It's Your Day....

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge this week is to create a card for a child.  I've had this little fisherman for quite a few years just sitting in the drawer waiting for an opportunity to ink up -- and he was just right for the job.  This diorama has three layers of different lengths -- the longest layer is the back with a mountain range, the middle layer (second longest) is water and a trout jumping up and the first layer (shortest) is the focal point and message.  When fastened together, it creates arcs so that the card is free standing.  I purposely used large paper fasteners instead of small brads for assembly as it will be mailed flat and little hands will be putting it together.

Inspiration from Sandy Genovese's book "Pop-Up Cards and other greetings that Slide, Dangle &  Move".- page 76

.Stuff I used:  Azadi Earles All Night Media, and Darcie's, Martha Stewart border punch, Sizzix, Cuttlebug embossing folder, prismacolors, and glitter.

Turkey for Dinner

Challenge #164 - Colossians 1:3-5.

Reading the Stampin' Sisters in Christ new inspirational Sunday challenge to create a card of thanks, and admiring the design team's amazing cards, I was brought to Lois Bak's tutorial to learn how to make a tri-shutter card.  Marilynn DeGroot, aka Marilynn McGyver,  a Stampin' Sisters in Christ design team member used this card style for her contribution and I admit to being a copy-cat by going to Lois' tutorial and commencing to create this card.  Thanks Marilynn and Lois!

I also have to admit that cutting the "T" layers for the tri-shutter card just about did me in -- but I am glad to have completed the card in just one day -- LOL.

Design paper - DCWV The Old World  -- Stamps: Turkey - PSX, "Thank You Lord" - Precious Moments - Stampendous, "Thanks be for thee!" Stampin up, Happy Thanksgiving, unknown, GIve Thanks (Costco self inking)

 Silk leaves, Cornucopia, fruit, leaves, Black scroll corners created from Cuttlebug, Sissix, and Marvy punches.  I have so very much to give thanks for.

Kick up Your Heels

A favorite thing I endeavor to do in my studio is recycling.  In fact, I have built quite a reputation in that regard.  While I was still working, my co-worker was so much aware of my desire to recycle that she would always ask before discarding something that might have recycling potentional.  

Today a box has become a very stylish cowboy boot in honor of my son-in law's ___th birthday.  The box was somewhat stylish to begin with having contained a Hawaiian styled mug from Hilo Hatties.  

Sissix die, brads, cord for a lariat and the phrase created with a label maker were the basis for this design.  My artist son and his fiancee embellished the envelope (with the assistance of a Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers stamp) and the inside to make our greetings and well wishes known.  The barbed wire is from an unknown unmounted stamp.

Kick up your heels!

Heart to Heart

I have been "chained" to the laundry room but my mojo went missing so all I've been doing is laundry!

Valentine's Day upcoming has given me the incentive to break free! The Clean and Simple model (FTL176) offered me an "easy" jump start to get back on the drawing board. The sketch requires four images -- which is a challenge in itself. I loved adding the background paper to the inside too.

The heart stamps are all PSX, word stamp

is edited from a Hampton G stamp from Michaels (shown in full on the inside) other products used fiskars border punch, DCWV papers, cuttlebug embossing folder,

McGill oval punches.

Thanks for stopping by -- Happy Valentine's Day "friend to friend - Heart to Heart."

Cat's PJs

Happy Belated Birthday to my AZSIS, Mary

The Use It Tuesday challenge recently issued the latest challenge (#3) to use one of two sketches created by Sami – one for cards and one for scrapbook layouts ---so as stated in the challenge – “. . .no excuses to not use your stash.” And using your stash is what this challenge spot is all about. Sami and Siobhan know that we all like to buy crafty things – and they also know that it is inherent in the buyers of such things to stash and save and not use.

The sketch I chose to use is this one:

You can find two great examples using this sketch and more details about participating in the challenge by visiting Use it Tuesday. The deadline for this challenge is Friday, March 18.

The cat in pjs (Uptown Rubber Stamps) is just one of I won’t tell you how many stamps in my studio that have yet to be inked. But every 2nd and 4th Tuesday (for Use It Tuesday), I shall try to ink another one!

This card features epoxy heart stickers and sentiment from Dollar Tree, cuttlebug embossing folders, Martha Stewart punched border, prisma markers, and ribbon from stash.

Guess I’d better go get in my pjs – it’s way past time.

Mikey Likes These

My granddaughter has a visitor at her house this week: Mikey.

Mikey is her class teddy bear who visits each student for one week during the school year. During his stay, the host family for Mikey takes pictures to log his adventures to share with the class. Each student then gets a copy of the photos and maintains a journal of Mikey's travels.

This week, Mikey spent time with us helping to create his favorite kind of cards - Teddy Bear Cards. Here are a few of "our" creations.

Mikey likes these -- they are all variations of the Teddy Bear Sizzix die - layered and mounted with pop dots, cuttlebug embossing folder, Martha Stewart border punch, and Shayna's heart punch.

Shayna and Mikey also made 22 boys and girls from Sizzix - complete with clothing and bright colored hair for "wild hair day" at school.

Got Pumpkins? -- Make Pie!

Halloween may be over -- but it's still pumpkin "season" and this happy Gruffie knows just what to do -- enjoy pumpkin pie. Many of you will recognize this image as the Gruffie who is leaned up against a pile of pizza boxes eating a piece of pizza. The current House Mouse challenge is to make a Halloween card or use Halloween colors so I did both! Be sure to pop by the challenge blog spot to view some amazing and Spooktacular design team cards. Gruffie is dry embossed on the back and affixed with foam mounts for a full tummy!

Stuff I used: The Jack O'lantern is a stamp by Anita's, swirls and little pumpkins are Sizzix, copper glitter by Duncan. Other things: cuttlebug embossing folder, foam mounts, $ store flower, pumpkin seeds and papers from Stash.

Hmmmm, I think I'll go bake one of those Gruffie pies!

Celebrate

Penny Black's challenge is to use a triangle or zig-zag this week. I am celebrating today by inking this Penny Black stamp (dry embossed and foam mounted for dimension) for the first time. The tree (the qualifying triangle) is a Sizzix die cut and Cuttlebugged (is that a word?) The background (snow) is also Cuttlebugged (yup it's a word).

This card (top fold 41/4 x 5 1/2) is sort of an easel card to allow for the tall tree adorned with pearls from stash. The easel stopper and other adornments are foam mounted snowflake sequins also from stash. Stash is the biggest store in my town! The stars are twinkled with Art Institute Glitter and a bit of teenie tinsel stars. You can celebrate too by inking a brand new stamp today! Thanks for looking.

Leaves of Fall

I am counting my blessing on these leafs while I am away from my stamping studio. The leaves are sizzix die cut, stamped on and cuttlebug embossed and are attached by the stems only so that they can be moved about to read all those uplifting and encouraging words. Word stamps from PSX, Stampendous, etc. Underlying frame stamped with Too Much Fun Leaf background stamp. Simple but fun to receive yes?

M&M's Card Bounty

I love my cousin Marilynn -- she was born just three months after I was and I enjoy repeating the story my mother used to tell that she and her sister, Stella (Marilynn's Mom), had both chosen the name of Martha as their mother's namesake if they were to have a baby girl. Well I came first so I got the name Martha and over the years I have always teased Marilynn that I have her name -- but in fact, she has mine (as a middle name). We have been very close and I now refer to her as my AZ SiS as she now lives in Arizona along with me. A year or so ago, she came to my house for a visit and I showed her my papercrafting studio -- the rest is history -- she is totally addicted! I recently traveled to her city to spend several days so we could play -- and we made 47 cards and still had a lot of time to visit, shop, and share ideas.

Here is one of my favorites from her designs. We made lots of these flowers using nestabilities.

Our favorite tools over this crafting period were cuttlebug folders and nestabilities.

Our favorite lunch: Wendy's frosty

You are the Queen!

I've been been quite remiss in posting -- would you believe I've been busy in the laundry room - doing laundry? (I didn't think so) but anyway, here I present a quick and simple "regal card" from a worn out deck of cards. The Queen's glamour never diminishes. She is definitely the Queen! Cuttlebug background, Michael's $ stamp, craft corner punch flourish. Card Trick 14 -- goal is 52! Then my dh won't have a deck to beat me at cards with! See other card tricks under titles:King for a Day,Drama Queen, Gogh have great Birthday, A Perfect Pair, Lucky Draw, Queen of Diamonds, Queen for a Day, High Handed, Make it a Royal, Friends, Mr. Personality, Casino Royale.

Green & Purple & Gems

Green, Purple, and Gems. What could be a more fun challenge? This is C.R.A.F.T.'s request this week -- great colors and who doesn't like gems? It was also suggested to consider a medieval theme and I think the image fits for that too. Several layers are attached with pop dots for more well, "pop" -- the gold corner swirls are by Sizzix. My son, the artist, approves this post -- green, purple and gems too! Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Other details: Stamp created from one of my son's drawings, Cuttlebug embossing folders, metallic rub-ons, image colored with Prismamakers and OMS, DP DCWV,

ribbon, gems from stash.

On the Road

The Penny Black challenge this week is "Vacation -- or Holiday." This lovely Holstein gal is taking her favorite chick friends on a road trip and although they are happily trodding down the road, they haven't decided which sign to follow for their vacation from the farm. I think I would choose the mountains since it was 110 degrees where I live today. Some details: image colored with water color pencils mounted on a red panel with embossed metal copper tape -- background is an "aged" cut from a map. A bit of pop dot mounting (cow's head and sign post) added for extra dimension. I am anxious to get on the road to blogland to see wonderful new creations you've made -- leave me a comment so I can return your visit.

Rubber stamps: Main image-Penny Black,

mini alphabet-Stampabilities, sign: Plaid; background trees- All Night Media.

A Grand Old Dad

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge hostess and DT member Lisa presents the verse for this week: 2 Timothy 1-6 and the challenge: make a project or card in a masculine style for Father's Day or other acknowledgement. Father's Day is just around the corner and Magical Crafts, Cupcake Craft Challenge, Cards for Men and C.R.A.F.T. also have father/masculine challenges. I encourage you to visit these links for great inspiration and a wonderful display of creativity. The image I used for this card is another of ever so many that have never been inked. But, it is not an every day kind of stamp so I was delighted to ink it here for the very first time to honor a "Grand Old Dad." Features cuttlebug embossing folder with gold metallic rub on, stamped background paper, blue metallic tape, sizzix die cuts, and metal charms from stash. Stamps: Judi-Kins and PSX. My DH is a "Grand Old Dad" and in fact, he is an "Old Grand-Dad" too- so yet another card for him. Thanks for visiting.

Welcome

Welcome to my pad! The Penny Black challenge to use swirls was the inspiration for this one. This delightful Penny Black image has been hiding out in my drawer for sometime just needing some inking! The gold leafed flowers in the background are also a Penny Black. The qualifying swirls are from a Cuttlebug embossing folder, Sizzix die cuts, and a swirly fingerprint background. (I wanted to "swirl" some more but my son edited me!) Please visit the Penny Black challenge blog to see the beautiful contributions by the design team. I'm so happy you came by my "pad" and I'd just leap with delight if you leave me a comment.

Sunrise

I couldn't decide on the background for this -- and my son said that this blue background looked like the coolness of sunrise -- so I liked the idea of the beginning of the day to say "Wild For you!" The color bars were leftovers stitched and bradded atop a cuttlebug embossed panel with the sizzix Giraffe and Sun added with dimensionals. "Wild For You" is a Michael's $ stamp (another souvenir of Nashville). Background created with a Stampendous texture stamp. I am wild for your comments!

P.S. Hoping this will bring a smile to my friend Paula who collects giraffes -- she's just out of surgery and needs encouragement!

The Cross

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Blog presents Challenge # 28 Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Pamela's challenge is freedom to choose the project but with one caveat: actively create this project as an act of worship to God. For more about this challenge and to see the DT's beautiful contributions visit here. The verse I have used for this card is from Stampin' Up: "We pause to thank the Lord above for family and friends who give us love! " The cross is a reminder of the ultimate Love of God. With this card, I say Thanks to God for everything.

I lost my daylight for this photo -- I hope to replace it tomorrow with the coming of the sun! But -- I've got a date to meet my Canadian Stamping Buddies, Ann and Anne, at the 13th Annual Rubber Stamp Spring Fling!

Stuff I used: Sizzix, Stampin' Up, DCVW paper, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, stash stuff

Time Flies

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge presents a new scripture and challenge every Sunday. A visit to their blog is a good way to start a new week. This week's scripture: Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" and as a challenge: Make a card or project using a time piece or in some way denoting time or the passage of time. This timepiece reminds me of my grandmother's pocket watch which was given to her by her husband as a wedding gift. Throughout her life, she carried it with her always -- and she celebrated 50 years of marriage. As her namesake, I was given the honor to continue the tradition. I now have her treasured pocket watch and this year, I will celebrate 50 years of marriage! It's all about time. " We listen, we laugh, we sigh, time flies by . . ." -- and so we must cherish each day! I am a real promoter of recycling and/or repurposing, and Kelly's challenge this week was "Go Green" and so I would like to share this project there too! When you go visit, be sure to see the tutorial on paper quilting. Yet another way to use bits and pieces! Gotta go -- time is flying!

Details: The watch was made from a soda can which I hand embossed -- added to that are layers of cuttlebug embossed metallic cardstock. The winder on the watch is a craft punch shell, gears and flourish corner are Ellison and Sizzlets - stamp by Stampendous.

A Clean & Simple Formula

and, since many of you know I work in my laundry room -- I like clean! I discovered this lovely blog offering clean and simple designs. Great fodder for quickies and having fun -- here's this week's sketch. Isn't it wonderful? Here's the blog.

Lookin' for Clues

Mo's Digital Challenge: "It's all about colors...so make sure you use pink, white, red and include a heart. . . ." A Mo's freebie called "Lookin' for Clues" inspired me for this challenge. I made this charmingly serious little Sherlock dimensional -- both in layers and in tole work. He was following a trail made by a four footed creature and I covered the tracks with little hearts but you can still see one sneaky little paw print. All assembled on a side-step card. Be sure to stop by Mo's Digital Challenge to view the Design Team's beautiful work. Thanks for coming by, I'll be lookin' for clues of your visit -- in other words, please comment!
Stuff I used: Michael's $Stamp, Mo's Freebie (thanks so much),

craft punches - heart, flower, grass, Sizzix, Cuttlebug Embossing folders,
gems & DP from stash
coloring by prismacolor pencils & OMS