Purrfect Sentiments

Flower Challenge

2011-01-20T11:38:00.001-06:00

The new challenge is up at Angel Creative Updates. You are challenged this time to use two types of flowers. Not daisies and roses, but at least two styles: stamped, die cut, folded paper, embossed, floral paper, brads, etc. I've seen enough snow for awhile and ready to think about spring and flowers. Join in with your creation!

Paper Cutz Challenge with Metal

2011-01-06T21:14:00.001-06:00

Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to use metal. I made this masculine card for OWH. The stars and baseball brads are made of metal. I love the tan/blue/maroon color combo. Entries are due by Thursday night, January 13, 2011.

Don't forget to visit my other blog Angel Creative Updates and check out the new challenge over there. "Keeping Warm with Fur" is the theme and you have until January 18, 2011 to enter.

"Angel" Challenge #4

2011-01-04T06:16:00.000-06:00

Two weeks seems to be working a little better than every week. The new challenge (#4) at Angel Creative Updates is "Keeping Warm with Fur". On those cold winter days wouldn't it be nice to snuggle in a nice warm fur coat?? (Real or synthetic). For this challenge you must use an image of an animal with fur (cat, dog, bear, etc).

This is a 2 week challenge (a little more manageable for me) so all creations need to be in by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. Submissions are on the Angel Creative Updates blog. Good luck and share your talents!

"Angel" Challenge #2

2010-12-14T06:15:00.002-06:00

Theme: A Child's Birthday

Since Christmas is the birthday of Jesus, I am extending that to birthday cards for children in general. Make a card, layout, ATC (artist trading card) or other project appropriate for celebrating a child's birthday. You may use any colors, but "Happy Birthday", "Birthday Wishes" or similar sentiment must be visible. Again you may use images from any source but if you use stamps from The Angel Company and cite them in your supply list on your blog, you will have an extra entry for the drawing.

The prize this week, determined by random.org, is a package of assorted ribbons.

Be sure to review the Challenge Rules.
This week's challenge will be due Tuesday, December 21st @ 6:00 a.m. US central time.

Submit your creation on Angel Creative Updates.

Here is my sample for the challenge.

Image: The Angel Company - Boyz & Girlz
Sentiment: The Angel Company
Cardstock: Recollections
Pearls: Mark Richards
Charm & Heart Brads from stash.

Last week's winner for the gratitude card is Kateri! While there were only a couple of entries, I am hoping to see more this week.

Reminder - Deadline for First Angel Creative Updates Challenge

2010-12-12T22:06:00.002-06:00

Gratitude Challenge

Less than 36 hours left to submit your entry to the First Angel Creative Updates Challenge!

Both of these cards are made with The Angel Company stamps and TAC papers too! Remember you can use images from any source: stamped, digital or none at all. Let's see some more participation! Submit your cards at angelcreativeupdates. Challenge closes at 6 a.m. (central time) Tuesday, December 14th. New challenge will be posted before noon the same day.

First Angel Creative Updates Challenge

2010-12-06T17:00:00.003-06:00

Since Purrfect Sentiments gets more exposure than Angel Creative Updates, I am going to list the challenge on both blogs. You will need to go to Angel Creative Updates to submit your creation.

Before I give you the specifics of the challenge, let's get those pesky rules out of the way.

Submission must meet the challenge
Must be a new creation: not posted before the day the challenge begins
Limit 3 submissions per crafter
Link from your post to the Angel Creative Updates blog
When prizes are offered, the winner will be chosen by random.org unless otherwise stated

If your submission uses an Angel Company stamp and you identify The Angel Company in your supply list with your posting, it will be entered twice in the drawing I will take care of the extra chance to win (you do not need to double post).

Challenge #1

Theme: Thank You

Must have a sentiment expressing gratitude

Create a new card, tag, bookmark, layout or 3D project

Upload a photo to the Angel Creative Updates blog using the inlinkz option

Due Tuesday, December 14th @ 6:00 a.m. U.S. central time

Prize

2 chipboard albums

(Use as mini albums or take apart

and use the chipboard shapes individually)

Eventually I will put together a Design Team, but until then, you get my samples.

Dog/cat image: The Angel Company: Furry Friends
Colored with Copic Markers
Sentiment: The Angel Company: Joyful Notes
Yellow & Green cardstock: Recollections
White cardstock: Georgia Pacific
Tag: Cricut Cartridge Plantin Schoolbook
Crystals: Recollections
Two tone Ribbon: Textured Trios (for Michaels)
Flowered Ribbon: Discount Bin (No name on spool)

I hope to see lots of entries. Enjoy your crafting time!

New Challenges

2010-12-06T05:30:00.001-06:00

Angel Creative Updates will be challenging you in the near future! Angel Creative Updates is my other blog, dedicated to The Angel Company products. I am an independent "angel".

As soon as I get myself organized the challenge will be posted. I picked a good time of year to do this didn't I? Check back, I hope to have this rolling by tonight or tomorrow. I hope you will participate and let your friends in on the fun!

Last Present

2010-12-02T22:26:00.000-06:00

We have had a tradition in our family - since the kids got older - that one present for each person had a special identifier on it. Some years it has been an ornament. Some years it has been a mini (2-3 inch) teddy bear. But this item would identify each person's "last present". No one wants the last present they open to be socks or underwear or a gag gift. This made sure that it was a quality present at the finish.

Whether the opening was organized or chaotic, everyone know NOT to open the "last present". Once everyone was down to their "last present" then they were opened by age - oldest to youngest or vice versa. This year we won't all be together at the same time but I am still going to make something to identify the "last present". Now I know that opening them in their homes with the "other side of the families" may mean that it isn't actually last. But I will know that they know that this is the particularly special present from us this year. This year I am making jumbo tags. Here is the first one finished. Only eleven more to go!

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to use two different patterned paper to make a card, layout or other project. My materials:

Plaid paper from Paper Pizzazz
Wordy paper is from Imaginesce
Peppermint brad
Ornament charm
Glittery pipe cleaner
Tag was cut using Cricut's Plantin Schoolbook cartridge

Another almost purrfect Christmas image

2010-11-29T23:07:00.001-06:00

No kitty. No Michu. Sir Chester won't let me give 5 stars to an image without a kitty so this one gets 4 1/2 stars. Seriously, it is another fun image for your holiday cards and layouts.

Materials:

Image from Soft Pencil
Colored with Copic Markers
Snowflake Dazzles from Paper Wishes
Sentiment cut on Cricut using red shiny self stick paper
Green cardstock from DCWV
White cardstock from Georgia Pacific

Valentines for OWH

2010-11-25T22:05:00.001-06:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is "Anything Goes". Well, my creativity is being focused on Valentines for OWH (Operation Write Home). While here in the states we are preparing for Christmas, the Christmas cards to the military have already been shipped. Valentines need to go out by the first week of January. I especially liked the way this Valentine turned out.

If you are tired of working in green and red for Christmas or blues with the snowmen, consider making some Valentines for our military to send to their special loves. Make them extra special. The families give up so much while their loved ones are serving our country. The holidays are difficult but Valentine's Day is a "couple;s holiday". Hard to celebrate when half of the couple is halfway around the world.

Let's keep them all in our prayers no matter what the holiday. We just want them to return home safely.

Lil Sailors

2010-11-23T22:05:00.000-06:00

Those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere are getting ready (or already dealing with) snow for the holidays. South of the equator it is spring going into summer. Elizabeth, the creator of the Soft Pencil Images lives in Argentina. She is getting warm weather. This week's spotlight is on a summer image.

So in Kansas we have cold weather, in Argentina they are getting ready for summer. In the world of Operation Write Home - we are making Valentines! Yes Valentines are due to the shippers by the first week of January. This Soft Pencil card will be in the box of Valentines being sent to our military personnel. Appropriate image don't you think??

Michael's Christmas Challenge Week #2

2010-11-21T15:55:00.000-06:00

I missed out on Week #1 of the Michael's Challenge on Facebook, but had a lot of fun with week #2. The required materials are: a 13 inch charger, scrapbook paper and adhesive. My project is a clock - not just any clock, but a Twelve Days of Christmas Clock. The images for the 12 Days of Christmas song take the place of the numbers (although I did include the 4 "compass point" numbers)

Materials:

13 inch gold charger
Crayola Chipboard album (1 page only)
Cricut Joyous Noel cartridge
Oh My Vinyl: red and black
Accent Depot number brads
Imaginesce Gumdrop brad
Gold/white cording from Michael's
Adhesives: Zip Dry, Xyron sticker maker, Dimension squares.
Vintage Santa scrapbook paper
clock hands/mechanism

Here is a close-up look at the cording and vintage paper. Wish me luck! Deadline is midnight tonight and the new challenge will be posted early Monday morning.

Phindy's Sleigh

2010-11-18T21:12:00.000-06:00

The Phindy Challenge, ending tonight, is to make a Christmas card using a Phindy image. I played around with a few - especially ones with kitties (Chester insists) but decided to go with the horse drawn sleigh.

Shiny Things

2010-11-18T11:01:00.000-06:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to make a Christmas card, layout or project using lots of bling!. Get out the glitter, the crystals, the foil and SHINE!

How many Christmas cards have you made? How many left to make?? Let the challenges give you the incentive to get crafting. It is almost Thanksgiving and despite what the calendar says, Christmas is just a few days later.

Merry Christmas: Snow Memories

2010-11-15T18:26:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas is this week's featured Soft Pencil image. Remember those snowy mornings. The walk or driveway freshly shoveled so the wetness reflected the light. The snow in the yard was still pristine.

DCWV Summer Dream Cardstock (with glitter)
Image colored with Copics
Image enhanced with Paper Glaze
Snowflake brads
Gold/White cording

**********************************************************
An additional message from Elizabeth at Soft Pencil:

• I´ll berunning a sale on my Etsy shop during the month of November: 20% OFF on all mydesigns (digi-stamps, clipart, printables, etc.)

• Startingon November 30 my own shop (softpencilshop.blogspot.com) will be closed until thenext year so only my Etsy shop will be open.

• All mycurrent goodies will be available ONLY until January 2

New subject

2010-11-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

Our newest grandson arrived this morning at 7:41 a.m. Alexander (Xander) William weighed in at 8 lbs 7oz. Gonna be tall like his Daddy and big brother measuring 20.5 inches long. Everyone is doing fine. Now grandma has a new subject for scrapbook pages! Photos with brother Zerek and cousins Max & Mason will be fun to use in layouts.

Thankful for Understanding Friends

2010-11-11T22:47:00.001-06:00

I have been behind in too many of my commitments lately. Late or missing DT assignments. I did resign from one DT thinking that would help. I am preoccupied with the new grandchild coming, my painful knee, etc etc. BUT that is no excuse. My dear friends IRL and on the MBs are standing by me. I thank you!!

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to make a Thanksgiving card using buttons and bows. Well, I used ribbon and a round chipboard disk (LOL). Somehow I missed the b&b part until I had the card finished and photographed. Therefore once again I have to beg the mercy and forgiveness of my friends. My heart is sincere in my thanks for your friendships.

OWH Midweek Throwdown Challenge

2010-11-11T06:55:00.001-06:00

This week's challenge is to make a "Thinking of You" card and use ribbon on it. I used a photo my son took of an eagle while camp/canoeing in the Boundary Waters near Ely, MN. The "I am Soooooo Thinking of You" stamp is from The Angel Company. I used a gatefold format. The completed card is 4 in by 4 in and will fit in an A2 envelope.

Also Archway Cookies has pledged 4000 Cookies for 4000 Valentines. Deadline is December 1st for these Valentines (the cookies will go to the troops). The overall deadline for Valentines is the first week of January. Put some extra effort into making the Valentines (remember - NO Glitter). Most soldiers will be sending just one or maybe a few Valentines to those most special people in their lives. Spouses and children will be the main recipients. Let's give them cards made with extra care.

3 2 1 Christmas!

2010-11-10T03:52:00.000-06:00

I'm taking a little liberty with the name of Phindy's Challenge this week. It is actually 1 2 3. I used:

3 large circle brads: blue, red, purple
2 papers: HOTP coordinating Christmas papers
1 very cute Phindy image colored with Copics

Three, two, one - It's Christmas!!!! Makes this little boy very happy!

Get Organized!

2010-11-08T19:47:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth has designed this cute little calendar for 2011 with Michu flying a kite. I chose to mount it on dark blue cardstock and slide it into a white binder with the clear protector front. It would be perfect to organize:

add some large envelopes to keep tax receipts for the year
use some clear sheet protectors to keep birthday cards for special people for each month. Highlight the birthdays (or posting dates) on the calendar.
keep a few photos for each month/season/occasion separate until you can scrapbook them.

I'm sure you can come up with some good ideas of your own!

\I also used borders from HOTP available at Paper Wishes to outline the calendar.

Better Late...

2010-11-08T19:40:00.000-06:00

Guess I'm the one who needs my own get well card (LOL). The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to make a Get Well card using a stamp (rubber or digital or die cut) of something that flies. I got mine ready only a day late, but was at the lake. I didn't have the memory stick adapter so I could upload the pic.

The butterflies are stamps from The Angel Company. Click on Sir Chester above to link to my other blog which has only information for The Angel Company products and FunShops and specials.... you get the idea.

My Second Favorite Color is Blue

2010-10-26T21:21:00.000-05:00

I love this Phindy Angel with the Metallic Silver/Blue paper from HOTP. The silvery ribbon is from WalMart - I don't remember the brand but I have to go back and get some more. This is my second entry (can we do 2 this week?) for Phindy's favorite color challenge. I couldn't make up my mind between the blue and the green and both cards are going to OWH. The deadline for Christmas cards to the shippers is Saturday!

Favorite Color Green

2010-10-26T21:17:00.000-05:00

The Phindy Challenge this week, well one of them (if you haven't checked out the 1000 member festivities then get over there!) is to use a favorite color. Green is one of mine and of course a kitty of any color is welcome.

Kitty with Identity Crisis

2010-10-25T20:33:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows that black cats rule at Halloween. However Michu rules and Michu is grey. Here are a pair of cards with Michu and witchy friend. Another great Halloween image from Soft Pencil!

Halloween Circles

2010-10-21T23:25:00.001-05:00

This week's Paper Cutz Challenge is: Make a card, LO or craft project for Halloween using stars, circles, diamonds or crescents. I used circles from the polka dot paper to the the tiny gold beads (technically the beads are half spheres, I'm a math teacher). I love the trick or treat bag. It came in an embellishment pack of four. The glitter button is from Oriental Trading and the brads from Paper Wishes. Let's see your creations posted to PCC!

Michu's Mummy?

2010-10-18T23:21:00.001-05:00

Elixabeth (Soft Pencil) has some of the cutest Halloween images. The fact that many of them have Michu (a kitty) has nothing to do with my bias.

Image: Soft Pencil
Colored (minimally) with Copic Markers
Cardstock papers: DCWV
Brads: Paper Wishes

Best Wishes & Blessings for the Bride & Groom

2010-10-14T23:07:00.000-05:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is "Anything Goes". I needed to make a wedding card for my husband's co-worker who is getting married this weekend. She is a scrapbooker, but I'm not sure about card making. I did know that she would enjoy receiving a handmade, unique card.

I started out with one idea. First I changed the paper. Then I switched a lace flower (a little too large) for the ribbon. I found these darling little hearts at a local scrapbook store (Scrapbook Unique in Lenexa KS) when I stopped by the other day. The 3D word sentiments were in the dollar bin at JoAnn's. I considered adding some lace in the upper right corner or some crystals scattered about, but decided the card was fine just like this. Best Wishes and Blessings for the Bride and Groom!

Halloween For Fun (Challenge)!

2010-10-12T23:48:00.001-05:00

I just couldn't resist using one of my favorite Halloween images. He is just soooooo cute! I am keeping most of my Halloween cards fairly simple this year.

Image: Sew Many Cards
Colored with Copic Markers
Sentiment: The Angel Company stamp
Pumpkin Brad: Paper Wishes (HOTP)

Halloween Michu/Ratini Style

2010-10-12T02:45:00.001-05:00

Another darling image for Halloween from Soft Pencil!! I just love Michu. This is a great image for a young child's card - not scary - just fun!

Double Duty Cutie!

2010-10-11T20:39:00.000-05:00

Those of you that know me know that I rarely submit the same card to more than one challenge (more fun to make more cards). However the sketch challenge for OWH and the Phindy Challenge just meshed together soooo well!!

This sweet little boy is enjoying a candy cane.

Image: Phindy's Place
Colored with Copic Markers
Sketch: OWH Sketch Challenge
Papers: HOTP

Red, White & Black Christmas Elegant

2010-10-07T23:41:00.001-05:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to use red, white and black only. Well, I cheated a little. The ribbon I chose did have a little gold filament in it too.

Sentiment: The Angel Company
Red metal flowers: Paper Wishes
Ribbon; Celebrate It (Michael's)

Something New

2010-10-06T01:23:00.000-05:00

For Fun Challenges challenges you to try something new. Think about all those tools and supplies that you bought with good intentions and then never took the time to try out. I have a large box of quilling supplies and a wire writer. I also have several bottles of flocking. That is what I chose to use for this challenge: flocking.

Image: The Angel Company
Flocking: Flower Soft (Toffee)
Colored with Copic Markers
Sentiment: The Angel Company

Happy Anniversary

2010-10-05T01:11:00.000-05:00

This Bride & Groom image from Soft Pencil is purrfect for a wedding or anniversary card. The earth tones and simple style make it appealing to men, the pink beading gives a feminine touch.

Image: Soft Pencil
Colored with Copic Markers
Sentiment: The Angel Company
Acrylic Flourish colored with Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks
Pink and white pearls: Mark Richards
Papers: DCWV

October Surprise - Operation Write Home

2010-10-02T19:17:00.001-05:00

October Surprise is the latest challenge from Operation Write Home. To help ward off the deluge of Christmas cards (due by October 30) they are offering prizes if you get your cards in by October 15th! Click here for more information! Remember - NO GLITTER!

The images in both of these cards are from Phindy's Place. Check out her other Christmas Cuties!

Phindy's Sketch Challenge

2010-10-01T15:31:00.001-05:00

Phindy has a sketch Challenge this week. I had to buy one of the new Christmas cuties. This was one of those times that the papers, the image, the embellishments - they all came together exactly as I wanted them to! So happy with the way this one turned out.

Image: Phindy's Place
Colored with Copic Markers
Sentiment: Imaginisce
Glitter paper: DCWV
DP: AdornIt Carolee's Creations
Peppermint Brads: Paper Wishes

Patterns, Patterns, Patterns

2010-09-30T23:49:00.001-05:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to use 3 patterned papers for your card or layout.

Images are from The Angel Company. For more information about The Angel Company, click on Sir Chester's picture at the top of the page. You will be taken to my other blog, Angel Creative Updates.

Trick or Treat!

2010-09-29T23:16:00.000-05:00

These darling little trick or treaters are from Soft Pencil. Wouldn't they be purrfect on a Halloween card or treat bag?

Image: Soft Pencil
Colored with Copic Markers
Sentiment: The Angel Company

Autumn by the Old Well

2010-09-28T23:38:00.002-05:00

The For Fun Challenge this week is to get ready for fall. Think fall when making your card or layout. But no Halloween yet.

The Challenge is sponsored by Digi Doodles this week. We thank them for the images they provided for the DT. I especially like their Americana/rustic images. The Old Well is one of them. There is also an old barn, milk cans and quilt images. The winner this week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Digi Doodles.

Thank you for Being My Friend!

2010-09-26T09:31:00.000-05:00

The Phindy Challenge this week is make a Thank You card using a Phindy image. I love this little one hugging her "best friend", her bunny!

Image: Phindy's Place
Colored with Copic Markers
Sentiment: The Angel Company
Buttons: Oriental Trading
Pearls: Mark Richards

This Critter is Under the Weather

2010-09-23T08:15:00.001-05:00

Paper Cutz Challenge is to use a stamped, digital or Cricut cut critter on your card, layout or project.

This image is from Phindy's Place, so I am also submitting it to the Phindy Challenge. I don't usually double submit but I really like the way this one turned out.

Best Friend

2010-09-23T01:04:00.001-05:00

Puppies & kitties make great friends. They listen without judging. They always forgive us. They sense when we need a hug. This week's Soft Pencil image spotlight is on our young lady with her dog.

Does this image remind you of a favorite pet??

Vintage Christmas

2010-09-21T23:53:00.002-05:00

The For Fun Challenge this week is to be "vintage" (time period, not wine).

Image from McMahon Five
colored with Copic markers
Glitter paper from DCWV
Ribbon from Michael's
Silver brads from HOTP

No Black No Orange

2010-09-16T23:54:00.001-05:00

Think Halloween: black & orange, right? Wrong! This week's Paper Cutz Challenge is to make a Halloween card without using any black or orange. So I chose an image from Sew Many Cards. It reminds me of my grandson Mason. Something about the belly maybe.... Anyways, I used purple and yellow mainly with greys for the kitty and accents of green and white. Let's see what you can create!

Phindy Goes Green

2010-09-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

The Phindy Challenge this week is to go "green". That can be in color or in reusing materials. I chose to use the color green and an image in a green (natural) setting.

Halloween Peek-A-Boo

2010-09-15T23:56:00.001-05:00

The Soft Pencil image this week is a Halloween Peek-A-Boo. Michu and Ratiny are playing peek-a-boo around the pumpkin.

Image: Soft Pencil
Colored with Copic Markers
Cardstock from DCWV Neutral Mat Stack
Brads & ribbon from stash

Glitter For Fun

2010-09-14T23:27:00.001-05:00

The For Fun Challenge this week is to use glitz & glitter! The trees are an image from The Angel Company's Hedgehog Happiness Hostess stamp set. They are colored with 3 shades of green Copic markers. I used icicle and green Stickles for most of the glittery look. The rest are crystal and pearl stickers. The ribbon is from a St. Patrick's Day ribbon set, but works well for the Christmas holidays as well.

Apple of My Eye

2010-09-09T22:15:00.000-05:00

Sorry I'm late with this week's Soft Pencil creation. I had it all planned out in my brain and then life intervened. I didn't want to mess it up so I delayed it instead. The image is part of the Back to School images, but also works as a note too - You Are the Apple of My Eye!

The patterned papers are DCWV Grade School Stack and the green solid cardstock for the worm and leaf/stem is also DCWV. The white "chalk" marks were made with Versa Magic cloud white.

Black and White plus One

2010-09-07T23:16:00.001-05:00

The For Fun Challenge this week is to make a creation using black, white and one other color. Sassy Studios is the sponsor. One winner will receive 4 Sassy images. Thanks to Sassy Studio for the images provided to the DT.

Halloween Dragon

2010-09-02T23:48:00.001-05:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to use 1 ribbon, 2 buttons and 3 papers. Any theme is okay. I made a Halloween card for OWH. Papers and image are from The Angel Company. The buttons are from Oriental Trading and I think the ribbon is too.

Please consider joining us in the Challenge!

Michu & Ratiny go Back to School

2010-09-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

A new image from Elizabeth at Soft Pencil: our favorite Michu and friend Ratiny. They are ready to go to school or just to write a note.

The DP is DCWV school mat stack. The glittery button is from Oriental Trading. The image is colored with Copic markers.

Christmas

2010-09-01T12:12:00.000-05:00

I took a Copics coloring class last week. I used some of the techniques I learned in coloring this image for the Phindys Challenge. The theme this week is Christmas.

My Three (Grand)Sons

2010-08-31T23:34:00.001-05:00

This week For Fun Challenges is asking for you to make a scrapbook layout. The theme is the End of Summer. This is a tribute to summer (not a fall) layout. I had a wonderful week in Dallas with all 3 grandsons, One day we went to the beach club. It is a pool surrounded by sand. The boys loved it.

Add metal to your card

2010-08-26T23:03:00.001-05:00

Paper Cutz Challenge is to add some metal to your papercraft project this week. You can use clips, ribbon slides, eyelets or brads. Or.... I used a charm. The paper (DCWV cardstock), the sentiment, flower and sequins are all available from The Angel Company.

Dreaming of You

2010-08-26T00:28:00.001-05:00

Sir Chester is dreaming of Michu. The Soft Pencil image being spotlighted today is Michu and the Big Flowers. Sir Chester is catching a nap on the back of the sofa at the lake house. Doesn't he look comfortable? What a life!

For Fun Challenges sponsored by Craft Brulee

2010-08-24T23:58:00.003-05:00

The folks at Craft Brulee are sponsoring the For Fun Challenge this week. They have lovely vintage style embellishments and graciously shared some with the design team.

The flower with the pearls and the lace are from Craft Brulee.
This week's challenge is to use ribbon/lace - theme and colors are your choice.

Oh Baby

2010-08-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

Phindy's Challenge this week is Oh Baby!

I used the Scor Pal to make the 3 plaid boxes and centered a baby charm: rattle, bottle and teddy bear in each of them. The ribbon is actually wrong side up. The right side is primary colors: red, blue and yellow. I wanted a pinkish color so I turned the ribbon over.

Scor Pal Plaid

2010-08-19T23:58:00.003-05:00

This week at Paper Cutz Challenge, anything goes. I used my Scor Pal to make the plaid pattern on the blue paper. The only stamp is the sentiment. It was fun using something other than a stamp as the focal.

Soft Pencil: New Products

2010-08-19T19:40:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth has added new products to the line recently. She has several patterns for embroidery. I used one of them as a card front. I stitched and paper pieced the image (with just a wooden spoon of marker). What do you think?? Check out the other new creations at Soft Pencil.

Hedgehog Love

2010-08-18T00:03:00.001-05:00

The For Fun Challenge this week is to use:
1. ribbon
2. papers
3. embellishments

The stamped image is from The Angel Company. Click on Sir Chester's photo above to learn more about TAC.

Pink Garden

2010-08-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

This is my second entry into Phindy's Place Challenge: Pretty in Pink. This woman reminds me of my Mom. When I was little she used to wear a white scarf (no hat) on her head, tied under the chin.

Check out Phindy's Summer Cuties. They are soooo cute.

Susie in Pink

2010-08-13T13:12:00.000-05:00

The Phindy Challenge for this week is Pretty in Pink. I chose the Phindy image of Sudsy Susie.

2010-08-12T23:17:00.001-05:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge for this week is also "Back to School". I love this paper with the lettering and the ribbon with the numbers. The image is from Bugaboo.Isn't she cute? The smell of new crayons brings back memories.

Ladybug Ladybug

2010-08-12T00:10:00.001-05:00

The Soft Pencil image being showcased this week is the darling ladybug on her flower.

This card will be included in my next batch of cards for Operation Write Home. The cheerful colors and joyful sentiment are appropriate at any time of year.

Elizabeth has also designed some new tags, stationery, etc. AND new Halloween images will be ready soon. Check out the website to see all the new things. (I really like the tags)

FFC and TSB

2010-08-11T01:52:00.001-05:00

The For Fun Challenge this week uses images from The Stamping Boutique. TSB graciously gave the DT images to use for the challenge. This back to school image is is double cut and the girl with her lunch bag is set on pop dots to give dimension. Isn't she cute? I was considering a sentiment of: Have a great time back in school ...... Remember you ARE the TEACHER this time!

Hedgehog Birthday

2010-08-06T01:39:00.000-05:00

Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to include one of a list of furry animals. The hedgehog and squirrel are two of the choices. This adorable hedgehog is an Angel Company stamp. His wagon, gifts, trees, tag and sentiment are all Angel Company too. The ribbon is from Michael's.

I am a demonstrator for The Angel Company. Check out my blog Angel Creative Updates.

Cards for Fall

2010-08-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

Check out the fall cards I made using mostly The Angel Company supplies. Just click here. If you see a paper or stamp that you'd like to have, contact me. I am an independent Angel and can order any of the TAC products you would like.

Summer at the Lake

2010-08-04T00:09:00.002-05:00

This week's theme at For Fun Challenge is "water" as in water/summer: beach, pool, etc. I chose this image from Phindy's Place. It is so peaceful.... and it has a kitty.

Dog Wrap - Equal Time

2010-08-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

Equal time for those dog lovers. Sir Chester does not allow this often, but even he has to admit that this is a very cute image. Second entry for Phindy's challenge since I missed last week.

Phindy Clear and Simple

2010-08-02T07:42:00.000-05:00

Phindy's Challenge this week is to keep it clean and simple. Sir Chester chose her image "Squeezes" - it has a kitty. I embossed the card front with Scor-Pal plaid and used a heart stamp from The Angel Company.

Character Cafe Thursday

2010-07-31T10:45:00.000-05:00

This is my last card as a guest DT for Character Cafe. I am submitting it to Cute Card Thursday. The challenge is to use a lot of "text". It has been a lot of fun working with the other DT members at the Character Cafe.

Love Bug

2010-07-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

The Paper Cutz Challenge this week is a color challenge. Use only red, black, yellow, blue and white.

Materials:

Paper from K&Company
Image from Inktegrity
"Summer" from JoAnn Essentials

A Friend for a Lifetime

2010-07-28T23:54:00.001-05:00

There is a poem out there somewhere about how some friends are with us for a particular time or purpose and then they move on. I've been lucky enough to have few friends that have been there through those times and for those purposes and they are still here.
Soft Pencil DT is using "Molly In Spring" this week. She looks just as happy in Summer as she did in Spring. She has a message for those special friends.

Thank you to all those friends that have stuck with me through good times and bad. Some of you have been around since high school (Mary) and others while we were raising our kids (Mom's Nite Out) and still others as kids became independent and the work force was calling (or maybe it was the checkbook). Some have been neighbors, some co-workers, some fellow musicians. You know who you are.

Bright Summer Colors at For Fun Challenges

2010-07-27T22:58:00.001-05:00

Again we have a sponsor this week at For Fun Challenges. Thanks to the Stamping Boutique for providing the DT with images for this color challenge. Use bright summery colors - go neon if you choose. Be bright and bold and energized!

Bright enough for you?

Happy Birthday Max!

2010-07-26T01:19:00.001-05:00

Our grandson Max is 4 years old today! Since he is into dragons I made him this card using the Doodle Dragon image.

Wheeee - Got Wheels!

2010-07-22T23:38:00.001-05:00

It was so difficult to choose an image for this week's Paper Cutz Challenge card. The theme is wheels. With grandchildren I have collected a lot of images of children and children play with bikes and wagons and big trucks and little cars and.... doll buggies. Well, maybe not the boys, but the girls love them.

Materials used:

Papers from We R Memory Keepers and from HOTP
Image from Phindy's Place
Fabric Sticker from Paper Wishes (possibly HOTP)
Rocking Horse charm bought in bulk on eBay a couple of years ago

GIft Card pocket

2010-07-22T00:10:00.002-05:00

Ever drop a gift card out of a birthday card when you take it out of the envelope? When you send someone a gift card do you worry that they'll lose it? This is a pocket card. It starts as a trifold card and then pockets are added on the 2nd and 3rd pages. Slide a sentiment or photo in one pocket and a check, cash or gift card in the other.

This was not a random choice of cards. The challenge at The Character Cafe is to make a pocket card.
I printed a second copy of the digi and colored/cut out just Froggy. He sits quite nicely in the pocket.

These are fun cards to make. Choose your papers well. I like when I find a good two sided paper. If not, I adapt. Let's see some pocket cards!

Thinking of You x 3

2010-07-21T23:48:00.000-05:00

The Soft Pencil DT is showing off another set of the multi-lingual sentiments that Elizabeth has designed. This time "Thinking of You" is available in English, Spanish and Dutch.

I used some Soft Pencil digital paper, DCWV mat stack and some pale blue pearls. Just missing a kitty....

For Fun Sketch Challenge!

2010-07-20T23:53:00.002-05:00

For Fun Challenges has a sponsor this week! Our thanks to Fairy Knoll for providing the DT with images for this week's sketch challenge.

Fairy Knoll ~ A place where fairies fly and dreams come alive. Fairy Knoll offers digital stamps filled with fantasy and magic ~ we hope you can visit us soon.

The winner will choose 3 images of her choice.

I had to turn the sketch so that the image would be properly framed. Excuse the runaway ribbon please. No matter how I tried to get it straight.... it had other ideas.

Supplies:

Paper from DCWV
Image from Fairy Knoll colored with Copic markers
Butterfly Ribbon from Michael's
Crystals from Michael's
Purple outline Smooches
Iridescent Flowers

From My Heart to Yours

2010-07-20T23:08:00.001-05:00

The Cupcake Craft Challenge this week has the theme "Cats & Dogs". Now normally, you know me, I would have used a cat image. But, this doggy is cute, colorwise he fits the papers and I've been accused of being anti-dog. (I am).

I chose a gatefold card so that the layering would focus on the puppy. This is a more masculine card - perfect for a boyfriend, husband or father.

All supplies are from The Angel Company. Papers are Hemingway and the stamps are from Furry Friends.

My Heart to Yours

2010-07-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

The challenge at Crafty Hos' this week is a sketch. I used materials from The Angel Company (see my TAC blog).

Supplies:
Papers: The Angel Company - Hemingway
Tags: The Angel Company - Hemingway
Stamps: Furry Friends & Hello for All Seasons
Copics: Strong Red

Butterfly Bliss

2010-07-18T16:51:00.000-05:00

The challenge at My Time to Craft (MTTC) is to use a butterfly image. I made this card with supplies from The Angel Company. I am a new demonstrator for The Angel Company which carries a wide variety of rubber stamps with cling - rubber stamps that cling to acrylic blocks. Easy to store, high quality stamps. We carry other card-making supplies and tools too. Check out my other blog: Angel Creative Updates or just click on Sir Chester at the top of the page. Sign up to be a follower and be notified of special offers, new products and other surprises.

Supplies:
Paper: The Angel Company - Tuscany Spice
Tag: The Angel Company - Tutti Frutti
Butterfly and sentiment stamps: The Angel Company - Happily Grateful
Copics: orange & yellow

Head Start

2010-07-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

Cute Card Thursday is challenging everyone to get a head start on their Christmas cards. Well, I've made about 20 cards already, but I wanted to try out some of my new stamps from The Angel Company. (Remember I have a new blog, as a new Angel.).

Lil Fisherman

2010-07-17T01:56:00.000-05:00

I didn't get to enter many challenges this past week because I working on setting up my new blog: Angel Creative Updates. You can reach it by clicking in with Sir Chester at the top of the page. I am a new Angel demonstrator with The Angel Company. If you live in the Kansas City/Lake of the Ozarks areas and want to host a FunShop (workshop) contact me. I would love to come and teach a "Make It & Take It" for you and your crafty friends. The Angel Company sells rubber stamps (which many are also good for elementary grade teachers), and papers, supplies and tools for card-making and scrapbooking.

Tonight, however, I found this little cutie at Phindy's Place. Phindy's Challenge this week is to use a Phindy image and the color blue. So here it is!

Lucky Horseshoe

2010-07-15T23:53:00.005-05:00

The theme of the Paper Cutz Challenge this week is Cowboys/Western. Since part of the family lives in Dallas now, I have collected a few cowboy/western images

.
Materials list:

More Ephemera paper pack from HOTP
Image from Sew Many Cards
Sentiment cut with Cricut Expressions George cartridge
Border from Paper House

Character Cafe meets Cards for Men

2010-07-15T08:53:00.000-05:00

The challenge at Cards for Men, closing Sunday, is to make a Christmas card for a man. I chose an image from Character Cafe.

This cute puppy has that "Oops, you caught me" or "Who me?" look. I kept the embellies to a minimum to give it a more masculine feel.

Froggy's House

2010-07-14T23:39:00.001-05:00

Soft Pencil's DT is showcasing a fairly new character: Froggy and his/her house. Froggy lives in a Mushroom.

Supplies:

Paper from 3 Bugs in a Rug
Image from Soft Pencil
Square brad from stash
Tiny pink flowers - Prima

Summer Cutie

2010-07-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

This is a new Phindy Cutie. Sir Chester insisted we play with it. I wonder why?.......

Clarification on FFC

2010-07-14T06:44:00.000-05:00

The challenge at For Fun Challenges is just asking you to color your image (don't use precolored die cuts). If you like more of a challenge, try a new way of coloring. That is what I did. Helen had promoted using OMS as one of her favorite ways. I usually use Copic markers, but gave the OMS a try.

How about you? Use your favorite method or try something new this week.

OMS Technique (Odorless Mineral Spirits)

2010-07-13T23:50:00.003-05:00

This week at For Fun Challenges we are challenging you to try a (possibly) new technique for you - using odorless mineral spirits with colored pencils. This technique works best if the areas to be colored aren't too little or too vast. Use the colored pencils (decent ones, not dollar specials) to color in the darker parts of the image (stamped or digi) and then scribble it through the rest of the area. Using a tortillion (or tightly rolled white cardstock) dipped in OMS - enough to wet the top 1/4 inch well, but not dripping. Then use it in a swirling motion to dissolve and spread the colored pencil through the rest of the area. It is recommended to have two tortillions - one for light colors and one for the darker. This will give your colored areas shading.

You can see the shading effect the best on the strawberries and the mouse. Materials:

Vintage Sara Papers from HOTP
EKSuccess colored pencils
Image from Phindy's Place
Paper Lace from Creative Imaginations

Having some fun

2010-07-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

Just having some fun tonight. Made a pocket card with Soft Pencil images. Thought I'd share.

Thank you Hero

2010-07-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

As usual I was having trouble sleeping last night. Woke up at 230 and thought it was "morning". So I checked email and then went to the dashboard to see if there were any new/interesting challenges posted. Allsorts was as far as I got. The theme is July Love and the requirement is to have a heart predominantly on the card (not just a little one tucked in a corner somewhere).

If you look at my previous post, I have been working on Operation: Write Home cards for the military. (Blank cards since there isn't a Hallmark shop in Baghdad) OWH also collects "Any Hero" cards - thank you cards with notes & signed - thanking the individual soldier for their service. So above is my entry to the Allsorts Challenge and then I will add my note and it will go in the box as an Any Hero card.

This is a USA project and I realize that Allsorts is visited by people all over the world. Maybe there is a similar program in your country.... or consider asking about starting one. On a smaller scale, see if there is a hospital or nursing home that would like your cards. Just in leftover challenge cards I have 10 or so a week. I've been making some cards specifically for the project and will drop off my 2nd 100 cards since June 1st next week.

Have a good weekend.

Orange, Purple & Black

2010-07-10T04:20:00.002-05:00

We've had many challenges over the last few weeks that have included the colors: red, white & blue. Rightly so. But..... then the challenges went to Christmas is July type colors: red, green, white. Many more challenges were "summer" so that was blue (water/sky), tan (sand), bright colors for beachwear and accessories, BBQs, etc.

So I checked the OWH (Operation Write Home) webpage and saw that Halloween cards will need to be done no later than mid September.
While that seems a long way off, We are talking roughly 8 weeks.

All three of these cards used images of Tayla from Sew Many Cards.
Since the project started in 2007, over 469,000 cards have been shipped out to our military units. Thanks for helping.

Romantic mood

2010-07-09T20:08:00.000-05:00

This simple but romantic image of the flower in the wine bottle is the second design for July from Delightful Inspiration.. I colored it and chose papers to support the 100th challenge at Color Throw Down. The colors this week are: Certainly Celery (wine bottle), Real Red (sentiments, neck band on bottle and flower), Regal Rose (fluid in the bottle, center of flower) and Baja Breeze (bottle label, background paper. This card will be sent to OWH.

Blog Hop Winner

2010-07-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

The Character Cafe Blog Hop winner from Purrfect Sentiments is DianeL. You will be receiving your Poppies image from Kendra. Thanks to all for participating in the Character Cafe Blog Hop.

Don't forget to check out this week's new challenge.

Season's Greetings

2010-07-08T23:08:00.001-05:00

Paper Cutz Challenge this week is to create a Christmas card without any red or green. So I used blue, white and brown. The image is RooCat from Prairie Fairy. The paper is from American Crafts. "Season's Greetings" is cut from teal vinyl on the Cricut Expression using the Beyond Birthdays cartridge. Blue and silver snowflake brads were purchased at Paper Wishes.

Now it is your turn.

Who's at the Gate?

2010-07-08T23:05:00.001-05:00

The Character Cafe Challenge this week is to make a gate fold card. There are some on line video instructions available. I, of course, accidently picked the more involved gate fold card. But it was fun.

Quinn the duck was my first attempt. I think it came out okay. I used double sided heavy weight designer paper. The blue would be easier to write a note on , so it got the priority. The backside is the orange which I used to mat the image.

This nutty rascal is so cute. I used him for another challenge earlier in the week (on regular rectangular card). I like the way this one came out.
While not as colorful, the shades of brown are rich and appropriate for

this guy.

Happy Birthday in any language

2010-07-07T23:42:00.001-05:00

I'm a gate card obsession at the moment. The Soft Pencil team is highlighting the "Happy Birthday" sentiments available in three languages: English, Spanish and Dutch. The outside image is Michu and Ratiny singing Happy Birthday (or any other song you choose).

Then on the inside are the English and Spanish birthday greetings. You can purchase a sentiment in the three languages or several sentiments in a single language.

Character Cafe Blog Hop

2010-07-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

A couple of days left on the Character Cafe Blog Hop.
Click here for my post on the hop!

Patriotic Mrs Comfy

2010-07-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

My second entry for Phindy's Challenge is Mrs. Comfy. She was a challenge since there is so much detail and only a couple of colors.... What do you think??

Summer Fruits

2010-07-07T04:32:00.000-05:00

The Cute Card Thursday Challenge this week took a different direction than most of the others. The theme is Fruit. The fruit can be on the paper, the embellies, the image - wherever.

Paper: K&Company
Image: Bugaboo
Sentiment: Cricut Expressions Beyond Birthdays cartridge cut from Oh My Vinyl