Dare to Reach....

Good afternoon!!!! This card is a challenge combo!!!! I combined today's SCS
Inspiration Challenge(IC165) with yesterday's SCS Limited Supplies Challenge(LSC205). I got my inspiration from the bottom left calendar at the Elum Website. I love the clean bold color combo and all the lines with the birds looked like the perfect look for myODBD set called Keep My Lamp Burning. This set will release tomorrow. I love this quote by Norman Rice.

I also attempted a CAS card from yesterday's limited challenge. When I think Clean and Simple(CAS), I think white for some reason. I do not think white is required just my interpretation. Of course, the white looks perfect with the inspiration photo so I went with it. I inked my main image using Adirondack lettuce and added some Paletter noir around the edges just to add a little contrast to the solid image pattern. I stamped the quote in tempting turquoise and punched out a circle of the image in tempting turquoise to added at the bottom right to create some color balance. I added a piece of grosgrain in the top left and some green dew drops on the side. I did punch out a MS bird in tempting turquoise and sponged in same color to add some definition. I personally think I followed the guidelines for CAS. I am not sure, though. It is hard to stay within the boundaries....lol. What do you think?

What a week!!!!! I started the week with an ear infection and what I thought was Strep. Off to the docs to get the good meds. The Strep came back negative, but he did say I had some sort of throat infection, and, of course, the ear infection. So, after a few days I am finally feeling more like myself and crafting again. It took a day or two to get caught up on the laundry and stuff. That stuff builds up fast!!!! With DH in England, I am a one woman show so to speak...lol. I am a little behind with my blog stuff. Stef(glitterbabe) gave me two blog awards that I need to post. I may add those in a bit.

STAMPS
ODBD Keep My Lamp Burning
PAPER
GP white, black unknown, tempting turquoise
INKAdirondack lettuce, tempting turquoise, Palette noir
ACCESSORIESgrosgrain, MS punch, dew drops, sponges

The Way

This card is for SCS Feature Stamper Challenge (FS103)!!! Congratulations, Vicky!!!! You have a beautiful gallery and so many cards to choose from. Here is the card I chose to case.

I did not know the exact colors Vicky used, so I kept my card neutral and went with cream and black. I did try to replicate Vicky's script background with the flower on the top. To do this I used an ODBD set called I Am the Way... that will be available February 1st. There are scriptures and Easter sentiments in this set and two fabulous flowers. I chose to stamp one of those flowers twice on my script background. I stamped them again on gp white cardstock and colored with permanent markers. I cut those out and added them over the other flower image after I cut that panel out using the curved rectangles so some of the petals hang off the edge. I sponged some Ranger antique linen ink to soften the edges. Next, I layered a swiss dot cuttlebug behind the main panel for some texture. Since I did opt for a more ornate main panel, I did not put photo corners with the brads in the corners. Instead, I used some half pearlsat the bottom. I colored these with a copic to make look mory creamier. I did not use ribbon. I did not use dp. I tried to keep this card clean and simple. I really LOVE this look.

I love a script behind a main image anyway....just take a look at my new bolder banner. Designed by none other than Jami Bova(sgtstamper). I love this. She also modified my website to be three columns, and I have a cute little signature now as well. LOVE it!!!!

STAMPS

ODBD I Am the Way, CHF called Spanish Script

PAPER

Basic Black, The Paper Company's cream, gp white

INK

Black staz on , Ranger walnut stain, antique linen, permanent markers, copics

ACCESSORIES

Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, sponges, dimensionals, pearls from Pretties Kit

Flourishes Friday!!!!

It is Flourishes Friday!!!!! I decided to use the Flourishes, LLC Chairs set again. I love this set. It is so versatile. I really love upholstering or paper piecing, if you will, this chair. An empty chair can mean so many things. I thought this would be a good card for someone retiring or moving. I used the Many Sentiments set for the sentiment.

I decided to go with some warm tones and create some textures. The first thing I would love to say is that I used my Score Pal to make the score lines and create some texture on the middle panel. To read about my Score Pal story check out this link. What normally would have taken forever to do with the fiskars and stylus, I did in under a minute. Amazing tool!!!! Next,I started working on my chair. I paper pieced using a solid side of the MME dp. I cuttlebugged it to add some texture, then sponged it with Ranger fired brick. Next, I added some golden wheat Shimmerz. Once that dried, I sponged some more fired brick. I was going for a chintz looking upholstery, but after all that, it sort of has a leathery look. I still loved it so I kept it.

I finished my card with some flowers and a sentiment. There is a story here, though. Last Friday night Flourishes had a new release party at the SCS forum. It was a blast and a rush!!!! Prizes and games!!!! It totally rocked. Well, during all of our conversations, it came up that I have an issue with buttons. Latisha Yoast, one of the DT members, told me to go back and get that bag of buttons I started to buy and use them. Good advice!!!! I am happy to say that the two gold items in the center of my flowers are buttons!!!!! I got this really cool bag of metallic buttons at Micheal's using a coupon. I love the assortment and many do not look like normal two-holed buttons. How cool is that?!!!

Be sure to check the Flourishes Newsletter next Friday as Flourishes launches something your are not going to want to miss. I am sure it will be one of your favorites!!!!

Make sure you visit Julie’s Friday Friends of Flourishes Blog Team weekly roundup over at the Flourishes Newsletter, and also visit these Friends of Flourishes blogs to get the complete Flourishes Friday scoop Becca Feeken, Cindy Haffner , Dee Jackson , Kimberly Crawford , and Silke Ledlow

Stampers Dream Weekend and Copic Class

Here is the scoop: Flourishes Stampers Dream Weekend

STAMPS

Flourishes, LLC Chairs
PAPER
The Paper Company's Blonde Column and cream, Riding Hood Red, MME 29th Street dp, and Scenic Route dp
INK
Ranger tea dye, antique linen, fired brick, black staz on
ACCESSORIES
Nestabilities, copics, sponges, gold pearl/domes, paper flowers, gold cording, dimensionals, circle punches, cuttlebug ef, score pal, buttons

SCORE!!!! A Story of GIVING!!!!

I have a SCORE PAL!!!!! Not just any SCORE PAL, though. I have one that was given to me out of kindness and generosity. Yes, given to me as in a GIFT!!!! I cannot believe it!!!! I am so amazed at such generosity that I do not know what to say or do. I have been chit chatting with Stacy(Twinshappy) about all her beautiful card sets in the SCS gallery and her blog. On many of her cards she does score line detailing. Our discussion pretty much centered around using our fiskars and a stylus to do the score lines. Stacy is way more adventurous with this than I am. I kept mentioning how I would love to have a score pal, but if I would use it enough to compensate for its cost.

Anyway, out of the blue last week, I get this email from Deborah Anton(BeadnStampn) that she heard from Stacy that I wanted a Score Pal. It just so happened that she had won some blog candy that included a SCORE PAL. (Note to self: I really need to blog hop and get in on all this amazing blog candy out there). Deborahs says that she already has a score pal so would I like that one since her other one should be arriving soon. Of course, I ask how much and she says NOTHING!!!!! She just wanted to PAY IT FORWARD.....and do something nice for someone!!!! Now, I know about the Pay it Forward as I have done this myself, but never anything quite this huge. So, my SCORE PAL came yesterday afternoon. I am utterly amazed at the generosity and kindness of just GIVING!!!! I wanted to share a picture of my SCORE PAL and the wonderful card that Deborah included.

Thank you so much Deborah and Stacy for thinking of me. Blessings to both of you!!!! I did not make a card today as I wanted it to be just about the Deborah's generosity and the Score Pal. However, I probably will have a card tomorrow showcasing something scored!!!! This thing is amazing as I have been playing with it. Thanks for stopping by!!!!!

His Hands!

This card is for two challenges!!!! It snowed here yesterday and I did not get much stamping time in. However, I really loved the color combination from yesterday's SCS Color Challenge (CC202). Great colors, Emily!!!! I also wanted to play in today's SCS Sketch Challenge(SC212).Thanks, Roxie for a great sketch!!!

I used ODBD Lift Your Hands set. This set is so versatile. I love the praying hands image with the comtemporary background. I tried to keep the card pretty simple since the sketch has so many layers. I used some SU Bella Rose dp because it has the kiwi kiss print. I love the polka dots. I embraced the bold color combo which I love and went with it. I also used two cuttlebug ef textures. I finished my card with a lot of sponging and two huge white brads that I have had for a long time. I thought they looked great with the white dots in the background dp. I did add a touch of a bow knot at the top. As far as my layout goes, I did stagger the colors on the vertical panel at the bottom just to create some interest. What do you think?

The funny thing about it snowing here yesterday for the first time in years is that the kids were already out of school with mid-semester break. It is starting to melt. It was fun while it lasted!!!

STAMPS ODBD Lift Your Hands

PAPER Bravo Burgandy, Regal Rose, Bella Rose dp, gp white

INK Bravo Burgandy, Regal Rose, Adirondack Lettuce

ACCESSORIES white 5/8" grosgrain, cuttlebug ef, nestabilities small long scallops, and classic rectangles, CAD, sponges, foam tape, photo corner punch, MM jumbo brads

"Dirty Girl" January Challenge!!!

Do you feel the love with all the texture and no red? Each month a Dirty Girl challenge is assigned for all the current DD and DDA. This month's hostess is Jodi(Kharmagirl). She challenged us to make a Valentine's card with texture of any kind, but NO red!!!!

I chose to use some solid colored Basic Gray cardstock and ran it through the cuttlebug using two different embossing folders. I also used a MS border punch to add some more texture and break up the grass and sky in a different way. I am using Our Craft Lounge Tree-Mendous Love stamp set. This is the cutest girafe and the tree is just fun to color.

My dd actually colored the giraffe for me after we had a discussion that a giraffe is not brown, but more cream or golden. She won and I took my brown giraffe off the card and put hers up there. I admit....hers does look better. What a fun giraffe moment!!!!

I colored most of the images with permanent markers because I do not have enough copics to do all these colors. I must get more. This card took me forever. It snowed here today. First time we have seen snow in years!!!! The kids were in and out all day drying off, warming up, redressing, and heading back out. I actually ventured outside to try to help make a snowman. The snow was too dry. It would not pack. It was fun, but very cold!!!!!

To check out what the other DD/DDA have created check out this link. DCFTL0109

STAMPS Our Craft Lounge Tree-Mendous Love PAPER chocolate chip, basic gray distressed solids from paper packs INK black staz onACCESSORIES scallop circle punch, circle punches, MS border punch, cb ef, foam tap, dew drops, grosgrain ribbon, word window punch, permanent markers, photo corner punch

An Award!!!! WooHoo!!!!

Amy Sheffer Pickled Paper Designs has awarded me with the Butterfly Award!!! Thank you so much, Amy!!!! I am to nominated 10 other fellow bloggers for this award!!!!

1.) Beverly

2.) Chris

3.) Deb

4.) Deborah

5.) Joan

6.) Joanne

7.) Judy

8.) Lorelie

9.) Sita

10.) Stacy

Check out these blogs!!!! Nominees, if you are so inclined, the idea is to pass this award along to 10 others, as follows:

Post the award logo on your blog

Add the link to the person who nominated you

Nominate 10 other blogs and post their links as well

Let those people know that they received the award

Thanks so much, Amy!!!!

Betty

Live by Faith!

This card is for SCS Feature Stamper Challenge (FS102). Congratulations, Lori Craig!!!! Fantastic gallery!!! Here is the card I chose to case!!!

I tried to stay in the blue and neutral category like Lori as well as use a scripture, pattern dp, layered flowers, piercing, and the same textured corner cb ef. I did add a MS punch border to my corner piece. I did not include a sentiment, but I did shrinky dink the cross charm. I am really proud of myself. I used TWO buttons. I was on a thread the other night and the subject of buttons came up. I have not used buttons in a long time. I decided to use them today. TWO of them!!!!! Can you believe it? LOL!!! The stamp set I used is ODBD He is Risen! I kept the layout and details fairly simple to comply with Lori's sketch card that I chose. I layered some paper flowers and sponged some Ranger Antique linen over the top to mute the colors a bit. I added linen thread to the two buttons to finish the card. I love shrinky dink. I have not used it much. I actually stamped the nail cross onto cream shrinky dink and used my nestabilities scalloped oval to cut it out. The details of this image are amazing. I added some punched out cuttlebug faux brads to the corners to create some balance. What do you think?

I bought this box of K&Company papers at Michael's the other day ONLY because it was 50% off. I love a deal!!!! It has 150 patterned papers. Now, the paper is not heavy by any means, and the prints are fairly muted which is why I decided to go with this...something a little different. I actually love the storage box in comes in. For little more than a half cent a sheet and the box, I was thrilled. So, I am going through the box and sorting by color groups. I am on a muted blue and green kick!!! Also, I happened by the marked down while at Michael's I purchase some discounted chipboard buttons for $.33 racks. I picked up a brown hue and a blue hue of chipboard buttons. I had a 20% off total purchase coupon so these were a great find!!! For this card the colors the button patterns were perfect and I did not have to alter them. Thought I would share!!!!

Stamps- ODBD He is Risen!

Paper- The Paper Company cream, night of navy, K&Company dp

Ink- night of navy, Ranger antique linen

Accessories- Paper flowers, chipboard buttons, night of navy buttons, linen thread, MS border punch, cb ef, piercing template, photo corner punch, dimensionals, sponges, 1/4" hole punch, shrinky dink, nestabilities

His Example!!!

This card is for SCS Inspiration Challenge IC163!!!! Shout outs to Stef for finding such amazing sites to get inspiration. Here is my inspiration pictures. I love the colors and the circles. I also thought with all the circles that it would be good to used Taylor's Expression Cupcake challenge (TECC51) sketch.

I used ODBD stamp set Footprints in the Sand. Everytime I think of cool blues I think of the ocean. And, this set has the ocean sandprints and I think it is perfect with these colors. I used some MME dp 29th street collection. I did add some black for definition and to make those cool colors pop. I used retired SU French script background and stamped directly onto the twill tape. I did this in Ranger walnut stain and Adirondack pool colors. I also ran each piece across the top of my Ranger Antique linen ink pad to darken and give some depth to the pieces. I added this ink to most of the edges to offer some depth. I also sponges some onto the blue flower to soften the hue a bit. The curved rectangle dp is cuttlebugged with the script font ef to continue with the script theme. My MM flower already had the script print. Love that!!!! I finished with some jumbo eyelets, brads, and MS punches.

STAMPS
ODBD Footprints in the Sand, SU retired french script background
PAPER
The Paper Company's black and cream, MME 29th street collection
INK
Ranger walnut stain, antique linen, Adirondack pool
ACCESSORIES
Nestabilities oval petites and curved rectangles, and label one, MS punches, Prima flowers, MM flowers, jumbo eyelets, MM brads, photo corner punch, sp0onges, dimensionals, foam tape, twill

Flourishes Friday and Day 3 Sneak Peeks!!!!!

I love this new set by Flourishes, LLC called Chairs. The big chair that comes in the set is perfect for coloring, or paper piecing/upholstering. Love it. I decided to use some basic gray sugared papers for this one since some of the pieces of paper have little hearts on them. I paper pieced my chair and punched out a few hearts to go along with the partial sentiment I use....thinking about you. Don't you feel the love?

Flourishes is "Celebrating Home" with sneak peaks and a challenge. It is not too late to play. Be sure to check in on the Flourishes Newsletter for details on how you can win this set and all three new sets being released Friday! Don't forget to mark your calendar for the first ever Flourishes Release Party! It's set for Friday night from 7pm - 9 pm Eastern time over at the Flourishes Forum on Splitcoaststampers. That's where we'll reveal all the new sets and give you an opportunity for more prizes!

Be sure to check out all the other designer's blog to see what they created with this set.

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Jan Marie Caruso
Julie Koerber

Latisha Yoast

Laura Fredrickson
Nancy Kirk
Sharon Doolittle
Becca Feeken

Cindy Haffner

Dee Jackson
Kimberly Crawford

Silke Ledlow

STAMPS

Flourishes, LLC Chairs

PAPER

bravo burgandy, basic gray sugared dp, pink pirouette

INK

black staz on, bravo burgandy, copics E27 and E57 to color the wood on the chair

ACCESSORIES

Nestabilities ovals and ribbon labels, SU photo corner punch, Paddle punch for heart, gold pearl domes, MS ribbon, MS lace border punch, gold cording, foam tape

Flourishes Preview Day 2 Sneak Peek!!!

Flourishes is "Celebrating Home" with sneak peaks and a challenge. This set designed by Marcella Hawley is called "Home Tweet Home." If you have ever wanted a good sized, easy to color, and realistic looking branch stamp complete with leaves....this is the set for you. It comes with wonderful life like birds, bird houses, and many wonderful and useful sentiments.
I was jumping up and down in my chair when I saw this preview set. Love it!!!! What to see how you can win it? Be sure to check in on the Flourishes Newsletter for details on how you can win this set and all three new sets being released Friday!

Don't forget to mark your calendar for the first ever Flourishes Release Party! It's set forFriday night from 7pm - 9 pm Eastern time over at the Flourishes Forum on Splitcoaststampers. That's where we'll reveal all the new sets and give you an opportunity for more prizes!

I am still "Celebrating Home" with this set. My inspiration came from a birdhouse my son made.He helped his dad cut the wood. He screwed the pieces together and painted it. It is red with a white top. I love it and the birds seem to love it, too. I did not want to mess with the birdhouse and bring it inside in case there are little babies inside. So, my picture is separate from the card. I used my fiskars and a stylus to create the scored frame around my picture. I wanted to keep this one fun and light. About my Nestability red scalloped frame behind the ribbon tag. Well, I used the small long scalloped rectangles and do what I like to call "cheating the nesties." I did not have this width so I cut out the length I need with the die, then lined up with the scallops the sized I needed with a section hanging over the edge. I run it through and ta da....instant scalloped rectangle in the width I needed to frame my sentiment.

Be sure to check out all the other designer's blog to see what they created with this set.

Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence
Jan Marie Caruso

Julie Koerber
Latisha Yoast
Laura Fredrickson

Nancy Kirk

Sharon Doolittle

Becca Feeken
Dee Jackson

Kimberly Crawford
Silke Ledlow

STAMPS
Flourishes, LLC Home Tweet Home

PAPER

chocolate chip, real red, gp white, MME Bohemia "My Journey" Brocade/Brown, SU retired Flowers and Showers dp

INK

Real red, ballet blue

ACESSORIES

Copics, permanent markers, scalloped border punch, photo corner punch, nesties ribbon slider, chocolate twill ribbon, red cross stitch thread, sponges, cuttlebug ef, foam tap

ODBD Sketch Challenge and Shimmerz!!!!

This card covers a few challenges. This card is also for Our Daily Bread Designs first ever challenge (ODBDSC01). It is a sketch challenge as well as a chance for you to winn some shimmerz. Three lucky winners will be chosen to receive a bottle of Shimmerz. All you have to do to participate is use ODBD stamps as the focal image on your card, and post a comment to the ODBD blog with a link to your card. If you are uploading to SCS, please use these two codes (ODBDSC01 and ODBD) so we can find your cards there, too! As for the sketch, just remember that you can turn it, make it larger or smaller, or flip it – whatever works for your design. You have until Midnight EST Jan 23 to join in the challenge for a chance to win! I look forward to seeing what you create. My card has shimmerz on it. Can you guess where? I put my coal shimmerz on my hardware. It dries pretty fast and really gives the metal a shimmery look. I am impressed!!!!

This card is also for SCS Color Challenge (SC201). We were to use Not Quite Navy, Baha Breeze, and Kraft. I used some Not Quite Navy...really!!! I know one of the challenges I did a few weeks ago I read this color as Night of Navy. Well, they are sort of close....lol. I do not have much or any of the baha breezes cardstock left, so I used Bazzill Whirlpool. Last fall I actually took swatches of the In Colors to Michaels to buy the colors as close to these shades. The Whirlpool was very very close.

I am also trying to participate in more blog challenges. So, this card also fits the Our Creative Corner Challenge (OCCC) in that we are to use two shades of blue and a neutral. How cool is that!!! Perfect with today's SCS color combo.

I used I stamped my cross and scripture using Not Quite Navy. I stamped the nails cross off several times to get a very light shade to work behind this scripture. I used some SU Not Quite Navy pattern paper. I used the cuttlebug swiss dots for some soft texture. I softened the edges of the scripture panel and sentiment with Rangers Antique Linen. I really thought last year's In Color ribbon was a close enough match to these colors today so I used it. I did use the retired SU copper hodgepodge that I altered with the coal shimmerz. I also altered some pewter Making Memories brads. I used some permanent markers to darken the color, then painted on the coal shimmerz.

Be sure to check out ODBD blog January 24th to find out who won the shimmerz!!!!* Check back tomorrow to see what I have created with the sketch. Until then, take a look at some of the other Our Daily Bread Design Team's creations!!!!!

Amy
Angel
Angella
Angie
Becca
Chris
Cindy
Dina
Jami
Jane
Judy
Kelley
Kim
Laurie
Lorelie
Sita
Stacy

STAMPS

ODBD He is Risen!

PAPER

Not Quite Navy, gp white, kraft, Bazzill Whirlpool, SU dp paper pack

INK

Not Quite Navy, Ranger Antique Linen

ACCESSORIES

Large oval punch, retired copper hph, sponges, MM brads, cuttlebug ef, foam tape, CAD, retired double stitched ribbon

A sketch challenge and shimmerz!!!!

Want to win some Shimmerz?!!!! Here is how!!!! Our Daily Bread Designs is having its first challenge. Our first challenge is a sketch challenge!!!! Three lucky winners will be chosen to receive a bottle of Shimmerz. All you have to do to participate is use ODBD stamps as the focal image on your card, and post a comment to the ODBD blog with a link to your card. If you are uploading to SCS, please use these two codes (ODBDSC01 and ODBD) so we can find your cards there, too! As for the sketch, just remember that you can turn it, make it larger or smaller, or flip it – whatever works for your design. You have until Midnight EST Jan 23 to join in the challenge for a chance to win! I look forward to seeing what you create. Be sure to check out ODBD blog January 24th to find out who won the shimmerz!!!!* Check back tomorrow to see what I have created with the sketch. Until then, take a look at some of the other Our Daily Bread Design Team's creations!!!!!

Amy

Angel

Angella

Angie

Becca

Chris

Cindy

Dina

Jami

Jane

Judy

Kelley

Kim

Laurie

Lorelie

Sita

Stacy

Celebrating Judy and Home!!!!!

This card is for SCS Feature Stamper Challenge (FS101). Congratulations, Judy (Jaydekay)!!!!!

What a gallery!!!!! WOW!!!! I was blown away with so many beautiful creations it was hard to pick just one. The card I chose is HERE.

Judy created a mosaic background and used Flourishes,llc I Love Roses set. I also did a mosaic, but I incorporated the Flourishes Harlequin stamp set to create my mosaic. The card I created is also for the Flourishes "Celebrating Home" challenge (FLLCJAN) going on to celebrate the new stamp releases this week. For more information about this challenge, check out the Flourishes Newsletter. I kept the same colors, but added some tempting turquoise to coordinate with my vase. I used a mosaic look...instead of creating it, I stamped mine, then sponged on the tempting turquoise. I used a photo corner punch with a cuttlebug swiss dot texture instead of any cording. I used a layered oval sentiment instead of the circle one.

I stamped my background using the harlequin image in black staz on. I used the diamond shaped accessory piece to stampe my diamonds in brillant blue. I sponged tempting turquoise on the edges and some softer sponging in the center. I colored in between the lines with a blue marker. I added some ballet blue to a sponge and created some shadoww in some of the large diamond areas. I stamped my rose and leaves onto Strathmore watercolor paper. I outlined the rose in real read and old olive for the leaves. I used my aqua painter to blend the colors. I kept adding more red to the rose as I wanted a very vibrant looking red rose. I cut out all the pieces and edged the sides with black permanent marker to create a finished cutting edge. I added dimensionals to each leaf and several to the rose. I arranged my pieces on the card. I kept my card simple and only added a swiss dot cuttlebugged photo corner and the oval sentiment. What do you think?

STAMPS

Flourishes,llc I Love Roses, Harlequin & Accessories set, and Siberian Iris(for sentiment)

PAPER

gp white, black, old olive, Strathmore watercolor paper

INK

black staz on, tempting turquoise, brilliant blue, ballet blue, real red, old olive

ACCESSORIES

oval punches, sponges, aqua painter, cuttlebug embossing folder, dimensionals

Show Me Your Ways.....Psalm 25:4

This card covers two challenges. First, it is for the Divine Design Bible Verse Challenge 09 at SCS. Check out the link HERE for more information. I chose ODBD Path of Life for my first card for this challenge. This card is also for the Inspiration Challenge (IC162) at SCS today. We were to choose a Tenugui towel. I searched and searched and could not decide on any one pattern. I did find a picture with a stack of several patterns. I thought I could definitely try to use some of those patterns in my card. Here is my inspiration picture. I think I covered the rectangles at the top with the shapes and layer of my card. Swirls, scallops, dots, and interlocking patterns from the dp.

I used some of The Paper Company's brown that I sponged with Ranger Walnut stain to make it look richer in color. I bought a box of some K&Co dp at Michael's yesterday because it was half priced and it came in a very usable 12 X 12 box. I also think that the assortment of the dp is fantastic. The paper may not be the heaviest weight dp, but when layering on cards, it works fine. I stamped the main image onto gp white using Ranger vintage photo ink. I sponged on some pretty in pink, some antique linen, and some more vintage photo so that the image is more of a subtle reference from the scripture. I stamped the scripture and sponged it some as well to match the rest of the card. I used a fiskars border punch and cb corner die cut corner to bring more pink into the card. I added cb swiss dot photo corners for some texture. I added some brown MM brad and used some gold pearls/domes on the top layer and corners to add alittle more elegance to the card.

STAMPS

ODBD Path of Life

PAPER

The Paper Company's brown, pink pirouette, K & Co. dp

INKS

Ranger antique linen, walnut stain, vintage photo, pretty in pink

ACCESSORIES

Fiskar border punch, CB die cut and embossing folder, small long scalloped rectangle Nestabilities, gold pearls/domes, brwon MM brads, sponges

Festive Flourishes Friday!!!!!

How do I Love thee? Let me count the ways.....ALWAYS or ALL WAYS!!!! I love a play on words. I was in the mood to make a Valentine's card. I combined the Flourishes, LLC Lace Heart and I Love Roses (for sentiment) to make my card. I used some new Basic Gray Bittersweet dp. I love the Lace Heart set. I finally ordered it because I knew I needed a good sized heart stamp that was...well.....just gorgeous all by itself. There is nothing like a heart with a flourish. Now is the time to get this set, too, so you will be ready for Valentine's Day. Whether you want it as a stand alone or paired with other sets, it is truly a must have. I used the sentiment portion of the set to create the script font background piece. I stamped the image several times. I sponged the edges with some Purely Pomegranate. I have not used that color in awhile, but the new basic gray dp really called for it. Also, I added a little depth and toned down the PP by sponging on some Ranger vintage photo.

For my heart, I had a few trial and errors to get the look I was after. I embossed it in gold, then sponged on some purely pomegranate. I went deeper in some areas to create a sense of depth. You know I love some sponging. Next, I fingered on some Crystal Effects to make the heart more sturdier as well as offer some shine. However, when I came back to check on my heart once it dried, it appeared a completely different shade. It never occurred to me that CE intensifies or brightens a color. It looked too vibrant a pink. In other words, it was not matching my dp. So, I embossed several hearts in gold and started playing with different shades. Here is a comparison picture of the PP on the bottom .
The heart I went with actually combines Bravo Burgandy with Purely Pomegranate to give me the hue I wanted. The one on the top right. The one on the bottom left is the PP by itself. It really looks too vibrant with this dp once the CE was added. Thought I would share!!!!

STAMPS

Flourishes, LLC Lace Heart and I Love Roses

PAPER

chocolate chip, gp white, basic gray bittersweet, purely pomegranate
INK
RANGER walnut stain, vintage photo Versamark, Purely Pomegranate, Bravo Burgandy

ACCESSORIES

Chocolate satin ribbon, gold cording, oval punch, CAD(hole punch), sponges, gold ep, CE, gold pearl/domes

Check out what the Friends of Flourishes blogs to see what they created this week.
Becca Feeken, Cindy Haffner , Dee Jackson , Kimberly Crawford , and Silke Ledlow. Also, You can visit Julie’s Friday Friends of Flourishes Blog Team weekly roundup at the Flourishes Newsletter.

Always Welcome!

This card is for SCS Feature Stamper Challenge (FS100). When I read that JulieHRR had never been a feature stamper until now, I thought...WHAT!!?!!?! Congratulations, Julie!!!!! I loved persuing Julie's gallery. There sure are pages of fabulous designs to choose from. It was hard but I chose this one here.

What I changed.....I added a black card base, basic gray Urban Prairie dp to compensate for Julie's card base color and pattern, ODBD stamp set Flourished Christian Symbols. Since my image was solid, I rocked and rolled it in pink passion and adirondack lettuce. Julie used the Sakura gel pen to add some subtle glitz to her card so I outline my bird and flourishes with the pen. My photo does not show the glimmer. I did move my sentiment because there was no room for it at the top. I used pink bling brads instead of the darker brads Julie used because she does use some glitter which I do not I figure this was my way of adding the glam. I used A MUSE ribbon the exact same as Julie's. I did finish off the edges of the focal panel with an ORNARE paper pierced border.

What do you think?

Driven!

This card is for SCS Inspiration Challenge (IC 161). Thanks so much for such delicious inspiration, Stef!!!!! I loved perusing the cakes and pondering the time it takes for someone to make such a confection only to be consumed. It is truly an art. The cake I chose for my inspiration can be seen here. My cake is called Book of Quotes so I used ODBD new release Lift Your Hands since it has a quote from Abraham Lincoln. I used a black card base to add shadow. I used pacific point as the main color choice. I did cuttlebug it to add some texture. The bottome layered curved rectangle started out barely banana, but I distressed beyond its original color properties. I used the Paper Company's cream for the sentiment and quote panel. I distressed the centers of these panels while still in the die so I would have a crisp cream border. I stamped the image that comes in this set and cut just the praying hands portion. I distressed the hands and colored the robe with some bic permanent markers. I added alittle color since the inspiration cake has some color images on the pages. I used a gold satin ribbon and some gold pearls/domes to finish off my card. What do you think?

STAMPS,

ODBD Lift Your Hands

PAPER

bb, pacific point, barely banana, PC cream

INK

Ranger tea dye, vintage photo, walnut stain and a few permanent markers

ACCESSORIES

Nestabilities ribbon labels, curved rectangles, sponges, dimensionals, gold satin ribbon, gold pearls

Many Thanks

Something NEW!!!! Festive Flourishes Friday REVEAL!!!!!! All of us FOF were to post our something NEW card today for last weeks FFFC4 challenge!!!!!

So, today I am supposed to show a card that uses something NEW. Well, I ended up changing my mind once I got involved with my card, so what I initially thought was going to be my NEW item was not. Good news...I have more than ONE NEW!!! After doing so many Christmas cards, I was ready for something springy. I love springtime when everything comes alive!!!! So, I chose to use my Flourishes, LLC Birds and Vine set. I stamped the image in black staz on then colored with permanent markers. I was going to use my NEW copics for all the coloring, it was just NOT working for me. I feel so much more comfortable with permanent markers for tiny spaces. I have some exciting news to share about copics alittle later. I did use the copic C1 cool gray for some shadowing...woo hooo!!!!! I sponges some tempting turquoise on the background making certain I left alittle white showing in places. I added more depth by sponging some ballet blue on the sides and bottom of the image. I love the springy feel. I cuttlebugged the pink background and turned the image on the side to get horizontal stripse. I used my scallop border punch for some added detail. I stamped my sentiment and sponged it in pretty in pink with a touch of turquoise while it was still in the die. I then used my bone folder to get the embossed image.(I read a thread at SCS where someone does the embossing with the nesties this way. I thought I saved the thread, but I did not. If you know, please tell me. TIA!!!) I did not have any black dew drops so I adhered three clear ones to glue dots and colored with black permanent marker. Ta da....instant black dew drops. I used some NEW prima flowers. i received some money for Christmas and went to Micheal's with coupons and bought two silver containers of paper primas. Love these colors. The tin was so full I could NOT get them all back inside...lol!!!! So, I am doing some serious prima layering. I used a white polka dot brad for the center and finished with some black gingham and birdy. What do you think?

Make sure you check out the Flourishes Newsletter to see who won the stamp set from all the FFF challenges. How fun!!!!! I am so thrilled so many of you played with us. It was so fun to see what everyone created. Also visit the Friends of Flourishes blogs to get the complete Flourishes Friday NEW scoop Becca Feeken, Christine Okken, Cindy Haffner, Dee Jackson,

Kimberly Crawford, and Silke Ledlow.

"Do you have Copic markers but aren't quite sure how to really use them? If you've been wanting to go through Copic Certification here's your formal invite! Flourishes LLC is sponsoring it's own day long Copic Certification class in sunny Pensacola, Florida on Monday, February 23rd. Space is limited so if you are interested,click on http://www.copicmarker.com/articles/events,and email the instructor, Marianne Walker, to officially sign up. The cost ofthe class is $120 and does include some goodies for you to take home with you! After the class, the ladies of Flourishes will be hosting an event so that you can mix and mingle with fellow stampers! Hope to see you there!"

STAMPS

Flourishes, LLC Birds and Vine and Many Sentiments

PAPER
The Paper Company's, pink and green, basic black, gp white
INK
black staz on, permanent markers, copic for shadow
ACCESSORIES
Nestabilities ovals, black gingham ribbon, prima paper flowers, foam tape, dimensionals, clear dew drops, sponges

He is Risen!!!!!

It is release day at Our Daily Bread Designs !!!! This card uses the set He is Risen! This card is for SCS Ways to Use it Challenge (WT199). The only requirement for this challenge was to make a card using something silver. I have just recently started purchasing some Ranger distressed inks. Now, while they are called distressed inks, they do not have to be used as distressed only. I stamp with them normally, too. I just think they are wonderful for distressing items because they are alcohol base inks and blend so beautifully. For this card I went totally distressed and old world...with a punch of silver per requirement. I stamped the cross in ranger walnut stain onto pink pirouette paper. I know can you believe a pp lurks underneath all that shading? I started with antique linen, tea dye, fired brick and some vintage photo. I kept blending color until I got the color and look I wanted. For some added texture and distressing, I added my sanded background with walnut stain. Next, I pierced the crossed corners and added some hemp that I actually touched with a copic marker(E27) to make it a rich brown. The background dp was altered quite a bit as well. I stamped french script and sanded in walnut stain, then wet the edges and torn them and nipped pieces out with scissors. I used Prism by Prismatics blush red light cardstock for a background layer and stamped my weathered bg using vintage photo ink to create more texture. I altered my jumbo brads with a dark brown permanent marker.

I finished my card with a crisp clean slightly dusted silver embossed scripture with silver brads added to the jumbo brads. I love the finished look. What do you think?

Be sure to check out the other ODBD DT members blog to see what they created using the new sets!!!!

Amy Angel Angella Angie Becca Chris Cindy Dina
Jami Jane Judy Kelley Kim Laurie Lorelie Sita Stacy

Check out Our Daily Bread Designs for Ranger Inks and Prism by Prismatics cardstock, too!!!!!

STAMPS

Our Daily Bread Designs He is Risen!

SU sandeds, weathered, french script(retired)backgrounds

PAPER

choc. chip, Prisms blush red light, pink pirouette, MME bohemia blossom damask light pink

INK

Ranger antique linen, walnut stain, fired brick, tea dye, vintage photo

ACCESSORIES,

Sponges, jumbo brads, silver brads(MM), CAD