, ribbon and envelope maker,  all from Stampin UP!!!!

Flower Die cut from Memory BoxTilda

Challenges:

Perfect Sentiment: Ribbon

Addicted to Stamps and More: Anything Goes

Stampin Royalty: Patterned Paper

Humm...... Card or scrapbook embellishment????  I'm leaning more toward a scrapbook element,  for a Fall layout.  Love this.

Stampin UP Embossing folder, Wonderfall stamps,  with Autumn Accents Big Die.  DP is retired but it fit so well.  Inks More Mustard, Old Olive and Burgundy

Challenges: Create with Connie and Mary: Sketch (CCMC265)

Three of my kids left for college this week.   My house is so quiet,  I'm so proud of them yet I miss them already!

Each year I make them a card wishing them well in school and letting them know how proud we are of them.

This is going to my son at Western University in Illinois, he is studying Law enforcement

Challenges:
Simon Says: School
Bloggers: School
Cute Card Thursday: School

I have no clue why I thought of a triangle card....  but I love IT!!!!

Stampin Up  Smokey Grey, Blushing Bride and Pistacchio Pudding, what a pretty combination.  Stamp Set is Morning Meadows and my new favorite toy: Pansy Punch.

Challenges: Create with Connie and Mary:  Colors

ABC Challenges: SIP, Stamps, Ink Paper

Alphabet Challenges: N is for Newest Stamp

Totally Gorjuss: Die Cuts

Outlawz: Paper a la Mode: Birthdays

I really believe miracles happen every day.....you just need to be aware of them.  Often times i'm too busy to realize that they are all around me...... Nature, friendship, family health.........too many to count

Love SU new ink colors.....  Brown Sugar is in strong competition with Smokey Slate for my fav.  I love these two col0rs.  This stamp set is Best of Flowers,  DP is Epic Day

Challenges: Create with Connie and Mary:  Sketch
                    Two sisters: Fav embellishment:  Flowers, brads, DP
                     Perfect Sentiment: Fav Technique,  hands down STAMPING!!!!!
                     Outlawz: Friendship

Needed a CAS card for a cousin who does not like anything too frilly or overboard.  I thought the card was too plain untilI added a doily,  Wow that made the card pop, plus I love the vintage look.  Ok honestly, I love anything with doilies!  Stamp set "You are Loved from Stampin-UP"

Challenges:
Create with Connie and Mary: Colors: Smokey Slate, Black, Bermuda Bay
Simon Says: Anything Goes
Two Sisters: Anything Goes
Totally Gorjuss: Pearls

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter....  I can't believe how fast times flies!!!!

Made from paint chip samples, yep I said paint chip samples!!!!  Stampin Up embossibng folder and butterfly punches.


Challenges: Sentimental Sunday's:  Things with wings

I guess I was in a Chevron mood......

Love the new colors from Stampin-Up  Strawberry Slush and Smokey Slate, Once again my ribbon didn't match so I dyed it Smokey Slate.  Oh Hello Stamp set and Chevron Embossing folder.  easy but so pretty....

I played with the Sketch at Create with Connie and Mary,  I think it still fits??????


Challenges:
Create with Connie and Mary: Sketch
Crafty Ribbon: ribbon
Divas by Design: anything goes
Outlawz:  Twisted Thursday: flowers

Got my "New" toys in from Stampin-Up and finally had some play time.  LOVE..LOVE..LOVE EVERYTHING!!!!!  

The New colors are so beautiful,  this card has Pistachio Pudding and Crisp Cantaloupe.  Love the New Embossing Folder, (Holiday Catalog), Pansy punch,  and two new stamp sets Perfectly You and Morning Meadow.  Best of all everything co-ordinates with my framelites Layered Labels and Hearts a Flutter.

I love how this card turned out, I may even use it as a scrapbook layout so I can keep it...Selfish I know


CHALLENGES:
Create with Connie and Mary: Sketch and Color Combo
Milk Coffee: Emboss
Play Date Cafe: photo Inspiration, Colors

Wonderful Weekend

Wow...  what a wonderful 4 day weekend,  not much of anything just alot of family time and of course I got to play......which is always relaxing.

My new favorite toy is my Magnetic Platform from StampinUP.  Put your die right over the image to be cut, run it thru Sizzix or favorite machine and presto!  No more posted notes or fingers crossed that something doesn't move.  

Love stamping on canvas..... Epic This Day and That paper,  stamp set is Feels Good,  and Adorning Accents Edgelits

Challenges: Create with Connie and Mary:   SKETCH
                    Addicted to Samps: Layers
                     Love Rubber Stamps: Anything Goes

Happy July

Love the versatility of this stamp set.... Betsy's blossoms by SU.  i have used it for Christmas and now July 4th,  not to mention for a couple of other cards.  Maybe snowflakes next????

Challenges: Simon Says:  Patriotic  (Badge to blog on right)
                     Two Sisterts: Red, white, Blue (twosisterschallengeblog@live.com)

I'm back to dying my own ribbon....  my hands are dyed Melon Mambo but I love it when my ribbon matches my ink.......

All  supplies from Stampin UP,  I love this DP from Epic Day This and That,  and my favorite Delicate Designs embossing folder

CHallenges:  Simon Says :  Anything Goes
                      Create with Connie and Mary:  Color Combo

SUMMER!!!!! Finally

Love this stamp set by Hero Arts, now retired this is my invite for our July 4th party,  now to make more.......

Challenges:
Perfect Sentiment: Sun/Sand
Two Sisters: Summer Fun
Dis Digi Designs: Summer Fun

This is hubby's Father's Day card from me......  Inside thanks him for being such a great father and husband.  I'm lucky to have him.....

Stampin-Up Vintage Verses, Labels and Apothocary Arts Framelites.  Midnight Muse and Gumball Green inks,

Challenges: Perfect Sentiment Challenge Blog: "For the Boys"
                    Two Sisters: "Masculine"

I love the versatility of punches....  and I really should use mine more.  

This tulip is made with the Owl die from Stamin UP, I have seen tons of cute ideas in Pinterest using this punch,  I wish I had time to make half of the creations.  Leaves were made with the circle punch, and Sentiment is Stampin Up, "Bloomin Marvelous"

Challenges:

Simon Says: Spring

Delightful Challenges: Round Up

Forever Friends: Punches

Divas by Design: Flowers

Try in on Tuesday; Spring

Something we all know but occasionally we need to be reminded.....

I spent yesterday at Western Illinois taking my son out to dinner for his birthday......We spent a total of ten hours driving for a two hour dinner, but the look on his face and his appreciation was priceless.

Image is by Sandi at The Outlawz, colored with Copics,  DP is Basic Gray, Hello Luscious, Stamped on Canvas,  Stamp and lace are by StampinUp along with Framelit die

Challenges:

Basic Gray: CAS

Perfect Sentiment: Thinking of You

We have no babies in my family anymore, but when I saw this duck by Sandi at Outlawz  I thought of a Baby card.  He is so cute!!!

Colored with Copics,  and I FINALLY got to use my Washi tape!!!! The embossing folder is from StampinUp, along with their Pinwheel die which I love and their Ticket die which is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Challenges:  Perfect Sentiment  Wedding or Baby
Outlawz: Creative Freebie Challenge

I'm staring out the window waiting for the snow AGAIN!  I know Spring will eventually get here, but I am so sick of SNOW!!!!  

Sandi H. at Outlawz has this beautiful Hummingbird digi available at The Creative Freebie Challenge.  This make me think of summer and gardening,  I can't wait.

Colored with Prisma pencils and Gamsol for shading.  StampinUp Labels die for my image cut out.  DP is also by Stampin Up,  Sycamore Street,  I love this whole line of DP.

CHALLENGES:

Outlawz:  CFC

Drunkin Stampers: Birds

2 Sisters: Spring

I really hate it when Easter falls in March,  I feel rushed to decorate for St Patty's Day then take everything down to get the Easter goodies up.  Same with cards, I'm always behind.

This beauty is from Stef at Glitterbabe, AKA Floppy Latte, (badge top left)  "This One's Mine"  He is so cute!!!  Colored with Prisma pencils, Gamasol for shading.  Grass is cut from my quickuts,  Ribbon and doily are from  StampinUP.  Distressing folder and Ink is Tim Holtz,  Bling from stash.  Sentiment is cut from Cameo.

Challenges:
Simon Says: Sketch, (I reversed #1)
Perfect Sentiment: Easter Bling
sugar Creek Hollow: Vintage Easter

I don't know about you but I don't do well with the time change.  So today is a slow day and I was hoping to get some crafting done.  Only one card completed but I like it.  

Freebie is Flowers in a Basket by Anne at Outlawz.  Colored with Copics and used some glitter in the centers.  DP is FruitCake by Basic Grey,  (Love that company).  Sentiment by StampinUp, Bloomin Marvelous, (Free during Sale-a-bration, which is ending in 2 weeks)  Framelites Die is also from Stampin Up Labels Collection

Challenges:
Basic Grey: Spring  is in the Air
Bug A Boo: Green Thumb
One Stop Craft: Spring
Outlawz: Freebie Challenge

Can you believe St Patty's Day is only 10 days away?  

Image is by Stef at Glitterbabe, Floppy badge top left. colored with Copics, Stickles,  Lucky Stamp by Stampin up, and Ink is Wild Wasabi.   All else from stash.

Challenges:

Simon says;  touch of Green

Perfect Sentiment: colors, light green, dark green and touch of gray (matted in gray)

Did you ever see a digi that you love, but think, "I have no one to make this for".  I absolutely Love Stef's AKA Glitterbabe's, (badge top left) Robot.  But to me it speaks "Boy Card" and we have no young boys in our family any more.  

So I challenged my self to use the digi in a creative way and I love the outcome.  i actually made a girl birthday card out of it.  I started coloring the heart heart and just had fun.  Alot of layers, pink plaid DP, colored with Copics, used Stampin Up stamps Oh Hello and Pretty Petites for the Birthday sentiment.  Stampin Up Chevron embossing folder.

I cant wait to give this card to my cousin's daughter, she will love it!

Challenges: 
Simon Says: Arrow
Paper Playtime: Sentiment Stamp
One Stop Crafts: Kids

Any one else ready for spring?

This digi by Anne Fenten at the Outlawz makes me think of gardening and sitting outside in the beautiful weather, watching the butterflies and reading a good book.

Colored with Copics, doily is from StampinUp, butterfly is Tim Holtz die, cut from Grunge board and inked with distress stains. whimsical ticket, Graphic 45

Challenges:

4 Crafty Chicks: Twine

Ink it Pink: In the Garden

Forever Friends: Butterfly

Outlawz: Creative Freebie

Thanks a Ton....

This layout is awesome for when you want a cute card but you don't want to write a lot. Its also perfect for using up those thousands of little brads that we all have!

The top of the card swings down to close the card, or up to write or read the greeting.

Image is Patterned Occasions by StampinUp. DP is Sycamore Street by Stampin Up. quick,esay and cute,

Challenges:
Perfect Sentiment: Animal/sentiment
Our daily Bread: Animal
Tuesday Throwdown: Anything Goes

Finished my last Valentine's day card.   This one is for Hubby.

Art Impressions Stamp, Colored with Prisma pencils and shaded with Gamesol.  DP by authentique.  Ticket is from StampinUP.

Challenges:
Simon Says: Valentines, Heart
Perfect Sentiment: Valentine colors

Chicago has the craziest weather!!!!  65 on Tuesday, Ice Storms and white out conditions on Wednesday,  Thursday high  14 low 0.  This weekend snow and cold.  I am so ready for Spring!

So to get me in the Spring mode here is Susan's Bouque, another one of Stef's beauties.

Colored with Copics,  ribbon is Summer Star Fruit from Stampin UP,  Sentiment is Stampin Up Itty Bitty Banners.  DP is Authentique,  Bling is stash

Challenges:

Crafty Annes: Tie a Yellow ribbon

Crafty Ribbon: Anything Goes with Ribbon

Shelly's Images: 1,2,3

Simon says: Anything Goes

Twisted Tuesday: Anything Goes

I absolutely love this image, Lady in the Hat by Sandi at Outlawz.  I love how this card came together so easy.  (Usually for me that never happens)

Colored with Copics,  Ribbon is from Stampin Up,  I just bought it and could not wait to use it.  DP is by Basic Grey  Figgy Pudding and Fruit Cake.

Challenges:
Brown Sugar: Hats
Basic Grey: something New (Ribbon and digi)
Paper Playtime:  A touch of Brown
Craft Your Passion:  Use Mostly Teal
Outlawz:  Progressive freebie challenge

It’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day!  Can you believe it is only 1 month away? I love Valentines Day,  maybe because red is my favorite color and hearts are my favorite shapes, or because its my anniversary.

Challenges:  Simon Says- Black/White touch of color