Paper Cutz Challenge - travelling

 Since it is June and school is out, or soon will be, it is time for family vacations. Those who are retired, empty nesters or otherwise not tied to school schedules stay home at this hectic time.

The theme at Paper Cutz Challenge this week is vacation. The requirement is to use a stamp (rubber or digi) that shows a vehicle for traveling (airplane, car, RV, etc.). This cute Jeep digi is from Inktegrity. It is colored with Copics. Yellow and clear crystals accent the lights on the Jeep. The lettering is cut on Cricut Expression using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge. The heart brads are from Paper Wishes.

Have an enjoyable summer of crafting. Be sure to stop by often.

DT creations: Soft Pencil Challenge

When Elizabeth asked if I would guest DT in June for Soft Pencil, I didn't hesitate. I love the digis that she draws especially those with Michu (who isn't in this one, sorry Sir Chester).

This week we are showcasing "My New Tiny Friends" Aren't they cute! I like to use the Copic color "Light Mahogany" for hair color on SP digis. With the yellow of the chicks and the sun, I chose a lilac color scheme. The flowers were cut on Cricut Expression using the "Walk in My Garden" cartridge. They are secured with small circular yellow brads. The ribbon is American crafts (from Michael's) and the crystals are from Paper Wishes.

Soft Pencil also has a friendly discussion group. You'll meet crafters from around the world. It is fun to share ideas and hear about techniques and products in other countries. So check out the store and the discussion group. Hope to see your creations that use Soft Pencil digis.

Memorial Day Reflection

Friends Having Fun Challenges are set for each Monday of the month. Except May had 5 Mondays instead of 4 so they came up with a different challenge.

              We want to see what Memorial Day makes you think of. Is it the colors, picnics, a day off,              

              swimming? Whatever it is that inspires you about Memorial Day, we want you to make a project 

              reflecting that.

I remember my Dad listening to the Indy 500 race each year while he planted tomatoes and did other yardwork. He normally did not follow any sports, but the Indy 500 and the Olympics he did. The race car image is from Sunshine Stamps. But then as this year's Memorial Day approached I heard people wishing each other a "Happy Memorial Day". This bothered me. It isn't meant to be "happy" or "gloomy" just reflective. A chance to consider our freedoms, our family, our country and how we have achieved the life we live. The image of Miki in the Jeep (Sew Many Cards) seemed purrfect to match up with the race car. We wouldn't be able to enjoy the friendly competition of sports if the military didn't protect us. So this card is a "Thank You" to those former and current members of the military who serve our country. 

One Card - Two Challenges

I am entering this card in two challenges: Phindy's Challenge (#3 card for me) and Pear Tree Challenge.  The image is from Phindy's Place and colored with Copics. The papers are Me & My Big Ideas. The buttons were purchased through Oriental Trading and the paper roses from Paper Wishes. Phindy's Challenge is Buttons or Brads this week and Pear Tree is requiring flowers.

Sally Spotlights Soft Pencil Images

Just a quick note: Sally is spotlighting Soft Pencil digital images this week. You have the opportunity to win a gift certificate to SP/ There are darling digital images of Michu (a cat) and his friend Ratiny. Then there is Michu's Mom and a little girl , Amy. Go check it out: Soft Pencil 

For Fun Challenge: Dads & Grandpas & other special Men

With Father's Day approaching many of the challenges recently have involved making cards for the special day. For Fun Challenges is no exception. I chose to make this card using the Phindy's Place digi. Dog lovers call it Faithful & Fickle. I, a cat lover, and Sir Chester call it Slobber & Snuggle. Either way it acknowledges the master of the house and his interaction with the all important pets. Sometimes pets get treated like children or honored guests. These pets in turn give us love and a listening ear. The sentiment reads "O Happy Day" cut from blue vinyl on Cricut Expression using the ":Beyond Birthdays" cartridge. This allows the card to be used for Father's Day or a birthday.

Slow Day

"The most fulfilling gift of life itself is to show that we are loved unconditionally." The Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge for this week is to include a "heart" on the card.

I love the peacefulness of this paper. The soft blue/white pattern of flowers is very calming. The pink flowers are made from Foil paper from HOTP and pink cardstock.Each layer is cut from Cricut Expressions cartridge "Walk in My Garden" and secured with a small brad. The watering can digi is from Sew Many Cards. The Happy Birthday acrylic tile is from JoAnn's and the teal adhesive pearls are Colorbok also purchased at JoAnn's.

Our lives are filled with soft, peaceful times and bright, hectic ones too. Everything doesn't always "line up" the way we want or expect it to, but somehow it usually turns out just fine. Would the watering can look better if all the "wood" matched purrfectly? Or does it have character because of its blending of differences? The flowers are similar but not the same. A different brad or a different order of layers makes them more "real" less mass produced. People are real. People are not mass produced. We are individuals and should love one another for those individual characteristics.