Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #203: Clean and Simple Birthday

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Cursive Greetings II'.  Cardstock:  GP110 white, DCWV 'Celebration Stack'.  Ink:  Pacific Point.

Welcome to Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #203
Our challenge this week is to create a Clean and Simple card!

For my card I used my all-time favorite clean and simple sketch source, Clean&Simple.  Inspiration here is courtesy of  Fall-To sketch #187.

Be sure to visit all the Paper Pretties' blogs to see their spin on the challenge:

Frances Byrne, DT coordinator

Linda Bendon

Jennifer Greco

Amber Hillman

Kristine Reynolds

Then be sure to link your creation HERE for your chance to win this week's prize!

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #201: Triple Designer Papers

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Sympathy', 'Cursive Greetings II'.  Cardstock:  Papertrey 'Vintage Cream', DCWV 'Garden Party'.  Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Coral Cameo.  Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities.

Welcome to Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #200
Our challenge this week is to feature two or more Designer Papers on your project!

For my card, I used three different DPS -- not bad for a CAS card, is it?

This butterfly from the 'Sympathy' set is so beautiful and the 'Cursive Greetings' are one of my favorite sets because they are so versatile!

Sketch is courtesy of Clean&Simple's Fall-To sketch #185.

Be sure to visit all the Paper Pretties' blogs to see their spin on the challenge:

Frances Byrne, DT coordinator

Linda Bendon

Jennifer Greco

Amber Hillman

Kristine Reynolds

Then be sure to link your creation HERE for your chance to win this week's prize!

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #194: Lucky Punches

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Holiday Sweets II'.  Ink:  Memento black, Versafine black, Copics.  Paper:  Old Olive, Certainly Celery prints, Papertrey white, black.  Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, heart punch.

Welcome to Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #194!

Our challenge this week is to create a project showcasing die cuts or punches.

For my card, I went with a St. Patrick's Day theme -- all green (maybe too much for cupcakes??) and heart punches assembled into shamrocks.

Sketch is courtesy of Clean & Simple's Fall-To #177.

Be sure to visit all the Paper Pretties' blogs to see their spin on the challenge:

Frances Byrne, DT coordinator

Linda Bendon

Jennifer Greco

Amber Hillman

Kristine Reynolds

Then be sure to link your creation HERE for your chance to win this week's prize!

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #192: Texture

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Fun Quotes'.  Cardstock:  Textured  white, silver, Cool Caribbean.  Ink:  Versafine black.  Accessories:  Ki Memories puffies, Cuttlebug embossing folders, piercing tools.

Welcome to Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #192!

Our challenge this week is to use TEXTURE on your project.

For my card, I decided to use several different textures starting with textured cardstock, then including felt embellishments, and finishing with piercing.

Sketch is courtesy of Clean Simple's Fall To sketch #146.

Be sure to visit all the Paper Pretties' blogs to see their spin on the challenge:

Frances Byrne, DT coordinator

Linda Bendon

Jennifer Greco

Amber Hillman

Kristine Reynolds

Then be sure to link your creation HERE for your chance to win this week's prize!

Tuesday Morning Sketch #94: Who Can Resist Crayons?

Stamps:  Happy Harmony.  Cardstock:  Whisper White, Papertrey white, K&Co. 'Tim CoffeyCottage Garden'.  Ink:  Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Versamark black. 

Welcome to Tuesday Morning Sketch #94! 

This week we are hosting a non-sketch challenge, sponsored by One Stop Cards:  the Crayon Resist Technique!  You can find a Splitcoast tutorial by Beate for this fun technique HERE.  Basically, a white crayon is used to highlight areas of a stamped image; sponging over this area with ink will leave a halo effect:

The card above was my first try at this technique and I thought I could achieve a more obvious effect with a more liberal crayon application.  I needed a birthday card for my mom, so I thought I'd try again with slight modifcations to Clean & Simple Stamping's Fall-To sketch #140.  Here's the result:

I like the new card, but you know what?  I like the original CAS version just as much!

Be sure to admire the TMS Design Team's spin on this week's challenge:

Melissa
Angela
Theresa
Jacki
Kathy

 Then link up your creations HERE to join in the fun and so we can admire your take on this sketch!

Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge #133: Birthdays!

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'ElegantSentiments'.  Cardstock:  Bayou Blue, DCWV 'Linen Closet'.  Ink:  Versamark.  Accessories:  white detail EP.

Welcome to the Wednesday Paper Pretties challenge! 

Our challenge this week is to create a birthday card. I went the Clean and Simple route, pulling inspiration from the archives with Fall-To sketch #110 and this newly released  'Elegant Sentiments' set:

Who needs a lot of layers or embellishments when you have this beautiful sentiment and sparkly DP?

Be sure to enjoy the other Pretties' Gals birthday cards:

Cindy

Frances

Jana

Jane

Jackie

Jennifer

Pam

Wendy

Heather
ARTish

Then link your creation HERE so we can admire your take on the challenge and enter your name for a chance to win a free Paper Pretties stamp! You do not need to use Paper Pretties stamps in order to play along, but if you do, you will get a bonus entry into the drawing! Please be sure to mention our challenge and link back to the Paper Pretties blog in your project posting. If you upload to a public gallery please use the keyword PWC133.

Tuesday Morning Sketch #73: Embellish It!

 Stamps:  Papertrey 'Daily Designs' sentiment.  Cardstock:  GP110 white, Taken with Teal, silver.  Ink:  Versamark.   Accessories:  silver EP.

Welcome to Tuesday Morning Challenge #73! 

This week our sponsor is Paper Maniac and our challenge is to embellish your project in a non-traditional way.  I opted to create my own non-traditional embellish that also functions as a people embellishment -- have you seen these altered washers yet?

This technique involves a washer, alcohol inks, and Crystal effects and is so simple a kid can do it.  That's the truth -- my daughters created their own pendants as gifts for friends!  Here's a TUTORIAL if you want to try the technique with DPs.

To keep the emphasis on the pendant, I went with a CAS Fall-To sketch #121.

Be sure to admire the TMS Design Team's spin on this week's challenge:

Melissa
Angela
Theresa
Jacki
Tammy

Hollyanne, Jr. DT

Karen, December GDT

 Then link up your creations HERE to join in the fun and so we can admire your take on this sketch!

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge: Clean and Simple!

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Snowflakes', sentiment from 'O Christmas Tree'.  Cardstock:  GP110 white, Soft Sky, Night of Navy.  Ink:  Night of Navy.  Accessories:  SU scallop border punch, Stardust glitter pen.

Welcome to Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge!

This week we are challenging you to go clean and simple.  What could be more appropriate than using the  Fall-To sketch challenge #117 from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog?  And I combined with with one of my all-time favorite Pretties' sets, 'Snowflakes' accented with glitter pen highlights for this week's Whimsie Doodles' challenge #58 theme, 'Let It Snow'.

Be sure to enjoy the other Pretties' Gals CAS cards:

Cindy

Frances

Jana

Jane

Jackie

Jennifer

Pam

Wendy

Heather
ARTish

Then link your creation HERE so we can admire your take on the challenge and enter your name for a chance to win a free Paper Pretties stamp! You do not need to use Paper Pretties stamps in order to play along, but if you do, you will get a bonus entry into the drawing! Please be sure to mention our challenge and link back to the Paper Pretties blog in your project posting. If you upload to a public gallery please use the keyword PWC129.

**Paper Pretties will be having a Thanksgiving sale from Thursday-Sunday ...15% off entire order using coupon code GIVETHANKS!

**Last few hours to apply for the Paper Pretties' Design Team!  Heather has a DT call going on now for both the regular Design Team and a brand new Digi Design Team, so check out all the information in this Design Team Call post to find out how you can become a Prettie Girl.  Our Design Team call will be open until Wednesday November 24th at 5PM CST. We welcome ALL APPLICANTS, you DO NOT need to have prior Design Team experience or publications to apply! 

Christmas Card Challenge #33: Stuffed with Love!

Stamps: Stampabilties House Mouse image, Papertrey 'Signature Christmas' sentiment. Cardstock: Papertrey white, textured red, white linen, Basic Grey 'Figgy Pudding'. Ink: Memento black, Riding Hood Red, Copics. Accessories: circle Nestabilities, flocking.

It seems like forever since I've been able to play in any challenges, but this week I was able to join in Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge #33 and use one of my favorite images, a House Mouse, to boot!

Sparkle's challenge this week is an inspiration photo featuring a line of stockings. I used this stocking image in Clean and Simple's Fall-To sketch #92 and applied flocking to the stocking for a touchable effect:



One more card to add to my holiday card stash!

CAS Graduation Time

Stamps: DRS Designs 'Graduation background', Papertrey 'Boards and Beams' sentiment. Cardstock: Night of Navy, Papertrey silver, GP110 white. Ink: Night of Navy. Accessories: Stardust glitter pen, satin navy ribbon.

Here's my confession: I wasn't really planning on making this card, but was guilted into it. Eldest DD is graduating from 8th grade today -- hurray! She's a great student and an all-around great kid, but we really weren't planning on making a big deal out of the occasion. After all, it IS only 8th grade, right? I'm all about recognizing milestones, but if we make a big deal about this graduation, what is expected for high school graduation?

Anyway, a friend gave DD a fun card, so I kinda felt like Mom and Dad should, too. Thank goodness for Fall-To Sketch #90 which was great for some quick inspiration. I used school colors and threw in a bit of sparkle:


And just so you know the lack of enthusiasm isn't just mine, DD is still planning on going back to her school next week to help out with the lower grades and other special events. She really is a good kid and obviously not resting on her laurels of completing 8th grade!

Christmas Sparkle in April?

Stamps: SU 'Snowflake', Papertrey 'Signature Christmas'. Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Basic Grey 'Figgy Pudding'. Ink: Real Red, Cool Caribbean, Versamark. Accessories: Winter Wonderland EP, Ribbon.

Spring has officially sprung and yet here I am creating Christmas cards! My goal is to keep ahead of the holiday crafting rush, so you'll have to forgive my winter theme.

Inspiration came from these awesome challenges:

1) Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge, week #18. The inspiration photo was cookies decorated as snowglobes (hence my snowflakes) and in a red and light blue color combo (isn't Cool Caribbean a holiday color??).

2) Order of the Opus Gluei challenged us to sparkle and shine with challenge #49, so I used my favorite sparkly EP (Winter Wonderland)



and fun, iridescent ribbon.

3) Last but certainly not least, is Fall-To sketch #85 with their always versatile and inspiring CAS sketches!

Now I'm off to enjoy some of this wonderful Spring weather!

It IS Easy Being Green!

Stamps: Magnolia Tilda, Studio G sentiment. Cardstock: GP110 white, Reminisce DP. Ink: Memento black, Copics. Accessories: CM oval cutter, Wright's white grosgrain ribbon, Spare Parts brads, CB Houndstooth.

Opus Gluei's challenge #45 for this week is exactly this title, and we have free reign to interpret that theme as we will. First, I went with the literal definition and used this amazing card kit that I received as a prize in Angela's (SCS monkeymama) Magnolia card kit swap. Angela is a queen of card kits and included not only these goodies, but enough to make several more cards! If you are interested, Round 5 of the Magnolia Card Kit Swaps is currently in full swing.

The layout is inspired by the always versatile sketched at Mercy's Tuesday Morning Sketch challenge #63.

Although this is a St. Patrick's Day Tilda, I went with the good luck theme to make it more general purpose. Here's the inside of the card:



For my second card, I went with the current popular definition of green:

Stamps: Papertrey 'Mailbox Greetings'. Paper: Kraft, the eco Stack DP. Ink: Chocolate Chip. Accessories: circle punch.

The sketch is courtesy of Clean & Simple Stamping's Fall-To sketch #81 (reducing my paper use with a CAS theme), and also recycled with the 70% recycled paper content DP. Hey, I could also allow the card to be re-used by using a sticky note for an inside greeting to the recipient. All three sides of the recycling triangle checked!

Check out the always-fun gals over at Order of the Opus Gluei; there's plenty of time to go green!

Saturday Spotlight #20: Clean It Up!

Digi stamp and sentiment by Whimsie Doodles 'Leah Bunny on Easter Basket' and 'Hoppy Easter'. Ink: Copics. Cardstock: Baja Breeze, DCWV 'Glitter Sweet Matstack', GP 110 white. Accessories: Rectangle and tag Nestabilities, SU button, Stardust glitter pen.

For this week's 'Clean It Up' challenge.....

The Spotlight Divas would like to challenge you to go the opposite from last week's challenge and clean things up a bit on your creations! What does that mean? You can make a nice CAS style card (meaning 'clean & simple' style), or make sure you have clean edges and paper for your creation. Please interpret this how you'd like!

For our Spotlight sponsor this week we have...

(click HERE to go to store.)

CAS is one of my all-time favorite card styles. Trying new embellies or techniques is fun, but to really emphasize an adorable image like this one, nothing beats clean and simple! This Fall-To sketch #79 is courtesy of my favorite CAS inspiration blog, aptly named Clean & Simple Stamping.

Does this image remind anyone else of 'A Christmas Story'? The hilarious scene from that movie must have been in my subconscious as I was coloring this little bunny.

Be sure to check out all the 'clean' creations by the Spotlight Divas:
Vicki (Stamped Smiles)
Chris (Twinkles Glows with Stamps)
Boni (Bonibleaux Designs)
Crystal (Crystal's Crafty Creations)
Darlene (Dar's Crafty Creations)
Dawn (My Stamping Thyme)
Erin (Scrap, Stamp and Be Merry)
Jodi (Inked Inspirations)
Maria (Joyful Stamper)

Clean up your own creations, then be sure to link them HERE. One lucky winner from our challenge in Mister Linky this week drawn from random.org will receive a special code for a $10.00 shopping spree at Whimsie Doodles Stamps!

**We're searching for divas! Saturday Spotlight is holding a Design Team Member call running now until March 19th. Check out all the details HERE to join our fun group of Spotlight Divas!!**

Trimming Down

Stamps: My Sentiment's Exactly 'Snow Fun'. Cardstock: Soft Sky, Old Olive, Textured red, Basic Grey 'Figgy Pudding'. Ink: Riding Hood Red. Accessories: Circle punch, SU scallop border punch, buttons, Stardust glitter pen.

Trimming down is my theme for the new year; in fact, 'Downsize' is the word I'm adopting as my own for 2010, a concept I first learned of from Sparkle' blog (Sparkle's Creations). Right now 'downsize' has very negative connotations in our family since my husband has been downsized out of a job, but I want to use the word for good, as in downsizing my clutter, downsizing my spending, downsizing myself so my clothing fits again, and most of all, downsizing stress about the things I can't change!

This card fits with the downsizing theme, in that it's a Clean and Simple style inspired by Clean & Simple Stamping's Fall-To sketch #73 and the Opus Gluei challenge #36: 'Let's Trim Down'. Trim in this case also refers to the buttons which is the challenge in Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge Week #5. I went with a winter theme since not only do I not need quite so many holiday cards, but I'm also not quite ready for Christmas projects yet.

Now it's off to finish downsizing the contents of my kitchen cabinets!

Time for Holiday Thank You Cards!

Stamps: Papertrey ' Signature Christmas'. Cardstock: Basic Grey 'Figgy Pudding Glacier', white textured, Baja Breeze. Ink: Baja Breeze. Accessories: Baja Breeze dotted grosgrain ribbon, Marcella K 'Christmas Snowflake' page accents, Stardust glitter pen.

Now that the Christmas greeting card rush is over, it's time to start sending out the thank you cards! My goal is to have them finished by the 31st, so I can start the New Year with a clean slate.

Sparkle (Sparkle's Creations) is already into her fourth week of 2010 Christmas Card Challenges; now that's what I call motivated! I knew this challenge would be a great incentive to stock up on not only Christmas cards, but also holiday thank yous which always seem to be in short supply. Sparkle's inspiration photo is a yummy chocolate cupcake; I went with its white and aqua color combo and white chocoloate snowflake decorations as my inspiration.

The sketch for this card is Fall-To sketch #55, another example of Clean & Simple Stamping's wonderful design.

What's Cooking?

Stamps: Basic Grey 'Cup of Tea Bitsy Stamp Set'. Cardstock: Basic Grey 'Porcelain', Regal Rose. Ink: Chocolate Chip. Accessories: Circle Nestabilities, mini hole punch.

I'm not much of a cook, so I chose this tea theme for the Opus Gluei challenge #32 'Hey Good Looking -- What You Got Cooking' challenge. Maybe 'What you got Brewing?' would be more appropriate?? And with the cooler weather, I 'cook up' some tea every day, both for the small dose of caffeine and the warmth of just holding the mug.

The sketch is inspired by my favorite site for awesome CAS ideas, Clean & Simple Stamping Fall-To sketch #67.

Be sure to check out all the new Basic Grey mini acrylic sets now in-stock at KL Stampin N Scrappin. The November special is $5 off any order over $30 (before shipping and tax) with the special code listed on the home page.

Clean and Simple Challenges

Stamps by DRS Designs: Large Filigree Snowflake M1119, Medium Filigree Snowflake M1123, One Line Merry Christmas B364. Cardstock: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Papertrey white. Ink: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue. Accessories: navy brad.

I just can't resist those Fall-To sketches on the Clean & Simple Stamping blog; in fact I made two different cards using this week's sketch #63!

In the snowflake card above, I stamped the repeating filigree snowflakes using a rock-n-roll technique to create a darkening color effect from the inside out. I really, really wanted to add a bit of bling with gems or glitter, but since this card is heading off to Operation Write Home, the sparkly stuff is a no-no. Be sure to check out the DRS Designs Card Drive for this worthwhile project; you can support those away from home the upcoming holidays while earning your chance of rewards, too!

This Blue Christmas card was also inspired by the current Opus Gluei challenge #28 'Blue, Blue, Blue'. Kind of reminds you of an Elvis holiday song, doesn't it? Stop by the Opus Gluei blog to join the fun, and I do mean fun -- these ladies are hilarious!


This second card's center panel is an example of 'Crayon Emboss' which was featured in the most recent issue of 'Technique Junkies'. It's super easy; there's a quick photo tutorial available on the KLSNS blog.

Stamps: DRS Designs Halloween sentiment. Cardstock: Lovely Lilac, Summer Sun, Black. Ink: Memento, pumpkin pie, black marker. Accessories: crayon, brad, Stardust glitter pen, Cuttlebug argyle embossing folder.


Colors in this card are my interpretation of Fall Colors (or at least my favorite Halloween colors) which is this month's KLSNS challenge. Play along for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate to KLSNS!

Clean and Simple Holidays

Stamps by DRS Designs: Gingerbread Man, Time for Sharing sentiment, Tiny Leaf. Cardstock: kraft, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Papertrey white. Ink: Chocolate Chip, Memento Black, Copics. Accessories: CB distressed stripes.

This card was inspired by today's sketch challenge on SplitCoast Stampers which was perfect for the sentiment shape and Color Throwdown #63 which had the perfect Fall colors.

The next card showcases two favorites, Basic Grey DP and the Fall-To sketches on Clean & Simple Stamping:

Stamps: Papertrey 'Signature Christmas'. Cardstock: Basic Grey 'Wassail', GP110 white. Ink: Versamark. Accessories: White detail EP, white velvet ribbon, Martha Stewart pines border punch.

Three challenges on two cards in one day -- that's a record for me!

Clean and Simple Winter Wishes

Stamps: Papertrey 'Vintage Picnic Sentiments'. Cardstock: Baja Breeze, 'Ski Slope' DP. Ink: Riding Hood Red. Accessories: Felt Flurries, button.

Here's my end of year resolution: if I buy new supplies, I must use them within a week. No hoarding allowed because my hoarding usually evolves into forgetting something exists, at least until the next big cleaning session.

So, here are three newly bought items in use -- the felt snowflakes and the DP were SU clearanced items, and the sentiment is from my most recent Papertrey order. Inspiration is courtesy of Clean & Simple Stamping's Fall-To sketch #61.

This is fun! Now let's see if my resolve can outlast my impulse purchases....