Don't Be Sad Card - TMS #517

Happy Tuesday! The weeks keep rolling by and each week we have a new challenge at Tuesday Morning Sketches. This weeks sketch was designed by Debbie Foster and I decided to turn it to accommodate the image I wanted to use. The image is called Sad Stymie by Unity Stamps and it was stamped with black Memento ink. So how will you use this sketch? I can't wait to see your card in the gallery. Click HERE for all the challenge details and design team inspiration. Don't forget to link your card by 8 pm EST on Sunday.

This Don't Be Sad Card was made for my hubby in an attempt to cheer him up. Challenges entered: Alphabet Challenge (K for Kind Thoughts), Krafty Chicks (Masculine) and Southern Girls (Father's Day/Masculine).

Sketch #517:

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Bee Happy Card - TMS #508

Happy Tuesday! It's the middle of June and the official start to summer is almost here. I'm not a hot weather fan, so I will be happy to stay indoors and craft! I hope you're in the crafting mood, because today is the start of another sketch challenge at Tuesday Morning Sketches. I was inspired to create a scene using a new stamp set and coordinating dies by Hello Bluebird called Bee Happy. This weeks sketch was designed by Debbie Foster and I can't wait to see how you use it. For all the challenge details and design team inspiration click HERE. So glad you stopped by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered:

• Daring Cardmakers: Come, fly with me!
• Inkspirational: Garden
• The Sisterhood of Crafters: Three B's (Birds, Bees, Butterflies) use any or all

Sketch #508:

Little Moments Card - TMS #504

Happy Tuesday! We had a rainy and stormy night last night, so today I'm hoping for some sunshine. If it's raining where you are then it's a great excuse to stay inside and play along with our new weekly sketch at Tuesday Morning Sketches. To help inspire you the design team have created some lovely examples. You have until 8 pm EST on Sunday to link your creation. Click HERE for all the challenge details. We hope you will join us and play along with this weeks sketch.

When I started making this Little Moments Card I was in the mood to make something positive and cheerful. So, I selected a recently purchased stamp set from Unity Stamps called Little Moments Big Life by Lisa Arana. Then I picked papers from the Hello Sunshine paper pad by Fancy Pants Designs (2017). Copic markers were used to color the image and the sentiment stamp was stamped using Memento black ink. Since the focal image was more rectangle in design it's taller than the square in the sketch layout and I used a straight element in place of the zig zag. Everything was adhered flat for easy shipping. So glad you stopped by! Wishing you a happy and crafty day.

Challenges entered:

• Addicted to Stamps: Flowers
• Get Creative: Anything Goes
• Path of Positivity: Anything Goes/Admiration Twist

Sketch #504:

Light in the Heart Card

Hello and thanks for stopping by! This Light in the Heart Card was made using a stamp set from Unity Stamps designed by Lisa Arana. When I came across this set I pretty much fell in love with the sentiment. "Beauty is not in the face: beauty is a light in the heart." I just love it! After stamping the image it was colored with Copic markers then die cut with a stitched circle die. All patterned papers are from the Lucky Charm paper pad by American Crafts (2012). Everything was adhered flat for easy shipping and that's it. Wishing you a happy and crafty day!

Challenges entered:

• Crafty Catz: Anything Goes/Female Twist
• Crafts Galore Encore: Anything Goes  
• Craftyhazelnut's: Patterned Paper
• Word Art Wednesday: Anything Goes

Encouragement Card - TMS #502

Well, it's another happy Tuesday!!! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will join the challenge this week at Tuesday Morning Sketches. It features one of my favorites shapes... the circle. Circles just make me happy! It's been a while since I've made a masculine card, so that's the direction I took with this Encouragement Card. To allow for the sentiment I turned the sketch horizontal and placed the circles where I thought they looked best. I'm looking forward to how you will use the sketch. For all the challenge details and design team inspiration click HERE. You have until 8 pm EST to link your creation to the Tuesday Morning Sketches blog. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered: Dragonfly Dreams- Anything Goes

Sketch #502:

Rainy Day Card

It's been really cold and rainy the last few days which always makes me want to stay home. So, today I played in my craft room and made this Rainy Day Card using the Newton's Rainy Day stamp set by Newton's Nook. The Monday challenge at Simon Says is Whatever The Weather, so I thought this image was perfect. Copic markers were used to color the image and then it was die cut using the coordinating die. The layout is from the current Inky Paws sketch challenge and I used plaid paper by Doodlebug Designs to play along at Cupcake Inspirations. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day.

Bee-lieve in You Card - TMS #493

Happy Tuesday! This weeks challenge at Tuesday Morning Sketches features a new sketch designed by Melissa Craig. I had a lot of fun making this Bee-lieve in You Card using a stamp by Unity Stamps. Now it's your turn to use this weeks sketch and join the challenge. You have until Sunday at 8 pm EST to link your creation. Click HERE for all the design team inspiration and challenge details.

While cleaning the other day I found a loose piece of yellow gingham paper and after deciding to use the Bee Supportive stamp by Unity it seemed perfect for this card. The kraft bee paper is from the Spring Fling 6x6 paper pad by Pebbles (2015) and everything was matted to a piece of Basic Black cardstock. Using this weeks sketch for the layout made making this card super easy. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered:

• Artistic Inspirations: Anything Goes
• Path of Positivity: Anything Positive/Friendship
• The Paper Players: Spring Fever

Sketch:

Reason to Smile Card - TMS #491

Happy Tuesday! This week at Tuesday Morning Sketches we are continuing to feature our favorite sketches of 2018. The sketch this week was chosen by Melissa and it's sketch #441 from last February. Click HERE for the original post and inspiration. The design team has some wonderful and creative inspiration using this sketch, click HERE for all the challenge details. The challenge closes on Sunday at 8 pm EST. I'm looking forward to viewing your creations this week!

When I was considering which floral stamp set to use for this weeks sketch it didn't take me long to decide on Fab Flowers by Lawn Fawn. The papers are from the Carta Bella Flora no. 2 paper pad and the sentiment stamp is by Impression Obsession. Thanks for stopping by and come back again soon.

Challenges entered: Dragonfly Journeys (GaGa for Gingham), Lil Patch of Crafty Friends (Anything Goes) and Path of Positivity (Anything Positive/Optional Love Twist).

Sketch:

Tiny Miracles Card - TMS #490

Happy Tuesday! Are you ready to play along with another Tuesday Morning Sketches challenge? This week we are featuring Lori's favorite sketch from 2018 and she selected sketch #442 from last February. Click HERE to see the original post. You have until Sunday at 8 pm EST to link your creation. Click HERE for all the design team inspiration and challenge details. I hope to see your card in the gallery!

This Tiny Miracles Card features a butterfly and sentiment by Unity Stamps called New Fluttering Miracles. The stamp set was sitting out on my craft desk and I thought the size of the butterfly worked well with the focal area in the sketch. Copic markers were used to color the image and it was die cut with an Alterations square die by Tim Holtz. The floral patterned paper has gold foil leaves and nice pretty colors. It's from the Amy Tangerine Sunshine & Good Times 6x6 paper pad by American Crafts (2017). Highland Heather cardstock by Stampin' Up! was used to mat the floral paper and die cut scallop detail. The sentiment was stamped onto a piece of scrap blue paper and a small gold twine bow added to finish off the card. That's it! I'm hoping you have time to play along with this weeks sketch. Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges entered: Animal Friends (Butterflies), A Place To Start (Inspirational Die or Stamp) and Stamping Sensations (All Things Bright and BEAUtiful).

Sketch:

Sloth Hang in There Card

This time of years isn't always cheerful. I know a lot of people who struggle with the holidays, myself included. Right now my brother is going through a difficult time and I didn't get to see him over Christmas. In efforts to lift his spirits I made this Sloth Hang in There Card for him.

The sloth image is by Lawn Fawn from the Hang In There stamp set and it was die cut with the coordinating dies. Copic markers were used to color the image and distress inks in Tumbled Glass and Chipped Sapphire for the oval area. The patterned paper is from the Land of the Sahara paper pad by The Paper Studio. An oval frame accents the focal area and that's it, simple and easy to ship. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered:

• Creative Knockouts: Anything Goes
• Cute Card Thursday: Anything Goes
• Simon Says: Wednesday Anything Goes
• The Creative Crafters: Anything Goes

Newton's Ice Cream Card

This week I was really excited to receive my recent Newton's Nook order! The new Newton's Summer Treats stamp set is super cute! When I was growing up I remember my mom would eat ice cream almost every night. I'm pretty sure her motto is "ice cream solves everything," so when I saw this set I knew it would be perfect for numerous cards. This Newton's Ice Cream Card was created using the sketch challenge at Inky Paws. I was definitely feeling a sherbet vibe with the colors selected. All patterned paper are from the Sugar & Spice paper pad by Doodlebug Designs. Some Lemon Ice Stickles was added to the strip of yellow paper for some sparkle. Copic markers were used to color the image and I colored the kitty to look like my first house cat. That's it, no other embellishments were added and everything was adhered flat for easy shipping. Thanks for stopping by and may the rest of your day be wonderful!

Challenges entered:

• Alphabet Challenge: Ice Cream
• Cardz 4 Galz: Food and/or Drink
• Crafting with Dragonflies: Spots and Stripes
• Inky Paws: Sketch #77

My first house cat, she was so pretty and sweet.

Use Punches or Dies at Crafty Catz

Happy Friday! It's time for a new challenge at Crafty Catz. The challenges are always anything goes with an optional twist. This weeks option is to Use Punches or Dies, super easy! The sponsor this week is A Day For Daisies and I've used their Hoppity image. We would love for you to play along. Click HERE for all the challenge details and design team inspiration.

Challenges entered:

• Cute Card Thursday: Bugs or Butterflies
• Crafting By Designs: Anything Goes
• Word Art Wednesday: Anything Goes

The last couple of days have been super hot here in Oklahoma. In the morning my outdoor rabbits will be eating grass but in the afternoon they are laying around in my flowerbeds where it's shady. I like to watch them, so I usually check on them several times a day. Below is a picture out my back window of one laying down by the bushes. My hubby put the white piece of lattice up to help give more shade and the rabbit will lay under it. The birds love to use the lattice to rub their head and bodies on, it's fun to watch. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

If Flowers were Hugs Card

Happy Tuesday! We had a wonderful rain shower this morning and it cooled the air temperature, so I ran a couple of errands to take advantage of the cooler weather. With the gloomy skies it seemed like a good time to make a bright and cheerful card. A couple of weeks ago I received my order from the new Stampin' Up! catalog and I finally inked up the Abstract Impressions stamp set. Using new colors: Mango Melody, Granny Apple Green, Shaded Spruce, Grapefruit Grove and Pineapple Punch. To accent the stamped image both ends of the Mango Melody cardstock was embossed with one of the Petal Pair embossing folders. A retired butterfly stamp and punch were used for the little butterfly and that's it. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

This If Flowers were Hugs Card is entered into the following challenges:

• Dragonfly Dreams: Anything Goes
• Stamping Sensations: Anything Goes

Mouse Big Flower Card

When life gets tough as it sometimes does, it's best to take it one day at a time. I love using this sentiment by Verve Stamps. It makes a wonderful card to send a few weeks after a sympathy card. When I was looking through my stash this past weekend I realized I had no cards ready with this sentiment. So, I used one of my favorite Bugaboo images called Mouse Big Flower to create this card.

This card is entered into the following challenges:

• Crafty Animals: Anything with Animal
• Crafty Sentiments: Anything Goes
• Tuesday Throwdown: Anything Goes
• Catch The Bug: Bingo (Sentiment, Player's Choice and Stitching)

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Encouragement Card

Life can be hard sometimes! My youngest niece is in the eighth grade and recently a father of one of her friends passed away. Her friend has really leaned on my niece because she lost her mother, my sister, when she was six years old. It's times like these when all those feelings of loss and grief resurface. I made this Encouragement Card for my niece to give her friend. There is nothing that makes this time easier but support and kindness makes a big difference.

Encouragement Card Supplies:

• Paper: White, black and red cardstock along with patterned papers from Simple Stories Life In Color paper pad.
• Stamps: Mouse-Big Flower image by Bugaboo Digi Stamps and One Day at a Time sentiment by Verve Stamps.
• Inks & Coloring: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers.
• Other Stuff: Cross-stitched oval die by My Favorite Things, Fiskars Deckle scissors, blue twine from The Twinery and dimensionals.

Challenges entered: 

• Crafting Circle: Bugaboo Images
• Brown Sugar: Anything Goes
• Allsorts: Forest Friends
• Catch The Bug: Bingo (Dots/Stripes, Flowers & Sentiment)

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Dreams Come True Card

Hope you're having a wonderful day! I'm still recovering from surgery and each day I'm feeling a little better. It's still hard to sit for long periods of time, so it took me awhile to finish this Dreams Come True Card. I made this card to play along in the following challenges:

• Newton's Inky Paws: Color 
• Simon Says Stamp: Add a Sentiment
• Crafty Creations: Anything Goes
• Show Us Your Pussies: Furrything Goes

To create this card I started with a piece of white cardstock and a quarterfoil stencil by Clear Scraps along with Peacock Feathers distress ink and Melon Mambo ink by Stampin' Up!. Then I stamped the Newton's Naptime with Memento black ink and colored with Copic markers. A stitched rectangle die by Lil' Inkers was used to cut the image and it was matted to a slightly larger piece of black cardstock. The sentiment was stamped, punched and matted to a scalloped oval punch and then everything was adhered flat for easy mailing. For the final touch three pink sequins were added for sparkle and that's it. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Choose Happy Card with Pig

Hello and happy Tuesday! Today is the start of an Anything Goes challenge at Tuesday Throwdown. After two years as part of the design team at Tuesday Throwdown this will be my last post as part of their team. It's been a lot of fun and it went by really quickly! Thank you for following along over the last couple of years and I hope to continue to see each of you around blogland.

Our sponsor this week is DRS Designs and I'm using their Leonard Pig Blowing Bubbles image. It's such a cute image and could be used for multiple different occasions. We would love for you to join the challenge this week! Click HERE for all the details and design team inspiration. You have until mid-day on Monday, August 21st to link your creation.

This Choose Happy Card with Pig was made almost completely while standing up. Last week I had an outpatient surgery and the plan was to finish my card before, but I totally procraftinated!!! There was some cleaning but mostly procrastination. My pain level after surgery has been more than I expected and sitting is challenging. So, I was able to sit to color the image at my computer desk but after that I stood while I made this card. Everything used was on my craft desk or at a level that I didn't have to bend over. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see your creation in the gallery at Tuesday Throwdown.

Challenges entered:

• Dragonfly Dreams: Animals
• Crafty Friends: Anything Goes
• Crafting from the Heart: Anything Goes

Give You Strength Card

It's been awhile since I've made a sympathy card but this week a church friend, from my high school days, lost her husband. Although I haven't seen her in a very long time I want to send her a card. This Give You Strength Card was inspired by and example on Verve Stamps website for their Forever in Our Hearts stamp set, click here. The butterflies are from my favorite stamp set by Stampin' Up! called Watercolor Wings and they were stamped using Peekaboo Peach and Cajun Craze classic stampin' pads. The patterned paper is by Quick Quotes and the Fancy Fan embossing folder is retired by Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered:

• Inky Chicks: Sentiment Instead of Image
• Shopping Our Stash: Butterflies, Bees & Bugs
• Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes

Happy Together Toucans Card

When the mail arrived today I was thrilled to see my Newton's Nook order!!! Last week when they revealed their new July release I couldn't wait to order the Toucan Party stamp set and coordinating dies. So I immediately went into the house and got inky with my new goodies. This Happy Together Toucans Card was made for the following challenges:

• Newton's Inky Paws: Tropical
• Creative Knockouts: Sew It Up 
• Through The Purple Haze: Anything with Wings

The finished size of the card is 5.25" square. I started by using the Newton's Nook Tropical Leaves Stencil and a piece of retired Pistachio Pudding cardstock by Stampin' Up!. The ink colors include both distress inks and Stampin' Up! classic ink pads in several shades of green. Copic markers were used to color the Toucans, leaves and flower and then the images were die cut. I decided to cut a heart into the middle of the stenciled paper and then added a piece of tumbled glass inked cardstock. A piece of Garden Green cardstock was used as a mat and then I stitched around the edges. Then I dug through the scrap bin to find the right piece of woodgrain paper for a little ledge for the toucan image to sit on. The Be Happy Together sentiment was stamped using Memento black ink and three blue sequins were added for sparkle. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

For more Toucan inspiration visit the Newton's Nook Toucan Party Stamp Set reveal!

Garden Cat Hugs Card

Hello crafty friends! Since I started this blog back in 2012 I've been playing along with challenges at Catch The Bug and the Stella Says Sketch  challenge has always been one of my favorites. I'm excited to share this Garden Cat Hugs Card with you as a Guest Designer for the challenge. Click here for the sketch, challenge details and design team inspiration. It's a bi-weekly challenge, so you have some time to play along. I hope to see your card in the gallery!

This Garden Cat - Plant Pot image is one of the first digital images I purchased and I've used it several times. I think the cat looks sad, so I usually use it for an encouragement card. The image was colored with Copic markers, trimmed and matted to Watermelon Wonder cardstock by Stampin' Up!. All patterned paper is from the Echo Park Just Be You paper pad. Other cardstock colors include: Daffodil Delight and Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!. The {{HUGS}} sentiment is from a Fiskars Hello Fabulous stamp set. A stamped flower from the Flower Shop stamp set by Stampin' Up! was added with a circle glitter sticker by Jolee's in the center and that finishes the card. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

I'm entering this Garden Cat Hugs Card into the following challenges:

• Hiding in My Craft Room: 3 Designer Papers
• Brown Sugar: Anything Goes
• Crafty Catz: Anything Goes w/ Twist: Touch of Pink