Happy Birthdays and Warm Thoughts!

Happy Saturday!  The snow is melting!  Yay! I guess we are back to school next week.   We have been less than 2 1/2 days in two weeks!  I am ready for routine again that is for sure!   I did have some time this morning to get crafty.

For my second card I am playing along with a few blog challenges.  I am using The Color Throwdown colors.  I am using the sketch from Try Stamping on Tuesday.  Isn't this the coolest sketch?  Love it!  I also used the inspiration for patterns from Fusion Card Challenge.  

For my cards I am using MFT Stamps Products unless otherwise noted.  I started with MFT smooth white, gumdrop green, cotton candy, kraft, and razzle berry card stocks.   I die cut the kraft card stock with Inside and Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle Stax.  I used versa mark ink pad to swipe around the entire panel before I stamped  with Happy Birthday background stamp using Sweet Tooth pigment ink.  I think it creates depth and richness for the words to pop even more.  I used Stitchable Dots Circle Stax, Blueprints 15, and Blueprints 18 inside out stitched circle elements to die cut the background pattern to work with the sketch.  I used Darling Dots stamp set on the cotton candy circles in versamark, fine check background on the razzle berry circle with razzle berry ink, and pinstripe background on the gumdrop green circle in gumdrop green ink.   Next, I die cut the larger stitched circle using the circle elements from Blueprints 12.  I used Fine Chevron Cover Up embossed  for some added dimension and pattern.  I used some foam mounting tape to pop up the circle element.  Then, I die cut black licorice sentiment strip using Blueprints 20.  I inked with versamark and white heat embossed the sentiment from Celebrate Big stamp set.  I used some more foam mounting tape to pop up the sentiment strip.  I finished with a few clear sequins.

 

For my second card I am playing along with this week's MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge, The Colour Q, and Seize the Birthday "Anything Goes!" 

   For this card I started with MFT smooth; white, blu raspberry, limeade, wild wisteria, and orange fizz. The card base is smooth white. I die cut another white panel using Blueprints 15. I die cut each of the colors using Fishtail Flag Stax die namics. I stamped the blu raspberry flag using fine check background in
sweet tooth pigment ink. I stamped the smaller orange fizz flag using Darling Dots stamp set in sweet tooth pigment ink. I stamped the limeade using More Washi Patterns stamp set in versamark. I used diagonal stripe background on the wild wisteria flag using wild wisteria ink.

For the larger orange fizz flag I used Spotlight Sentiments in sweet tooth pigment ink. I used versamark to add some dimension and shading to each strip. I stamped the "Birthday" from Happy Everything stamp set. I die cut the Happy die namics using Ranger Silver Foiled card stock. I finished with some loose thread behind the die cut word and some silver sequins.

I actually made the third card last weekend.  I could not decide if I liked it or not.  It almost landed in the discard pile.  I looked at it again today and decided to post it.  Let me know what you think? 

For this card I started with MFT smooth white, berrylicious, gumdrop green, and lemon drop card stocks.

The card base is smooth white.  I die cut the gumdrop green and berrylicous panels with Blueprints 14 stitched panel.  I die cut the gumdrop green with stitched snowdrifts die namics and created a grassy hill.  I used Blueprints 13 to die cut the pinking circle element to create a sun.  I also used the stitched frame from Blueprints 14 to finish the edges to match the background. I die cut and stamped the three bunnies from Somebunny stamp set onto Neenah Solar White card stock using Hybrid black licorice ink and die cut using Somebunny die namics.  I colored wall three with copics.  I used some hemp cord to create a "jump rope." I stamped the clouds that come in the set using sweet tooth pigment ink.  I lightly accented the edges with a pale blue copic.   I finished the card with a sentiment from Cozy Greetings stamp set using Hybrid Black Licorice ink.  For this card I am playing along with Simon Says Monday and Simon Says Wednesday Challenges.  Both are "anything goes."



As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Guest Designing for My Favorite Things Part 2!

   

Happy Thursday!  I am back again today Guest Designing for My Favorite Things blog today.   You can see my first post HERE.    I have two more cards to share with you today.

For my first card I got to play with food!   I started with MFT Smooth White, Summer Splash, Sno Cone, Tropical Teal, Berrylicious, Natural, and Persimmon card stocks.   My card base is smooth white.   I die cut another smooth white panel using the scalloped frame from Blueprints 20.  I  die cut the Tropical Teal, Berrylicious, Summer splash, and Sno Cone card stocks using the  Horizontal Stitched Strips die namics. I stamped each panel using Houndstooth Background in matching inks using Tropical Teal, Berrylicious, Summer Splash and Sno Cone  Premium Inks.   I layered in a graduated effect from darkest to lightest.   I  die cut the persimmon card stock using Stitched Jumbo Fishtail Banner Staxs.  I stamped this panel using Premium Persimmon ink using the Swiss Dot Background.  I popped this panel using Foam Mounting Tape.

Next, I got to play with the Donuts die namics.  I cut three of the smaller donuts die using natural card stock and used the smooth white for the layered icing portion.  I stamped the sprinkles from Donuts and Sprinkles stamp set using Persimmon, Summer Splash, and Lemon Chiffon  Premium Inks.  Aren't they the sweetest treats ever?  I arranged the donuts on the side of the card using Foam Mounting Tape on the bottom donuts.  For the sentiment I used Blueprints 20 again for the stitched sentiment strip.  I stamped the sentiment from Donuts and Sprinkles stamp set using Hybrid Black Licorice ink.   I finished my card with a few sequins which were easily placed with the QuikStik Pick-Up Tool.   The best part about these donuts is that they are gluten free!  

For my second card, let's just say I had some fun with color!  This card makes me happy, happy!  I love the bold color combo with the mix of  patterns.   One thing I love to do is look at all of my MFT stamps and die namics to see what can work with my newest MFT goodies.  Here is what I mixed together for this card!

I started with MFT card stock in Smooth White, Summer Splash, Pure Plum, and Peach Bellini.   The card base is smooth white.  I die cut another smooth white panel using Blueprints 15.  I layered the Vertical Stitched Stax die namics.  I stamped each  with Harlequin Background with matching Premium ink in Pure Plum, Peach Bellini, and Summer Splash.   I die cut the Stitched Rounded Rectangle Stax using the Keep on Rockin' stamp set equalizer stamp at the bottom in Summer Splash.  I stamped the sentiment from Chalkboard Greetings stamp set in Hybrid Black Licorice ink. I colored the banner with Copics.  I stamped the pause button from Keep on Rockin' stamp set in Pure Plum ink.  I used some Foam Mounting Tape to pop up this panel.  I finished the front of the card with some loose thread for added detailing.

However, I did not stop there. I decided I wanted to add a little something something to the inside of my card.  I die cut the largest of the Stitched Rounded Rectangle die namics and again stamped the equalizer bars at the bottom using Pure Plum ink this time.  I stamped the sentiment from Keep on Rockin' stamp set without the "you" at the end.  I thought it would be fun to add interest using the die cut word "YOU" from Lots of Love die namics in Summer Splash card stock.  Instead of just stamping the pause button in the center, I used a die cut circle element from Out on a Limb die namics that fit the pause image beautifully.  I love how it turned out.  It is fun to play with all of my MFT stamps and die namics to see what works together. 

Let me know what you think?  Again,  thanks so much My Favorite Things  for asking me to showcase your amazing products!  

As always thanks so much for stopping by! 

Betty

PTI February 2015 Blog Hop!

Happy Wednesday!  I am out of school with yet another snow day today.  School was released at 9 am yesterday because the snow started way sooner than predicted in our area.  Since it snowed all afternoon, the district cancelled school for today, too.  We are supposed to get more snow tonight.  At this rate we will be in school til July making up snow days.  On the positive side, I had some time to get crafty.  I am playing along with this month's PTI February 2015 Blog Hop!   This month is all about pattern, colors, technique, or any inspiration garnered from the inspiration photo!

 I love all the colors in the inspiration photo.  I chose to play off of the rich jewel tones.   I started with rustic white card stock and inked up my acrylic block using royal velvet, hawaiian shores, and berry sorbet ink.  I spritzed the block and put the card stock down and pressed on the back to ensure full coverage.  I dried the card stock with heat tool.  I die cut the colored panel with Harlequin Cover Plate.  Instead of using the cut out pieces, I used just the negative frame portion.  I die cut the piece using Delightful Doily die.  I die cut using the same doily die rustic white and vellum card stocks.  I stamped the rustic white delightful doily using Polka Dots 2 in harvest gold ink.  I glued the harlequin frame and to the polka dotted rustic white doily.  

Next, I inked the sentiment from Ruby Rose in versamark and heat embossed with gold ep onto the vellum delightful doily die cut. I  felt like a little more gold accenting was needed, so I inked the edges with versamark and heat embossed in gold for a more distressed feel going around the edges.  I really love how it turned out.  I glued the vellum to the layered doily die diffusing the Harlequin frame.  I love the subtle look, yet the colors and pattern can still be seen through the vellum. I die cut rosie posie dies and stamped the coordinating two step images using berry sorbet and pure poppy.     I die cut and stamped the leaves from Meadow Greens using Ripe Avocado card stock and ink.  I layered the flower and leaves using foam tape on the rosie posie for added dimenson.   For the background I stamped the same leaves in versamark for continuity and depth.  I glued the royal velvet layer to the royal velvet base and used foam tape to pop up the delightful doily with flower portion.  I finished my card with a few touches of  gold sequins.
  

As always thanks so much for hopping by!

Betty

Shake It Off and MORE!

Happy Saturday!  It has been an interesting week with snow, ice, and no school!  It sure will be tough getting back into the swing of things on Monday.  I had plenty of time to get crafty this week so it is all good!   I have two cards to share today.  
 

For my first card I am playing along with this week MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge, this week's Color Throwdown, and this week's The Card Concept "Get Well Soon" card

I started with MFT card stock in kraft, gumdrop green, berrylicious, kraft, and smooth white.  The card base is kraft.  I also die cut another piece of kraft using Blueprints 15 stitched frame.  I stamped this panel with Linen Background in versamark.  I die cut Stitched Snowdrifts die namics to comply with the sketch.  I die cut berrylicious and gumdrop green using pierced circle stax.  I die cut the jellybean again with the stitched snow drifts.  I stamped this bottom "grass" portion using Swiss Dots background in jellybean green premium ink for a contrast in tonal colors.  I die cut the bunny and clouds from Somebunny die namics and stamped with coordinating images from Somebunny stamp set using Hybrid black licorice ink.  I colored with copics.  I popped up the circle and bunny images and glued the clouds together as well as directly to the circle images setting them off the edge a bit for effect.  I think this bunny image is so adorable since it looks like she is shaking her cottontail.  I thought the sentiment from You Have My Heart stamp set.  I love it!    

For the inside of the card I layered kraft using Blueprints 13 stitched panel.  I stamped a different bunny from the Somebunny stamp set using hybrid black licorice ink. I stamped the sentiment from Get Well Wishes stamp set. 

For my second card I am playing along with Colour Me and The Friday Mashup!

I started with MFT card stocks in smooth white, summer splash, electric red, lemon drop, and banana split.  The card base is smooth white.  I die cut the electric red panel with Inside and Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle Stax.  I stamped with Houndstooth background in premium electric red ink.  I die cut the smooth white frame with the same inside and out die.  I layered the bottom with summer splash and banana split die cut from fishtail flag stax.  I stamped the summer splash with pinstripe background using summer splash premium ink.  I stamped the banana split with Romantic Script background using Daffodil premium ink for some contrast.  I die cut the dotted cut out die from Blueprints 22 in electric red and used some foam tape to pop up a bit.  

I die cut and layered my Gerbera Daisy with contrast colors of banana split and lemon drop card stocks and put a few foam dimensionals between the stacks for added height.  I finished the top of the flower with an electric red center that I inked around the edges with versamark.  For the sentiment I used Blueprints 9 tab element and stamped the sentiment from Whimiscial Wishes stamp set using Hybrid black licorice ink.  I debating adding some leaves, but decided to leave it just like it is.  


As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Guest Designing for My Favorite Things!

Happy Thursday!  I am so excited to be guest designing for My Favorite Things blog today.  If you have stopped by my blog in recent months, you KNOW I am a huge fan!   I have two cards to share with you today.

For the first card I started with MFT Black Licorice, Lush Lagoon, Ripe Raspberry, Summer Splash, Limelight Prestige, and Lemon Drop card stocks.  I am just over the moon with all the new MFT colors!  The card base is black licorice.  I die cut another black licorice panel using Blueprints 13 for the stitched edging.  Then, I used the newly released Inside & Out Diagonal Stitched Square Stax to create an inside out stitched frame.  I stamped the bottom of this panel with Keep on Rockin' stamp set using versamark and clear embossed for a cool effect.  

For the sentiment I used Blueprints 11 and die cut the "You Rock" in black licorice and limelight prestige card stocks.  I stamped the limelight prestige sentiment with Sheet Music background with Premium Limelight Prestige ink.  I glued the two panels together slightly offsetting the black for a shadow effect.  I glued the sentiment behind the inside cut out frame panel popping the letters on the outside of the frame's edge for added interest.  I popped up the entire black licorice frame using Foam Mounting Tape and inserted the cut out interior frame to recess behind for added detailing.  To complete the card, I die cut several of the smaller headphones that come in the newly released Headphone die namics and arranged on the card.  So COOL and totally ROCKS! 

For my second card, I went in a completely different direction.  This is what I love about MFT stamps and die namics.  There is just so much versatility and style options with these products.  I started with MFT Smooth White, Summer Splash, Cherry Crisp, and Coral Crush card stocks.  Have I mentioned how much I love the new colors?  I die cut the coral crush panel using the stitched frame from Blueprints 15.  I stamped this panel with Harlequin Background stamp using Premium Coral Crush ink.  I  die cut the summer splash using Stitched Jumbo Fishtail Banner Staxs.  

I stamped this panel using Linen Background in Premium Summer Splash ink.  I used Foam Mounting Tape to pop up this panel.  Next, I die cut the cherry crisp panel using Horizontal Stitched Strips die namics. I stamped this panel using Pinstripe Background in Premium Cherry Crisp ink.  I die cut the smooth white card stock with Pierced Circle Stax.  I stamped the sentiment from Spring Tulips stamp set in the center using Hybrid Black Licorice ink.  I offset the circle die and used Foam Mounting Tape to pop it up a bit for added dimension.   I die cut the Spring Tulips die namics and stamped with the coordinating image from Spring Tulips stamp set and colored with copics.  I popped the tulips up as well using a bit of Foam Mounting Tape.  I finished my card with a few sequins which were easily placed with the QuikStik Pick-Up Tool.  I used this tool all of the time! 

That is it for today!  Check back later in the month for another post!   Many thanks for My Favorite Things for asking me to showcase their products!  

As always thanks so much for stopping by! 

Betty

All of My Smiles Begin with You!

Happy Tuesday!  School was out today and we will be out again tomorrow due to snow.   Actually, at this point, there is more ice than snow.   The weather man says a little more is expected later Wednesday.  We do not get a lot of snow here in eastern North Carolina.  Getting a few inches shuts everything down.  With that said, I did have  a few moments to get crafty today.  I am playing along with the ColourQ Challenge and Always Playing with Paper Challenge.  I went with the sketch.

For my card I am using Verve's  Petals and Wings, Better Together, Borderline,  and Making a Statement stamp sets along with Verve's Cut Above Curvy Bookplate and Wings & Petals die sets.   I die cut the frame and white embossed the frame and sentiment.  To add some extra depth I sponged versamark all over.  I die cut the butterfly and heat embossed in gold to comply with the color combo.  I stamped the fishtail strips using images from Better Together and Making a Statement.  I kept the card pretty CAS.  I love the blend of the bold colors with the all white background.  To complete the card I added a few gold sequins from Verve's Holiday Sequin Mix. 

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Sense of Wonder and Thinking of You!

 Happy Sunday!  Wherever you are today, I hope you are inside and warm!  It is really cold here.  The winds were so strong last night we lost power twice.  Power was restored fairly quickly, but a few hours is still a lot when you have no heat.     I had some time this weekend to get crafty.  I have a couple of cards to share today.  


The first card I made using some of my new MFT Stamps goodies.  I am playing along with Just Add Ink.  I got my inspiration from the cup cut away on the edge and the embossed cookies.  Instead of hearts I chose flowers.  I started with MFT card stock in smooth white, the fabulous new Pure Plum and Summer Splash.  I started with a smooth white card stock base.  I layered a smooth white panel that I die cut with the stitched panel from   
Blueprints 15.  I layered the new Blueprints 22 stitched round edge panel die cut in pure plum.  I stamped this panel with Harlequin Background in pure plum ink (HAPPY DANCING!  LOVE THIS COLOR!)  Instead of stamping the harlequins vertical, I chose to stamped them horizontal to create some interest and movement toward the circle element.  I die cut the pure plum panel with Stitchable Dot Circle Stax.  I layered a summer splash Pierced Circle Stax inside.  I stamped the summer splash panel with Romantic Script Background using Sweet Tooth Pigment ink.  I heat embossed with white embossing powder and sponged versamark around the edges for a richer patina.  I trimmed it to fit along the side of the card.  I die the sentiment panel with Stitched Jumbo Fishtail Banner Stax   in smooth white and stamped with a sentiment from Whimsical Wishes stamp set.   I decided to have a little bit of the fishtail hanging off the edge.  I die cut several of the leafy sprigs from Fall Foliage die namics and stamped with the coordinating images from Fall Foliage stamp set.  I used  pure plum, jellybean, and daffodil premium inks.  I layered these flowers and stems along the edges.  I finished my card with a few hemp cord threaded buttons.

 
For my second card I am playing along with this week's MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge and MFT Color Challenge.  I decided to go completely CAS with this card.  

 

I started with MFT kraft, smooth white, sno cone, nightshift blue, and cherry crisp card stocks.  I have a kraft base.  I die cut the nightshift blue panel with Blueprints 13 stitched frame.  I stamped it using Diagonal Striped Background.  I die cut the outside stitched frame using Blueprints 18.  I layered behind the circle cut out sno cone glued to the back of the dotted cutout panel from Blueprints 22.  I die cut the word "hi" from Happy Hellos die namics.  I added a cherry crisp tag using Blueprints 15.   I stamped this panel using a sentiment from Pretty Poppies stamp set.   I finished with a few sequins.

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Thinking of You and More!

Happy Saturday!  I had some time to get crafty today in between laundry and cleaning.  I have a few cards to share!  For this first card I am playing along with Retro Sketches and The Card Concept.   I decided to go vintage with these colors.

I started with MFT Primitive Cream, Kraft, Pink Lemonade, Steel Blue, and Olive.  The card base is primitive cream.  I die cut a kraft panel with Blueprints 20.  I layered this panel with another piece of kraft die cut with Blueprints 13.  I stamped this panel with Damask Background using Sweet Tooth Pigment ink.
I die cut the stitched rounded rectangle stax and stamped with woodgrain background using Natural ink.  To follow the sketch, I die cut  the primitive cream using horizontal stitched strips.  I inked this strip with Darling Dots stamps set using Natural ink.  I also inked distress the edges.   For the focal image I die cut the olive card stock using leaf-filled flourish.  I die cut  a few colors using the mini rolled roses die  and the rolled flower die.   I decided to use only three on the card.  For the sentiment I used Blueprints 20 again for the double ended flag sentiment strip.  I used a sentiment from Out on a Limb stamp set.  I finished the card with a few sequins.

  My second card came together fairly quickly.   I am playing along with this week's MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge and The Curtain Call. 

For  my card, I decided to turn the sketch vertical.  I started with MFT Smooth White card stock base.  I layered a sno cone panel die cut with Blueprints 15.  I added a half circle die cut from Pierced Circle Stax in lemon drop card stock.   I stamped this panel using I Love You More stamp set in Hybrid Black Licorice ink.    I used a couple of copics to fill in the designs in the sentiment.  I die cut the butterfly using Fancy Butterflies die namics in smooth white card stock.  I stamped this panel with fine chevron background in Hybrid Black Licorice ink to comply with the inspiration photo.  I finished the butterfly with a hemp cord threaded red button.  To give the butterfly the look of flying, I used the stitched image from Perk Up stamp set.  I finished the card with a few sequins.

 For card #3, I am playing along with Fusion Card Challenge(I chose to use the sketch this time), The Friday Mashup, House of Cards(love theme), and Just Us Girls Word Week "Love!"

 

 


For  my card,  I started with MFT Smooth White card stock base.  I layered an electric red panel die cut with Blueprints 15.   I used smooth white again die cut with Blueprints 13.  I cut it twice to make it square.  I cut out the center with Pierced Circle Stax.  I stamped the panel with Swiss Dot background stamp using electric red ink.  I die cut pink lemonade with the stitched scallop edges die.  I stamped this detail with Gingham Background stamp using bubblegum ink for some subtle contrast.  I die cut the word love from peace, love, joy die namics.  I die cut it three times in electric red and once in smooth white.  I glued the together for added stability.  I die cut the "you" from Lots of Love die namics.  I cut it twice in electric red and glued together.  I assembled the card.  I added some loose thread behind the love.  I finished the card with a few sequins.

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty