Simon Says Monday Challenge

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge – Gentlemen

I had a “manly” card to make for a man and so this challenge segues nicely with this theme! 

Still trying to play with my Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  I cut six pieces of cardstock to fit the card base.  Next I chose a simple Studio G pattern stamp and used embossing with clear on each square.  I chose Crushed Olive, Tumbled Glass and Ripe Persimmon inks and after this I edged each rectangle with Pumice Stone.  I fixed each square onto bright white cardstock and glued them to the card base. 

I stamped the Get Well Soon by Hero ArtsHero Arts with black Versamark ink and then added clear emboss over this and again the Studio G patterned around the edges.  After heat embossing I brushed the edges with the Tumbled Glass Distress Ink.  I backed the sentiment with black cardstock, under which I used glue dots to fix the olive colored twine in place.  I added some gems at the end!

Hope you enjoyed your visit here! 

Technorati Tags: Simon Says Monday Challenge,Simon Says Stamps,Tim Holtz Distress Inks,Tim Holtz,Hero Arts,Barb Derksen,Mrs Miles

My Christmas Wish

My Christmas wish is pretty small. 

Charlie and granddaughter!

What I really really want is for help for my daughter in law’s father who had a tragic accident a few months ago.  My heart breaks for the entire family, both for the emotional impact but as well as the financial strain this has placed upon them too.  Who can ever know our tomorrows?  To be on the fringes of this has brought it home and though I was able to contribute a bit, there needs to be more money raised than what they have. I know for them to even ask is completely humbling – but it must be done.  So my son Mark and daughter Melanie have put together a GoFundMe campaign to try to raise money to offset medical expenses.

You can read the details by visiting the GoFundMe link here:

https://www.gofundme.com/y8c6rxys

So, if you stumble across my blog, and if you are blessed with the finances to help make a difference with whatever you might be able to contribute – be it $5, $10, $25 – or whatever – know that your donation will have a HUGE impact in their lives.  I will try to post updates along this journey and … THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. 

If you cannot contribute, would you please consider at least spreading the word via your social media accounts?  There is a FB button on the bottom of the campaign page. 

Technorati Tags: GoFundMe,Oliver BC,Osoyoos BC,Osoyoos,Oliver,Barb Derksen,Mrs Miles

CAS(E) This Sketch Card

CAS(E) This Sketch #150 Challenge

I was surfing around looking at challenges the other day and this one caught my eye but it wasn’t till today I hit upon what I’d like to make:

It all started with a dryer sheet and went from there …

 

Supplies:

 

Punch – Martha Stewart

Distress Ink – Tim Holtz

Stamp – Holiday Trendz

Embossing Powder

Glitter Cardstock

Pearl Accents

 

I really had fun with this card, with the exception of having a major argument with my sewing machine, after which I discovered I had simply mis-threaded it {insert blush here}  At any rate, it got a good thorough cleaning which was well overdue.  I started with blank cardstock and used some Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and graduated it from one side of the card to the other.

Next I ironed a used dryer sheet and trimmed it to fit the card, then sewed.  I think the texture of the sheets lends itself to all sorts of exciting ideas.  Then I stamped and embossed the sentiment, adding some distress ink as a drop shadow beneath the lettering.  I trimmed the sentiment on the cardstock in a freeform shape using some sort of metal plate which is supposed to be for hemming pants (oh MY!)  Like I’d hem pants.  Though it confounds my way handsome husband as he’d like me to hem his pants.  I do welcome him to my machine though.  Well I have done that for him a time or two, but its certainly not my favorite pastime. Though I can be bribed. 

So after that this I cut a slightly larger shape with the glitter cardstock and glued it behind, then placed it on the card using foam tape to bump it out. 

Next I punched three snowflakes using a Martha Stewart punch.  Then punched three tiny floral shapes using a dollar store punch, then added some pearls, gluing the three together and then affixing them to the card.  Voila!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit!

Technorati Tags: Tim Holtz Distress Inks,Tim Holtz,Martha Stewart,Mrs Miles,Barb Derksen,CAS(E) this Sketch!

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge card

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Nov 25 – “Anything Goes”

How could one go wrong with anything to choose from?  I’d been wanting to try a technique out so tonight was a good time to do this, and double triple bonus with Nina and Judy joining in again. So many inspiring DT samples I was off and running.

I created the “happy” with a stencil I whipped up using my Silhouette Cameo – and I tried to use a few layers of vinyl to allow an edge so that I could watercolour with my Tombow markers in shades which match the designer paper (6 x 6 by Heidi Swapp)  The vinyl stencil on the edge did not remove so easily but in the end gave the lettering a more hand painted look.  I wound up cutting a second offset with a black cardstock to bump the lettering up.  After I added ribbon and a teeny Stampin’ Up birthday then my handsome Mr deemed my card finished and stopped me from going on and making it more complicated. 

I had fun, hope you’ve enjoyed my card too! 

Technorati Tags: Simon Says Stamp,Stampin' Up,Tombow,Barb Derksen,Mrs Miles

Family Challenge card (YAY!)

Family Challenge – STITCHING

I love this time with my family members, my sister Nina who was the person who got me into making cards and my sister in law Judy who is always game to jump into creative time with us and its almost like a big family visit – and Judy is featuring my niece Samantha’s card on her blog too as Samantha does not have time to post!  Bonus is we each walk away with something pretty and useful.  I think I especially appreciate that we all have our own unique styles and I hugely enjoy seeing what everyone else comes up with. 

For me, I went with simple with my card choice:

I am making myself use a set of Tim Holtz distress inks which I bought recently (in the feast part of my feast and famine existence) and so I layered and blended two blues (tumbled glass, faded jeans) and pumice stone to create a night sky feel.

I used a pin and a stampin up piercing and stitching set to line up holes which I threaded with a sparkly blue and silver thread.  Believe it or not, I free-handed the stars onto double sided foam tape and then dipped one side into glitter and affixed to the bottoms of the stitching.  The final touch?  The lovely peace script stamp by Stampin’ Up.

Can’t wait to see what Nina  Judy and Samantha made! 

Technorati Tags: Tim Holtz Distress Inks,Tim Holtz,Stampin' Up,Mrs Miles,paper piercing,Family Challenge

Sunday Stamps Challenge Card

Sunday Stamps #114

Since it just so happened that I was able to get together with my sibling and in-law sib, Nina and Judy and so we partied it up making a couple of cards separately but together – so much fun. So we all took the Sunday Stamps challenge – here’s the sketch (nice and simple!)  Be sure to hop over to see their takes on this sketch!

And though my photo is not very good I think you’ll get the feel of this card:

I used a random vintage look 6 x 6 pad designer paper, stamped using a Forever in Time stamp onto (believe it or not) the thick gold foil that comes in the bottom of one of those giant Walmart chocolate bars.  I used Stayzon Ink, of course or it may have smeared.  The rest was simple layering over and over! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Technorati Tags: Sunday Sketches,Stayzon,Mrs Miles

Merry Monday Challenge Card

Merry Monday 181 (Blue, White with Texture!)

I had fun with my card. I found the perfect DP scrap {don’t know where it came from} and built the rest of the card around it. 

The DP itself features glittery snowflake with a bit of texture, and the plum swirls.  I stamped over the entire background using a Stampin’ Up Yule Bits & Borders.  Next I stamped this present (no identity on this stamp) using Buckaroo Blue classic ink pad by Stampin’ Up.

I embossed the top and ribbon on the gift with sparkle embossing powder, added some gems to the pattern on the present, put on a few touches of plum using TomBow Markers and then I layered it all atop plum cardstock and finally some shimmery wide ribbon trimmed to size and a few loops of very fine silvery blue thread.

It’s a grey grey windy day here today – a nice day to snuggle up and be creative.  I hope whatever your day holds, that you embrace it with joy!  For me, watching the wind pushing the waves about, the birds wheeling and doing ecstatic loop-de-loops and dancing on it’s invisible ups and downs, reminds me that even a day like this is a reminder that it was created for me to enjoy!

 

The heavens are yours,

the world,

everything -

for YOU created them all.

Psalm 89:11 TLB

Technorati Tags: Merry Monday,Stampin' Up,TomBow,Mrs Miles

Addicted to CAS Challenge Card

still sick, tail end with the coughing, however I managed one card today.  I decided to go with something simple therefore this was an easy choice:

Addicted to CAS #77

And I made this:

I created a simple snow feel background using a cuttlebug embossing folder

I added a few dots of Star Jelly Roller on a few bumps for “snow”

I know it’s difficult to see here but I bumped this cute lil feller up using foam tap and I used some clear glitter and glue to make swirls of “fleece” too.  I painted the face and feet a soft pink hue (hard to capture with my camera as it seems to put a blue cast on everything)

The stamps are from Lawn Fawn.

Lots of prize opportunities and a DT call over at Addicted to CAS as they celebrate their 3rd birthday – you should try your hand at a simple card too!

Technorati Tags: Lawn Fawn,Addicted to CAS

Seize the Birthday challenge card

Such a gorgeous day outside and I’m almost over this horrid cough/cold thing that has had me in its grip so hoping I might even go for a walk at some point.  But before I do I’d better get this challenge card posted!

Seize the Birthday – and I’m choosing “The Toppings” – vellum or acetate

I created this fun card:

I want to keep using my Tim Holtz distress inks to get used to them so I chose two shades which mimicked the colors already in the DP scrap I stamped the present.  The closest I could come was with “tea dye” and “ripe persimmon”.  I applied this over portions of the card face as well, then embossed with the cuttlebug folder, then added a bit more inks.  The celebrate stamp is a Stampin’ Up.  The acetate is recycled from packaging – saving it from the recycle.  I added a few sequins to bling things up a little. 

Glad I fit this in, happy if you comment and if you do I’ll hop over to your blog too!

Also now my job is winding down I’m hoping to create some more digital cards so keep your eye out here – I’m going to download KimB’s newest Kit and you must admit its drool-wothy! 

ALL SPRUCED UP

by

KimB

Even if you’re a hard core “real paper” person, but you like to “fussy cut” – well, you might consider taking the plunge to try out some digi – the possibilities are endless.  Kim’s kits are so highly fun and printable, you should consider!  Hop on over to her blog to check out the entire kit and a sweet FREEBIE as well!  (links to shop and instructions there as well)

Technorati Tags: Tim Holtz Distress Inks,Tim Holtz,Stampin' Up,Seize the Birthday,KimB,Digital Scrapbook Place,DSP,Digital Scrapbook,All Spruced Up

Simon Says Wednesday card challenge

I’m taking up the challenge for

Simon Says Wednesday for November 19 – the theme is “Christmas” Here’s what I created (after I actually found my festive craft supplies, right in with all of the other Christmas decorations in the house, DUH!)

 

This whimsical stamp featuring this snowman family is from Great Impressions.  The sentiment simply a WalMart.  I colored the image with my TomBow markers and added a bit of Star Gelly Roller and Diamond Glaze to bring the carrot noses and eyes alive! 

I hope wherever you are you’re enjoying your day.  Thanks for coming to visit!

Technorati Tags: Simon Says Stamp,Simon Says Wednesday

TMS 327 Challenge Card

I had a hankering to do this nice structured card challenge today – (because I’m home, with a COLD and kind of grumpy)

Tuesday Morning Sketches 327

Now I had a very interesting time making this card (and only stamping is the gold embossed JOY stamped with a Holiday Trendz) because (HUGE blushing here…) I have hidden all my Christmas craft supplies on myself.  I had to scrounge around just to find these paper scraps – I will go have a look-see in a few possible places around the house after.  Good sign I need some serious re-organizing round here.  Here is what I managed with my limited supplies:

I’m not un-happy with my result, only would have liked to add in a more hand-colored detail if I could’uv!  I totally understand if my card doesn’t make the cut for the TMS but it was still loads of fun to join in. 

Glad you came by – I’ll always come visit everyone who leaves a comment. 

Technorati Tags: Tuesday Morning Sketches,Handmade Christmas Card

Friday Mashup 234 challenge Card

I managed to squeeze in a Friday Mashup card this week – joining in with my SIL Judy, though she got hers posted up well before me.  There are several ways this challenge can be interpreted into our own creation – you truly should visit Friday Mashup to see some of the beautiful versions the design team has posted to give you a feel of how you might use this theme.  I am using the “Winter Theme” choice for this challenge.

For myself, I decided to play with some distress inks.  Distress inks are very new to me and I literally had to isolate myself to them mostly to get a feel with how they work.  Here is what I made:

As you can see, I chose to go with the title as well as a palette of cool colors. 

The finishing touch was a two layered punched snowflake.

Supplies:

Snowflake Punch – Martha Stewart

Stamp – Holiday Trendz

Tim Holtz Distress Inks

Guache paint (for the snow flurry)

 

Today was the ideal day to post this card being as it’s a very gloomy, brrrrr day here – like this:

You know the sort of day – the kind of day you just want to snuggle your toes down into your nest and take a day out from the world.  Fortunately for me I have an unexpected day off from work so I will take full advantage of this.  Today is a day to take time out realize the blessings that surround me. 

Thank you for taking time to stop in on me today!

Technorati Tags: Friday Mashup,Tim Holtz,Tim Holtz Distress Inks

Case this Sketch #148

Enjoying a “crop” day with some friends today and decided to have a goal of making a few cards. The first card is:

Case this Setch #148

So nice and simple! 

I chose neutral colors and kept to the simple theme.  All created using a mish-mash of supplies.  The stamp set is Paper Smooches.

This photo is much warmer lighting and features this stacked bloom from Forever in Time.

I feel this is a good start to my day, will see how my creative day progresses!

Technorati Tags: Paper Smooches,CAS card challenge

My Favorite Things Challenge Card 253

This sketch appealed…

My Favorite Things Challenge Card 253

 

and caused me to create…

A simple but masculine card I think!

Supplies:

Stamp – My Favorite Things

Embossing Folder – We R Memory Keepers

Glitter Washi Tape, Sequins and Stars

 

So glad you dropped in – visit me and I’ll definitely come see you too!

Technorati Tags: My Favorite Things

Mojo 422 Challenge Card

YAY! 

I found time to make a card in between work and some deep cleaning to nether regions of my house.  I’m tickled with how this turned out.  I chose

Mojo Monday 422

and my take turned out like so:

I stamped the happy birthday sentiment using Stampin’ Up products and then stamped and paper pieced for the cupcake using a Forever in Time stamp.  The background 6 x 6 from American Crafts.

 

I added a red gem with a snippet of black crochet cotton behind for a stem and bumped it up with foam tape.  I punched the circle and used a simple darning needle for the “stitch” around the outside (stitch dies on my Christmas wish list) 

So glad you came by – visit me and I will make every effort to come see you too!

Technorati Tags: Mojo Monday,American Crafts,Dear Lizzy,Stampin' Up

Photo of the Day

Just before the sun goes down behind the hill

While I can still see the sun shining in the distance

A reminder that each day trickles away

Seems all of a sudden that I balance on the edge

Between afternoon and evening

In my heart and mind  

Was this a day well spent?

Did I make a difference?

I think the best I can hope for is that “I” was missing from the day

And it was all about someone else who’s need I met in some way.

 

John 3:30

New International Version (NIV)

He must become greater; I must become less

 

There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer,

No disease that enough love will not heal,

No door that enough love will not open,

No gulf that enough love will not bridge,

No sin that enough love will not redeem.

(Wise words from Dr Emmet Fox)

365 Photo of the Day – My G’Dawg WINS!

I just have to post these pics of my daughter and her super-koot little dog.  They dressed up yesterday and entered in a contest at Bone Appetit in Kelowna.  And they WON!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!! (though Fancy is obviously not crazy on the dressing up…

But Fancy got to share her winnings with her best dawg friend Loki.

You can keep up with Fancy’s latest antics by visiting her Instigram account -

@fancy_the_paperanian

What a hoot!

Technorati Tags: Papillion,Paperanian,G'Dawg,Pomeranian,Halloween,Costume,Bone Appetit