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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

A Touch of Vintage

Today is a beautiful day in New England. We have finally shut of the AC and the sun is shining bright. This is my last week of vacation to myself until the middle of August. My husband is off next week and then summer school starts and I work it every morning for 4 weeks. I am taking full advantage of this week by playing and creating a lot.

This card is one that took so much longer than I expected. I got the adorable new stamps from Lili of the Valley and couldn't wait to color it. I ended up doing 3 times because I wasn't sure how I wanted to use her. I finally decided on a vintage card. I haven't done one in years and forgot that they don't come easy to me because I can be a procrastinator and a bit of a perfectionist so I kept changing my mind about different things on the card. I do have to say I am happy with the final outcome though, so it was worth the extra time.


Here are some wonderful challenges that fit my creation
Allsorts Challenge Week 58-This week the challenge is to add embossing to your card.
Challenge Up Your Life challenge #23-The challenge is "Vintage" perfect for my card!
Crafty Cardmakers Challenge #24-"Inky Fingers" is their challenge this week. I sponged distress inks around each piece of DP and Cs on this card. .
Lexi's Creation Challenge 17-This challenge is to add layers. I actually "popped up" all my layers for more dimension on the card.
Lili of the Valley Thursday Challenge 56- Their challenge is this great sketch that I used to go along with their wonderful stamps!
Magical Crafts Challenge #18-This challenge is Flower Power.
My Time to Craft Challenge 97-This challenge is to use zig zags on your card. My ribbon has them down the center of it. Fun challenge!
Quirky Crafts Challenge 31-Their challenge is to use ribbon on your creation. I used this beautiful antique ribbon.
S2G Challenge #62-This challenge this week is to use "something new". This cute stamp is the "new" I used!
Sew Many Challenges #19-Their challenge this week is "Anything Goes".
Stamp Something Challenge-This challenge is to create something vintage with flowers!
Tandastamps Challenge #149-"Yesteryear" is their great challenge!
Craftalicious Challenge #2-Their challenge is "monotone" this week. Fun challenge to play!

These are all fantastic challenges, so please be sure to check them out and play along!

Supplies
Stamps: Lili of the Valley
Paper: Bazzill CS, Papertrey White Cs, CTMH Beige CS, and DP Graphic 45
Inks: Copics, Tim Holtz Distressed Ink, Memento Black
Accessories: Nesties, Paper Shaper Corner Punch, MS Lace Border Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, SU Pearls, Hero Arts Mini Pearls. Prima Roses, Misc Pins, Antique Ribbon unknown

Thanks for stopping by today to see what I created. I really appreciate all the wonderful comments that you leave for me to read.

Happy Creating,
Mary

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Happy 4th of July! Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Challenge 17

Wow is time flying by. I can't believe that it will be July 1st this week already. It is also Tuesday and that means that it is time for another challenge with

Last week's creations by everyone that played with us were fantastic! I loved seeing each and every one of them. This week we have another great challenge for week 17 that I hope you will like and want to play along with us once again. I would also like to welcome two new talented ladies to the team, Jacki Randolph and Lorie Ames. They will be a wonderful addition to Going Grey with Scrap-Creations. Be sure to stop by and give them a warm welcome!

The theme for this week is patriotic, The 4th of July is this coming weekend for us in the USA so this is a perfect challenge for me this week! Because of the theme being difficult to match up with Basic Grey we are letting everyone play (including the DTs) without having to use Basic Grey paper.

I went with red, white, and blue colors for my card. I used a digi image from Sassy Cheryl's that I really liked. I also used a lot of star embellishments on my card. I also wanted to use this saying on the card but ran out of room on the front so I decided to make an easel card to incorporate it into the card.

All the ladies really did a fantastic jobs on their creations hoping to inspire you this week so please visit them and let them know how great they did.


So now what are you waiting for, come play with us I can't wait to see what you created this week!

These are some other wonderful challenges that I played along with

Cupcake Inspirations Challenge #65-This challenge is a red, white, and blue patriotic challenge this week!
Little Red Wagon Challenge #34-Their challenge is also a patriotic one this week!
ABC Challenge-X for Xtra dimension is the challenge. I popped up the large flag and small clusters of stars, added all the acrylic stars and knotted the ribbon to give the extra dimension to my creation.
Crafty Catz Challenge #38-This fun challenge is to go digital. I love using digis so I went with a Sassy Cheryl image that was perfect for a patriotic theme.
Creative Card Crew Challenge 53-The challenge this week is to create an easel card. It was perfect for my card because I wanted to use this saying but needed more room and gave me a chance to use the red jeweled star also!
Cute Card Thursday Challenge 118-Reuse, Renew, Recycle! is their challenge. The item that I renewed is the large acrylic stars. A few years ago I bought the large stars for the kids to use on a space project. There were extras so I brought them home and threw them into the craft box thinking we would use them again the following year. They were a perfect finishing touch for this card.
Pixie Cottage Challenge #24-This challenge is a fantastic sketch and inside out! I made an easel card to bring the inside of my card out to work with the card's sketch and theme!
Digi Doodle Shop's Best Challenge #13-This week the challenge is "Anything Goes", I love these challenges.
I love Digis Challenge #10-This challenge is "Emboss It" I embossed the back round panel with stars and even cut out and used some of the embossed stars.
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #65-"Stars and Stripes" is the challenge this week, how perfect!
Pile It On Challenge #25-Fold it, Bake it, Do something with it! They are challenging us this week to do something with our paper. I folded it to make an easel card, I also cut my DP into panels and turned one of them upside down so the patterns were symmetrical on each side
One Stitch At a Time Challenge #19-This week the challenge is to use "stars and Stripes" on your creation!
Practical Scrappers Challenge-Their challenge this week is to use a border punch or decorative scissors on your creation. I use a Martha Stewart Border Punch below my image.
Paper Cutz Challenge #47-On this challenge they you like us to use circles, stars, or squares on our project. My stars work perfectly with this challenge!

This are all fantastic challenges that I played along with today. Be sure to stop by and see all the wonderful creations they feature. Maybe even play along with them!

Supplies
Stamps: Sassy Cheryl's Digi Stamps, Cornish Heritage Farms Stamps (saying)
Paper: SU Real Red CS The Paper Cut White Shimmer Paper, Papertrey White CS, DP-Creative Imaginations
Inks: Copics, SU Not Quite Navy, Memento Black
Accessories: Cloud Maker, MS Border Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Paper Shaper Sm. Star Punch, Recollections Colored Jewels, 4th of July Jewel and Stars Set, Target Large Acrylic Stars, Misc. Star Ribbon.

Thanks so much for stopping by today to see what I have created. I really appreciate all the wonderful comments that you leave for me to read.

Happy Creating,
Mary

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Challenge 16- Anything Goes!

It is hard to believe that it is Tuesday already and that means another great challenge from Going Grey with Scrap-Creations. This week is challenge number 16 and it is a really fun challenge this week because ANYTHING GOES! Just don't forget to use Basic Grey paper on your creation. How easy is that and we also have a great sponsor this week.

Paper Jewels has graciously offered a fabulous prize to one lucky person of $15 dollar gift certificate to spend in their store! They have lots of great stamps as well as the most popular stamping supplies. So don't you want to play with us this week!

They were so nice to give the DTs some awesome images to play with this week. My image is Tossa, isn't she just the cutest. All the ladies have created wonderful cards this week to inspire you so check them out and leave them some love.

Peggy Regan

Crystal Irwin

Kristen Catalano Scrap-Creations

Here are some other fabulous challenges that fit my card

Stamp with Fun Challenge #64-Their challenge is this really fun sketch that I used.

Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #64-This challenge was a great color inspiration for my card!

ABC Challenge-W is for weather is their challenge. I think this cutie is out on a hot and humid day, that is why her hair is extra curly! (humidity will make your curls pop every time)

Totally Gorjuss Challenge 35-"Sugar and Spice" is the challenge. This cutie is definitely "and everything nice"

Stamp Something Challenge-This challenge is "SUMMER". I think Tossa is enjoying a wagon full of summer flowers!

Sentimental Sundays Challenge #8-This challenge this week is to use your favorite sentiment on your card. I love SMILE for my cards!

Paper Sundaes Challenge #23-This challenge is called "Pretty as a Princess". This pretty girl looks like she is riding on her royal wagon, don't you think?

Practical Scrappers Challenge-This week their challenge is to use flowers anywhere on your card. I have them on my DP, my image and some flowers that were in my stash of MANY flowers!

Quirky Crafts Challenge 30-This challenge is all about "summer". I think this little girl says summer in her garden.

Pals Paper Art Challenge PPA37-This challenge is a summer theme challenge. She looks like she is smiling in the sun, don't you think?

Ooh La La Creations Challenge #56-This challenge is to use flourishes and pearls. I love using these two items on my cards!

Simple Doodles Challenge SD #20-This challenge is "fun in the sun" what a great challenge theme!

Be sure to check out all these wonderful challenges and maybe even play along!

Thanks so much for stopping by today to see what I created. I really appreciate all the wonderful comments that you leave for me to read.

Happy Creating,

Mary

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! I love this day because our family does everything for our wonderful Don today! I made this card for him in his favorite colors and he loves old cars and hot rods so I was thrilled when I saw this digi from DZ Doodles. I knew it would make the perfect card for Father's Day! I colored it with my Copics and I tried to give the look of faded(sun baked as my husband calls it) paint. We are always looking for old cars and trucks in a field when we ride up in the back roads of New Hampshire or Vermont. He is always tinkering with this kind of stuff.

I made this card and then decided it was a bit dark so I added a light blue panel to the back to lighten it up. It is hard to see in the picture but it definitely gives it a different look and looks nice when you open up the card and it is still framed in the light blue. I also bought this great grass stamp from Rubbernecker Stamps when I went to the paper crafting convention in W. Springfield, MA a few weeks ago. It has been hard to find grass that will go with lots of different images.

Here are some wonderful challenges that fit this card

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge #23-This challenge is cards for men. I made this for my husband!

Creative Inspirations Challenge 65-One for the boys is the challenge this week. This card makes me think of boys and their toys!

Double Dutch Challenge DDC #45-This challenge is Dads Treat, make something for dad.

Fab 'N' Funky Challenge #28-"Just for Dad" is the fun challenge this week!

Incy Wincy Designs Challenge 46-One For The Guys is the challenge for this week, how fun!

Tandastamps -Tanda Teaser Challenge 148-For the Big Man is the great challenge they are having this week!

Magical Crafts Challenge #17-Something for a male/Father's Day is the great challenge they are playing this week!

Moving Along With The Times Challenge 51-This challenge is a fantastic sketch challenge this week that I loved working with!

One Stop Craft Challenge Week 85-One For The Boys is their great challenge this week!

Polka Doodles Challenge week 24- This week the challenge is a Father's Day/Male theme challenge

Raise The Bar Challenge #23-What A Special Guy is this great challenge this week!

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #24-This challenge is to create a masculine themed project so I created a Father's Day card.

Be sure to check out all these fantastic challenges this week. Why not play along with some of them!

Supplies
Stamps: DZ Doodles Digi Stamps, Rubbernecker Stamps
Paper: SU Bordering Blue, Night of Navy CS, Papertrey White CS, SU DP
Inks: Copics
Accessories: Cloud Maker, Dew Drops, SU Corner Punch, Michaels Ribbon

Thank so much for stopping by to see what I have created. I really appreciate all the wonderful comments that you leave for me to read.

Happy Creating,
Mary

Saturday, June 19, 2010

For The Bride

I finally feel like it is summer here in New England! School just finished on Thursday so I now have lots time off before I work at summer school. It is hot and sunny here also so that summer feel is all around New England. I can't wait to get out in the garden and also just create and play making cards.

This card I just finished for my niece's bridal shower. I had a really hard time making a bridal shower card. This is the third different image I stamped for it. I love my Rubber Stamp Tapestry stamps so I should have used them first and saved myself s lot of time. Next time I'll remember! I used pegs from 3 different sets to make the heart.

I couldn't find any DP that went well enough to use behind the heart and it was too plain with just the colored CS so I decided to just use an embossed back round. The heart has Stickles dotted randomly on the flowers all around the heart but this time I also added the mini pearls for a little extra something. The funny thing is they show up in the picture but IRL they barely were noticeable because of all the sparkle from the Stickles. It turned out so be what I consider a fairly simple card but that's okay for a change. My niece liked it so that's all that is important.

These are some wonderful challenges that fit my card

By The Cute and Girly June Challenge-This challenge is something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. I used the something old. I have had these peg stamps for many years and still love them as much as when I bought them. I also used my favorite blue (Bliss Blue) that is been gone for a long time from SU.

Charisma Cardz Challenge 24-This challenge is all about the bling. The wreath in my card is covered with Stickles so it really sparkles though it only shows up a bit in the pic.

Crafts and Me Challenge #6-The challenge is to create a card for someone in your family or a friend. I made this card for my niece for her bridal shower.

Crafty Angels Challenge Week 38-The challenge this week is to use your favorite stamp. These Rubber Stamp Tapestry Stamps are definitely my favorite. I own over 24 of the sets.

Crafty Ann's Challenge #17-Emossing of some sort is the challenge. I used my Dotted Swiss embossing folder to dry emboss the back round!

Cuttlebug Challenge-This challenge is to create a bridal card or something related to a bride. I did a bridal shower card.

Lexi's Creations Challenge 16-This week the challenge is to use something old. I used my old Rubber Stamp Tapestry stamp sets and my old but Favorite Bliss Blue CS.

My Time To Craft Challenge 95-"Xtra Special" is the challenge, to create a card for someone special or a special occasion. My card is for both, I made this for my niece for her bridal shower!

Paper Play Challenges Week 24-This week they would like us to use "something old" for their challenge. I used some old Rubber Stamp Tapestry stamps and my fav old CS Bliss Blue!

S2G Twisted Thursday Challenge #61-This challenge was to use something old, my old is these RST peg stamps and my retired Bliss Blue CS.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #88-This challenge is to create a wedding or anniversary card.

Sweet Stampin Challenge # 31-This challenge is to create a "clean and simple" card. This card is as clean simple as I make, no sketch used, no DP and not a lot of embellishments like usual!

The Cuttlebug Spot Challenge-The challenge this week is to use embossing on your project. I love my Cuttlebug embossing folders so this was a fun challenge to do.

Res-Q Challenge 50-This is a great challenge this week! They are celebrating their 50th challenge by letting us pick from their fav past challenges. I picked RESQ #41 The Mental Health Break, use pastel colors and your fav image. I love hearts so I created a heart image out of flowers.

WOW lots of great challenges fit my card this time. Be sure to stop by and see all the wonderful creations made by lots of talented people, and be sure to leave them some love!


Supplies
Stamps: Rubber Stamp Tapestry
Paper: SU Pretty in Pink, Bliss Blue CS, Papertrey White CS
Inks: Ass't SU ink colors
Accessories: Heart Nestie, Bow Easy, SU Ticket Corner Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Recollections Sticker Pearls, Stickles, JoAnns Pearl String and SU Ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I created. Your wonderful comments mean a lot to me so thank you very much for them, I really appreciate each one of them.

Happy Creating,
Mary

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Some Special Children, Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Challenge 15

Hello everyone it is time for another Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge. This week is a special challenge because not only would we like everyone to play along with us but we would hope you would like to bring some happiness to some every special children. There are three children that could use some sunshine from all you wonderful card makers.
The first is 8 yr. old Ethan, he is battling a deadful disease and is losing the battle he loves getting cards in the mail so this small gesture would definitely brighten his days.

The second is his sister Sierra, how terrible to see her brother suffer through everything he has gone through. She needs to know that someone is thinking about her during this time. Her life is on hold while the family deals with Ethan so any cards you have made that would make a smile would be great.

The third child is Bella Tucker. She is an adorable little girl would was happy and healthy until Easter day when she suddenly developed an infection. The infection didn't kill her but it did take both of her arms and legs. She is a very strong and brave little girl who needs all the smiles she can get while she spends the summer in rehab far from her home.
You can read more details about these three exceptional children and also about some great blog candy Kristen is offering for their cause here.

In honor of these children this week's

is to create a child's card. The design team have really created some fantastic cards to inspire you

Come play along with us and remember to use Basic Grey paper on your creation! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Here are some other challenges that fit my card

Sentimental Sunday Challenge #17-This challenge is summertime, I think roasting marshmallows is a definite summer fun time and don't forget a sentiment on your card!

Quirky Crafts Challenge 30-This challenge is summer and this little guy is enjoying the summer don't you think?

Crafty Creations Challenge #71-This fun challenge is called "child's play". Who doesn't remember roasting marshmallows when they were a child. It was always a fun time!

Fab 'n' Funky Challenge #27-The challenge this week is summer in color. I love these beautiful colors and they are all in the BG paper I used and I colored my image with a lot of the same colors. Great challenge!

Charisma Cardz Challenge #23-This fun challenge is to use spots and stripes, my BG paper has both!!!! I love using stripes and spots.

Hand Full of Stamps Challenge #31-"How cute is this" is the challenge this week! I love Dustin Pike's digis and this one is super cute. Who would ever think a porqupine could be so adorable roasting marshmallows.

"Just Us Girls" JUGS 37 Challenge-This week it is a technique challenge "Lets Get Digital". I used a digital image (I love them) on my creation!

Stamp Something Challenge-this is a happy something challenge. This is a happy child's card and I hope that Ethan likes it and it makes him happy!

One Stop Craft Challenge 84-This is a sketch challenge this week. I loved working with this sketch!

Our Creative Corner Challenge-"Gotcha Cornered" is the challenge, how fun! I dressed up a lot of the bare corners on my creations with punches and pearls.

Frosted Designs Challenge-The challenge is Glitter, glitter, and more glitter! I love glitter so I put it all over the flames in the fire to make them really sparkle, I hope you can see it in the pic!

Practical Scrappers Challenge-This weeks challenge is to use glitter or flocking. I chose glitter for my fire!
Stampavie and More Challenge 98-This challenge is to use dots on your creations. I have them on my DP and my ribbon. This is a fun new challenge for me!

These are all fantastic challenge so I hope you check them out and hopefully play along!

Supplies
Stamps: Dustin Pike Digi
Paper: Basic Grey DP, SU Choc. Chip and Bermuda Breeze CS, Papertrey White CS
Inks: Copics
Accessories: Nesties, SU Ticket Punch and Photo Corner Punch, Hero Arts Sticker Pearls, American Crafts Brass Clip, SU Dotted Ribbon, Stickles

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you like what I created. I really appreciate all the wonderful comments that you leave for me.

Happy Creating,
Mary

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Challenge 13

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. The weather was beautiful here in New England. I gardened a lot of the weekend so I decided to create a card with a garden theme.
Being Tuesday it is time for another great challenge at
All the cards were wonderful last week for the sketch challenge, I enjoyed seeing them all very much. This week is challenge #13 and it is a color challenge blue, pink, and yellow. Aren't those great Spring colors! Make those the main colors on your creation and of course don't forget to use Basic Grey paper on your creation also. This is a really fun and easy challenge this week so come play with us. We will be picking 3 cards for the TOP 3 of the week and they will get a blinky to display proudly on their blog. That could be you! I can't wait to see what you create and good luck!
Just in case you need some inspiration the ladies have created some extra special cards this week so check them out and let them know what you think

Kim Howard

Crystal Irwin

Kristen Catalano Scrap-Creations

I just love Sugar Nellie stamps so I decided that I would use one for the challenge this week. When I opened up to them I realized that I had never inked up this stamp so it was like having something brand new to play with! I tend to buy even when I don't need anything new I just want something new that I see.

Here are some other wonderful challenges that fit my card

Sketch and Stash Challenge 36-This is a great sketch to play with and my new stash is the Sugar Nellie stamp and the yellow swirl ribbon that I got at my LSS this past weekend!

One Stop Craft Challenge #82-This challenge is to use swirls and pearls on your creation. I have swirls behind the image, my ribbon is swirled, and I my swirl punch to make some swirl embellishments, I even swirled the pearl strand. The pearls are all over my card because I love using pearls.

Oh Alice... Challenge Chapter 15-This is a new challenge for me and what a fun one it is. Their challenge this week is "SWIRLS". I love playing along with new challenges!

Stamp Dreams (StempelTräume) Challenge #33-This is also a new challenge for me this week. Their challenge is also to use swirls on your creation. I am playing along with this challenge because my sister Peggy is one of the DTs and I loved her card that she created for "swirls"!

One Stitch At A Time Challenge 15-This challenge is to use something new. I have two new items, my Sugar Nellie stamp and my yellow swirl ribbon (I bought lots of different colors of this pretty ribbon).

Crafty Creations Challenge 69-The challenge this week is to use your Favorite stamp. I don't think I have one favorite stamp but my favorite stamp company is Sugar Nellie. I have so many favs of theseI guess that is why I seem to own so many!

Sweet Stampin Challenge-This is a great challenge "Pimp Your Card" add lots of bling, embellishments, ribbons, the sky's the limit! How much fun is that!!!

Cupcake Craft Challenge 93-This challenge this week is "summer delights". One of my favorite summer enjoyments is working in my garden or creating a garden card!

I hope you stop by these fantastic challenges to see all the wonderful creations!


Supplies
Stamps: Sugar Nellie, Rubber Stamp Tapestry
Paper: SU Bliss Blue, Barely Banana, and Pretty in Pink CS, Papertrey White CS, and Basic Grey DP
Inks: Copics, Memento Black
Accessories: Nesties, MS Lace Border Punch, Whale of a Punch Swirl Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, SU Ticket Punch, Recollection Sticker Pearls, JoAnns Pearl String, Walmart Flowers, CTMH Flowers, Michaels Flowers, LSS Ribbon


Thanks so much for stopping by todayto see what I have created. Your comments are wonderful to read and very much appreciated.


Have a wonderful day!


Happy Creating,
Mary