Cool Kid Card

I was taken by this sketch for Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #225:

I kind of got very ‘involved’ on this card.  I used a Simon Says Stamp stitched diecut for the base, cutting it out of a Basic Grey card called “wander”  I diecut a smaller window and flipped the paper to the other side for the bold pattern.  Next I stamped a matching blue cardstock with a Stampin’ Up pattern stamp, then an automobile from My Mind’s Eye onto that, fussy cut it and embossed it with clear.  When done, I added some definition to the wheels using a black sharpie and coated each with diamond Glaze.  A silver gem became a headlight.  I stamped “You are such a” sentiment using a Honey Bee Stamps set and added the “Cool Kid” from an Inkadinkadoo set.  I trimmed these all out and glued and bumped some out with foamtape.  Did the same with the car.  Whew!  Hope the little feller likes this.

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Gold Accent One Layer card

Not the greatest photo of my card as it does nothing to display the gorgeous shine of the embossed florals and shows a blue cast to the pristine white paper.  Ah well!  This is my take on the Addicted to CAS #117 challenge:

So, one layer it IS!  One layering is not something I find easy, however today it all flowed together.  I started with a very stiff, bright white cardstock.

I stamped the florals using an Inkadinkadoo stamp and then I embossed it using some Queens Gold powder from Ranger.  It really looks beautiful!  Next I used a Sizzix floral embossing folder to create texture.  Lastly, I applied This lovely sentiment from the “eloquence” collection from Penny Black.   I was very pleased with the end result. 

Note – our smoky skies have cleared!  My prayers still going out for those who have been affected by the many fires we have had this summer. 

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“Just for You” card

I’m trying to make cards whenever the chance arises being as its summer and the opportunities are hit and miss.  I decided to base a card off of Sunday Stamps #159 challenge which is a color challenge:

I was attracted to the gentle but juicy and warm shades. 

My card is relatively clean, relying mostly on layering atop a base of “lemonade” designer paper by Basic Grey, then rectangular die cut shapes (Simon Says Stamp)  and accenting it with the lovely heart textured DP scrap (dunno, just found it in my scrap stash) a sentiment by Forever in Time (embossed this) stamped with Versafine in black. 

The finishing touches being three little gems and a tiny heart punch of the BG paper which I added shine and depth with Diamond Glaze.

Thanks for coming by! 

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Stuck on the Butterfly!

Enjoyed some sweet, rare summer crafting time with my sister Nina last night, on the spur of the moment, she was taking the Freshly Made Sketches #300 card challenge so I hopped on board.

How exciting to celebrate the 300th FMS Challenges – that’s a heck of a lot of dedication on the DT to make it to this goal and so its especially fun to take this challenge to show support for these generous creatives.  My heartfelt thanks for your inspiration which has provided me with loads of crafting adventures over the years.

I used two designer papers for my card – tail ends of cut down 12 x 12’s.  One is Kaisercraft and the other Webster’s Pages “Tea Time”.  I used ArtC die cut for the sentiment and stamp.  I used a Memory box butterfly for the finishing touch, adding a gem to its tummy.  (if butterflies actually do have a tummy)  I relied on many layers to create a sense of depth and itnerest. 

♥♥♥ So Thankful ♥♥♥

I have been blessed this week by a friend who I work with.  She took the time to let me know that I’m appreciated – that my work (cleaning) is not only appreciated but went on to say “U always go over and above for us.  We appreciate it a lot!!! Thank you.” What do I say to this?  I’m speechless, really.  Its almost hard to take, humbles me completely. Wipes out every “crap” day when it seems every negative person in the world makes me aware of my shortcomings, which I’m very aware of anyhow.  It elevates everything and makes me float around on a cloud of joy.  Seriously.  Do YOU have a happy moment you’d care to share with me so we can keep this warm and fuzzy going for a bit?  And further, why not take a moment to let someone (and not falsley or forced) know how you appreciate them for just who they are?  That goodness is built right into their fabric and that its recognised and so you can be the helium in their balloon today?

I’ll leave you with a quote to keep in mind and meditate on:

Wake at dawn with a winged heart

and

Give thanks for another day of loving.

- Kahul Gibran

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My

Smoky Skies and Sea-Themed Card

Enjoying the moments I’m able to craft – with a busy summer the times are fleet and few!  I found the following challenge at Inkspirational and decided to make a card based on the photo:

I chose to go with a basic blue and nautical imagining of this Inspiration challenge #140.  I used a base of DCWV printed cardstock in blue.  I stamped both the feature (ship) and all the seashells and such onto the base using some Clear Stamps “Seashore” by Prima using versfine in black.  I bumped up the main image using foam tape (both background and main image cut with Simon Says Stitched Die Cuts.  The final touches were to brush lightly with Tim Holtz distress inks and then place a bit of black and white twine underneath the feature.  I’m pleased I used a lot of stamping on this card, something I kind of get away from at times.

Its rather smoky here in Osoyoos – a lot of it from fires elsewhere floating in.  However there was a fire locally on Anarchist Mtn last night but I hear it is contained now.  Its problematic to me as I am still recovering from a cold I came home with from a recent vacation to Houston, Tx where we spent time with our daughter and granddaughter.  Precious times! 

A few highlights of our vacation were a trip to the ocean, a day at the Museum of Natural Sciences and my husband and daughter had a five hour behind the scenes tour of NASA space center.   We especially loved our walks on Buffalo Bayou Park hike and bike walkways:

Here are some stunning photos I took at the museum! There were so many gorgious gems -

And bones from ancient critters – no NO! Don’t eat my Mr:

And I was delighted and awestruck by the Faberge display:

Incredible Faberge “egg”

With it’s exquisite tiny (probably an inch tall) elephant all cast out of precious gems and metals.  How did they do this way back when???

Thanks for stopping by today.

Note to Shannon.  Thank you for your comment, sharing your  story about critters.  I miss you!  Hope you’re all settled in your new home.  Please send me your email so we can stay in touch – its lovely to hear from you.