Unity Blog Hop

Welcome to the Growing in Unity Blog Hop for the GIU girls from Jan-Feb 2019. If you are just starting here, make sure you check the list at the bottom of this post for all of the links to the projects in this hop.  Visit and comment at all of the links below for a chance to WIN one of the two prize packs provided by Unity Stamp Company. 

 I took out the watercolors and the Unity Kit of the Month 1/2017 for this hop.

 I stamped the images on Arches watercolor paper using Gina K Amalgam ink.  Arteza brush pens and Daniel Smith watercolors were used on these projects.  The black and white DP is Gina K Designs. The cardstock is SU.

  IRL, this is a bit darker- the blue anyway.  I watercolored here again using the same colors as above, just a different layout.

 This is an additional stamp in the KOTM which was also watercolored on Arches water color paper. The image was die cut using Memory Box stitched circles and a spellbinders scalloped circle die. The black cardstock is embossed.

Here is the Blog Hop order. Thanks for joining in the Unity hop today!

Kim Marie Monson Leach 

Rachel Duong

Heidi Cope 

Shelly Schmidt     You are HERE

Sue Wisniewski

Pamela J. Duncan 

Cara Malmrose 

Ashley Johnson ...


***Please note- all comments on my blog are moderated, once you leave a comment, I have to click on publish before it appears.  ***  

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Bugaboo Friday Freebie

I am having a computer issue- finally got onto the Internet, so I am posting while I have this window open. Bugaboo had a sweet new release today:

   The cute image is colored with Copic markers. A Memory Box stitched rectangle die was used for cutting out the image.  I added Glossy Accents to the dots on the umbrella, the rain drops and the puddle under boots.  The background is made with Distress Inks.  I spritzed a stencil with water and then laid it on the Distress Ink background. I added an embossed layer, then a strip of the background that was leftover.

Stop on by the Bugaboo Digi store to pick up this cute digi and shop around a bit- Jodie has just added some gorgeous florals and some cute Easter images!

Challenges TBA

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

CYS-March Bunnies

March - Barbara - bejoyce--Keyword CYSMAR 
~~use a bunny or rabbit, and it does not have to be an Easter card. If you don't have one, use any animal on your card

The image of the bunny on the swing is by Uptown Rubber Stamps, the row of bunnies on the bottom is by Stampin Up,  the Easter eggs in the grass are by Embossing Arts, the sentiment is by Bugaboo Digital Stamps,

 I colored using Copic markers.  The tree trunk and leaves were freehand cut.  For the tree, I colored using Copics for texture and the trunk is embossed using a Tim Holtz Sissix EF . The Grass is cut using a Cheery Lynn die. The sky is sponged using SU Soft Sky and I used a SU scalloped oval punch for my template. All cardstock is Stampin Up.

 I bought these stamps about 10 years ago, and it's the first time they have seen ink!  Fun story- when I was a young nurse, I worked the 3-11:30 shift.  After work, we would go to a nearby park and swing!  It was so nice to spend time together but swinging is so calming!  And, at midnight, we did not have little kids that wanted the swings.

Challenges:
The sketch at The Outlaws gave me the idea for the layout.

Little Red Wagon- Use something that hops
Simon Says Wednesday- AG
Words 2 Craft By- Happiness
Animal Friends- Rabbits

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Punny Foods

For the Dueling Darling posting for today, Heather is the Divas hostess, and Jeanette filled in and sent us an image for the Dazzlers.

 The image and sentiment are from Whipper Snappers The Big Cheese and Age Doesn't matter.  I have many punny images, but all are not related to food, so went with this cute image and will send this B-day card to one of my brothers : ) 
 I colored the image with Copic markers.  For the background, I used SU punches and punched out 3/4 and 1" circles, and alternated them making a 'Bokeh' background for my cute mouse. I used Distress ink Scattered Straw for the background.
 Please visit the Dazzlers and the Diva's blogs posted below and see the different cards made with the same image and ideas!  Next month, we have a new Dazzler to add to our group!!!

Challenges:
TBA

Divas and Dazzlers links : )

Dazzlers:
Blogs: Darlene  ,  Donna,  Jeanette  , Shelly- you are here, Terry L  , Tracie

SCS Galleries:   Terry A , Debbie B

Divas
Blogs : Barb  , Carol ,  Judy ,   Heather  , Kelly  LJ  Tami
SCS Galleries:  Suzy  , Terry S 





Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Spring Garden

The SCS Way to Use it challenge today wants to know what's in your garden.  I planted 6 new Hydrangea plants last year, 4 different varieties.  I cannot wait until they bloom! 

 From the kit from Terry S., I colored up this beautiful Stipple Hydrangea. Copic markers were used.  The die- I think it's MFT but not positive.  The DP, doily and embellishments are all from the kit.

Challenges:
TBA

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

SCS sketch and another card kit

I made up another card from a card kit from Tracy C from our kit group at SCS (Splitcoaststampers).  It is the first day of Spring, so my card reflects that. I also used the SCS sketch challenge for today.

 It is raining here- good day to stamp, and the grass will become more green.  I am not in an area where there is flooding, so hope it is NOT raining where it is. 
  This image is SU, Tracy stamped it onto Neenah cardstock and the base is Lovely Lilac.

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Card Kits

I made a few cards from a card kit received from Sue (dani_fournier).  

 I love the simplicity of this pretty image- not sure where it is from.  I colored it with Copics. I fussy cut around the leaf under the ribbon (on the lower Rt), so it is dimensional, so I cut another of the die cuts the flower is cut out on- 2nd one plain, so you cannot see underneath the raised leaf.  

  

This image is perfect for a wedding shower that we have in a month or so.  I used DP that was covered with roses from the kit, the top and the bottom are the reverse side of the DP. I added Gold Washi , an embossed panel behind the image and glitter dots also included in the kit. 

I am pretty sure this image is Denami Designs. Everything on the top panel was in the kit except the ribbon and cording.  I used recycled wrapping paper from Christmas (the gold layer) to add some bling.  The image is colored with Wink of Stella glitter pen and Copic markers.  My Mom died recently, so I am going to send this to a sibling : )  We have angels watching over us now!

I requested Purple, thinking of you and Sympathy cards.  Each member of the group sends images and items from their stash.  It is fun to create away!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Bugaboo New Release

The Bugaboo New Release this week- so fun and adorable!

  Both of my daughters played softball- back in the day.  My husband coached my youngest 1st-6th grade and they won a Championship or two along the way.
  I colored the image in the colors of The Chicago Cubs- our favorite professional team : )

Stop by the store and check out the new releases and there is always a Friday Freebie as well!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Stella Says Sketch Challenge 706

The Catch the Bug challenge for today is the Stella Says Sketch #706 .

  I love this fun image and sentiment- did you know if you wear green, a leprechaun cannot see you?  If you do NOT wear green, he can see you and will pinch you : ) 
  I colored the image, Fanny Calendar March, with Copic markers.  The die is by Gina Marie.

Come join us for the Catch the Bug challenge- Stella Says Sketch! You have 2 weeks to enter!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Unity ATC's

Each month, I trade ATC's with a group of ladies -using Unity Stamps.  These are my February ATC's.

 I was determined to NOT use pink this month.  I made a masterboard with red paint on layer one, then added Gesso.  Well, I was not patient enough apparently, as the white and red made a pretty-very much a  pink color.  I added some stamping and embossing in the background, shimmery glitter glue around the border too.  I stamped this girl on the ATC, then again on another sheet of cardstock and fussy cut it out. I liked the flecks around her and the small hearts, so did not loose them with the under layer stamping.
  The image is colored with Copic markers.

 The 2nd ATC uses a Phyllis Harris image.  I stamped it and watercolored it.  I am showing a group it these ATC's, as they are all a tad bit different.

  I used Daniel Smith paints and tried to make them as similar as possible.  Isn't this image just the sweetest?

Thanks for stopping by!  I think after 10 days of house quarantine for a very bad respiratory virus, I am finally on the mend!  It has been a long 2 weeks.  My asthma complicated the matter, and had to be put on a hefty dose of steroids and a couple of meds via a nebulizer a few times a day.  Luckily, hubby seems to have avoided the virus so far- fingers crossed and praying like crazy!
  Thanks for everyone who was aware and sent well wishes and prayers- they are much appreciated!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

More card kit cards

I was showered with Card Kits in the month of February.  I asked for kits in the color purple and with themes of Thinking of You or Sympathy- in memory of my Mom.

I made three cards using the kits awaiting me:

 This pretty image was sent to me from Nancy H.  I colored it with Copics.  I added the black cardstock, everything else was in the kit Nancy provided.

 This beautiful Rose from Gina K was sent in a kit by Terry L.  I added the die, the rest of the card contents were in the kit.  Such a beautiful image!

 This pretty kit is from Kelly.  I really love hydrangea's, and isn't the sentiment too sweet? 

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Tuesday Throwdown- Good Luck

Our new challenge at Tuesday Throwdown is "Good Luck".  We are Sponsored by Power Poppy.  I used the Digital Set called   Wish You Luck.

 The image was colored using Copic markers. I used Nuvo glitter drops on the card, twine and a charm.

        I made a second card while I was coloring using Wish You Luck , Sentiment Sunset Sway

 This is pretty CAS for me, I have been sick and just getting a little Mojo back!

we'd love for your to join us!  Stop by the blog and add your 'Good Luck' card!

Challenges:
TBA

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

COF- Jeremiah

March 2019: Hostess/Barb (barbaralynn)

Challenge: It is about Living Life to the Fullest:Please make a creation that expresses how you live your life to the fullest or illustrates something you plan or wish for in the future.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Now, I thought of going in many directions with this card : )   So many future plans in the coming year!

   I am a bit late with my card- caught a nasty, nasty respiratory virus and have been worthless for the past week!!! 
  I love this sentiment, and I read it as: It does not matter where the bike takes me, it is all about how the moments are LIVED once I get to the destination where I am heading : ) 
 
And, a second meaning, this summer, I have the opportunity to go to the Netherlands and do a bike and barge trip with some dear friends from college.  I have back trouble, so may be riding on an e-bike....but so look forward to going.  On the way there, we will stop in Ireland and meet a relative that I only know on Facebook, and in Amsterdam when the trip is completed, I am going to visit with a creative blogging friend.  How cool is that!

Challenges: TBA 

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Bugaboo- Make a Scene

 For the weekly Saturday Catch the Bug challenge aka Bugaboo, we are challenged to make a scene on our cards. Being that March is a very very busy Birthday Month in my very very Irish family, I decided to combine the themes and make a Birthday card : )

 The digital image used is called March Hedgie St Patrick's Day.  The background is done using Distress Inks. The sweet Hedgie was colored in with Copic Markers. I embossed a piece of the darker color of green cardstock (Stampin Up) with St Patty's Day Green sparkly EP by Embossing Arts, then punched out 3 shamrocks.  I added 2 gold shamrocks punched out of Gold Metallic Cardstock.

 We hope to see you make a card for the challenge!

Challenges:
Crafty Animals- AG use an animal
Mod Squad Challenge- Green
The Card Concept- Shamrock

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Be Still

 Today is the first day of Lent, aka Ash Wednesday in our church.  The liturgical vestments are purple this time of year, which means penance and preparation.  I made an encouragement card for our priests to tell them how much we appreciate them.

  The card backing is white Recollections, and the purple is Brutus Monroe. An older SU embossing folder was used, and V12, V15, and V17 Copic Markers were used.  I added a touch of Stardust Gelly Roll Pen for shimmer.

 I added a couple of enamel dots and done.  This image and sentiment are from Graciellie Designs for Unity Stamps.

 What are your customs for colors in Lent at your place of Worship if applicable?

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

It Goes Around ATC's

I finally made it to the monthly ATC swap group- it has been a while.  The theme It Goes Around.

 I posted 4 of the ATC's, as I made a master board with Distress Oxide Inks, so they vary a bit in color. I stenciled with Purple a clock face. Next, water splatters and white splatters were added.
   The clock spins and is 2 sided. I stamped the clock on the ATC, then punched them out with a 1: punch.  Next, I punched out 1 1/4" circles.  Purple twine holds the clocks and they really do spin.

  Front and Back before I signed them.

Swap ATC's

Cindy- very shimmery in color, the bottom gear goes around in circles.

  DeeDee created a collage ATC

Marcie created a Carousel Horse ATC

 Mary made a spinner card.

   Diane made this card with a plane, globe was cut with a Cricut and silver embossed.

  Harriet made this fun ATC

  Finally, Linda made this creative spinner which has your choices of crafting supplies on it.

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly