Enduring Beauty

 

This is my card for a swap called the SIS--Surprise Image Swap.   This is card #14 for our group.  It is a bi-monthly swap where we all use the same image, sent to us by the hostess.  The surprise part is that we are to not discuss the image at all until the day they are to be posted--the 18th of every other month.   The image for this round was provided by Sharon!  She will swap the cards and include the new image for round #15 that Darlene will have stamped in each return envie. Then--we do it all again in June!  We have completed one round and now in toanother one!

Sharon sent everyone this pretty floral image from Stampin' Up called Enduring Beauty.  I also happen to have the bundle, that includes the stamp set, coordinating dies and a set of 5 stencils that they call masks.  So--I was able to use Sharon's image with my die and stencils.

I ink blended it by using 4 of the 5 stencils.  The inks I picked were Taylored Expressions Cupcake and Rose Water for the flowers and Peapod with Mint Julep for the leaves.  I did not use the 5th stencil as it used for the middle of the flowers if you just ink blend without stamping first. I die cut the floral image with the coordinating die and added foam tape.  I then die cut a rectangle panel from the Perennial Postage die set and then used an Altenew Embossing folder called Crystal Wall for texture.  The patterned paper is from a Stampin' Up 6x6 pack called Silver and Gold.  I added an additional layer of gold metallic from The Paper Cut behind the paper as well as a strip on top of the rectangle.  The sentiment is from a Pink Fresh Studio Foiled Sentiment package and I added some Stampin' Up gold sequins around the image.  

 

If you check some of the other blogs listed on my sidebars, you may find some other swappers who have posted their creations.  The due date is today, the 18th, or they may post in the upcoming days. You can also check out SCS and use the keyword SIS14 to see some posted there.  I hope everyone in the swap likes my card--and that you do too!

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Enduring Beauty Stamp, Stencil and Die Set/Pinkfresh Studio Foiled Sentiment Package

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, Metallic Gold; Stampin' Up, Silver & Gold 6x6 Patterned Paper Pack

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black; Taylored Expressions Cupcake, Rose Water, Peapod, Mint Julep

Accessories:  Altenew Crystal Wall Embossing Folder; Stampin' Up Perennial Postage Dies, Gold Sequins

It's Party Time

 

Today is the 15th and this is my card this month for our The Creative Crew!  We are a group of 7 and all one team--Jeanette, Carol, Darlene, Lorraine, Terry, Tracie and me. Each month will be a new challenge posed by one of the members sending out a kit.  This month, Terry is the hostess and she hand delivered the kit with this sweet image from Simon Says Stamp at the retreat last weekend.  She also included some fun patterned paper from Stampin' Up.  The theme is It's Party Time and I am sure all members of the Crew like to Party!

Terry included some images that she die cut along with some on full panels.  Of course, I went with a die cut one.  I colored the cute image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I really liked.th4 fun patterned paper, so I picked one a the background and another as a strip with Pool Party Ribbon over the top.  The sentiment was included in the kit and is from the same set.  I die cut it with Pinkfresh Studio Fancy Label Frames and also added a Pool Party backer..  I added some bling from a Gina K Designs Pearl Mix. This was a very fun card to make!

I hope all of The Creative Crew Gals enjoy my cards this month.  Please be sure to stop in to see what fun crafty cards are posted this month.  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blog, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the snowy creations this month!   

We will be back in May with the image Tracie will be sending out. Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun we  have planned!

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamp Festive Balloons

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White; Stampin' Up Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Petal Pink; Pattern Party Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Pinkfresh Studio Fancy Label Frames; Stampin' Up Shimmer Pool Party Ribbon; Gina K Designs Pearl Mix

Getting Messy

 

Today is the the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card. This card is number 58, so we are into year #6. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success is to Get Messy and you will have Success!  Messiness can be almost anything that we come up with--glitter, alcohol inks, glimmer glitz, sponged backgrounds, etc., anything that is a bit messy.  We are a very fun group and will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For this month's messiness, I decided to pick Tim Holtz alcohol inks. The base is Yupo and I was inspired by a make 'n take we did over weekend at a retreat.  Sarah from The Paper Cut in Appleton stopped in at  Gather House and we did two cards, one with Yupo, alcohol ink and a cover die.  I used shades of pink alcohol inks along with Silver Mixative plus Blending Solution and moved the inks around with my blower.  I then picked a cover plate die from Gina Marie Designs called Petal Flowers Background.  Since there is silver in the background, I decided to use Silver Glitter cardstock on one and Silver Mirricard on the other--both from The Paper Cut.  I layered the die cut panel right over the alcohol ink background.  The Hello die is from Gina K Designs and the Happy Birthday is from Taylored Expressions.  Both of the backers for the dies were cut from vellum.  I added some silver dots around each of the panels.

I really like the look of both of these cards and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies like them too!  Here are the links to the other somewhat messy crafters:   Carol, Darlene, Jeanette and Terry.   I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy this month and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up to in May as we will all be back for another round!

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Hello die; Taylored Expressions Happy Birthday Die

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Yupo; The Paper Cut Silver Mirricard, Silver Mirri-Sparkle; Cougar Opaque White for card base

Ink:  Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks--Roewood, Gumball, Fiesta; Silver Mixatives, Blending Solution

Accessories:  Silver bling; Gina Marie Designs Petal Flower Background Die

Peaceful Florals

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Jeanette is the hostess and sent us pretty floral image from Gina K Designs called Peaceful Florals.  She also included a sentiment, but I picked my own for this as I always need birthday cards.  So for April, this is card #116 and we are into year number 10!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 10 plus years!  

I colored the cute image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut the panel with a Gina Marie Stitched Rectangle die.   I also die cut a Flirty Flamingo Panel with a larger stitched die from the same set.  I then embossed the pink panel with Stampin' Up folder called Pinewood Planks.  I backed both panels with Basic Black and used a White cardbase.  I added some pink bakers twine around the image panel.  I used some Pink Pearls for the final touch!  I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!  

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is the link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards!  Kelly will be up for our May challenge.   Please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Peaceful Florals; Taylored Expressions Sentiment Strip

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Accent Opaque 120# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Rectangle Dies; Pink Baker's Twine; Pink Pearls; Stampin' Up Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder

Cheers

 

Today is the day I post my card for our One Plus Twelve challenge in 2024.  This is year number 6.   For this challenge, we are to use just one stamp, to make a card every month and post on the 3rd of each month.  For this year, I picked a Pinkfresh Studio set called Thankful for Friends.  The set includes the stamp set, matching die, coordinating stencils and a hot foil plate!   I think this set is so pretty and I will have many options each month. 

For my card this month, I first hot foiled the image in copper foil. I then used the 4 piece stencil and Taylored Expressions inks to ink blend the image in greens and purples.  I then die cut the floral cluster with the matching die.  I picked a Pinkfresh Studio plate called Stitched Octagons for the background.  I also picked the Pinkfresh Notched Corner Frames die set to make the frame from metallic copper.  I picked a Pinkfresh gold foiled sentiment from one of the many sentiment packs I have.  I added some Pinkfresh Butterscotch Glitter Dots and placed them around the image.

 

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve cards to see the the cards that Kelly and Jeanette have created for March!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.   Be sure to come back on May 3rd to see our next set of cards.  

Image/Sentiment:  Pinkfresh Studio Thankful for Friends foil plate, 4-piece stencil and matching die; Gold Foiled Sentiment from Pinkfresh also

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, Copper Mirricard Metallic; Hammermill White for foiled image

Ink: Spellbinders Copper Foil; Taylored Expressions Plumm Punch, Jelly Donut, Cilantro, Granny Smith Inks

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Butterscotch Glitter Dots, Notched Corner Frame Dies, Stitched Octagon Die

Stamp Joy Catch-Up

 

First--I want to wish you a very Happy Easter.  He is Risen Indeed!

Today is the last day of March and I am posting a set of cards for our challenge-The Catch-up Club!  A few of my stamping friends, Darlene, Jeanette and Terry along with myself, have signed up for a number of virtual stamping events in the past 3+ years.  One of the benefits of these events are that they are available to rewatch or even watch for the first time at a later date as they are all recorded. The 4 of us "try" to watch live and chat by texting during the event.  But, life steps in and there are times when one or more of us are not participating during the live.  Then, the kits from sponsors sits in our stamping area until we are ready to watch the video and create.  During one of the events, we decided we needed to push ourselves (and each other) to get some of these events done!   So--we all decided to devote one day a month, the last day of the month for the somewhat procrastinators that we are, to post cards we missed making.  So--here we are in our 15th month of The Catch Up Club!

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. This month the creations are from Stamp Joy, a virtual event by Taylored Expressions.  This was a two day event that was held earlier this month when we were in Colorado.  

The first two pictures below are from Friday's class, which was an add on. The top one was called Stretch your Scraps.  We made the cards using strips of cardstock to form many different patterns.  The second picture was the afternoon class called Thrilling 3D.  We used two new embossing folders in unique ways!

 

The next photo shows the cards I made from Saturdays class.  I did skip one class in which 4 cards were made with a floral background we stamped.  I did not like my background, so I will use the pieces for another set of cards.   The toffee slimline on the top left was designed to be a calendar, but I made a card instead.

Taylored Expressions really knows how to do events--virtual and in person.  Love the classes and the teachers too!  And, my friend Jeanette also won an awesome door prize during the event.  Next time I hope it is me!  

I still have more events waiting in their zippered pouches for me! I am still behind, so more Catch Up to Come!

I hope you enjoyed my cards!  Here are the links to the other of the Catch Up Club.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's, Terry's, and Darlene's blogs.  They may post today or tomorrow, but we have all promised to post cards that we have missed the making along the way!

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Virtual Stamp Joy Event

Cardstock:  All included in kit--all are available from Taylored Expressions

Ink:  Taylored Expressions inks 

Accessories:  All included in the kit

Easter Cards

 

Today is the day I am posting my cards for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 87th month of de-stash, so we are starting our 8th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 8+ years old!   I really like these challenges and know they will continue as I know I have many, many items in my stash that I can use and love the fun challenges!  

The premise is to create a card or something else that uses only items that are in your own stamp room--nothing new is to be purchased.  The hostess each month posts their challenge to the group. Each person in the group creates their card with their own image, their own papers, their own embellishments with their own supplies--using up items from their own stash!  The card can be for any occasion and each person is encouraged to send the card on its way to someone so it can be admired.  It is a way for us to step out of the box a bit and create something that follows a challenge--isn't that what a challenge is supposed to be.  And--no money is spent as all items are to be already available in each of own stamping spaces.

Lisa posted our March challenge--Create anything you would like with an Easter theme.

I make cards every year for our Human Concerns committee from church when we sent gift cards to members of our sister church in Milwaukee.  This year we sent to 23 families and my stash of Easter cards is now low for 2025.  So, I decided to do a mass production of 8 cards using my new Gina K Designs die set called Elegant Cross.  I also recently bought the Taylored Expressions Joyful Joyful stamp, die and Foil It panels so I used those for the sentiments.  I die cut the cross and backer from gold and white shimmery cardstock from The Paper Cut.  I then used some of my new gold foil from Taylored Expressions and foiled the panels from the Joyful Joyful set and then die cut each of the sentiments.  The background paper is some fun and colorful pastel colors from Stampin' Up as are the enamel dots I added around the cross.

I now have a start on the cards I need for next Easter!

 

If you check some of the blogs on my sidebar, you may find others who have posted their cards in the next few days. There may be more posted in the thread on SCS, so you might want to check out the link here.  We also have a keyword for the SCS Gallery--it is CYSMAR.  You might see many cards there if you do a search.  They probably will be posted today or in the next few days.

I hope you enjoyed my cards and I know I am excited to check out what my other hoarders, I mean stash reducers have made!  Thanks for stopping by today!  For April, Sharon is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Joyful Joyful Foil It Panels and Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, White Lady and Antique Gold Shimmer Cardstock; Stampin' Up Pastel colors and patterned paper

Ink:  None, but Gold Taylored Expression Foil

Accessories:   Gina K Designs Elegant Cross Dies; Stampin' Up Enamel Dots

Double Duty Stencil

 

Here we are--this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 39th month, so we are in our 4th year!  WOW--4 years of making two cards with the same stamp from different companies each month!

Each month, we get to pick a stamp set from a predetermined company. Then, we will use that one stamp set and make two cards from the set.  Different images and sentiments from the same set can be used, or use the same image two different ways—Double Duty either way!  But, as an added challenge, one item must be used on both cards—same color cardstock, same ribbon, same stencil, same something.  Double Duty Again!  We will post both cards on our blog on the the 22nd of each month.  See-Double Duty again!  We will be sure to have fun getting doubly inky each month with a different stamp company.  Let’s have fun!

For March, we changed it up a bit. We decided to use a stencil from any company and then add only a sentiment to the card. I picked a stencil from Impression Obsession called Snowfall.  I also used a Simon Hurley paste by Ranger on both cards!

For the first card, I used three colors of Simon Hurley's Solar Paste.  I picked Later Gator, Midnight Snack plus Crown Me and added the colors on an angle across the white cardstock.  I realized later that I layered the panel upside down as the "lesser snowflakes" should be at the top.   I then picked a Simon Says Stamp Die Set called Chunky Thank you and die cut the words from Erin Lee Creative Rainbow Metallic cardstock.  I used the coordinating backer die to cut a piece of velum to go behind the words for more dimension.  I added a few Stampin' Up gems around the words.  

For this card, the background is the same stencil and I picked Solar Paste in Royal Flush on Misty Moonlight cardstock.  There really is lots of shine when you tip the card.  The words are from a Erin Lee Creative die set called Oh Happy Day and I used Opal Mirricard from The Paper Cut, layered twice.  I used the same bling from Stampin' Up, but this time in the blue/green color.  

I hope you enjoyed my cards for our group.  Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards. Here is a link to Jeanette's, Darlene’s  and  Carol's blogs.   I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards.  

Next month we are back to our original challenge and will highlight Altenew Stamp Company.  So be sure to check out our cards on April 22nd!  

Image/Sentiment:  Erin Lee Creative Oh Happy Day Die; Simon Says Stamp Chunky Thankful Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White, Opal Mirricard; Eric Lee Creative Rainbow Metallic Cardstock; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Misty Moonlight, Night of Navy, Velum

Ink: None

Accessories: Stampin' Up Gems; Ranger/Simon Hurley Solar Paste--Later Gator, Midnight Snack, Crown Me, Royal Flush; Impression Obsession Snowfall Stencil

National Poultry Day!

 

Today is the 15th and this is my card this month for our The Creative Crew!  We are a group of 7 and all one team--Jeanette, Carol, Darlene, Lorraine, Terry, Tracie and me. Each month will be a new challenge posed by one of the members sending out a kit.  This month, Carol is the hostess and sent out a kit with this cute image from Stampin' Up set called Rustic Rooster.  She also included some fun patterned paper from The Paper Studio.  The theme is National Poultry Day as that is next week on the 19th. Did you know there was such a day?  I did not, nor did Carol and I am guessing, most of our Crew did not either!

I decided I wanted a white rooster, so I did not color the image at all! I die cut the image and the frame with my Circle Nestabilities. I wanted to highlight some of the sweet, rustic papers Carol sent, so I picked a layout from Gina K that I have used before to showcase three of them! I backed each piece in the same Smokey Slate. The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set that I have called Hey Chuck and was die cut with Taylored Expressions Modern Sentiment Labels.  I did not add any bling as I am sure it will be sent to a guy! This was a very fun card to make!

I hope all of The Creative Crew Gals enjoy my cards this month.  Please be sure to stop in to see what fun crafty cards are posted this month.  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blog, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the snowy creations this month!   

We will be back in April with the image Terry will be sending out.   Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun we  have planned!

Image/Sentiment:  Stampin' Up Rustic Rooster/Hey Chuck for the sentiment

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Smokey Slate; The Paper Studio Country Road Patterned Paper

Ink:  Black

Accessories:  Spellbinders Nestabilities Circle Dies; Taylored Expressions Modern Sentiment Labels

Thank You

 

Today is the the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card.  I am late today as I usually have my cards ready to post early in the morning.  However, this one was actually made today!   This card is number 57, so we are into year #6. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success is to Get Messy and you will have Success!  Messiness can be almost anything that we come up with--glitter, alcohol inks, glimmer glitz, sponged backgrounds, etc., anything that is a bit messy.  We are a very fun group and will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For this month's messiness, I decided to pick Tim Holtz alcohol inks.  Full Disclosure............  This panel was in my basket of UFO's--Unfinished Objects.  I have extra panels I have made in the past long with die cuts, sentiment, etc.  So, Yes I did cheat just a bit................. 

This panel is a piece of black Mirricard from the Paper Cut.  I used shades of teal and purple alcohol inks and moved the inks around with my blower.  I layered the colorful panel on silver Mirri-Sparkle, also from The Paper Cut.  I added a strip of the same silver on the bottom as a base for a black sentiment from Taylored Expressions.  The Thank You die is from Gina Marie Designs and is layered three times.  I added some Stampin' Up bling around the die cut.

I really like the look of this card and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies like it too!  Here are the links to the other somewhat messy crafters:   Carol, Darlene, Jeanette and Terry.   I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy this month and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up to in April as we will all be back for another round!

Image/Sentiment:  Gina Marie Designs Thank You die; Taylored Expressions sentiment strip

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: Stampin' Up Basic Black; The Paper Cut Black Mirricard, Silver Mirri-sparkle

Ink:  Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Silver bling

Taylored Expressions Lily

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, I was the hostess and sent out a pretty Big Blooms-Lily from Taylored Expressions!  I sent a couple images that I die cut with the coordinating die and a few on quarter sheets.    So for March, this is card #115 and we are into year number 10!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 10 plus years!  

I picked one of the die cut images and colored it with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I added two layers under the image for some dimension and strength. I picked a yellow gingham patterned paper from Echo Park paper for the background.  I added a strip of white cardstock on the side, where I stamped a Happy Easter sentiment from a Sweet 'N Sassy set called He Lives.  For the final touch, I added some Pinkfresh Studio clear gems with gold dust around the image.  I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!  

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is the link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards!  Jeanette will be up for our April challenge.   Please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Big Blooms-Lily stamp and matching die; Sweet 'N Sassy He Lives Sentiment

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight; Echo Park Paper Easter Wishes Patterned Paper

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Pinkfresh Studio Clear Gems with Gold Dust