Back in the saddle!

I am a bit behind in my blog posts!  Thought I'd share a couple of my latest cards : )  

The Teapot Tuesday challenge from 8/29- we send cards to each other : )  My card is in the mail.  This is a digi image from Power Poppy. I colored it using Copic markers. 

DigiChoosday- cardmaking- AG

Beautiful Blossoms- flowers

Next, I made a card for the Technique lovers swap- using the Bargello technique:

I used a Michael Strong image- colored using Copics.  I added a strip of cardstock from a multi color pack...not sure from where?   It was embossed using an old SU EF.  I colored the Michael Strong Butterfly using soft pastel colors. 

Hope you have a great day!

Challenges: 

Dream Valley- Dry embossing

Simon Says Stamps- Stamp It

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

America! America!

We have had company here all of July- and 2 of the 3 kids left today.  I did a Zoom today with a SCS friend and created a card for the Teapot Tuesday challenge.  We are making patriotic cards for a woman who has been promoted to Corporal!  God Bless Her!

 I used a House Mouse image and an Artistic Outpost sentiment for my card. I just love these sweet images!  I colored the image using Copics, added a gold back layer and a white card inside to add a note. 

Challenges:

House Mouse and friends Monday Challenge- circle or AG

Thanks for stopping by! 

Shelly

Image Swap catch-up!

  Hi- I have been on the road visiting friends in June- from Galena to Cincinnati to Greenville Ohio to Lebanon Indiana.....!  I am happy to get back to my creative space!

 I am part of a swap where we exchange images (from stamp companies that allow that).  I needed to catch up a bit...and am up to date now.  

 Our May image- Colorado Craft Company

 This image was colored using Copic markers, die cut and mounted on a Prima DP . I fussy cut the sentiment and bird apart.  How sweet is this!

Our June image- Terry S sent it already die cut/Scan and Cut ready!  SO fun

I had the perfect DP for a birthday card.  The image was colored using Copics. Pretty CAS for me, but I love these cards and fun images!

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope your summer is going well!

Shelly

Rainbow slimline & a dragonfly

A crazy and fast paced summer is upon us!  I finally had time for a couple of cards.  One os for an Instagram Hop with a rainbow theme. 

For an Instagram Hop (  https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct6u4vJuGCN/  )  using the theme of rainbow.  I used Distress inks for the background stencil.  The butterflies are Memory Box and the sentiment is a  MFT die.  There are so many fun ideas for using rainbows or the colors from the rainbow.  

This card uses a hand carved stamp- the dragonfly.  It is very shimmery IRL.  The backing is watercolor paper and watercolor inks. 

 I carved this stamp IMO and to celebrate my nephews 10 year anniversary from his Wilms tumor diagnosis- a kidney cancer.  He had a kidney removed at age 5...now age 15 and doing well. He and his family were very involved with the Dragonfly foundation, which supports pediatric cancer patients and their families.  I also made an ATC which I love using this image.  

 The sentiment die cut is by Lawn Fawn and is layered in black CS

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Back creating!

We have been traveling a bit, and doing day trips when home.  I had a chance to try to work on catching up- very behind on Swaps!

For the May Technique challenge at Splitcoast, we made Salt technique cards.  I combined the challenge with the Alpha A=Avocado challenge.

 I used Peeled Paint Distress ink and salt on layer one- using the wrinkle free distress technique to apply color.  I used a blending brush to add more color and dabbed on a bit of water on the next layer.  I added splatters of white paint and black ink next.  I die cut a vellum ovel (Gina Marie Dies) and added daisy die cuts from Memory box (from SSS), adding a twine bow.  The sentiment is SSS. (Simon Says Stamp). 

Challenges:

Simon Says Stamps (Wednesday) challenge  Flowers

Next is the April image from Diane (Glamour) and it has been sitting waiting to be mailed on my desk for a while- the image is Whimsy Stamps. 

 We make a card with our swapped images and mail them to each other.  This is off to Ruby in WA state today! The image is colored using Copics and highlights using a white gel pen. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

 Shelly

May at Jan's Digital Stamps

 How I love Poppies- one of my favorite flowers!  Jan's Digital stamps has released 2 new sets, and I chose to create using the Poppies!

I used Jan's pre-colored digital image and used the scan and cut (and an exacto knife) to carve this image.  I layered it on a shimmery white cardstock that was embossed using a 3D EF. The DP is Bo Bunny and is a few years old....  The Die cut is from MFT.  The base cardstock is SU Poppy.  

 I used the MFT die inside as well from plain white CS , and added a bloom and a bud from Jan's pre-colored image from this set.  

My Mom's cousin is buried in Flanders Field, so I always think of him when I see poppies!  He died the day before the war ended : (  I salute all of our soldiers!

Challenges: TBA

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Colorful but simple......

 I took on this challenge today at Splitcoast- colorful but simple.  I love to have inspiration via challenges : )  I need to do a Spotlight card, so combined both!

I stamped this image from Unity Stamp Co. twice, and punched a number of the areas out, and then die cut the black circles backers.  I used a rainbow of colors using Copics, and also added a sentiment that would fit in the 1" circle punch from SU.....  

All of the colors of the rainbow are represented : )  

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Creative time

 I was happy to have time to create a bit today.  

For the CAS challenge at Splitcoast- let the sentiment shine : )

The die is by Crafters Companion- it is layered on vellum.  I love the pretty DP too.

Nest, I joined in the Teapot Tuesday Challenge- black and white with a touch of red.  Bonus challenge is to add penguins!

The image is Michael Strong.  It is masked and stamped repeatedly. The image is a circular image....  I split the image and added red then black over it. The penguin dies are from a stamp sale....  the Hello is Our Daily Bread- now Divinity Designs. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Shelly

Honor Flight salute

 Over at Splitcoaststampers, the Teapot Tuesday challenge is for a gentleman who fought in Vietnam and is currently disabled.  He is an Army Vet.  He is being surprised in May with an honor flight. 

I made a slimline card for the gentleman. The card is Navy and I used a wrapping paper in gold with glittery stripes for the accent between the layers.  The 3D EF of stars in highlighted with gold metallic rub ons. The eagle image is Coronado stamps, the sentiment is SU. The gold stars are from the $1 Store, now $1.25...!  The gold cord and ribbon from my stash.

Challenges: TBA

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

A card for Daughters : )

  Jan's Digital Stamps has a couple of beautiful new floral images in the shop this month.  We are just beginning to warm up and the daffodils are in full bloom here!  And, the Magnolia and Redbud trees. 

This card was created using  one of the newly released sets called Spring Flowers and Coffee. The set comes with B/W images for your to color, or pre-colored images.  

I used the pre-colored floral image as Jan's coloring is done so beautifully!  I will color the 2nd card, as I have 2 daughters (and a DIL). The flowers are popped up on dimensionals, so IRL the sentiment is not covered up at all.  I used a woodgrain EF just for added texture and dimension. 

  I used a die from MFT and Prima DP from years ago : )  

We'd love to have you join us in the monthly challenge at Jan's- the theme is always AG!

Challenges: 

A Place to Start- AG option- women of the year (My Daughters)

Double Trouble- card for a special lady

Make My Monday- Frame it

Just Us Girls-  Mood board Spring themed

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Life is Good... especially at the beach : )

 The past few days with 80 degree heat, I have been feeling the beach vibes, even though we do not have one too close by!  I took out this stenciled background and added some embossing and an image to finish it off.  Distress inks were used for the stenciling. The image from Newton's Nook was fussy cut and colored using Copic markers. Ahhhh!  This looks like bliss to me!!! 

 Inspiration from the Inspiration challenge over at Splitcoaststampers today.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Ink and Paper and a couple of challenges

A little paper crafting fun was had today and I used challenges at Splitcoast for prompts for cardmaking. 

For the color challenge at Splitcoaststampers, the colors are Fresh Freesia, Parakeet Party and Calypso Coral.  The 'dessert' is Spring.  The stamp I used is called Field of Poppies from Rubbernecker. I used a combo of SU markers and Copics. 

Next, I used the sketch challenge at Newtons Nook. The DP is from my stash and also Newtons Nook. I used a sweet image and die that the company gave us at the No Foolin Retreat in Wisconsin recently.  Copics were used for coloring this sweet image. 

Challenges:

Newton's Nook- Sketch

Finally, the Teapot Tuesday challenge at SCS was to made cards for a stampers father who is turning 80!  He likes to watch TV and golf is one thing he enjoys watching.  Also- he likes blue.  Since he is in his 8th decade, we used Octagons on our cards. The Octagon stamps are from Tonic Studios.  The golfer and sentiment images are from A Muse Artstamps.  I used Distress Inks for the background. 

Fun day and my fingers are a shade of blue : )  

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

VSN What's on the Menu

Posting cards for the current VSN (Virtual Stamp Night) challenge at Splitcoast.  This is currently ongoing! I have more to create and post......

For my challenge, Cutting Board.  Use a tag shape to look like a cutting board. This is an older SU set- and I was happy to create with it.

This card is for a desserts and 7 layer VSN challenge, and also for out Teapot Tuesday recipient.  She lost her son and is having a rough time.  She had alot of House Mouse images/cards in her gallery, so I hope this fun image will put a smile on her face!

Challenges:  

House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge- Dots and /or Stripes

Critter Crazy- include a critter

Daisy Chain Challenge- Critters

Finally, this card is for the Blue Plate Special.  I used a SU set and stamped it repeatedly, then added the sentiment. All SU except for the ribbon and twine.

Challenges: 

Little Red Wagon-Spring (flowers)

Get Creative-Springtime Blues

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Jan's Digital Stamps April release

 It's April! This year is flying by!

 Jan's Digital Image has a beautiful new release- florals this month!  Check out the store HERE- a great sale as well : )

 I chose to work with the Early May Bouquet a beautiful set.  It comes pre-colored and black and white.  I chose to use the colored version of the image. 

 This Hero Arts diecut has been MIA in my stamp room for ages- and I just found it.  I think it is the perfect match for this beautiful floral image!

Challenges- 

A Perfect Time to Craft- AG

Beautiful Blossoms #3- mood board- floral image

Birds, Butterflies and Blooms- Blooms used

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Spring-House Mouse

A card made for a couple of challenges : )  One is an A;pha challenge R=rubber duck.  The other is for Spring!  Well, in the spring in the Midwest, it is too cold for this little guy, but in the southern states and other locations- this is a perfect day!

The image is colored using Copics, and die cut is CC Designs.  I added a little DP and a sentiment from SSS.  

Challenges:  House Mouse and friends Monday Challenge- Spring

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Rediscover your Supplies!

 I joined in and Instagram Blog Hop that posts monthly and encourages us to use our stash!  Our theme this month is Easter.

Everything on this card except the cardstock (SU) is from a kit from the past from SSS aka Simon Says Stamps.  It is all fussy cut. Copics were used for all of the coloring.  

 There are lots of great and inspirational Easter card ideas- Check it out HERE

Challenges:  TBA

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Jan's midmonth

 Using the new Jan's Digital Stamps for March, I created this sweet card.  I used the set Rain Dance for this card.

 I colored the image using Copic markers. I added Glossy accents to the raindrops. The oval diecut is by Gina Marie. 

Challenges: TBA

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Jan's Digital Stamps March Release

The new releases at Jan's are so fun this month.  A gorgeous floral and a sweet little boy in the rain. 

 This digi set is called Dogwood Blooms. This set has so many design options, and as always, comes as black/white or precolored. 

 This card features the precolored floral blossoms that are fussy cut and layered up x's 3 layers. It surrounds the sentiment.  Layered on a 3D embossing folder that has ink on one side before embossing, then the raised portions lightly- highlighted with green Distress ink. 

Challenges: TBA

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Challenge your Stash

I joined into two stash challenges this week, one on Splitcoast and one on Instagram.

For the Challenge Your Stash challenge at SCS, Jeanette aka Forest Ranger is out Hostess. Her challenge:  ~~My husband Brent and I celebrated our 40th anniversary earlier this month. The color for 40th anniversaries is Ruby Red, so let's make monochromatic RED cards this month.

I used a digital image from Angie Blom.  Copic Markers were used for coloring the image. The cardstock is Ruby Red and is die cut using the Pinpoint Leaf Plate by Memory Box. 

I joined in a challenge on Instagram for using what we already have this weekend. 

I made 2 cards for the challenge

This first card is using a stamp set Multi Step Grand Peony by Kitchen Sink Stamps.  I love how realistic this set looks!

This card uses a Stencil by Pink Fresh Studio and a stamp set by Simon Says Stamps for the sentiment- the die comes with the set- love this!  I did add a touch of stickles to the center of the flowers. 

Challenges: TBD

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Alpha Challenge- K=Kite

 I had a bit of time to create- so nice- and Zoomed with crafty friends while creating : )  

 I created for the Alpha challenge at SCS, and this week is K=Kite.  This newly released image was sitting on my desk and ready for inking.  I love to color, although Jan has pre-colored images as well.  Copics were used for the grass, the boy and the kite.  The sun is a pre-colored image.  I used Distress inks and a diecut stencil I made for inking up the clouds. 

Challenges: TBA

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

l Stamps Feb release

Jan's Digital Stamps has some really beautiful releases this month.  I decided to work with the Pre-colored floral peony images : )

   I could color this image myself- but Jan has pre-colored images and they are always magnificent- so I love using them......  I used a background with some leftover watercolor paint. Scan and Cut helped me fussy cut the images out. 

 We have a monthly challenge and it is always Anything Goes- hope to see you enter your card in our challenge at Jan's Digital Stamps challenge!

Challenges TBA

Thanks for stopping by! 

Shelly

Teapot Tuesday- Dots and Stripes...and a face

 This week the Teapot Tuesday crew are sending cards to each other.  We are to include Dots , stripes and a face.  

How sweet, huh?  Stripes on the bees, dots in the DP and yep-face too.  The image is colored using Copic markers. This is 

I would like to enter this card in the House Mouse and Friends challenge Frame it or AG

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

IG Hop- Rediscover Your Supplies

 I joined in HOP on Instagram to rediscover your supplies- and that is not so hard to do!!!  I made 2 cards for the hop:

 This Power Poppy digi was printed and colored 5 years ago!  I added it to a SSS background that was embossed using Queens Gold EP....  my absolute favorite EP that is no longer available!  I added distress ink to the background. I am going to send this to a friend that needs Hugs and Love right now!

 The 2nd card using a sweet set from Avery Elle

 Another encouragement card for a friend that needs a HUG right about now!  The BG uses Distress inks and a stencil from A Colorful Life. The images are stamped and fussy cut, colored using Copic markers. There is a touch of shimmer on the butterfly.  

Here is my Instagram link if you'd like to pop over for the IG HOP!  

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Bundle of Joy

This set of sweet cards use images from a swap on SCS

 One of these will be mailed to a partner in the swap and the other to a new Mom and Dad : )

 It's been a heck of a month, first, I caught Influenza....then, my SIL got rushed to the hospital and had a medical procedure which did not go well.... she ended up in ICU, then sent home on Hospice. She did not go down without a fight though! She has been battling duodenal cancer and was close to the end....and the procedure pushed her further....She died last Friday.

 Today was the first time I have created in forever- felt so great!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Holiday Greetings

I took some time to color an image today.  I have a stack of RAK images and I love the House Mouse images so much!!!  

You gotta love this sweet cozy scene!  I added DP top the background to mimic wallpaper.  This image was chosen for the Candy Land Alpha challenge (SCS).  The die cut us by Paper Smoochies, and I used red glossy cardstock. 

House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Steppin Out to celebrate you!

I love House Mouse, and found this fun image in a Christmas card my friend Sharon sent to me.  

 We had a challenge at Splitcoast a week ago to make cards for SCS sis' with the theme of a step card of any type and a card using shoes/boots/feet...  I found this fun image from a friend in her Christmas card and had a great and fun time coloring it!  

  I used Copic markers to color this image.  The DP is Bo Bunny. The die cut is Memory Box. I used a die from Stamp Doctor for the Step card set up.....  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  You know I love pink : )

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Jan's Digital Stamps January New Releases

 Jan's Digital Stamps is back from a December break and is showcasing some really sweet digital images for January. 

 Because I love, love, love anything pink, I had to start out using the pink floral image and set.  I had some fun in Microsoft word and wrapped the text and placed the floral image over the window in the stamp set. 

 In Microsoft Word, 

1) Add the PNG image files to your blank WORD page and resize them

2) Rt click on the floral image and choose 'Wrap Text', then slide over to the next selection column and click on in front of.  When you do that, the floral image will be movable with your cursor. You should still be able to click on the top image and resize it if you need to fine tune it. 

3) Print your images

 I added lace and a small precolored rose on the lace over the Distress ink stenciled background. 

Jan's has a Monthly Anything Goes challenge.  We hope you will come join us!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly