Friday, January 31, 2014

Country Charm Challenge

I'm finding that the challenges I've been entering has really been helping my mojo!  And they're fun!  Today I have a card for the Country Charm challenge (#105) on Red Rubber Inspirationals.


I used 2 different stamp sets by Red Rubber Designs, Old Truck and Label Lingo Sentiments.  I also used a Spellbinder die set and paper by Bo Bunny (Weekend Market 6x6 paper pad).


Here's a closer look at a corner of the focal point image.  I left the die on the paper then sponged my inks to create a frame.  Not bad.

Well, next week I'll be having a birthday and my two sisters-by-choice bought me an absolutely FUN gift!


You've seen my cat eye glasses that I purchased last year.  Well, aren't these a HOOT!!!  Oh my gosh! I'm sure I'll get some great giggles when I wear these!  Do you have some goofy things you like to wear??

So now pop over to Red Rubber Inspirationals and check out the great cards!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Stars & Stamps Midweek Throwdown: Cards 4 Kids

Our youngest granddaughter, age 9, loves horses and when I seen this challenge on the Stars & Stamps blog I just had to make a card for her.  She took riding lessons a year ago and thoroughly enjoyed herself.  She definitely takes after 2 of her grandmothers!  I had a horse for many years and her other grandmother still does.


I  used a new corner die by Cheery Lynn Designs and my new stamp set from Unity Stamps designed by Phyllis Harris.  I have quite of few of Phyllis' sets as I love her designs.  I arranged and rearranged my elements and this was about the best I could come up with that didn't hide a bit of the stamped image or corners.


I colored with Copics and pop dotted the tag.  The twine is from The Twinery.

Take a pop over to the Stars & Stamps blog and see the great cards for kids.  They're truly wonderful!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

What's On Your Workdesk, Week 243

Another Wednesday, another opportunity for you to hop around the world viewing crafters' desks and projects!  I find this great fun and love seeing what others make and how they "organize" their work areas.  Julia Dunnit of the Stamping Ground started this 243 weeks ago and it's grown into WOYWW retreat weekends and more (in England anyway).  Now here's my desk....


Can you tell I used my Cricut this past week?  There's all kinds of cut paper right in front of it that are left over from THIS project....  I did pick up from today's project.  At least I put the stamps away and cleaned up just a bit to the right and on top of the scrap paper where I work.

I did make a card to post today.  This is a step side card using a 6" circle for the base.


I did learn 1 thing in making this card.  Don't put so many weighty things on the rounded side (non-step side) of the card! I had to counter balance with a big button behind the sunflowers on the right.  All images are from a stamp set called Sunflowers sold by Red Rubber Designs. 


After adding the large flowers on the right trying to counter balance the items on the step got hidden.  Look close.... there's a ladybug down there!  I did a LOT of fussy cutting and have a little bluebird left over that I couldn't decide where to put it.


I colored with Copic markers and I think my can came out pretty good.  I just don't do enough coloring to stay in practice.   I seen this style of card from a blog called From My Craft Room and Norma shows this style even using other shapes besides circles.  I love the bright colors of this and it would be a good card to send to a sick friend or as a birthday card. There's plenty of room on the back for a message.

Though my birthday is still a few days off I got to open my gift from our daughter.  Hubby told her I wanted a Denver Broncos shirt and I am now wearing one!!!  I'll be wearing it Sunday as we attend a family Super Bowl party and supporting my favorite team!

So now please hop over to the Stamping Ground and take a look at the desks. And, if you're so inclined, please leave a little comment as to my project or desk.  Thanks!



Monday, January 27, 2014

Double Embossing Challenge at 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown

I'm at it again!  I'm doing another challenge while making Christmas cards!  I find it fun to do this and I know I'll have enough cards when Christmas comes.  This week the challenge requires using both types of embossing - heat and dry!


I used my Cuttlebug Snowflake folder for the dry embossing.  The stamp is an old one from The Angel Company from a set called Snowman Nativity.


I colored my image using a Pearl Ex-Press Watercolor Palette.  I haven't used this in ages and thought I'd use a forgotten (hidden in my stuff) coloring tool.  I was trying to decide if I needed some bling but with the shimmer of the coloring.... that's enough.   I like the more simple look with this particular card.

So now pop over to 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown and see what others have come up with! While you're having a look/see over there I'm working on tax stuff (for my stamp/craft business for now).

Friday, January 24, 2014

Red Rubber Designs Inspiration #104

I'm enjoying taking part in challenges and have determined to do at least one or more a week.  Today I'm doing the "Let Your Stamping Sparkle" challenge over on the Red Rubber Inspirationals blog.


Pam Upper began the company with many of the stamps from The Angel Company's closing and she was also an "angel" (as was I) for many years.  I love the deep red rubber stamps and now she even has digi stamps available through her company called Pickled Potpourri Designs.

Anyway, this challenge was to use glitter, mists, bling, or Stickles on your card.  I used some red bling.  In this full size picture it is kinda hard to see it.


The pattern paper and ribbon are from the Cha Cha Collection.  I cut the heart using my Cricut "Home Decor" cartridge. The ovals were cut using some Spellbinder dies.  It's weird as the "blue" card stock is actually purple in real life, just a darker version of the purple in the pattern paper.


Here's a closer look at the bling on the top of the heart.  It's also on the "tail" and under the text.  The text is from the Just Because stamp set.

I'm wondering if there was a problem with my last post.  Only a few hits. Goofy unless it had something to do with Google being down during our afternoon.  I have to admit my craft project, to me anyway, was stinkin' cute!

Going to the Birds.... an Owl anyway....

I seen the cutest owls over on Pinterest that so inspired me!  Well, mine is NO WHERE close to what I seen except for the general idea.


I may still try this as a Valentine owl but I'm getting a kick out of this guy.  He is BIG, 7" tall.  I cut (using my Cricut and Rosettes cartridge) 2  11" strips for the rosette.  I used an idea that I seen somewhere to make my rosette which helped a lot in holding the rosette in place to add the circles (front and back).


I got out my largest Creative Memories circle cutting template to hold down the rosette while I added hot glue then my top 2 1/2" scalloped circle die cut (Spellbinders).


Now, isn't this just slick??  After the glue cooled I flipped the rosette over and added a 3" dark brown circle to the back for more support.


I cut the hearts using the Cricut Plantin Schoolbook cartridge and assorted circle punches and even a Heartfelt Creations Leaf die (cut down) to make the beak.

My inspiration owl is found on the Rubberfunatics blog.  I'm betting her's is half the size of this one but I think I can hang mine in the window.  What do you think of this fellow?

Thursday, January 23, 2014

O.W.H. Stars and Stamps Midweek Challenge

I enjoy popping over to the Operation Write Home blog (which I have bookmarked for fast popping) and this week they're having a color challenge!  Besides staying in a Spring/Easter theme one must use pastel colors.  I think my card qualifies....


First I pulled my card stocks to develop my color theme.  Next I pulled 2 stamps sets, the sunflower from a The Angel Company set and text from Red Rubber Designs.  I also used a Spellbinders die set and my Big Shot.  I colored my sunflower with Copics then die cut a piece of vellum to cover the flower to tone down the colors.  I used pastel paper brads to adhere to vellum but then added the yellow brads to the green to carry through the design.


Here's a closer look at the flower.  I like how this turned out.  Here is southern AZ it already seems like spring with temps in the 70's.  Some flowers are starting to peek their heads up and the quail are all over our yard.  Seems too early but I'm enjoying it!

So pop on over to the OWH blog and check out the other entries!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

A Boring Desk

I have no real inspiration to show you today.  My desk is boring.  My projects are boring.  Not at all like last week when I got such fabulous comments on my Quad Twisted Easel card.  Yep, I've fallen off the inspiration wagon.

I've actually cleaned up my desk area.  I want to do some stuff with my Cricut and just had no room.  But you can see that I have a stack of stamps on the left in from of the Cricut with some card stock, a couple card fronts just to the right of the Cricut, my stamping area and a Cricut cartridge (Outdoor Man), my scissors, bone folder, mounting tape, ink pad, and ATG gun to the right.  Yep, I'm ready to work!

I needed to make a couple card samples for the store where I teach.  I was given a couple sheets of paper by Bo Bunny.  My cards are extremely simple and definitely non-inspiring.


The swirl at the bottom of this card made a good "slot" to insert the text piece.  Not bad but beginner stuff.


This one has an added layer and 4 black rhinestones for more uumph.  Still easy peasy stuffl  Oh well,  I wonder if I used up my month's quota of mojo on last week's card...  LOL!

Anyway, now that you've been bored please go to the Stamping Ground and see some REAL inspiration and busy desks!  I'll be hopping over there shortly and hope I get some inspiration!

A View On Life

Yesterday my folks showed me this poem and I loved how it was written.  I am a Christian and it really spoke to me.

An Atheist's View on Life

I will live my life according to these beliefs
God does not exist
It is just foolish to think
That there is a god with a cosmic plan
That an all-powerful God brings redemption and healing to the pain and suffering in the world
Is a comforting thought, however
It
Is only wishful thinking
People can do as they please without eternal consequences
The idea that
I am deserving of Hell
Because of sin
Is a lie meant to make me a slave to those in power
"The more you have, the happier you will be"
Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose
In a world with no God
There is freedom to be who I want to be
But with God
Everything if fine
It is ridiculous to think
I am lost and in need of saving

A Christian's View on Life
(read this bottom to top)

I hope you think on this. May God bless you today.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Playing with my Big Shot and a Spellbinder Die Set

While I was watching the Denver Broncos win yesterday I finished a card I started Saturday.  I made one similar a while ago but just am enjoying this style.


I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Five and Heartfelt Creations Classic Leaf dies.  Stamps by The Angel Company.


I love this look as I like non-classic cards.  I think this would make a good masculine card since there's no bling or flowers or ribbon.  What do you think?  Have you used your die cut machine and dies in different ways?

Sunday, January 19, 2014

52 (Christmas) Card Recipe Challenge

I'm sure enjoying these challenges to get my Christmas cards made for this year!  This week it's a recipe challenge of making a monchromatic, clean & simple (CAS) card with a rhinestone and ribbon.  Hmmm...  not too hard...  (At least I had an idea upon seeing the challenge.)


I got out some white core paper and a Cuttlebug embossing folder of a really cool Christmas tree.  I embossed then sanded for a touch of dramatic. Add some text from an old The Angel Co. stamp set, ribbon, and a rhinestone and, voila! I have had this embossing folder for quite some time but I think this is about the 2nd time I've ever used it.


I think this card qualifies for the recipe. What do you think?  Check out the other entries at 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown.
(As of my post time I was the 4th entry.)

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Majestic Mountains

This week at Red Rubber Designs is a challenge to "Make a Scene".  Well, I used to live near the Absaroka Range of the Rocky Mountains in northwest WY (not far from the east side of Yellowstone Park) so when this stamp set was available, you KNOW I had to get it.  It's called Majestic Mountain and I love to stamp it in a brown ink then chalk for an understated look.


I used a paper pack called Hemingway and Earth Tone chalks to lightly color.  But there is some bling....


I added some lines using the Stardust Clear Gel pen to the water fall.  But I just couldn't get a good picture no matter how I turned the card.  This card will be going to our oldest son for his birthday as he also used to live in the same area as we did years ago.  (In fact, the youngest son still lives there.)  So pop on over to the Red Rubber Designs blog and check out the other great scenes!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Back in the Saddle Again

Our grandson-in-law's birthday is coming up quickly and, since he is a cowboy through and through, I wanted to make him a card that a cowboy would like.  I think I did it with this card but, for the life of me, I cannot remember who made the 2 stamps I used.  I purchased them at a stamp convention in Tucson, AZ a couple years ago so if you recognize them, please let me know.


I colored the saddle and fence with Copic markers.  I ended up tossing one marker as both tips were hard as a rock.  I already had a replacement as I've been having issues with it for quite some time.


It's impossible to see by this photo but the saddle is shaped so that there is foam mounting tape under the seat but the stirrups are adhered directly.  I so remember the days when I had my horse and rode many many miles. Ah, memories....

And thanks to all those who visited Wednesday.  I had a phenomenal day with over 200 hits and oodles of comments!  Guess my project was pretty good!  Thanks again.  And that day was my 6th blogiversary!  Maybe I should have some blog candy....   What do you think?

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown Color Challenge


I  decided to try the color challenge for this week but not sure if I like how mine card turned out. It is quite simple.


Stamps are by Red Rubber Designs.  Check out HERE for the colors.  What do you think????  My mind was just drawing a blank.  (I hate that.....  LOL!)








Tuesday, January 14, 2014

My Desk and a Quad Twisted Easel Card

I have to warn you.... I have a bunch of pictures today!  I know we're supposed to keep our Workdesk Wednesday post relatively short but I am quite proud of this card I made for our granddaughter's anniversary.  But I also want you to know this view of my workdesk is part of a great blog tour of desks assembled by Julia at the Stamping Ground.  Please pop over to her blog (link at the end of my post) and enjoy going around the world!

So my desk this week.  Not too busy, at least not as bad as last week!


I'm kinda between projects and starting to clean up so I can start again.  Lots of paper on both ends of my desk, work pad on top of my Scor-Pal and mat, ink, acrylic blocks, sanding block, tape...  Lots of goodies. I haven't straightened my desk in quite some time and it really needs it.  I have some projects I want to do on my Cricut and I need the room.

But now my card...  (And it was quite easy, just looks complicated.)


This is my card laying mostly flat. Our granddaughter and her hubby are "cowboys".  He works on a large ranch tending the cattle and she helps out at times moving them from pasture to pasture and also does competitive barrel racing. I did this sport occasionally when I had a horse but he was way too hyper and we would have our own private rodeo in the middle of the event.  I would be lucky to stay on or not have a wreck.

Here's the card open and looking down on it.  I used little die cuts for the things to hold the easels open.


Side 1.... the beginning of Happy Anniversary....


Side 2....


Side 3.... Anniversary....


And Side 4. I used up a lot of scraps and worked my Big Shot pretty hard doing die cutting.  Stamps are by lots of companies from The Angel Company to Art Impressions to Impression Obsessions to A|Muse Studios.  This card took about 3-4 hours to make but it was definitely a labor of love. I also taught this card as a class last week and my 3 students had a good time.  (They all rated me excellent on the teacher review that they had to fill out.)  I hope Christen and her husband, Sky,  like it.  It's also their birthdays about the same time so I'll be sending a package with all 3 cards.  By the way, I added a picture of the card open so they'd know how it's supposed to look when open.

So now, if you'd be so kind to leave a comment, please click HERE to head over to the Stamping Ground.  Be sure to get your favorite beverage as you can sure spend a lot of time looking around!  I generally check out about 20 or so blogs between today and Thursday or Friday.
( P.S. This posted late Tuesday evening so I'm just a bit early.)