Mojo Monday 393 - Such a Joy

Hello there!

I have been having a great time in my craft room the past few days! I am trying to make some cards for my stash so that I have them when needed, instead of freaking out and making a card at the last minute. :)

I decided to sit down with this week's Mojo Monday sketch and see how the creative process moved me.

I used Heidi Swapp Hello Beautiful papers along with Verve's Kind Words and Each Day stamp sets.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Creating Just for Fun!

Hello there!

I haven't had a chance to do much of anything creative lately, but I found myself today with some extra time, so I made a few cards.

I used the Mojo Monday Sketch for the first one -- it is for my sweet cousin who is still battling some serious health issues.

Hopefully this will bring a little sunshine to her day.

I made the background paper by spritzing some water on white cardstock, then adding some Mermaid Lagoon and Peacock Feathers Distress Spray, sponging on a bit of Vintage Photo and Wild Honey Distress Ink and then using the Tim Holtz 'Spritz and Flick' technique. I used the Trellis Die by Tim Holtz/Sizzix to cut the design from Kraft Resist paper and added a bit of Maya Road Rose Trim. The beautiful sentiment is from one of my all-time favorite stamp sets by Verve: Wonderfully Made.

The second card is for my niece who will be turning 13 in a few weeks! They are all growing up so fast! 

This card uses papers and stamps from the Simon Says Stamp April 2015 Card Kit. Such fun colors. Hopefully a 13 year old will like it. ?

Well that's all from me for now.

Hope you have a wonderful day... Thanks for stopping by!

VLV Happy Birthday

Hello there!

Just popping in to share another card I made this weekend!

Several weeks ago, I bought a couple of sheets of the Graphic 45 Raining Cats and Dogs paper because I really liked the back sides and have just now had a chance to use them. I paired them with the Viva la Verve sketch for this week and found a match made in heaven! ☺ 

The sentiment stamp is from one of my all-time favorite Verve stamp sets: Hope Blooms. I also used the Scroll Die by Verve, another fave. Of course, no card is now complete without sequins from Pretty Pink Posh. This time around, I used the 4mm Charcoal.

This card also qualifies for the Verve Diva Dare to use Vellum! So I am linking it up over there also!

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday #370

Hello there!

I hope you are having a wonderful day! I am enjoying one last beautiful fall weekend here in the Pacific Northwest... the weatherman says winter is coming tomorrow! ☺

I was able to spend a little time in the craft room this weekend, so I thought I would play along with some of my favorite challenges.

This card is for Mojo Monday. Julee has created a great sketch (as usual), plus it's contest week! Yay!

I pulled out the 6x6 25th & Pine paper pad by Basic Grey that I bought after Christmas last year and paired it with my favorite Verve set of all time; Bright Spirits to create this festive holiday card! Oh, and I had to add a bit of my newest obsession: Pretty Pink Posh sequins! Love them!

This card also qualifies for the Verve Diva Dare to use Vellum! So I am linking it up over there also!

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 150

Hello there!

Welcome to the 150th edition of The Deconstructed Sketch!

Jen has another great sketch for us this week. I don't know how she does it, but she just keeps creating awesome sketches to inspire us week after week!

I am taking the Online Card Classes Watercolor for Cardmakers class and loving every minute! I am learning so much!

Today's card is a reflection of some of the things we are learning... I used a Memory Box Geranium stamp inked with Tim Holtz distress inks and then went over it with a watercolor brush and added some Wink of Stella, because everything is better with a little sparkle! :)

Here is the list of the other DT members so you can see the amazing creations they have come up with using this week's fantastic sketch:

• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff
• Jen Shults
• Joanne Basile 
• Kadie Ensley
• Kim O’Connell
• Sheri Gilson
• Tangii Crain
• Tracey Pickersgill 

I hope you are inspired to give this fabulous sketch a try. If you want to play along with us at The Deconstructed Sketch this week, the linky tool and details are over on Jen's blog! 

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 133

Hello there!

Welcome to another edition of The Deconstructed Sketch!

I know I say it every week, but Jen has another fabulous sketch for us this week! I absolutely loved this one... just so many possibilities!

I made this card for my bestie... she has helped me out with some pretty hard stuff this week and I am so thankful for her. 

I love this tiny little set from Verve {All About You}, it has such sweet sentiments. I use it all the time. The paper is My Mind's Eye Kate & Co.

You are going to love hopping around and looking at all of the different ways the Design Team has interpreted the sketch. So much fun!

We have a new teammate this week, so be sure to leave her some love!

• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff 
• Jen Shults
• Joni Wilson
• Judy Rozema 
• Kadie Ensley (sitting out this month)
• Kim O'Connell
• Lori Boyd 
• Sheri Gilson
• Tangii Crain
• Tracey Pickersgill

If you want to play along with us at The Deconstructed Sketch this week, the linky tool and details are over on Jen's blog! 

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day! 

I am also linking this up to Verve's Shimmer and Shine January 2014 Inspiration Challenge... The year is shiny and new, so let's add shimmer and shine to our cards. Think glitter, sequins, rhinestones, pearls, heat embossing - anything with some gloss.

VLV January 2014 Week 1

Hey there!

Just a quick post to share this card I made for this week's Viva la Verve sketch challenge. They have a new blog and have made this week a color challenge as well! Super fun! This is one of my very favorite sketch challenges and I am going to try to be better at playing along this year. We'll see how that goes! :)

Here is Julee's awesome sketch and color combo:

And here is my take on all of it!

I used Verve's You and I stamp set, Pennant Trim die, and Scroll die and Scroll Plain Jane.

I am also linking this up to the Verve January Diva Dare... What we're daring you to do this month is to make a card or project with a heart, whether it's for the one you love, a sweet Valentine or a lunch note for a child.  Let's get smitten! 

Also to the Verve Shimmer and Shine January 2014 Inspiration Challenge... The year is shiny and new, so let's add shimmer and shine to our cards. Think glitter, sequins, rhinestones, pearls, heat embossing - anything with some gloss.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 132

Hello There!

Happy New Year!

I am so excited to start a new year, looking forward to the promise of a blank slate and a new beginning. 2013 was not my best year, but I am going to make this year better.

I am also excited to bring you my version of this week's Deconstructed Sketch! It's another fun one! Jen sure knows how to create a fabulous sketch, doesn't she?

Here's my take on it:

I used Crate Paper's Love Notes, Verve's You and I stamp set and the coordinating I Heart U die set, along with the Femme Frames Creative Cuts dies by Mama Elephant and some Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores and Vintage Cream cardstocks. The organza rose trim is by Maya Road.


Be sure to visit the other DT members to see what amazing creations they have come up with using this week's sketch! Here is the list:

• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff
• Dawn Easton 
• Jen Shults
• Joni Wilson
• Judy Rozema 
• Kadie Ensley (sitting out this month)
• Kim O'Connell
• Lori Boyd 
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill

If you want to play along with us at The Deconstructed Sketch this week, the linky tool and details are over on Jen's blog! 

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day! 

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 131 - Take 2

hello there!

did you all have a Merry Christmas?

here is another version of our two week sketch, and my last Christmas card of the season:

I used  my most favorite Christmas paper of all time: My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Christmas and my favorite Verve Christmas stamp set: Bright Spirits.

If you want to play along with us at The Deconstructed Sketch this week, the linky tool and details are over on Jen's blog! 

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day! 

October Diva Dare

Well, here is my last minute take on Verve's October Diva Dare. I have had this card made for a week or so, but it's a crazy life, and I haven't had time to upload it! =)

This month's dare is tags (make a tag, use a tag on a card, be inspired by a tag, etc.)! 

So here is how I interpreted the dare:

This card was also made for the Splitcoaststamper's Hope You Can Cling To Strength of Steel Challenge.

Challenge Description: Whether you are a survivor, currently fighting your own battle or you're part of a support network: you have superman strength - STRENGTH OF STEEL! To celebrate that strength, show off your metal.

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/hope-you-can-cling-challenge-forum-f299/hycct-master-challenge-thread-%2Alocked%2A-t579500.html#ixzz2jXC6Ks6Y

I used an 'Alumasteel' Laminate Countertop sample from my dad's cabinet shop for my tag. =) I also used my newest Verve stamp sets: Kind Words and Poppy Birthday along with the coordinating die set, and my favorite Pennant Trim Die.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 125

Hello There!

Are you ready for this week's edition of The Deconstructed Sketch?

My friend commissioned me to make a thank you card for one of her co-workers and she wanted it to be made in fall colors so here is what I came up with. 

The papers are from Authentique, the stamps (sentiments) are Papertrey Ink's Big and Bold Wishes and (flowers) Verve's Kind Words.

Here is the list of the other DT members so you can see what amazing things they have created this week!

Arielle Gordon
Cresta Woodruff
Dawn Easton 
Jen Shults
Joni Wilson
Judy Rozema 
Kadie Ensley
Kim O'Connell
Lori Boyd
Sheri Gilson
Tracey Pickersgill

If you want to play along with us at The Deconstructed Sketch this week, the linky tool and details are over on Jen's blog! 

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 314

Just a quick post to share this card I made for this week's Mojo Monday contest. I have been playing along with the Splitcoaststamper's Hope You Can Cling To Challenges, so I combined them today, and this one is kind of fun!

The challenge is to make a card with a hidden message (or image) which you can uncover by opening a flap or swinging a hinged tag or panel - not just opening the card. 

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/hope-you-can-cling-challenge-forum-f299/master-challenge-thread-%2Alocked%2A-t579022.html#ixzz2hYpA58I8

I made the fishtail banner as a flap hinging at the top of my card, and when you lift it up you find a stamped message on the ribbon!

Sorry for the weird picture... It was a little bit hard to photograph! =)

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Supplies:
Paper: Secret Garden {Graphic 45}, Vintage Cream, Kraft {Papertrey Ink}
Stamps: Hope Blooms, Here For You, Brighter Days {Verve}
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black {Tsukineko}
Accessories: Silk Ribbon {May Arts}, Wood Veneer Butterfly {Studio Calico}, Snowflake Pearls {Queen & Co.}, Nestabilities Scalloped Circle, Circle Large {Spellbinders}, Fishtail Flags STAX Die-namics {My Favorite Things}

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 121

Hello there!

Welcome to this week's edition of The Deconstructed Sketch! As usual, Jen has cooked up a super fun sketch for us to play with this week!

And... I got some shiny new Verve in the mail, so I had to put it right to work! I just love the stamps in Julee's latest release! She has such a talent for putting sentiments and fonts together. Sheer awesomeness!

Here is the list of the other DT members so you can hop along and see what they have created this week!

• 
  
• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff
• Dawn Easton 
• Jen Shults
• Joni Wilson
• Judy Rozema 
• Kadie Ensley
• Kim O'Connell
• Lori Boyd
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill
• 
  
• Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

Stamps: Each Day {Verve}

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black {Tsukineko}

Paper: Jet Black, Phoenix Dotted Swiss {Bazzill}, Stamper's Select White {Papertrey Ink}, Cut & Paste "Flair" {My Mind's Eye}

Accessories: Melody Ross Chipboard Hearts {GCD Studios}, Fishtail Flags STAX Die-namics {My Favorite Things}, Picket Fence Tim Holtz Distress Paint {Ranger}, True Red Silk Microfine Glitter {Elizabeth Craft Designs}, R29 Lipstick Red {Copic}

Mojo Monday 312

Yay! I found time to visit my craft room this week! 

I got to complete all of the Viva la Verve sketches AND this week's Mojo Monday sketch. I feel so accomplished! =)

For this card, I decided to just go a very Clean and Simple route... not my norm, but it was really quite fun. I like how it turned out. 

I used the flower from Verve's Brighter Days set, embossed it with some black Zing! embossing powder and then cut it out. The sentiment is from the Here For You set by Verve.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 113

Hello There!

Welcome to this week's edition of The Deconstructed Sketch!

I had so much fun with the Cut & Paste papers by My Mind's Eye last week, I just couldn't put them away!

So, here they are again... the fun thing about this collection is the variety: a totally different look than last week, but from the same paper pad! So fun!

My sister called me with some great news this week, so this card is for her. She is so amazing and I really am inspired by her. She is in the process of taking tests to get her CPA license, and she found out that she passed two major tests this week! I am so proud of her! She already got her Bachelor's Degree; is working on her Master's, and also has two kids and a husband, works full time, and helps run her family's wheat/sheep ranch! In addition to being on about a million church/school/civic committees... I don't know how she does it. I am always amazed and inspired by her drive and dedication.

So, this one's for you, my sweet sister! Congratulations on passing your tests! You are awesome!

Here is the list of the other design team members see what fantastic things they have created with this week's sketch:

• Amber Hight 
• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff
• Dawn Easton
• Jen Shults
• Joni Wilson
• Judy Rozema 
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd 
• Sheri Gilson
• Tobi Crawford
• Tracey Pickersgill

If you want to play along with us this week, the linky tool and details are over on Jen's blog! 

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!!

Supplies:
Paper: Cut n' Paste "Adorbs" {My Mind's Eye}, Cupcake, Iced Cocoa, Chocolate Cardstock {Bazzill Basics}, Ripe Avocado {Papertrey Ink}
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black {Tsukineko}
Stamps: My Favorite Sentiments {My Favorite Things}, Bloom and Grow {Verve}
Accessories: Cut n' Paste "Adorbs" Enamel Dots, Vintage Lace Tape - Buttermilk {Maya Road}, Wood Veneer Butterfly {Studio Calico}, Sweet Blush Button {Papertrey Ink}, Layered Rose Die-namics {My Favorite Things}, Elegant Leaves Die {A Cut Above by Verve}

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 107

Hello there!

Are you ready for another fabulous Deconstructed Sketch?

Our fantastic teammate Amber has created an awesome sketch to inspire us this week!

Here's my take on it:

I am loving the Fancy Pants Designs Trendsetter Collection... It is one of my very favorite recent releases. I think I need some more! :) 

I know the other girls have amazing things to show you today, so here is the list so you can see what they have created:

• Amber Hight
• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff
• Dawn Easton 
• Donna Wardle 
• Jen Shults 
• Joni Wilson
• Judy Rozema 
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Sheri Gilson
• Tobi Crawford
• Tracey Pickersgill

If you want to play along with us this week, the linky tool and details are over on Jen's blog! 

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!!

Paper: Trendsetter {Fancy Pants Designs}, Navy Cardstock {Bazzill Basics}
Stamps: Lean on Me {Verve}
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black {Tsukineko}
Accessories: Nestabilities Oval Large and Small {Spellbinders}, Pennant Trim Die {A Cut Above by Verve}, Wood Veneer Stars and Arrow {Studio Calico}, Glitter Pen {Spica}, Cuttlebug Argyle Embossing Folder {Provo Craft}, Metallic Brads {Making Memories}

The Deconstructed Sketch No. 106

Hi there! 

Welcome to this week's version of The Deconstructed Sketch! 

This week our awesome sketch is brought to us by our amazing Design Team member Tracey Pickersgill! It is such a great sketch! I absolutely loved it! I am sure I will use it again.

For my card this week I used some new-to-me paper called Country Kitchen from Farmhouse Paper Company. I guess I just love that country, vintage look! The stamp is from one of my favorite Verve sets called Wonderfully Made. The luxurious silk ribbon is by May Arts.

Here is my take on this week's fantastic sketch:

I hope you will have time to play along with us this week! 

Here is the list of the other Design Team members so you can hop along and see what amazing things they have created using this week's sketch:

• Amber Hight (posting Friday)
• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff
• Dawn Easton
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults (off this week)
• Joni Wilson
• Judy Rozema
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd (off this week)
• Sheri Gilson
• Tobi Crawford
• Tracey Pickersgill

The details and linky tool can be found over on Jen's blog.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!