Raising an Irish Mug to Ya

Coffee of the Day - Maple Fudge

for the next few days, I'll be sharing a few St. Patrick's Day cards I've made to send off to my sons away at school. We love St. Patty's Day here at our house! :)

Today's card uses an image from MelJen's, although she no longer sells her images anywhere. it's called "Irish Brew." the little strip of torn paper & banner are from the Authentique Charmed collection. can you tell how much I have loved using papers from that collection this season? it really is wonderful if you can get your hands on any before it sells out.

the other day when I was making my Irish Coffee card, I knew I was going to need those cutey little shamrocks. but I am a paper hoarder when it comes to the card stock from Paper Temptress. I don't have that much, so I use it very sparingly. I came up with the idea to put the Memory Box die across the bottom of the Olive BASIS card so it created a little cut out. this way I was able to get the die cuts I needed for the other card, but also get a fun effect on this card! cool! :) I highlighted the shamrocks with the same craft ink I used for the edges.

card base was also sprayed with olive glimmer mist. as you can see, someone in the family made the sacrifice to drink a Guinness so I could use the label and bottle cap here on the card. ;) pretty lime juice grosgrain ribbon from RRR was added to the label along with a vintage button tied with olive burlap string.

this was my first time using liquid applique, and I confess mine is fairly old. it was fun, so I'll definitely try it again! sure adds a lot to the foam on the beer stein! :)

enjoy your day and I'll see you back here again tomorrow!

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - add green
Shopping Our Stash - oh, me lucky charms (liquid applique is VERY old!)
Get Creative - St. Patrick's Day
Crafty Cardmakers - go green
Incy Wincy - shades of green
Glitter 'n Sparkle - use some green
Pile it On - green plus 2 other colors (gold and light blue for main image bg)
Quirky Crafts - masculine with ribbon or twine (I have both)
Choux Choux Paper Art - St. Patrick's Day linky party
Hiding in My Craft Room - super scraps (both pieces of designer paper are scraps)

Mid-Month Inspiration Post for Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra

Favorite at Happy Little Stampers Christmas Challenge

It's now time to share my mid-month post for Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra. because of the time difference I have to post my card the evening of the 14th so it coincides with the post going live in the UK on the 15th. ;)

Our challenge is always sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps, but  mid-month DT projects can feature images from anywhere.

Today's card has a cute little image from Sandra Caldwell called 'Head Elf' because he was a perfect match to the Boot Card Template from Shape EZ. don't you think so?

paper is from the Basic Grey Evergreen collection, flowers & holly leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts, striped satin ribbon & gold twine are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and pretty little doilies are an Etsy purchase. I added some stickles accent dots to the boot and white gel pen & glitter pen accents to the main image.

playing along in the Christmas Extra challenge is a great way to get a jump start on your holiday cards! hope to see you there. :)

Challenges:
Christmas Card Ch - anything Christmas goes
Crafty Friends - anything goes
QKR - add some sparkle (stickles, gold/silver ribbon, gold twine, & glitter pen highlights)
Simply Papercraft - anything goes
DL Art - anything goes
Happy Little Stampers Christmas Ch - shaped card
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - cute Christmas
12 Months of Christmas - anything Christmas goes with optional decoration twist

I'm the Cutest Easter Bunny!

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia Nut

Since it's Monday, you know I'm here to share something made with one of Sandra Caldwell's new images! :) My card today is with the cute 'Fluffy the Rabbit,' which I'll link to just as soon as it's in the shop.

sentiment is from Create with TLC, decorative paper if from the Authentique Springtime collection, small flourish dies are by Sizzix, and large flourish die used to cut clear packaging is by Tim Holtz.

peacock seam binding is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, and buttons from my vintage stash. accents made with white gel pen and clear spica glitter pen.

so happy you stopped by today! have a great week! :)

Challenges:

Outlawz Wed sketch - sketch

Come and Get It - Easter/Spring

Great Impressions - bunny hop

Robyn's Fetish - Easter cards

Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Ch - anything goes with an Easter twist

Aloha Fri - Easter

CRAFT - Easter/Spring

Digi Stamps 4 Joy - anything goes with an animal

TTCRD - anything goes

An Altered Wooden Easter Bunny for the RRR Blog Hop

Top 3 Pick at Crafting Musketeers

Coffee of the Day - Carrot Cake (just seemed appropriate!)

Welcome to my stop on the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog hop! as we do every month for the hop, the DT shows projects made with the fun ribbon club kit. if at any time you ever get lost while hopping, just head back to the RRR blog for the complete list. plus you will want to stop there at the end for your chance to win your very own set of the monthly ribbons! :)

you should have landed here from GINNY's wonderful blog. she always has such neat projects, doesn't she?! :)

our oldest son, Tyler, is going to spend Easter with his girlfriend and her family. he is even going to meet the 'grands' so this is BIG! I made a little something for him to take to her grandparents.

I found this little wooden bunny on the JoAnn's website. actually I first saw it in their sale flyer, but couldn't find it the one time I was able to get to a store. so I ordered it online. I knew it would be fun to fix up!

you can see the various ribbons from the monthly club kit that I used. I also added my fave Wild Orchid Crafts magnolia (I added a bit of watercoloring to make the color match), aster daisies, cosmos, tiny rosebuds, and a sweetheart blossom. I also used a bit of  the iridescent string to tie on the little tag, but it is currently out of stock in the store. you could easily use any of the wonderful burlap or jute strings that Bonnie currently has.  or even some of the thicker baker's twine. :) you could really go for fun with the metallic gold or silver!

the pretty floral tag is from a great new vintage digital company I have found on Etsy called Cameo Shoppe. I promise you will be seeing much more from them on upcoming posts! their sheets print out so crisp and clean! bark heart is from Live and Love Crafts and the safety pin is a found treasure from Tyler's girlfriend. I thought she would appreciate seeing it on here! ;) she is always picking up little goodies for me to use on my projects. what a sweetie!

----> I'm adding another bunny project at the last minute because my youngest son, who has been home this past week for Spring Break, asked me to make one for his girlfriend after seeing this one.

I used this larger aqua wooden bunny from JoAnn's and another tag from the same digital sheet by Cameo Shoppe. here I used the yellow gingham plaid ribbon from the monthly club kit, the aqua version of the pink scalloped edge roses grosgrain found in the ribbon kit, iridescent string, 1/8" pink diagonal stripe ribbon, and light pink mini ric rac for the bow.

parrot green netting is the base for the floral arrangement made of WOC chrysanthemums, lilies, hip rosebuds, and daffodils, a 30mm leaf was added to the daffodil at the bunny's ears.

your next stop on this fun hop is at the most amazing blog of AMBER. you know she is going to have something fabulous to knock your socks off! :)

thanks so much for stopping by!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Allsorts - Spring is in the Air
CRAFT - Easter/Spring
DL Art Thankful Thurs - Easter
Crafting Musketeers - use 3 ribbons (I actually used a lot more than 3 on each!)
Crafty Enjoyments - Spring or Easter
WAW - anything goes
Champion of Champions - anything goes if previous winner

Irish Coffee for the Day

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme

It's another lovely Saturday, and I'm here to share a St. Patrick's Day card with all of you for my Paper Temptress post.

I started with a base of BASIS olive cs, inking the edges. being me, you have come to expect that SOMEWHERE I am going to use the Desert Storm Kraft cs, aren't you?! c'mon..... you know it wouldn't be the same if I posted a card without it! ;) so I made a fun banner using my fave kraft, adding little shamrocks cut with a Memory Box die from the same olive cs as the base.

 when it came time to add some ribbon, I was stumped because I didn't have any green from the Paper Temptress store. hmmmmm..... what to do? the 5/8" rainbow opulence ribbon to the rescue! I cut a snippet that was in the orange/yellow/green range, and it was perfect! :) you  never know what will happen when you need to improvise!

papers are from the Authentique Charmed collection, sentiment is by Create with TLC, and the Irish coffee cup image is by Jennifer Nilsson/Doodle Garden, although she no longer sells her digis. flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and buttons are from my vintage stash. the froth on the coffee was covered in rock candy stickles, and I forget every time that it causes the inks to run. so please forgive the smoodges....

 Have a great weekend! :)  Jennifer

Challenges:
Outlawz Greeting - add a little green
Brown Sugar - green & gold
Pattie's Creations - anything goes with green

Thanks, Little Birdies!

It's now time to post my project for Sandra Caldwell's Etsy store new digi releases! this is always fun, since she sneaks in a few images the DT doesn't know about either. ;)

I have used the oh, so fun 'Birdy Hair Salon #301' on my card.

papers are from the Basic Grey Kneehighs collection, mini sweetheart blossoms are from Wild Orchid Crafts, baby pink seam binding & pink burlap string are both from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and buttons are from my vintage stash. main image die is by Spellbinders and larger die is by SU!.  a wink of stella clear glitter pen was used on her hair bow for some sparkle. :) the little sentiment is an SRM Stickers product.

also feel free to join Sandra's Facebook group page for more fun! you never know if she is going to have an impromptu game or challenge! :)

Challenges:
L'il Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - Welcome Spring
A Gem of a Challenge - Spring
Allsorts - International Women's Day
Suzy Bee's - anything goes with a touch of spring
Digitally Sweet - Spring is in the Air
Wags 'n Whiskers - Spring Fun
Craft Rocket - feathers and/or fur

Easter Blessings

Coffee of the Day - Carrot Cake

Hippity Happity Hoppity Monday to you!

March is a very busy month for getting crafty, between St. Patrick's Day and Easter. the Really Reasonable Ribbon DT always has plenty of projects created to inspire you for whatever you happen to have sitting on your crafty table! :)

I am sharing a pair of Easter cards I created using some pretty downloads from Polly's Paper Crafts (who so graciously sponsored us last month) and products from the RRR store.

I used images from the Easter Kids Button cards, distressing the edges.

the blue card is topped with 5/8" bluebird gingham plaid ribbon tied in a bow with the delicate Sharon crochet lace.

the pink card uses Sherbet Delicate Stitched Satin ribbon tied with the same Sharon crochet lace.

I also added the gorgeous WOC Magnolias, Aster Daisies, Open Roses, Cosmos, and Sweetheart Blossoms for a lovely floral touch.

the banners for both are free printables from Live, Laugh, Rowe. as soon as I saw them, I knew they would make the perfect backing for these cutey button cards! :) little bunny & bow dies are by Tim Holtz and the grass one is from My Favorite Things. buttons, as almost always, are from my vintage stahs. beautiful sentiment stamp is from Shady Tree Studio. I do so miss Nancy's stamps and treasure the ones I have.

I do hope you will join our current challenge, "Show Me the Green with Ribbons or Trims." we would love to have you play along! :)

There is also a DT call currently going on! You KNOW you would just LOVE to be part of this amazing team! :) hurry on over to get the deets on how to submit your application! it has truly been one of the kindest and most supportive group of people I have ever had the honor to serve with on a Design Team! :)

see you in just a bit with my post for Sandra Caldwell...

Challenges:
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with glitter twist (stickles on bunny bow)
Ribbon Girls - Spring/Easter with ribbon
Hiding In My Craft Room - Spring Colors
Quick Quotes - Welcome Spring
4 Crafty Chicks - Easter
Creative Knockouts - flower power
Time Out - Easter and/or Spring with optional masking

Clap Your Hands and Believe!

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme

Today begins a new challenge on the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog with a fun theme of 'Show Me the Green with Ribbons or Trim.' While you are there looking at the beautiful inspiration photos by the other Design Team members, you might also want to take a look at the DT call that Bonnie has just posted. the current team term ends in April, so applications are being accepted for new members. I highly recommend this team to any and every one! the products are truly spectacular and people so very kind! :)

I decided to go with something different for my card and NOT make a St. Patrick's Day project. ;) yep, that is me - always the rebel. grins! I used this precious 'Tinkerbell' image from Sandra Caldwell along with Prima Tea Thyme papers. main image doily die is by Spellbinders and leaf flourish dies are from Cheery Lynn. the fairies wings are accented with the wink of stella glitter pen.

I started with a base of champagne silky crush ribbon wrapped around the card base and covered that with natural crochet lace.  (the exact one I used is currently out of stock, but there are other gorgeous ones in the store you could easily substitute.)  these were topped with the super silky lime juice satin ribbon with the metallic edge. I so LOVE this shade of satin! :) it is so soft and lush!

the Wild Orchid Craft magnolias make such an impact along with the lilies, hip rosebud, and little leaves. vintage buttons and sentiment banner complete the card.

I do hope you will join our fun challenge! see you there! :)

Challenges:
Choux Choux Paper Art - St. Patrick's Day or green
Double 'D' Ch - shades of green
Paper Shelter - bingo (either sentiment, digi, buttons, or ribbon, digi, lace)
Just Keep On Crafting - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Bunny Zoe - things with wings
My Sheri Crafts - lovely lace
Kitty Bee Designs - in the garden
Double Click Skittles - lots of green

You Make Happiness Bloom

My second post today is for the new Aud Sentiments challenge  where our theme is to use an Easter or Spring sentiment on your project. We are sponsored this fortnight by Lacy Sunshine Stamps. Be sure to stop by the challenge blog to see what the other DT members have made to inspire you!

My card uses the cutey 'Petals' image and a fun sentiment from Create with TLC. paper is from the Pink Paislee Hey Kid collection. main die is by Spellbinders, flower and leaf dies are Prima, and the border die is Find It Trading. sentiment is punched with a SU! punch. as per usual, buttons are from my vintage stash. vivid pink and noble peacock seam binding are from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

that is it for me today. check back again tomorrow for another goody! thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes with 'dies and/or punches' twist
Die Cut Divas - something for Spring
Creative Moments - anything goes with a sentiment on the front
Fresh Brewed Designs - Spring
WAW - anything encouraging goes
ABC Ch - 'C' is for cute
Paper Creator's Crafts - spring colors
Pink and Main - spring
Crafty Sentiments - spring
Lacy Sunshine Color and Craft - anything goes
Di's Digi Designs - use 2 or more dies

A Modern Woman Goes Glam

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme

It's time for a new challenge at the Cardz 4 Galz blog! this fortnight we are recognizing International Women's Day on March 8 and Mother's Day in the UK on March 6, so our theme is 'Woman or Women.' your card needs to have an image of a woman or women somewhere on it. super easy to do, right?! ;)

for my card I chose an image from A Day for Daisies called Dollface. she comes with another image wearing a mask, so you actually get 2 for the same price! :)

papers are from the Basic Grey Urban Luxe collection. I love this paper so much more than I thought I would and have used it several times already. too bad it's almost completely sold out everywhere. :( the sticker frame I used as a little mat is part of the same collection, as is the tab at the bottom and 'glam' sentiment. flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

the gorgeous rhinestone bauble has been sitting on my craft desk just waiting for the perfect project to come along. I am sorry I have no idea who makes it. yes, it's been sitting on my desk a LONG time. ;) ribbon snippet is from a project I shared the other day (ribbon is from stash, too) and black burlap string is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I added some 'eyeshadow' to the main image with a clear spica glitter pen and some little accents to the card corners with a black spica glitter pen.

come play along in the challenge with us!

Challenges
ADFD - add dimensional flowers
Crafting With An Attitude - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp Wed - touchy feely
Inspiration Destination - anything goes
Whimsy Stamps Inspiration - anything goes
Digi Choosday - ladies, ladies, ladies
Crafting With Friends - anything goes

What is a Weekend?

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice (my all time fave flavor!)

My second post for the day, it's time for a new challenge over at Crafts Galore Encore. Our theme this month is 'Make a Card.' easy peasy, right? our sponsor is the fabby Kenny K! you know you want to win some of those distinctive images!

I am a HUGE fan of Downton Abbey. have you ever watched it? even my hubby loves the show. we will be quite sad when the last episode airs this coming Sunday. so my card today is somewhat a tribute.

The Dowager makes me smile every time she is on screen. she truly has some of the best lines. as I was researching some of her quotes, I giggled when I came across this one. of course my mind thought them all in her voice.... you have to put the accent on the last syllable of the word 'weekEND' just as she did.

I used the images 'Valet' and 'Dowager Countess' on my card. digital papers are from Far Far Hill, flowers & leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts, buttons are from my vintage stash, and pink wired grosgrain is also a stash item.

the gorgeous die along the side is by Find It Trading, main image die is from SU!, and little banner is a punch from SU! also. lace is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I do hope you will join our fun challenge! thank you so very much for stopping by my blog. enjoy your day! :)

Challenges:
Inky Chicks - ribbon and/or lace
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Crafty Boots - something for the lady
Outlawz Mon Greeting - anything goes with a sentiment
Creative Craft Cottage - pearls and/or lace
Natalie and Amy - fancy borders

Paper Sweeties Guest Designer!

Hello everyone!
I have the honor of being a Guest Designer over on the Paper Sweeties blog this month! what a privilege this is for me, especially if you have ever been to their blog and seen the absolutely GORGEOUS projects their team creates time after time!!!!

The new challenge inspiration photo is this gorgeous one....

isn't it fabulous? so many things to choose from for your project!

you will see the various elements I pulled from the photo in my card. I began with the wonderful Happy Wishes stamp set, embossing it to create the chalkboard effect. turning the image on its side adds a nice twist! a white colored pencil was used to draw in the extra lines and white craft ink for more shading.

paper for the card base is from the Authentique Legacy collection. just LOVE this paper! :) a bit of copper striped vellum tops the banner and is wrapped in lovely Robin Egg baker's twine. do you see the little smidgen of a doily peeking there at the top of the banner? every coffee cup needs a doily! ;)

flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, lovely shabby bark heart (which mimics the wooden frame) comes from Live & Love Crafts, and coffee cup was die cut from aqua felt with a Simon Says Stamp die.

now you have to take a look at those precious little floral sequins. they are absolutely precious irl! these are from the Cupcake collection. it was SO hard to choose just one pack! Paper Sweeties has so many adorable colors of these lovelies! :) you will be seeing these sequins on many upcoming projects!

the highlight of the entire card is that wonderful seam binding though. what makes this ribbon stand out is that Debbie, the owner, lovingly tea stains every batch by hand. I used the Robin Egg and Oatmeal.

Check out the Paper Sweeties Facebook page for more updates and fun.
thanks so much for stopping by today! and thanks again to the lovely folks at Paper Sweeties for having me! :) I hope you are inspired to join the challenge.

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wed - anything goes
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes
Stamping Sensations - anything goes with a stamp (Paper Sweeties)
Petal Lu - anything goes
Sisters of Craft - anything goes
Frilly and Funkie - layer it up

Have a Merry Fairy Christmas!

It's time for a new challenge over at Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra. Our theme is always anything Christmas goes! There is a chance to win a great prize from our sponsor, Bugaboo Digis. I sure hop you will play along. :)

For my card this month, I used the lovely 'Fairy Christmas' image. isn't she just so sweet?

papers are from Basic Grey, gorgeous dies are by Spellbinders. all flowers and holly leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts. the pretty ombre red satin ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, as is the lace trim. sequins, vintage buttons, and a doily complete the card. the main image is decorated with shimmerz paint, stickles, and touches of a spica clear glitter pen.

I'll see you back here tomorrow with several more fun posts! :)

Challenges:
Christmas Card Ch - anything Christmas goes
Crimbo Crackers - die cuts and Christmas
Little Miss Muffett - anything goes
Fab 'n Funky - Christmas
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

A Sweet Bunny Bug Fairy

Coffee of the Day - Maple Fudge

So it's Monday. yep. just gonna leave it there. hope this sweet little bunny bug fairy
 brings a bit of sunshine to your day and makes you smile!

The image is called 'Bunny Bug #314' and is making her debut in Sandra Caldwell's Etsy store.

believe it or not the base paper is the stripe from the Basic Grey Aurora collection. it was topped with a beautiful piece of floral vellum from the paper store I go to several times a year called Hollo's. I love the way the stripes peek out beneath the roses. :)

the lilac seam binding is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. the gorgeous satin and crochet trim is as well, but came in one of the fun variety pack assortments. I try to grab one of these every time I place an order. it's always neat to see what goodies I'll get in the pack, plus it's fun to try new ribbons I might not purchase in full sizes. and who can beat $1 for 10 yards of ribbons?! I mean look at that wonderful piece?!?!

if you hurry you might still be able to get some of these lovely Wild Orchid Crafts English Roses from Bonnie. they have flown out of her store! isn't it gorgeous? she has more on order, so keep your eyes open for more to soon be in stock.

I added some sparkly touches to the bunny with shimmerz paint and a clear spica glitter pen. some precious little floral sequins from Paper Sweeties accent the card. fun matting die is by Spellbinders.

thanks for stopping by! lots to come tomorrow, so please hop back over! :)

Challenges:
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with optional arsenic and old lace
Glitter 'n Sparkle - things with wings
Crafty Friends - floral
Suzy Bee's - anything goes with a fantasy twist
Outlawz Fri - Tell a Fairy Tale
Wags 'n Whiskers - furry friends
CRAFT - Mother's Day/female

A Fun Little Shamrock Shaped Card

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Pecan

So how is your weekend going so far? is it sunshiney where you are? cold? warm? we have bits of snow on the ground, but not too much. it's been a fairly mild winter so far.

Today I am going to share with you a card I made using the freebie image given out over at Sandra Caldwell's Facebook page as part 3 of the Facebook challenge. You can also find the image in her Etsy store here.

The shamrock card template comes from The Cutting Cafe. I will warn you now that it is small. I had to print the digi out super teeny tiny in order to get it to fit. but it sure is cute! :)

paper is from the Authentique Charmed collection. I intentionally offset the pale green piece. little doily is from Etsy and pale green rose is from Wild Orchid Crafts.  pretty ribbons can be found at Really Reasonable Ribbons. for a bonus, the light green grosgrain is even on sale right now! gotta love sale stuff. ;)

of course every St. Patrick's Day card needs it's spot of gold, so I added some fun sequins.
enjoy your day! I really appreciate you stopping by! see you tomorrow. :)

Challenges:
Choux Choux Paper Art - St. Patrick's Day or green
Come and Get It - monochrome
Great Impressions - Let's Celebrate (St. Patrick's Day)
Hiding in My Craft Room - any holiday (St. Patrick's Day)
Fussy and Fancy - shabby and fun bingo (cute image, ribbons or bows, shaped card, anything goes - sequins)
Creative Knockouts - go green
DL Art Thankful Thurs - frogs and/or green (do leapin' ladybugs count?! grins!)
Star Stampz - monochromatic

A Winged Messenger on Kraft

Coffee of the Day - Blueberry Cinnamon

Happy Saturday! :)

Well surprise surprise, I am here to share another card made with my favorite product in the Paper Temptress store, the Desert Storm Kraft card stock. I really truly love this stuff! almost all of the cards I make have a kraft card stock base, as you know if you come around here very often. it's the perfect base for any color combo. I highly recommend you give it a try in lieu of white or black sometime.

For today's card I embossed my cs with the Sizzix Tropical Paisley folder. The Desert Storm embosses so nicely! :) papers are from the Basic Grey Grand Bazaar collection, purple nite seam binding is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. a little banner was punched from the brown Basis cs  with a SU! punch for a bit of extra fun. :)

the image is from Scrapper's Delight and was part of a fun Facebook challenge they had a few weeks ago. I used a wink of stella clear glitter pen on the wings.

both dies are by Spellbinders.

 Hope you are able to get some craft time in at some point this weekend.

Challenges:
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - anything goes
Cr8tive Hands Friends - use a digi
Simply Papercraft - anything goes
The Stamping Boutique - ribbon or lace
Crafty Gals Corner - anything goes
Scrapper's Delight - anything goes

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)

Girl's Night Out

Coffee of the Day - Dulce de Leche

Hold on, the weekend is coming! it's just right around the corner - I can almost see it! :)

I've been busy doing a lot of 'behind the scenes' crafting for upcoming DT projects, but did manage to squeeze in a bit of fun time to make this card I'm sharing today. a few days ago was 'National Margarita Day.' since that happens to be one of my fave drinks, I couldn't let this special day go by without making a card to commemorate it! :)

When I saw this cutey image in Sandra Caldwell's Etsy shop the other day, I knew it would be perfect for the occasion. the colors and patterns in my card are a bit brighter and bolder than I usually use, but I figure that the girls are out for a night at their fave Mexican food restaurant and have put on their 'night on the town' clothes!  grins!

papers are from the Basic Grey Grand Bazaar collection, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, rhinestone flourish was bought at Michael's (I colored the crystals with a sharpie to match), ribbons & trims are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and buttons are from my vintage stash. I am sorry that I don't know where I picked up the fun little charm. when I get them, I put them all in a mason jar for storage. I did add some shimmerz paint on a few parts of the image for accent.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a most fabulous day!

Challenges:
Outlawz Festive Friday - National Margarita Day
The House That Stamps Built - sketch
Crafty Creations - something to eat or drink
Fresh Brewed Designs - oh so girly
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Crafty Cardmaker - for a special woman (sending this to one of my girlfriends)
Dream Valley - sparkle and bling
Eureka - tic tac toe (die cut, rhinestones, ribbon)
Morgan's Art World - for the ladies

So Lucky Lion

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Pecan

Happy Monday to all of you! it means so much to me that you have decided to come by to my itty bitty blog for a cuppa today. let me grab you a fresh cup of coffee while you have a looksie at my latest make. :)

There's going to be some fun new images in Sandra Caldwell's Etsy store later today. my card today features one of them, 'Lucky Lion #278.' he just makes me smile so! and he was certainly loads of fun to watercolor! :)

papers are from the Authentique Charmed collection, sentiment is by Create with TLC, fabby dotted organza ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts, and buttons & shamrock applique are from my vintage stash. card base was sprayed with olive glimmer mist.

join us over in Sandra's Facebook group, too. there's a progressive challenge going on.

enjoy your Monday! :)

Challenges:
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with optional color challenge (C - orange, yellow, green)
Color Your World - anything goes
L'il Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes
Ribbon Girls - use any image and ribbon
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Catch the Bug - bingo: designer paper, friendship, tag
Alphabet Ch - 'Z' is for zoo animals
Creative Fingers - anything goes
Jo's Scrap Shack - anything goes
Polkadoodles - lucky green

Love is a Four Legged Word and More Fun News!

Another fun Design Team announcement, all on the same day! I am joining the Aud Sentiments Design Team beginning with today's new challenge! hip hip hooray! :)

Our new challenge theme for this fortnight is 'Cute + a sentiment,' and we are sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps. You know you want to play along so you can win some of their fabby digis, don't you?! c'mon over and join us!

I used the cutey cutey cutey 'Cute Puppy' image along with a computer generated sentiment for my card. papers are from the Basic Grey Max & Whiskers collection, main image die is by My Favorite Things and dog house die is by Find It Trading. seam binding is from Really Reasonable Ribbon and twine is left from tags I had used on another project. accent dots were made with white gel pen and also a brown marker. a little piece of inked cardboard peeks out from between the main image and bows. no flowers as this will probably be mailed off to Mick. ;)

hope you are getting as excited for the weekend as I am! take care!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - add lace, ribbon, or twine
Crafting By Designs - tic tac toe ( ribbon, free:buttons, texture: cardboard)
Sparkles - something for the males
Clear it Out - anything goes with twine
Crafty Sentiments - Let's Get Sentimental
Digi Choosday - animals and insects
Fan-tastic Tues - square and cute
Crafty Ribbons - Leap with ribbon

Vintage Beauty in a Hat and Some News

Coffee of the Day - Blueberry Cinnamon

Today I am happy to announce that I am now a member of the Cardz 4 Galz Design Team! I am so very excited to share this news with all of you! :) several other new members join the DT along with me today, so please pop over to the challenge blog to bid them a hearty hello!

We also have a new challenge that starts today as well. the theme is "Get Ahead - Get a Hat." You have 2 weeks to get your entry linked to the blog. I'd love to see what fun project you make! :)

I chose to use this precious image from A Day for Daisies called 'Vintage School Girl Two.' isn't her hat gorgeous? papers are from the Basic Grey Mint Julep collection, the two main image dies, are Spellbinders, and the beautiful rose corner die is Wild Rose Studio. I used the wink of stella clear brush pen on the hat band for some extra sparkle. flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts and buttons are from my vintage collection.

thanks so much for stopping by!
I'll have another post for you in just a jiffy. ;)

Challenges:
Inspiration Destination - anything goes
Paper Shelter - make it digital (use a digi)
Kraftin' Kimmie Wonderful Wed - anything goes
CCC Digi - fave color combo (pinks and kraft)
Sweet Stamps - anything goes
Sisters of Craft - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Dragon's Lair - bingo: yellow, 3 buttons, flowers

Come Ride With Me Valentine

Top 3 DT fave at The Crafter's Cafe

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Hey ribbon fans! I know you are going to look at this post and think, "gosh, Valentine's Day is over."  but I'll say right back at ya, "isn't it always time for LOVE?!" grins!

but really, wouldn't you know that when my youngest son came home for a surprise visit this past weekend, he also needed a Valentine's Day card for his girlfriend ASAP! ;) no matter how old our kids get, it's just like back in elementary school when they tell you on the drive to school that oh yes, they need 4 dozen cupcakes RIGHT NOW! ;)

so I got busy in my craft room. really busy. like, the glue might have still been a little itty bit wet when she came by to pick him up to drive him back to school! but it was finished and she liked it. whew.....

it's time like these that I am thankful for having a nice supply of ribbons & flowers from the RRR store and access to a place like Polly's Paper Studio, the Really Reasonable Ribbon challenge sponsor.

I was able to print out the Retro Valentine Card digital file, add some great mulberry flowers like the cottage rose, sweetheart blossoms, and other Wild Orchid Crafts roses to the Authentique Crush patterned papers and heart doily. some great saved snippets of the Sweetheart Striped grosgrain stapled to the upper corner are topped with a vintage button. Red burlap string tied around the card base adds the finishing touch. oh yes, I also used my SU! ink squirty tool on the vintage image.

easy peasy! the great thing is that this card design can be adapted for ANY holiday or occasion. give it a try! :)

thanks so much for stopping by! have a great day! :)

Challenges:
Crop Stop - anything goes with an item from their store (Authentique paper)
Frilly and Funkie - Love is in the Air
Card and Scrap - layers
Card Mania - add some red
Crafter's Cafe - Love is in the Air
Crafts and Me - use reds or Valentine
Creative Card Crew - love
Digi Choosday - All You Need is Love
Tuesday Throwdown - layer it up

Don't Look Back Bunnies

Coffee of the Day - Highlander Creme (a hazelnut/butterscotch mix)

Happy Monday to you! and Happy President's Day to those of you who live in the States. :)

I am here to share with you a card featuring a new image, 'Bunny Brothers #179,' from Sandra Caldwell's cute Etsy shop.

the sentiment stamp is from Unity. it is one of my all time fave sayings. just seemed to go perfectly with this image. :)  papers are from the Authentique Springtime collection. main image dies are by Spellbinders, heart die is by Sizzix, and flourish die (under bow, cut from clear packaging) is Tim Holtz. flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts. pretty diamond satin ribbon comes from Really Reasonable Ribbon. little dew drops are some I won at Double Click Skittles.

I want to share just a bit of my thinking when I made this card:

as I was making it, I was thinking of my family. when any of our sons go through difficult times, my husband and I try to be there to encourage them to press on toward the future. no matter what choices they have made to get them to the point of difficulty, we want them to know that they are always always loved and that point is not a permanent stop or destination, but just a small detour on their life's road.

when I saw this image, it was as if it was hubby and I standing beside one of our sons and letting him know we would always be there for him.

I do hope you will join us over in Sandra's Facebook group.

Challenges:
Eureka - feathers and fur
Dragonfly Dreams - hearts and flowers
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - show some love
Simply Papercraft - anything goes
Crafty Ribbons - animals and ribbon
Creative Knock-outs - furry friends
ABC - 'B' is for bunnies and bows and blue (well, bluish! )