More Challenge Cards

This first card is my take on Weekend Sketch Challenge #108 as posted on the fresh & fun blog. I struggled a bit with this sketch and am not head over heals in love with the resulting card. 

Materials & Tools: White Daisy and Moonstruck cardstock; Retired CTMH Winter Classic B&T paper; Moonstruck ink pad; JustRite Merry Little Christmas Borders & Centers stamp set; Stampin’ Up Whisper White Taffeta ribbon; Sparkles;1 and 1-1/4 inch circle punches; 2-inch scallop punch; Sponge dauber; 3M foam mounting tape.

This next card is my rendition of Mercy’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #49 on the Lord Have Mercy! blog.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Topiary, and Tulip cardstock; Animal Cookies paper packet; Black, Dutch Blue, Topiary, and Twilight ink pads; Sunflower marker; Whipper Snapper Designs Ducks in a Row stamp and Hero Arts Thinking of You stamp set; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Topiary, Sunflower, and Tulip mini brads; Black My Legacy Writer; Dove blending pen; Fiskars Apron Lace border punch.

  This last sketch is Limelight Papercrafts Sketch 35, which included a challenge to use patterned paper. I missed the official “cut-off” for this card but had fun making it anyway.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Barn Red, Cocoa, Bamboo textured, and Desert Sand textured cardstock; Grace paper packet; Cocoa and Desert Sand ink pads; Say it in Style stamp set; Ribbon from Michael’s; Corner rounder; Fiskars Sunburst border punch; Sponge dauber.

So many sketches and challenges. So little time. LOL. With that, I’m off to my corner to see if I can crank out a little something to have to show you tomorrow.

Oh, and I made my goal of not putting on a winter coat or jacket until December 1. Barely. Beginning tonight, it’s supposed to start cooling off significantly and snow off and on for the rest of the week. That’s OK. Maybe with a little snow on the ground, I’ll be able to wrap my mind around Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by. Your kind comments and encouragement are so appreciated!!

A Challenge Card

Here’s my take on Card Patterns Sketch 43. I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and OMS with the exception of Sofia’s shirt and ponytail holders, which were paper-pieced with matching patterned paper. To make working with such tiny pieces easier, I used my piercing tool to pick them up and put them into place.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy cardstock; Basic Grey Lime Rickey 6x6-inch paper pad; Black and Outdoor Denim ink pads; Whipper Snapper Designs Sofia stamp and Hero Arts Thinking of You stamp set; Outdoor Denim mini brad; Prismacolor colored pencils; Gamsol odorless mineral spirits; Blending stumps; Black My Legacy Writer; 3M foam mounting tape.

How’s your weekend going? After going out for lunch yesterday, I came home and proceeded to be lazy as all get out – sleeping away the afternoon and stamping all evening. I’ve made up for it today by cleaning the bathroom to the point I scrubbed the skin off my knuckles. Poor me. LOL.

I have more cards to show you but no time to post them, as Cameron, Sarah, and the boys are on their way over for a little visit before it’s time to take the boys to their mom this evening. Maybe later …

Thanks for stopping by!

Simple Saturday

My Simple Saturday offering was inspired by this post on the Jennifer McGuire Ink blog.

I stamped the leafy border with Olive ink on the reverse side of a piece of Honey textured cardstock. The beautiful crocheted flower was made by my friend Jeanne. Oh, how I love those little flowers.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy and Honey textured cardstock; Olive ink pad; CTMH Key to My Heart (retired) and Verve Stamps Heartfelt Phrases stamp sets; Crocheted flower; Kaiser Kraft pearl accents.

After having the little tornados here yesterday and being lazy last night, I’m off to clean up my little abode. I mentioned decorating for Christmas today to DH last night. He was less than enthused. “We don’t decorate for Christmas in November!” So, I guess we’ll have to wait until after Tuesday. There’s no sense in trying to teach an old dog new tricks this late in the game. LOL.

I hope your day is wonderful. Later …

A Kiss is Just a Kiss

Where that title came from, I dunno. LOL. What I do know is where I got my inspiration for this card. It was from these great cards, along with a tutorial on “stamp kissing” on the Poppy Paperie blog. Using the leaf stamp from my Treasure Life set, I inked it up with black ink and kissed the polka dot stamp in the Spot On Background set. What I ended up with was a fun, textured look.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Bamboo, and Black cardstock; Silhouette paper packet; Black and Bamboo ink pads; Treasure Life and Spot On Backgrounds stamp sets; Black Bitty Brads; 3/8-inch natural twill ribbon; Black/white polka dot ribbon from reasonableribbon.com; Fiskars Apron Lace border punch; Sponge dauber.

It was a fun, busy day with Bjorn and Mathias here while their Daddy was at work. Tonight, I rest. How was your day? Any Black Friday shoppers among my blog buddies? I’m more apt to see what Cyber Monday has to offer and let the Man in Brown due my legwork for me. LOL.

Later …

All Wrapped Up

Here’s the tag and the bag I used to wrap up the little gift (a boxed set of monogrammed cards) I presented to my sister today – the one who hosted our Thanksgiving dinner. It just so happened, too, that it fit the bill for the Stamp Simply #114 challenge, “All Wrapped Up,” featured on the No Time to Stamp? blog.

The navy bag was in my stash. The tag was simple and quick.

Materials & Tools: Navy paper bag; Colonial White, Outdoor Denim, and Cranberry cardstock; Route 66 paper packet; Outdoor Denim,Black, and Bamboo ink pads; Brown Bag and Topiary markers; Waltzingmouse Stamps Blessed by You and Peace and Plenty stamp sets; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Cranberry Waxy Flax; 1/2-inch circle punch; Crop-O-Dile; Sponge dauber.

Today was wonderful – family spanning four generations, food, fellowship, and hearts full of gratitude for our many, many blessings.

I hope your day was special, too!

A Monogram Card

It’s hard to believe that this card was two days in the making. It certainly wasn’t due to its complexity. Rather, it has been another busy holiday week with a few distractions.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Black, and Bamboo cardstock; Silhouette paper packet; Black ink pad; JustRite Decorative 2-inch Square Stamper and Decorative Frames and Trompe Script stamp sets; Ribbon from my stash; Black Photo Clips and mini brads; 3M foam mounting tape.

I’m running behind the 8-Ball with regard to preparations for our trip to my sister and brother-in-law’s house tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner with my family, so I’ll keep this short.

I hope your Thanksgiving Day is wonderful. I want you to know, too, that when I count my blessings you – my cyber friends – are among them. Thank you for your friendship!

That’s an Awful Big Bow

Big bow and fat ribbon appear to be all the go these days. While the ribbon and many of the cards made using them are pretty, will someone tell me how ya get the darned things in an envelope? I used wired ribbon. I love the stuff, because it’s so easy to shape and manipulate. However, once it’s squished, it’s flat. That’s not to say the recipients can’t reshape it, but seriously, will they? Doubtful. LOL. Nope. I think this bow’s gotta go.

The card – imagine it with a 5/8-inch wide black satin bow – is my take on Mojo Monday Week 114.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Black, and Cranberry cardstock; Black ink pad; Renaissance by Design Darling Damask and Flourishes Wedding Essentials stamp sets; Sparkles; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; EK Success Diamond Lace border punch.

How was your Monday? As good as a Monday can be, I hope. One day closer to Turkey Day! With that, I’m heading back to my corner for a little more R&R before it’s time to call it a day. Thanks for stopping by!

Make it a Simple Christmas

Christmas is little more than a month away. Yikes. As for keeping it simple, because I’m not one who prepares months in advance, simple is how it will be.

My cards were inspired by cards I’ve seen on my friend Sarah’s Sarah’s Paper Tray blog. I was looking for simple projects for my stamp club (not that these gals require simple by any means) and came up with this one and the one pictured below. 

What you can’t really see are the Diamond Stickles on the ornament or the fact the ornament is attached to the card with foam tape.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy and Juniper cardstock; Juniper ink pad; Close To My Heart Christmas Trinkets stamp set; Diamond Stickles; Round sponge.

There isn’t much to say about this one. Some sparkly snow could be added to the branches to dress it up.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White and New England Ivy cardstock; New England Ivy and Bamboo ink pads; CTMH Beautiful Things and Say it in Style stamp sets; Gold mini brads; Sponge dauber.

I accomplished a lot this weekend but little in the way of stamping. Can’t have it all, I guess. LOL.

Hope your weekend was great. I can’t wait for Thursday. How ‘bout you? I have so much for which to be thankful!

Enjoy the evening! Later…

Simple Saturday and a Challenge Card

My Simple Saturday card is one of those cards that looks better in person where the background is a little more subdued and the focal point image and sentiment are more pronounced. Hopefully, you’ll get the idea.

I colored my stamped image with Prismacolor pencils and OMS.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Cocoa, Autumn Terracotta, and Stampin’ Up Kraft cardstock; Black, Cocoa, and Brown Bag ink pads; Waltzingmouse Stamps Peace and Plenty and Martha Stewart Clear Pattern stamp sets; Gold mini brads; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Prismacolor colored pencils; Gamsol odorless mineral spirits; Blending stumps; Dove blending pen; Fiskars Apron Lace border punch; Sanding block.

This second card is my interpretation of Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #92.

I stamped the leaves using the Stamp Rolling technique.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Cocoa, and Autumn Terracotta cardstock; Autumn Terracotta, Vineyard Berry, Sunflower, Goldrush, Cocoa, and Bamboo ink pads; Close To My Heart Nature’s Vein, Waltzingmouse Stamps Peace and Plenty, and StampRite 10 Borders and Centers stamp sets; CTMH Speckled Background stamp (retired); Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Cuttlebug w/Nestabilities Classic Circles set; Sanding block.

After falling asleep watching TV last night and sleeping for more than 11 hours, I having a hard time getting going today. Go figure. However, I’m on my way to empty the contents of my closet only to put it all back together in some semblance of order. Considering the state of said closet, it will be more of an adventure than it sounds like it would be. LOL. I’m hoping to occasionally take respite in my corner. There are some fun challenges out there to try this weekend.

Enjoy your Saturday! Later…

Puttin’ on the Glitz

Ach! You’re going to have to use your imagination to “see” all the sparkle. As I was posting my first sympathy card last night, I looked at that patterned paper and had a light bulb moment, wondering what those outlined flowers, stems, and leaves would look like if filled in with glitter. A few minutes later, I had my answer. Even the husband said, “Wow!” A word he seldom uses when looking over my shoulder to see what I’m doing in my corner. Again, a single sentiment stamp and a few gemstones. Kind of fun, something different, and definitely a card for a happier occasion!

Materials & Tools: White Daisy cardstock; DCWV La Creme Matstack; White Daisy Pigment ink pad; Close To My Heart For Every Occasion stamp set; Gemstones from Wal-Mart; Liquid Glass (used as glue for the gemstones); Glitter Stack; Quickie glue pen.

Happy Friday! The weekend officially began when I arrived home from work at 4. Home alone until Sunday, I’ve got several projects planned – some fun, some not-so-fun but necessary. For now, I’m off to find some supper and then maybe, I’ll do a little stamping.

Do you have plans? Whatever you are doing, I hope you are healthy and happy. As always, thanks for stopping by. I’ll check in again on Simple Saturday. Between now and then, take care!

Two More …

Here’s a 10-minute (or less) card made with pretty paper and a sentiment stamp. The border along the bottom is a scrap from the same paper pad. Although I don’t usually add sparkles, I think the three little pink stones I added to this card are OK. As for my photo, I apologize. Black on black doesn’t photograph very well.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy cardstock; DCWV La Creme Matstack; White Daisy Pigment ink pad; Impression Obsession Sympathy Sentiments stamp set; Hero Arts Pale Pink Gemstones.

I love the sentiment on this card, and it is perfect to use with my favorite silhouette stamps. With three new cards added to my sympathy stash, I have to say I hope I’m covered for a long, long time.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White and Desert Sand cardstock; Paper Garden paper packet; Desert Sand and Bamboo ink pads; Close To My Heart Treasure Life and Impression Obsession Sympathy Sentiments stamp sets; Gold mini brads; Stampin’ Up Word Window punch; Piercing tool; Stampin’ Up Piercing Guide and Mat.

Friday tomorrow! Woo hoo! A mess in my corner to clean up tonight! Thanks for stopping by. I hope yours was a wonderful day. Later…

For Those Not-So-Fun Times

Getting older seems to mean one needs a lot more sympathy cards. Recently, I ordered this set of stamps with thoughts that the sentiments are all lovely and not only are there nice stamps for the outside of the card but the inside as well. When making sympathy cards, I almost always opt for the serenity of green, and I tend to keep them relatively simple – like everything else I do. LOL.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White and Olive Cardstock; Studio 45 Times Nouveau Collection Wallflower; Olive and Bamboo ink pads; Impression Obsession Sympathy Sentiments stamp set; Stampin’ Up Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon; Corner rounder; Piercing tool; Stampin’ Up Piercing Guide and Mat; Sponge dauber.

I had a great day at work and had a good time at bowling as well. I hope your day was a good one, too! We’re experiencing some mild, very welcome weather with bright sunshiny days and temperatures near 50 degrees. To be this far into fall without having yet worn a winter coat is quite remarkable in the frozen tundra.  I’d love to be able to “hold out” until the first of December. Enjoy Thursday, friends, and thanks for stopping by!

Snowy Snowman

So enthralled I was with my speckled snow, I wanted to try it out on some dark blue paper. Nice, I thought, but now what? I ended up paper-piecing my snowman on a speckled/snowy Crystal Blue background. I used a white gel pen to color in the stamped snowflakes and to finish it off, added some homemade Flower Soft. Simple and fun.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Moonstruck, Crystal Blue and Cranberry cardstock; Black and White Pigment ink pad; Cranberry, Orange, Baby Pink, and Grey Wool markers; Snow Friends stamp set; Retired Speckled Background stamp; White gel pen; Styrofoam (faux Flower Soft)

How was your day? I went to work late and came home early. I’m still feeling a little punk. A good night’s sleep will help, I’m sure. Prior to crawling between the sheets, I’m going to see what I can make happen in my corner. Enjoy the evening, and like always, thanks for stopping by!

A Couple More Challenge Cards

 Here’s my take on Unscripted Sketches # 31. I’m thinking that the card is pretty straightforward. Either that, or I just can think of anything to say about it. LOL.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White and Cocoa cardstock; Emporium paper packet; Honey, Olive, Cocoa, and Bamboo ink pads; Chocolate and Crystal Blue markers; You’re a Hoot and Happy Birthday stamp sets; Gold Bitty Brads; Cocoa grosgrain ribbon; Piercing tool; Stampin’ Up Piercing Mat and Guide; 1 and 1-1/4-inch circle punches; Sanding block; Sponge dauber.

 

This second card is what I came up with for this week’s A Sketch for You to Try on the i{heart}2stamp blog. Again, I’m not coming up with a lot to say with the exception that the center circle on the sentiment piece has foam mounting tape beneath it.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Chocolate, and Sorbet cardstock; Twitterpated paper packet; Chocolate, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf, and Bamboo ink pads; Desert Sand marker; Grown with Love stamp set; Sorbet mini brad; Flowers from my stash; 2-inch scalloped circle punch; 1-3/4 and 1-inch circle punches; Sponge dauber; 3M foam mounting tape.

I don’t know if I’ll get this post up tonight or not, as I haven’t had any Internet service for the past three hours. Wow, if anything frustrates the heck out of me, it’s Internet problems. Of course, I think that might mean I have a problem. LOL. Other than this minor inconvenience, it’s been a good day. I hope yours has been as well. Thanks for stopping by. Later…

Snow Friends

While I can’t say I’m all excited about living with the fluffy white stuff, which is sure to come our way one of these days, I love Snow Friends. Have since the first time I laid eyes on them and am pretty sure I always will.

I’m also loving this color combination – Heavenly Blue and Holiday Red. The card is my take on Weekend Sketch Challenge #106 as featured on the Fresh & Fun blog. I was at a loss as to what to do about a sentiment until I punched a 1-inch circle and realized it “fit” inside one of the embossed circles. Just right!

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Holiday Red, and Heavenly Blue cardstock; Black, Holiday Red, and Twilight ink pads; Grey Wool, Heavenly Blue, Holiday Red, Goldrush, Orange, and Baby Pink markers; Snow Friends and Say it in Style stamp sets; Ribbon from Wal-mart; Diamond Stickles; 1-inch circle punch; Fiskars Apron Lace border punch; Dove blending pen; Cuttlebug w/Snow Dots embossing folder.

Why stop when you’ve got a good thing going? LOL. Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #91 provided yet another opportunity to make a card with my beloved Snow Friends. For the snow, I tried my hand at making faux Flower Soft. My sweet friend Jeanne sent me this link she found on the Hog Wild About Stamping blog. The Styrofoam I found at Wal-Mart, however, was extra hard, and I kinda ended up with what I’ll call Flower/Snow Dust. On the card, it created the look I was hoping to achieve though, so it was worth the effort/mess. Thanks, Jeanne!

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Holiday Red, and Heavenly Blue cardstock; Heavenly Blue Gingham paper (retired); Black, Holiday Red, and Twilight ink pads; Grey Wool, Heavenly Blue, Holiday Red, Goldrush, Orange, and Baby Pink markers; Snow Friends and So Sweet Seasons stamp sets; Ribbon from Wal-mart; Red mini brads; Small white pompom; Diamond Stickles; Dove blending pen; Cuttlebug w/Snow Dots embossing folder and Nestabilities Classic Circles set.

I had so much fun making these cards on Friday evening. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, isn’t it? As for the rest of the weekend, I haven’t enjoyed much of anything – having spent at least 85 percent of my time in bed. I was fine yesterday morning. By early afternoon, however, I had a very sore throat, the chills, and a headache that made me feel like my eyeballs were going to pop out. I finally got up and had supper tonight and am feeling somewhat better.

What a waste of a weekend … I certainly hope yours was better. I’m about to go check out my favorite blogs and find out for myself. Then, I’m going to put myself back to bed with hopes of getting up and going to work tomorrow. Take care, and have a great week!

Very Simple Saturday

My vision for this card was quite different from what you see. What I imagined was more colorful with ribbon and brads and whatever other doodad struck my fancy as I put it together. Instead, the tiny red bird is the only spot of color against the snowy background, which, I thought, best conveyed my simple, albeit impassioned, sentiment. Further adornment would have only distracted from the peaceful feeling I hoped to impart.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Chocolate, and Stampin’ Up Kraft cardstock; Cranberry, Chocolate, and White Daisy Pigment stamp pads; Impression Obsession Birds of a Feather and Close To My Heart Say it in Style stamp sets; Retired CTMH Speckled Background stamp.

I’ve been up for a couple of hours already after having gone to bed early and then, my sleep disturbed by my hunter who showed up at home at 3:30 AM for the purpose of retrieving a set of keys. I don’t know what his story was and wasn’t in the mood, at the time, to ask. He said something about having locked his keys in his pickup. Good grief…

With that, I’m going to go have some breakfast and find some chores to do. I have a feeling a nap will be in order by mid-afternoon. LOL. Have a great Saturday! Later…

Wisdom Begins in Wonder

I love this quote. As for my card, it was inspired by items laying out on my desk and the direct to paper background technique I used in my “Pretty Paper Makes Stampin’ Easy” post below. I sometimes forget what I can do with plain paper, a stamp pad, and maybe a sponge or two. It’s fun to create your own when that perfect piece of pretty paper is devoid from one’s collection.

Here’s a close-up of my sparkly butterfly, which was created by “painting” the wings with Orange Peel Stickles and attached to the card with foam mounting tape. The sparkle made all the difference.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Vanilla Cream, Black, and Stampin’ Up Creamy Caramel cardstock; Black, Brown Bag, and Bamboo ink pads; Goldrush and Autumn Terracotta markers; Close To My Heart and Wordsworths Men Collection stamp sets; Black mini brads; Round sponge; Sponge dauber; 3M foam mounting tape.

Happy Friday! I’ve got lots of projects lined up for the weekend. Activities will include my Stamp Club meeting on Sunday night and time with family – the details still yet to be worked out. How about you? Anything fun planned? I’ve noticed a few fun-looking sketches in today’s blogosphere and am hoping to try a few. Check back.

Thanks for stopping by! Your comments and support warm my little heart … Talk to you again on Simple Saturday.

Inkspired

You know? As much as I don’t like to miss a day of posting, I think I’ve finally figured out I can’t be everywhere all the time. Last night was my bowling night, and the little boys stayed with us. Thus, when I got home at 7, I opted to spend my time with them instead of rushing to create and post what very well might have been a sub-standard card. The good thing is I’m happier and feeling more creative tonight because of it.

This evening’s card was inspired by this very pretty card on Karla’s Life is Good blog.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White and Twilight cardstock; Grace Paper packet; Twilight, Cocoa, and Bamboo stamp pads; Close To My Heart Solo “E,” Renaissance by Design Darling Damask, and Waltzingmouse Stamps Blessed by You stamp sets; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Stampin’ Up Build-a-Brad; Sponge dauber; Sanding block.

One more day, and the weekend will arrive. Hooray! Marv left for the hunting camp today, so I’m on my own again for a few days. As much as I like having him around, it’s amazing how much I can accomplish when he’s not here. As for this evening, I’m going to make myself a bite to eat, take a nice relaxing bath, put on my favorite flannel pants and a T-shirt, and clean up my corner in preparation for some creative time in the coming days. Sounds good, doesn’t it? I hope you are having a great week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Pretty Paper Makes the Stampin’ Easy

Here’s my card for Mojo Monday Week 112. The card didn’t require much stamping but rather a lot of fooling around to try to get my cardstocks to coordinate with the patterned paper.

The piece the sentiment is stamped on is Vanilla Cream. I used my Brown Bag ink pad to distress it. I also stamped up the background with a butterfly stamp, stamping it off first on a piece of scratch paper. Stampin’ Up’s Creamy Caramel worked well for the matting with the exception of the scalloped piece I used to back the sentiment. It needed something more. The best match I could come up with was New England Ivy, sanded and then distressed with Brown Bag to tone it down. Very simple but to my way of thinking, the best card I’ve come up with in a while. LOL.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Vanilla Cream, New England Ivy, and Stampin’ Up Creamy Caramel cardstock; Studio 45 Botanicabella Collection Eden’s Symphony paper; Cocoa and Brown Bag ink pads; CTMH Butterfly Kiss and Wordsworth Men Collection stamp sets; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Pewter Bigger Brads; 1-inch circle punch; Cuttlebug w/Nestabilities Classic Circles set; Sanding block; Sponge dauber.

I hope life is treating everyone well. I’m busy these days no matter where I’m at, which is a good thing. It felt good not to struggle so in my corner. Maybe my mojo is making a comeback … No, I’m off to do a few domestic chores before calling it a night. Take care, friends, and as always, thanks for stopping by. Later…

ABC …

It’s still no mojo for Kathi. This is a card I made last week. While it’s not the worst (they’re in the trash), it’s nothing great. The stamps are from a cute little set, “A is for Apple,” from Renaissance by Design.

Materials & Tools: Stampin’ Up Kraft and Black cardstock; Black, Holiday Red, Cranberry, Topiary, and Brown Bag ink pads; Renaissance by Design A is for Apple stamp set; Fiskars Apron Lace border punch.

How was your day? Mine was great … for a Monday. LOL. Before it’s time to go to bed, I’m going to go take residence in my corner and see if I can make something happen. Oh, and if you’re interested, I finally got my hands on a few wedding photos and posted them on my This is the Day blog. Have a great Tuesday, and thanks for stopping by!

Simple Saturday … on Sunday

I’m a bad blogger and for the past few days, an even worse stamper. And, it’s not for a lack of trying. The wastebasket in my corner is lined with my Friday and Saturday attempts to create something.

This morning, however, I spotted this week’s CPS sketch and Angie Hagist’s great sample (the top one) and thought, “I can do this.”

Materials & Tools: Stampin’ Up Kraft cardstock; CTMH New England Ivy and Naturals (retired) cardstock; Graphic 45 Botanicabella Collection Eden’s Symphony paper; Black, New England Ivy, and Bamboo ink pads; Brown Bag marker; Walzingmouse Peace and Plenty and Papertrey Ink Mixed Messages stamp sets; Corner rounder; Sponge dauber; Sanding Block; 3M foam mounting tape.

Besides being creatively crippled, I’ve been busy this weekend. Yesterday, I went shopping in Grand Forks with a friend, and I’ve got a major kitchen-cleanup project I’ve been working on.

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend! Now that I’ve finally created a card I deemed acceptable enough to post, I’m hoping my mojo draught is over. We’ll see …

Who Gives a Hoot?

Here’s my take on Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #42 posted on The Sweetest Thing blog. There isn’t a lot to say about my card with the exception that I love the owls in Close To My Heart’s You’re a Hoot stamp set, and 8x3-1/2 inch cards are a pain in the derrière to photograph.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White and Chocolate cardstock; Twitterpated paper packet; Chocolate, Olive, Honey, and Bamboo ink pads; Bamboo, Olive and Honey markers; You’re a Hoot stamp set; Antiqued Copper Itty Bitty Brads; EK Success Dotted Wave Edger punch; Corner rounder; Sponge dauber.

Woo hoo! Tomorrow is Friday. I have a quiet weekend ahead of me, the first of three consecutive deer hunting weekends in the hunting zone where my husband’s hunting cabin is located. I’m saying “hooray” today but am certain I will be wary of the whole thing by the time it’s over. Anyway, I have some projects planned for my alone time. There will most likely be some (or maybe a lot) of stamping going on, too. Before that happens, however, I have one more work day to get through. I hope you are having a great week, and thanks for stopping by! Talk to you again tomorrow. ‘Til then, take care.

In Everything Give Thanks

Here’s my take on Mojo Monday #111. What the camera failed to capture is the sparkle and much of the dimension.

To make my flower, I stamped the three flowers from Verve Stamps’ Abundant Blessings with Twilight ink on Colonial White cardstock that had been colored with ink from my Twilight pad using a round sponge. Then, I cut the flowers out and “painted” them with Diamond Stickles. When they were dry, I put the flower together with 3M foam mounting tape. The sentiment was stamp on Colonial White cardstock embossed with a rectangular Nestabilities die. I added a little Stickles to the punched branches as well.

Usually, when there’s a contest on the Mojo Monday blog, my mojo disappears – a psychological thing, I think. This week, however, I’m happy enough with my card and love the color combination.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White and Chocolate cardstock; K&Company ancestry.com Designer Mat Pad; Twilight and Chocolate ink pads; Verve Stamps Abundant Blessings stamp set and Thessalonians 5:17-18 Plain Jane stamp; Hero Arts pearl accent; Antiqued Copper mini brads; Diamond Stickles; Martha Stewart Branch punch; Cuttlebug w/Nestabilities Classic Rectangles set; 3M foam mounting tape.

Happy Hump Day, friends! Another week is flying by, and I’m still having a hard time absorbing the fact it’s November already. No, enough chit-chat. I’m off to the bowling alley to show off my athletic prowess. That was a joke. It’ll be fun anyway. Hope you enjoy the evening, too! Later …

Just Monkeying Around

… with a few sketch challenges and a new set of stamps I won in a random drawing on the

Card Positioning Systems blog a few weeks back. I had my choice of any set from sponsor Inky Antic’s clear stamp line. And while it was a tough choice with so many cute stamp designs, I kept going back to “Monkeys Hanging Around” and finally decided that was the set for me. Winning was fun, particularly when I didn’t even realize there was a drawing. Surprise!

Fittingly, the top card was made with this week’s CPS Sketch #140 on the CPS blog.

This second card is my take on this week’s A Sketch for You to Try on the i{heart}2stamp blog. I colored all of the images with Prismacolor pencils and OMS and used papers from the Animal Cookies paper packet. It probably goes without saying these are cards for kids!

This last (but not least) card is my take on Unscripted Sketches #29.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Tulip, and Dutch Blue cardstock; Animal Cookies paper packet; Black, Tulip, and Dutch Blue ink pads; Inky Antics Monkeys Hanging Around and Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamp sets; Tulip mini brads; Prismacolor colored pencils; Gamsol odorless mineral spirits; Blending stumps; Corner rounder; 1 and 1-1/4 inch circle punches; Black My Legacy Writer; Stampin’ Up Photo Corner punch; Cuttlebug w/Nestabilities Classic Circles set; 3M foam mounting tape.

How’s that for a lot of monkey business? LOL. How has your day been? So far, mine has been great. And if my evening is as productive as the workday was, I’ll go to bed a happy, albeit tired, camper. Thanks for your comments on my last post. I’m glad some of you found my one-word answers to the questionnaire to be amusing. As for the place I go over and over, I think it’s an old-lady thing that I don’t always find so darned funny. Might as well laugh about it though. Anyhoo, enjoy the evening! Later …

An Award and a Card

I recently received this blog award from the very talented Lisa of Lisa’s Creative Corner. What a sweetheart and such an inspiration to me and so many others. Thank you, Lisa!

Along with the award, there’s a little questionnaire. The rules are as follows:

1. You can only use one word to answer the questions.

2. Pass this along to your five favorite bloggers.

3. Notify them that you have given them the award.

4. Have fun.

One word… This is going to be a challenge.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Your hair? half-white

3. Your mother? beautiful

4. Your father? missed

5. Your favorite food? Snickers

6. Your dream last night? dumb

7. Your favorite drink? coffee

8. Your dream/goal? self-employment

9. What room are you in? den

10. Your hobby? stamping

11. Your fear? none

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home

13. Where were you last night? out

14. Something that you aren't? organized

15. Muffins? bran

16. Wish list item? Copics

17. Where did you grow up? farm

18. Last thing you did? ate

19. What are you wearing? jeans

20. Your TV? off

21. Your Pets? deceased

22. Friends? awesome

23. Your life? good

24. Your mood? optimistic

25. Missing Someone? yes

26. vehicle? car

27. Something your not wearing? bra

28. Your favorite store? online

29. Your favorite color? green

30. When was the last time you laughed? tonight

31. Last time you cried? wedding

32. Your best friend? Marv

33. One place that I go to over and over? bathroom

34. Facebook? lurker

35. Favorite place to eat? home

As for passing the award on. It’s for you – each and every one of you who take the time to stop by. Your visits, your kindness are so very much appreciated.

Here is a very simple card I made over the weekend. I embossed my cardstock with a rectangular Nestabilities die and stamped and paper-pieced the pear. As simple as that. I love it.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Crystal Blue, and Sweet Leaf cardstock; Twitterpated paper packet; Black ink pad; Brown Bag marker; Waltzingmouse Peace & Plenty and CTMH TLC stamp sets; Cuttlebug w/Nestabilities Classic Rectangles set.

‘Tis Monday again and a good day... so far! I hope your week is wonderful. Later …

A Few Sketch Challenge Cards

Here’s my take on last week’s Mojo Monday Week 110 sketch. As for the card, I can’t think of a thing to say that “the list” wont explain.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Olive, and Honey cardstock; Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Mini Deck; Black, Olive, and Twilight ink pads; Sunflower, Cranberry, and Grey Flannel markers; Whipper Snapper Designs Standing Chicken stamp; Impression Obsession Anytime Sentiments stamp set; Stampin’ Up Old Olive grosgrain ribbon; Dove blending pen; Spring chalks; Sponge dauber; Fiskars Apron Lace border punch; Cuttlebug w/Nestabilities Classic Ovals set.

This is my card for Weekend Sketch Challenge #104 as posted on the Fresh & Fun blog. Again, not a whole lot to say about the card.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy and Cocoa cardstock; Basic Grey Indian Summer 6x6-inch pad; Cocoa, Honey, Orange, and Autumn Terracotta stamp pads; Renaissance by Design Roots & Wings stamp set; Brad from my stash; Cuttlebug w/Nestabilities Classic Circles set.

Finally, here is my adaptation of Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #89. I colored “Megan" with colored pencils and OMS and paper-pieced her top.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Sorbet, and Cocoa cardstock; Cosmo Cricket Earth Love Mini Deck; Black and Cocoa ink pads; Whipper Snapper Designs Megan stamp; Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamp set; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Prismacolor colored pencils; Gamsol odorless mineral spirits; Blending stumps; 1 and 1-1/4 inch circle punches; 3M foam mounting tape.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Out last night, I was more than glad to retrieve the hour we lost last week and get an extra hour of sleep. With that, I’m off to face the “busyness” of the day! Thanks for stopping by, friends!