Junk Journal July Days 25, 27, and 28

Coffee/Tea of the Day - Lemon Lavender Mint tea

 It's time for another multi day project for Junk Journal July. for more information about the challenge, please see this post.

I am combining prompts from days 25, 27, and 28 - peaceful, stripped back, and stenciling.

I thought it only appropriate to make a project for Christmas in July in addition to the others.

I have started with a junk mail postcard covered in coffee dyed paper as the base. for the 'stripped back' prompt, I used paper tearing, leaving an exposed corner in the upper right hand corner that reveals stenciling. this was done with a Tim Holtz mini stencil. 

the beautiful postcard image is from The Graphics Fairy. when I think of 'peaceful', nature always comes to mind. the snowy portions were covered in stickles. a fabric ruffle, vintage milk cap, ribbon snippets, and vintage buttons were added.

my prayers are with all of you who are experiencing such extreme heat. please stay hydrated and take care. even though our 160 year old house does not have air conditioning, we are blessed that it stays fairly cool, even on the hottest days. 

thank you for stopping by today! have a good one! :)

Jennifer

Happy Halloween Something Wicked Skull

Coffee/Tea of the Day - White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice coffee

Happy Halloween!
We aren't big celebrators of the day, but as I have mentioned in prior posts, I do try to make cards to send along with candy to our sons and the ladies in their lives. I wanted to make a card for hubby, too. yesterday was a rough one, with me spending most of the day in bed, so I quickly finished this card this morning.

The bg piece is the same as what I created for the cards for the Candy Crow and Skull Couple cards. Distress oxide sprays and distress inks were applied over watercolor paper, then stamped with images from the Tim Holtz Tiny Things 2 and Regions Beyond sets. the TH flame stencil was then used.

for this card, I also used the TH crossbones stencil and grit texture paste. I love how the paste absorbs colors from the bg! the sentiment is from the TH Regions Beyond set and embossed on black cs. the skull image is from the Simon Says Stamp and TH Stamptember 2019 collaboration set.  it reminds me a bit of an alligator, which is fitting since we lived for 10 years in Florida and met up with quite a few of those critters. ;) the skull was loosely watercolored and fussy cut before distressing with ink.

vintage buttons are from my stash, tickets are from a Jellibean ephemera pack, and ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon. the rose is from Wild Orchid Crafts. I added some touches of ink and also used my SU! ink squirty tool to spray some black speckles. did the same on one of the little ephemera tickets.

I was so excited that this sentiment was included in the TH Regions Beyond stamp set. when Dave and I were dating, this was one of the first movies we watched together, and quickly became a favorite. if you haven't seen it or read the book, I highly recommend it! :)

enjoy your day! thanks for stopping by. :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
SSS Wed Ch and SSS Work it Wed. - anything goes
Crafty Gals Corner - Halloween colors
Little Red Wagon - scary it
Paper Funday - anything goes w/Halloween twist
A Place to Start - create your own challenge:
1. image, sentiment, solid paper (mat and sentiment pieces as well as card base)
2. embossing, wet or dry (wet)
3. embossing powder
4. buttons, flowers
5. ribbon
Dream Valley - add a sentiment
Pammie's Inky Pinkies - anything goes
Aud Sentiments - anything goes w/sentiment
Krafty Chicks - orange and black

Day of the Dead Skull Couple Halloween Cards

Top 3 Pick at Always Fun Challenges
Coffee/Tea of the Day - Tiramisu coffee

Happy Wednesday to all of you! :)
So I managed to finish the cards for my sons and their significant others and get everything in the mail, hopefully in time. well, I should say that hubby got it in the mail for me. ;) what a guy! I am working on his card today and will try to post it tomorrow if all goes well.

The bg for both of these cards is the same as what I created for the Halloween Candy Crow card I shared a few days ago. I tried to streamline the creative process as much as I could since crafting takes me so very long these days.

for a recap, distress oxide sprays as well as distress oxide inks were applied to watercolor paper. I used the Tim Holtz flame stencil over this, as well as the Prima messy script mini stamp. House stamp (and some of the sentiments) is from the Tim Holtz Regions Beyond set, owl and mushrooms are from the Tim Holtz Tiny Things 2 set, and the wonderful Dia de los Muertos skull couple are from the Tim Holtz Day of the Dead set. the other sentiments are from the Simon Says Stamp and Tim Holtz Stamptember 2019 collaboration set.

The skull couple comes in two sizes in the stamp set. I used the smaller ones and embossed with black ep. I then lightly watercolored the images after fussy cutting. edges were distressed with ink. with a last name like Scull, all of us in the family tend to gravitate toward and collect skull images.

sentiments were embossed with white ep onto black cs. each was then distressed with black ink.

moth images are from The Graphic Fairy. roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts and have had black soot distress stickles added to them. ribbons and trim are from Really Reasonable Ribbon. the mirrored hearts were first colored with a sharpie marker and then lightly sponged with timber brown Stazon ink to tone down the red as well as add some aging. (sorry for the glare in the photos)

this time I remembered my vintage buttons! :)  I also added these cool little seed pod shell fragments that I found out at Camp a week or two ago. they have been messy painted with distress crackle paint, I think in Shabby Shutters. I have had this a while, obviously, since the colors of distress crackle paint have all been discontinued. that was a sad day, as was the day they retired all of the distress stickle line. :( needless to say, I stocked up as much as I could.

Have a most amazing day! thanks for your continued support. :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
TTCRD - anything goes
Always Fun - Halloween
Crafting Happiness - Halloween
Crafty Cardmakers - Halloween
Double Trouble - color (orange, red, purple, brown) and optional twist of something that flies (moths and owl)
Pattie's Creations - autumn or Halloween
Sweet Stampers - autumn or Halloween
Tales From the Craftroom - Halloween
Creative Crafters - anything goes
SSS Wed Ch and SSS Work it Wed - anything goes

'Candy Made Me Do It' Halloween Crow

Top 3 at Sweet Stampin'
Winner at Fabrika Fantasy
Honorable Mention at Lavinia World
Coffee/Tea of the Day - Hazelnut Vanilla coffee

Hello to all of you!
I am sharing a card that I made for one of my son's and his wife for Halloween. we always send them candy for the holiday, even though they are all grown and have moved away. some traditions just last long beyond the nest. ;)

my crafting is extremely slow these days, so it's taking me lots longer to get these made. hopefully I will have the others finished tomorrow so they can get in the mail.

I had a great time creating the bg on this card. it's a combination of numerous distress oxide sprays in addition to regular distress ink. the main images were stamped with Memento ink. in lighter ink that matches the card base I stamped the Prima script stamp I have been using lately. it might not show in the photo, but irl it peeks through ever so slightly, which is exactly what I wanted. :) stamps used are from the Tim Holtz 'Regions Beyond' and 'Tiny Things 2' sets. the Tim Holtz flame stencil was also used before distressing the edges.

The crow was embossed with black ep. both it and the sentiment are from a special collaboration stamp set between Simon Says Stamp and Tim Holtz. I actually bought the set because of these stamps. :) it originally was one stamp, but I cut the sentiments apart from all of the images. that way I can get more use from them and it's easier to stamp one or the other. I lightly watercolored the crow after fussy cutting. it is popped up on a double thickness of foam tape. sentiment is embossed with white ep on black cs.

the candy bingo card is by Jenni Bowlin and is a digital download from Snap Click Supply. if you don't yet, check them out every Wednesday for their dollar specials. it's the best deal around!  they also have some kind of promotion that runs every weekend, ranging from 50% off certain brands to a sale on new products. I am not a rep for them, just a very happy customer! :) the card is edged in black soot distress stickles. they are also added to the flower by the sentiment.

both moth images are from The Graphics Fairy, ribbons and trim are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, flower is by Wild Orchid Crafts, and little candies are from a QuicKutz die. boy howdy, did those little goodies almost do me in! I also added a few twigs for the crow to rest upon. gosh, I just realized that I didn't add any vintage buttons! what is up with that?! :)

I hope all of you have had a wonderful weekend! bring on Monday. :)
take care!
Jennifer

Challenges:
SSS Monday Ch - spooky
Dragonfly Dreams - use black
Li'l Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes
Allsorts - make your own bg
Crafty Calendar - Autumn colors/Halloween
Crafty Friends - embossing, wet or dry
Di's Digis - Halloween or Harvest
Sweet Stampin' - Halloween or black and orange
Shopping Our Stash - Halloween
Daring Cardmakers - make it spooky
CRAFT - Halloween/Thanksgiving/Bonfire Night
Lavina World - anything goes using stamping
Fabrika Fantasy - Halloween

Epic Hipster Chimp Birthday Card

Coffee/Tea of the Day - White Chocolate Cinnamon Hazelnut coffee

Hooray, it's the weekend! I hope you have something absolutely fabulous planned, whether it's just relaxing with your favorite beverage and sweetie or chock full of activities with family and friends. Enjoy!

(vintage monkey birthday card)

Today is our son, Ryan's, birthday, so I am sharing the card that I sent to him. It's no secret in our family that monkeys of all kinds terrify me, so of course it's fitting that at least one person marks them as their favorite animal. sigh....I try to be kind and create a project or two for Ryan using primate images, no matter how challenging it is for me to do so. they flat out give me the heebie jeebies! ack!!! so anytime you ever see a monkey card from me, you know it is indeed a labor of love. ;)

I confess that all of the animals in the Tim Holtz Hipster stamp set make me smile! their expressions are a hoot! I purchased the matching die for the chimp, and will try to collect the others as I am able. it really does add so much to have the die for these.

according to Tim Holtz's video, stamp each image 3 times in order to have enough for die cutting all of the pieces. I actually stamped out 5 to add a few extra layers. all layers are separated by foam tape. Crystal effects were added inside the glasses for some fun and texture. his eye color doesn't show as vividly, but I really love the extra 'zing' the crystal effects adds.

The way cool background is created with a selection of distress oxide sprays sponged with distress ink. you can really see the distress ink in the way it wicked through the texture paste that was applied to the Stitching stencil. the Typo stencil peeks subtly through the back. such a great masculine look!

you know me - I have to re-purpose whenever possible! :) our monkey fella is matted by a piece of a Starbucks coffee cozy. edges were inked to distress. the piece of wood came from some work my hubby was doing in our house this past week. he had to do some drilling for plumbing, and this was one of several pieces I grabbed for craft projects. isn't it so neat?! it's tied with a piece of baker's twine that was also distressed. vintage buttons from the stash are added to word banners and a fun sentiment by Heidi Swapp.

Thank you for stopping by! have a great weekend! :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
Creative Craft Cottage - for the men in your life
Brown Sugar - anything goes
CRAFT - animals
Papercraft Ch - no designer paper
TTCRD - anything goes
Use Your Stuff - upcycle/recycle
Get Creative - anything goes
Allsorts - from boys to men
Crafty Calendar - lots of layers (5 layers in the chimp alone)
Let's Craft and Create - add extra layers (5 layers just in the chimp image)
Sognado Scrap - anything goes

So Proud of You Steampunk Chemistry Card

Top Pick at Pile it On
Coffee/Tea of the Day - Tea Thyme (currant, citrus, and thyme - without a doubt one of my very favorite teas!)

Hello, everyone! Before I forget, the place in Ann Arbor, Michigan where I order all of my delicious teas is having a sale on some of their classic Japanese green tea. they only charge a very minimal shipping fee, so check out the store if you think you might be interested.  the sale is for a limited time only, so hurry over! my hubby only likes green tea, so we have tried several of these. we also enjoy many of their herbal blends. I like all kinds of tea, and have yet to find any of theirs that I don't enjoy. they are great both hot and cold. :)

The card I am sharing today is made for our oldest son. You might remember that he moved to Delaware this spring to start a new job. We just learned that not only has he done well in his job, but he has received a promotion! :) Tyler works in a laboratory and now oversees the entire operation as the Supervisor. They are training him to be the Department Manager! I am so very proud of him! :)

so of course I had to make a card for him. that is what all crafty moms do, right?!

the images come from The Graphics Fairy and Create with TLC. papers are from my beloved Basic Grey stash, this time from the Origins collection.  I used the mini gears stencil from The Crafters Workshop over the base sheet of designer paper, which was then edged in Sensational Sage embossing powder by WOW!.

main image die is by Spellbinders, banner die is by SU!, and wheel cog dies are by Tim Holtz. tag is stamped with Prima stamps and tied with seam binding  from Zipper Stop which has been distressed with several shades of ink. burlap flower is from Petaloo. vintage buttons and metal cogs are from my stash.

for those of you who have asked and left such kind comments, I am still dealing with my seizures on a daily basis. sometimes they are really bad and it's hard to get out of bed. other days I am able to get to my craft room for a few hours. at this point we are just hoping I am able to go to Tyler and Danielle's wedding next month. most of the time just trying to get Palmer outside to go to the bathroom causes me to go into seizures, so getting to a wedding is a big prayer. I can't ride in a car without them taking place either. but we have lots of hope and faith. :) and in the scheme of things, I have so very much to be thankful for. these are more annoying than anything.

Thanks so much for stopping by! love to all of you!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Shopping Our Stash - get krafty (card base, matting piece, cog die cuts)
TTCRD - anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft - anything goes
Card Mania - anything goes
Creative Crafters - anything goes
Use Your Stuff - anything goes (with a title or sentiment)
Pile it On - vintage/retro
A Vintage Journey - get sentimental
Crafting by Designs - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp Wed - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes

Hoppy Father's Day!

Coffee/Tea of the Day - World Market Fireside Rum coffee

Hoppy Father's Day to all of the dads, granddads, uncles, and father figures out there! :)

now I say 'hoppy' because my card today is inspired by all of the fabulous craft beer breweries around our wonderful world! Dave and I enjoy visiting them as we travel the country (or we did travel a bit before my health woes took over).  in the Cleveland area, which is near where we live, there are some amazing breweries, not to mention in the state of Ohio. I was never really a beer drinker, but have enjoyed trying some since some of the stouts have tastes similar to my beloved coffee. did you realize that? servers are always amazed that I am the one drinking the dark beer, while Dave gets the lighter ones. it's funny. :)

Power Poppy has this really fun "Hops and Barley"digital image which includes several neat sentiments that can be used for different occasions. they currently have a sale going on if you use the code COLORINGCHALLENGE.  I believe the sale goes through the end of the month and can be used multiple times. for more information, head to their store or blog.

I added the image twice, flipping one of them, and then inserting the Benjamin Franklin quote inside the space. I then fussy cut around the piece. the papers are from the Authentique Meadow collection. the brown gingham is one of my favorite go to papers right now. it's actually the flip side of their journal cards, but I just love the look, especially for masculine cards. :) I added texture paste over a Carta Bella stencil in the corner.

matting dies are by Spellbinders, seam binding is from Zipper Stop and was distressed with ink, vintage buttons are from my stash, and jute ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

the inside reads, "Hoppy Father's Day," which is one of the newest sentiments that was just added to this set in the past week. I didn't get a photo.

I apologize that my photo is so light. I am having a tough time with photo editing with my head all messed up due to the seizures. my eyes just don't seem to work properly. so very sorry. if you click on the photo, it will take you to a larger window where you can see everything in much better detail, and hopefully that will make it better. I will try to do a nicer job on future projects until I can get over these yucky things.

Have a most lovely day, and thank you for stopping by!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Allsorts - use at least 2 dies (both by Spellbinders)
Craftaholics R Us - kraft (card base and one of the matting pieces)
Digistamps 4 Joy - anything goes w/optional for the men in your life
Crafty Calendar - 3 of something (buttons)
Pile it On - holidays (Father's Day)
Catch the Bug - bingo: ribbon, die/punch, sentiment
Daisy Chain - for the boys/men
Simply Create Too - for a male
Aud Sentiments - anything goes w/a sentiment
Cardz 4 Guyz - Father's Day
Stinkin' Inkers - the guys have it
Try it on Tuesday - for the boys
Unicorn Ch - masculine
Daily Marker 30 coloring challenge - trying the best I can when my seizures allow

A Bee Skep Birthday

Featured Project at Little Red Wagon
Coffee/Tea of the Day - Salted Caramel coffee

It's the weekend! hooray! :) that would usually mean that hubby is home for the day, but he and Palmer are out at Camp meeting a delivery, so it's just Moon Pie and I here at home. the seizures haven't changed, but I so appreciate the kind comments and emails that so many have you have sent. :) thank you!

I apologize that it's taking me so long to post projects. the card I am sharing today took me about 3 days to complete. I can only craft for about 30 minutes before my wonky head gets too much for me to bear. but I'm thankful for the time I am able to spend in my craft room, no matter how short it is. :)

I created this birthday card for my SIL, although it will be a bit late getting to her. The beautiful bee skep and flower image is from Power Poppy. they have a great sale going on now if you use the code: COLORINGCHALLENGE . the sale is valid through the end of the month to my understanding and can be used multiple times. there are a few restrictions, so please check the store or their blog for more information.

the fun little journal cards are from a new to me store I found on Etsy called Arty Maze. wonderfully shabby goodies at a reasonable price that download and print out so nicely! why yes, thank you! :)

you can see that I used them on both the front and inside.

the background paper is made with sunburst yellow and grey brusho powders spritzed with pearl glimmer mist. the small flower stamp and birthday sentiment are from the SU! "Best Birds" set. iridescent texture paste was spread over a Studio Calico hexagon mask in the lower right hand corner of the card.

ribbons along the bottom of the card are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, while the lace and natural jute trim in the upper right hand corner are from my stash. vintage buttons are stash items as well. a wink of stella gel pen was used to accent the bees' wings. flower is from Michael's.

Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you back here tomorrow for Father's Day!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Always Happy Birthday - anything birthday w/summer birthday option
Crafts Galore Encore - anything goes
Creatalicious - anything goes w/optional flowers (on digi, bg paper, journaling card, & mulberry flower)
Scribbles Designs - anything goes
Colour Crazy - anything hand colored goes (watercolor brushes & SU! ink refills)
Craft Rocket - birthday
Little Red Wagon - too bee or not to bee
Crafty Gals Corner - summer colors
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Rubbernecker - birthday
DL Art - anything goes
Daily Marker 30 Day coloring challenge - trying as best I can when my seizures allow

A Skull Wreath for Halloween

This is my second post for today. :)

I want to thank both Avril and Teri over at Delicious Doodles for having me as their Guest Designer this month! I was blessed to be a previous challenge winner from their fun blog, so they invited me to be a guest with them for October. isn't that fun?!

the theme for the month is Halloween, and while we don't typically celebrate this holiday, I couldn't let the opportunity go by to create a skull wreath card. doesn't everyone need a skull wreath as a decoration?! grins! maybe it's just those of us who happen to have a similar last name!

I started with the Skully Christmas Wreath image, printed it multiple times, popped up a few skulls on foam tape for more dimension, and then added it to my little mausoleum crypt. this was created with a Spellbinders die that I added embossin paste to a  Crafter's Workshop stencil.I inked the paste after it dried and then used my ink squirty tool.  another Spellbinders die adds the laurel at the top.

the grasses are a My Favorite Things die. pretty border die at the top is from Whimsy Stamps and sentiment comes from Create with TLC. orange satin ribbon is from SU! while orange twine is a Michael's find. paper is from Echo Park.

and while we're on the subject of skulls, since this is our last name, my sons decided that it was time we all got a family tattoo. so each one of us is getting a skull tattoo, unique to the individual. I had mine done last week. I also had a Winnie the Pooh one done on my arm to represent me with my sons. yes, I am the enigma - a skull and Winnie the Pooh all at the same time! :) but I love them both dearly!

Tyler had his tattoo done at the same time I had mine done. Mick had his done yesterday. I think it's neat that they all want to do something that unifies us as a family! :)

well, that's it for me.... all of you have a most amazing weekend! and I hope you get a chance to play along in the Delicious Doodles challenge this month. :)

Challenges:
Choux Choux Paper Art - Halloween linky party
Anything Goes with TLC - anything goes with a TLC image/sentiment

Memorial Day Treat Bag with Bugaboo

Coffee of the Day - Maple Fudge

It's Memorial Day and I have a cute little project to share with all of you today! for 'Anything But a Card' over on the Bugaboo challenge and inspiration blog, I wanted to make a little something for my son who is off doing his summer internship. as a mom missing one of the birds in her nest, it's all about sending lots of care packages! :)

**the watermark I've been given by Bugaboo is the little lady in the car. 

it is NOT part of the card.**

when looking through the Bugaboo store, I fell in love with the Edward USA image. I created my own star stencil using punches for the grey chevron bag. a quick spray of glimmer mist, papers from the Authentique Glory collection (they truly have the BEST patriotic papers!!!), glory blue seam binding (distressed) a re-purposed postage stamp, and this bag was ready to be filled with some goodies! hubby helped pick out the red, white, and blue treats plus a few sparklers for fun! shimmerz paint and a spica clear glitter gel pen add shiny accents to the main image.

while my project is fun and light hearted, we do pause to remember those who have given their lives as the greatest sacrifice for the freedoms we so cherish here in our country. I am thankful to them for their honor and bravery.

thank you so much for your continued kindness each time you stop by! it means so much to me! :)

Challenges:
Decorate to Celebrate - anything goes
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Eureka - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
Pile it On - tic tac toe (stripes, die cut, bird)
Crafting with Dragonflies - animals
Jo's Scrap Shack - anything goes
Simply Create Too - red, white, and blue

It WILL Be Okay

Top Pick at Path of Positivity
Voter's Choice Winner at Path of Positivity
Most Inspiring Winner at Path of Positivity
Design Team Delight at Path of Positivity

Coffee of the Day - Sweet Potato

Hello, everyone! I hope you are doing well! sorry I've been hit and miss around here lately. still dealing with not feeling so whippy and this nasty headache/migraine that has been plaguing me since the first of the month. makes it so difficult to be on the compy. hope you can understand. I don't mention things like this often 'cause I know y'all don't want to listen to me moan and whine.

so let's get to the crafty stuff, shall we? that is much more fun! :)

today begins a new challenge of 'Anything Goes + a sentiment' over at Aud Sentiments as well as it being Oldie But Goodie day over on the Bugaboo blog where I am still doing my Guest Designer stint. I hope you will pop over to both blogs to see what everyone has created to inspire you! :) there are just so very many talented crafters! :)

for my card I started with the Bugaboo image, 'Frame It Greeting It'll Be Ok.' the bg was created with a stencil by The Crafter's Workshop, embossing paste, gelatos, and glimmer mist on watercolor paper. decorative paper is from the Basic Grey Fresh Cut collection. Lyndsey crochet lace ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, aqua chrysanthemum is from Wild Orchid Crafts, wood veneer is from Lawn Fawn, and buttons are from my vintage stash. accents with the wink of stella glitter pen were used on the main image.

I'm sending this card to my cousin who has been taking care of her parents for almost her entire life. sadly, my uncle has just passed away. her mom has dementia, so her caretaking days are not over. I just wanted her to know that she is not alone.

thank you so very much for stopping by! see you tomorrow as we start the weekend! :)
have a most amazing day!

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes
Country View Ch - use a stencil
Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media - shine (glimmer mist, metallic gelatos, wink of stella glitter pen)
Path of Positivity - empathy

A Masculine Thinking of You Card

Coffee of the Day - Bourbon Pecan

It's the weekend! wooo hooo!
so let's get our crafty on with some fun ribbons and trims! ;)

I needed a 'Thinking of You' type card for my uncle, who is very ill. In his younger days, he used to love to hunt. I was so excited when I found a wonderful page of Woodland Deer Tags over at Polly's Paper Studio. you might remember that this store was a sponsor of our last challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbons, but Ginny, the owner, is also on the RRR Design Team! :) it was so easy to add one of these images to a card for my uncle.

The tag itself is tied with dark brown plaid ribbon that I lightly inked to give it an aged feel. a little snippet of brown burlap string ties the bow and is used on the big vintage button, too. a piece of crochet trim tops the vellum copper stripe banner. the pretty flower is one of the new coral open roses in the store. I added a few touches of ink to have it match the flowers on the tag.

I created the background by applying embossing paste to the Dreamweaver trees stencil. once the paste dried, I sponged ink of various shades over the top to create an ombre type effect. the deer tag was also sprayed with my SU! ink squirty tool.

I do hope you will join our 'Celebrate with Ribbon or Trim' challenge at RRR! we would love to see your latest projects! :)

enjoy your weekend!
Jennifer

Challenges:
As You Like It - favorite occasion and why (thinking of you - because it's always nice to get something besides bills in the mail! plus it's nice to be remembered. )
Crafty Girls Creations - anything goes
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes
Crafting For All Seasons - 3 of a kind (buttons)
Mod Squad - animal fun
Paper Shelter - animal magic
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Fan-tastic Tues - square or rectangle with an animal
Craftin' Desert Divas - Nature's Wonders
Polkadoodles - tic tac toe (animals, nature, tag)

Love Me, Love My Dog

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut Creme

Happy Monday! it is such a beautiful day here in northeast Ohio! the rain has finally cleared, not that I mind rain, and it is just a glorious day to behold! the kind that makes you ever so grateful you opened your eyes this morning! :) I hope it's just as wonderful in YOUR corner of the world!!!

Today I am sharing a card I made to send to our son, Mick. it's been months since I last saw him, although we text each other constantly. thank goodness for unlimited texting! tee hee! popped the card into the mailbox already this morning, so it's on its way to him as I type....it will see him before I do.... sigh.....but it is chock full of love, that is for sure!

I used images from the fun Crafty Secrets set, 'Big Dog' and the freebie digital paper they are offering on their blog for participating in the current linky party. even though it is a Halloween themed paper, it just goes to show you that you don't have to use themed papers for their original purpose. take them out of their 'box'!

The tag was stenciled with a neat new Prima stencil and chalk ink by them as well. I love those chalk inks! they dry so fast and adhere to almost anything! such a neat look, too!

seam binding was hand dyed a while back. Tyler was making a frame from re-purposed wood and needed to do some inking to the edges. we mixed up a water based concoction for him to use, and there was a bit left over when he finished. not to let anything go to waste, I grabbed a few yards of white seam binding and soaked it in the greyish mixture. what you see is the end result. :) it is tied with SU! linen thread.

a bit of black grosgrain ribbon was stapled in the upper left corner. flower is by Petaloo, buttons are from my vintage stash, sentiment was cut with a Spellbinders banner die, and a little ticket from my stash was added. woodgrain card is another from the Webster's Pages packaging that I re-purposed.

many of you know that our beloved dog, Latte, died back in June. well now her sister, Mocha, isn't doing very well. we are doing our best to keep her as happy and comfy as we can. heavy sigh....having pets is wonderful, but sometimes it sure does break your heart...

Challenges:
Crafty Secrets - monthly linky party
613 Avenue Create - love me do
Dragonfly Journeys - button it us
Quirky Crafts - animal magic
A Gem of a Challenge - boys, boys, boys
The Kraft Journal - take your pick: ribbon, patterned paper, die cut, tag and kraft cs base
Ruby's Rainbow - it's a man's world
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Incy Wincy - digi images only
Get Creative Ch - add a tag
Craft Your Passion - anything goes

"Live" Definition Paper Doll

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

I just have to say that I have the nicest people who follow my blog and leave me comments! y'all are the best! :) thank you for your encouragement and the kind things you say!

Today I am sharing the 2nd of cards made for publication, but forever lost. I am just so glad I took photos before sending them off.

As with yesterday's card, the paper doll images are from A Day for Daisies, digital paper & elements are from the Basic Grey Out of Print collection, and flowers by Wild Orchid Crafts. trim and buttons are vintage. I simply ADORE the little piece of an old button card I added to this one. card base was decorated with glimmer mist and a Crafter's Workshop mini Harlequin stencil. the sentiment is a sticker from SRM Stickers. again, the doll and dress are paper pieced. I just love how the doll itself looks printed onto the newsprint paper and then inked. really adds to the old feel! :)

Happy Friday!

Challenges:
Crafty Girls - anything goes
DL Art Sept - anything goes
Crop Stop - anything goes with a product they carry (Crafter's Workshop stencils)
Simply Papercrafts - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Tues Throwdown - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Crafty Cardmakers - floral embellishments
Where the Heart Is - add some text
Come and Get it - buttons and bows (small bow in her hair)
Quick Quotes - anything goes
Chocolate, Coffee, and Cards - fancy and feminine
Bloggers Ch - stencil it

Enjoy Life Paper Doll

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Today's post is a bittersweet one for me. The card was supposed to be published. sadly, the magazine not only closed down before publication, but my cards were lost. They were supposed to be returned to me, but I never received them. so this photo is all I have left of all my hard work. :(  I will share the other card tomorrow.

The paper doll pieces are by A Day for Daisies. I don't think Tammy ever added them to her shop. she did add complete dolls though, so you can find some similar to this one and the one I post tomorrow. digital paper and elements are from the Basic Grey Out of Print collection. the doll itself was paper pieced and then lightly inked. dress was paper pieced as well with highlights added using both a wink of stella clear glitter pen and black spica glitter pen.

flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and Prima. the card base was created by using a Prima stencil (LOVE this doily!!!) and pink glimmer mist. trim is Prima also. all buttons and button card are vintage. the sentiment is from SRM Stickers.

I loved playing with paper dolls when I was a young girl. I hope you enjoy this card I have made. :)

Challenges:
Word Art Wed - anything encouraging (Congrats on Celebration!)
Little Red Wagon - digi do
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed - anything goes
Fan-tastic Tues - make it feminine and square or rectangle
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Love to Scrap - do a double take (I think I have 4 patterned papers here...)
Not Just Cards - anything goes
Stempelsonne - anything goes
Aud Sentiment - anything goes plus a sentiment
Hanna and Friends - use kraft cs
Fab 'n Funky - shabby chic (my fave!)

I Zentangled.... and I'm a Dragonfly! :)

I have a new Design Team to announce to you this evening..... I am a Crafty Dragonfly! you'll have to bear with me as I adjust to the time zone difference between here and the blog location. I'll have to remember to post on my blog Tuesday evenings from here on out.... grins!

anyhow, I know this challenge blog is going to stretch me in ways I might fuss about, but boy will I ever learn some great new techniques! the new challenge at Crafting with Dragonflies this fortnight is Zentangle. Our sponsors are Bugaboo and Eureka.

I admit I had never tried this before. never really cared for the look all that much, but I put those brave boots on and jumped right in! if you've never tired Zentangling before, I think it's pretty important to have a fine point marker. I was using an extra fine point Sharpie, but that wasn't really as fine as I think it should be if you are going to do this very often.

I originally made 2 ATCs, but then was reminded that this challenge was for cards only, so I added the ATCs to card bases. some distressing and doodling on the bases helped keep the focus on the main images.

This ATC and card uses the Bugaboo 'Beauty Butterfly' image. bg for both ATCs was created with the Crafter's Workshop Mini Fish Scales stencil, black gelato, and graphite glimmer mist.  this one was also sprayed with Mr. Huey's white mist. each card was matted with a distressed piece of black cs. the butterfly is popped up on foam tape, mounted over vintage black lace next to a Prima rose. handmade black enamel dots simulate the flight of the butterfly. the same graphite glimmer mist was sprayed on the white card base.

This ATC and card uses the Eureka 'Stained Glass Sun' image. small leaf flourishes, May Arts ribbon, and a Prima flower were added to the ATC. handmade enamel dots and some doodles on the card base finish the card. sentiments on both were created with my label maker.

I do hope you will give this new technique a try. I have SO MUCH respect for those artists who can do this. sadly, I am not one of them. tee hee!

Challenges:
Wicked Wed. ATC - black, white, and one other color (ATCs only - grey/silver is other color)
Outlawz Greeting - monochromatic (cards)
Fan-tastic Tues - anything goes (cards)
TTCRD - anything goes

I'm Not a Normal Monster

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

Since I played along in last month's Progressive Challenge at Sparkle and Glitter with Rick St. Dennis, I received this fun little monster in my emails. His name is "You're a Winner - Nyner the Little Monster."  The challenge theme will continue to be Steampunk. if you would like to play along and didn't join last month, I think all you have to do is buy the image and create you project. then link up along with everyone else! :)

I have to admit I was a bit stumped with how to begin with this fella. I originally thought I was going to make a tag, but once I got him colored up, decided to go ahead and make a card instead. the tag was sponged using the Crafter's Workshop Mini Gears stencil and was then sprayed with olive glimmer mist. gears were cut from an Add a Little Dazzle metal sheet using Tim Holtz dies. sentiment is by Ginger's House, and flower is Prima. actual watch gears were added all higgeldy piggeldy. lots of touches were added to the main image with shimmerz paint and glitter gel pens.

Challenges:
A Step in the Dark - anything goes
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Through the Purple Haze - show some attitude
Lacy Sunshine - goth or non-traditional hair color
OSAAT - use a digi
CCC Digi Creations - digi and a die cut
Ditzie Digi Design - anything goes
My Time to Craft - no designer papers
Left of Center - at the movies: 'Monsters, Inc.'

Dare to Be Remarkable and step out of your comfort zone!

Coffee of the Day - Red Velvet Cake

I have been feeling really really horrid of late, and haven't been getting as much crafting done as I should. But I did manage to find the time to squeeze in a project for the Progressive Challenge over at the Sassy Studio Designs group at Paper Craft Planet.....and boy oh boy, is this card ever so NOT me! grins! but it was really fun to make, nonetheless. I think it's important to jump out of our comfort zone every once in a while, and of course I did it with both feet in a grand way! ha! still some little touches of 'me' in there peeking through.... we've gotta express ourselves, friends! it's all about the fun and creativity! even if you feel like blech.

As I said, the image is from Sassy Studio Designs, and believe it or not, the papers are Basic Grey. they are from the Obscure collection, a really old one. sentiment is Create with TLC, flower is Prima, and the cool stencil is from Crafter's Workshop. I added a lot of touches to the main image with my spica clear glitter gel pen.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! We are having a lovely break from the heat here. hopefully it means that Autumn has arrived in all of its glory! :)

Challenges:
Chocolate, Cards, & Coffee - anything goes
Creative Fingers - add a sentiment
Sister Act - anything goes
DRS Designs - something unexpected (well other than this is such a different style for me, it also goes to show that flowers and a steampunk/funky style CAN go together!)
Creative Belli - orange, red, yellow (buttons and ribbon are old. paper has long been retired)
Rhedd and Rosie - steampunk
Sisterhood of Crafters - use a digi
LEJ Designs - autumnal colors
Loves Rubberstamps - sentiment on front
TTCRD - anything goes