You Are Close to My Heart!

 
Happy Friday!   I have a couple of cards to share today!  For the first card I am playing along with the Sweet Sunday Sketch and The Card Concept Inspiration Challenge.  I went with a more classy & elegant style with this image.

I started with MFT card stock in grout gray, smooth white, chocolate brown, and cranberry cocktail.   The smooth white background was die cut with Inside & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle Stax  and stamped with Woodgrain background in grout gray ink.  I stamped off once to give a more softer, lighter feel like the inspiration photo. The next layer I die cut using Blueprints 1 scallop frame with vellum.  I stamped with Damask background in versamark and heat embossed with white ep to give the illusion of a doily.  I used some foam tape to pop up the layer a bit for added dimension.  The next layer with cut with the next smaller layer from Inside & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle Stax .  Instead of cupcakes, I die cut my chocolate brown card stock using donuts die namics.  
 

To recreate the look of the raspberry swirl frosting, I used Circle Scribble Flowers stamp set and stamped smooth white card stock using cranberry cocktail, tinkled pink, and ripe raspberry inks.  I die cut the icing with the donut die namics and loved the look.  I die cut a piece of cranberry cocktail card stock using Blueprints 9.  I stamped the sentiment from Totally Happy stamp set using Versamark and heat embossed with white ep.  I used some foam tape on my donuts for added dimension.  I finished the card with some clear sequins. 

 For my second card I am playing along with The Color Throwdown and MFT PageMaps Sketch Challenge.  

I started with MFT card stock in smooth white, cotton candy, orange fizz, and after midnight.  The base is smooth white.  I die cut the cotton candy and orange fizz using Vertical Stitch Strips.  I stamped the orange fizz with fine chevron background using orange fizz ink.  I stamped the cotton candy using fine check background in cotton candy ink.  I used foam mounting tape to attach these to the smooth white base.  Next, I die cut the focal image using after midnight card stock using Tag Builder Blueprints 3.  I die cut the  hearts from the center.  I lined with smooth white card stock.  

I die cut the sentiment strip in vellum using Blueprints 12.  I stamped the sentiment from Friends Like Us in versamark and heat embossed with some pink ep.  I strategically glued this piece to the front.  I stamped a piece of smooth white card stock using diagonal stripes background stamp in after midnight ink and die cut a small paper clip from Office Supplies.  I die cut another clip and glued both together for some added stability.  I tied some loose thread to the paper clip.  I die cut a button from Blueprints 14 twice in cotton candy card stock and stamped the same as other cotton candy piece.  I added threading used glue dot to adhere to card.  Once again I finished my card with a few clear sentiments.

As always thank so much for stopping by!

Betty

Happy and Congrats!

Happy Saturday!  It has been a rainy Saturday which, for me, translated to cleaning and crafting!  I have a couple of cards to share.  For my first card I am playing along with CAS(E) this Sketch and The Fusion Challenge.  I used the gorgeous inspiration piece.  

I started with MFT smooth white and ripe raspberry.  I stamped my leaves from Circle Scribble Flowers stamp set using Hybrid Black Licorice ink for leaf outline and jellybean green for the leaf color.  I also stamped a few leafy sprigs from  Desert Bouquet.  Once all the leaves were stamped, I die cut the panel with Inside & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle Stax using the two largest dies.  

I die cut the Circle Scribble Flowers die namics several times using smooth white card stock.  I inked several flowers using the Circle Scribble Flowers stamp set in Blueberry, Ripe Raspberry, and Lavender Fields inks.  I used versamark to stamped the coordinating scribble images and heat embossed in white.  I used foam mounting tape to pop up the center stitched frame. I arranged my flowers some using foam mounting tape for added dimension.  I added a few die cut leaves as well for added depth.  I love the contrast and the whimsical finish.  I even thought any of the extra embossing dust added to the effect.  I layered the happy trio die namics three times and added to the center.  I finished the card with a few clear sequins.  

For my second card I am playing along with the Colour Q colors.  I am a huge fan of anything black and green!  I am also playing along with this week's MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge and Just Us Girls "splatter" challenge.  

I started with MFT black licorice, kraft, smooth white, and limeade card stocks.  The card base is black licorice.  I die cut the kraft panel with Blueprints 22.  I stamped this panel with Linen background using natural ink.  I inked the edges with versamark for added depth.  I die cut a smooth white panel with the same edge, but also used the stitch frame from Blueprints 20 across the panel to get the angled stitched edges.  

I die cut the tree leaves from Out On a Limb die namics.  I layered the leaves three times.  I stamped the top image with the stars in Totally Happy stamp set using limeade ink.  Once the card stock was stamped I die cut the leaves.  I die cut the tree trunk with black licorice twice and glued together for some added dimension.   I used Distressed Hearts stamp set to add the grout gray ink splatters.  I used Whimsical Wishes for the sentiment stamped in Hybrid Black Licorice ink.  I used Blueprints 11 for the tiny stars.  I finished with a few clear sequins. 

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

My Happy Place Is With You!

Happy Wednesday!   I have a fun, colorful card to share today.  I am joining the team at The Color Throwdown as a Guest Star Stamper this week.   I just love these beautiful colors!  I am also playing along with this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #259.  We are to pick a sketch from the past!  I picked #184 and flipped it to make a vertical card.

 As soon as I saw the soft gray as an option, I just knew which stamp set I was going to "knead" to use!  I started with MFT card stock in  smooth white, gumdrop green, and grape jelly.


My card base is smooth white.  I die cut a gumdrop and grape jelly card stocks with Blueprints 13 stitch frame.  I stamped the gumdrop green with pinstripe background using gumdrop green ink.  I stamped the grape jelly using houndstooth background with versamark creating a more distressed subtle stamped image.  I cut the grape jelly panel from corner to corner.  I lined the diagonal with a tiny stripe of smooth white peeking out.   I glued the entire background to the smooth white base using foam mounting tape.  

For the focal point, I die cut pierced circle stax in smooth white and  stamped with sentiment from Totally Happy using hybrid black licorice ink.  Then, I die cut the kitty in a box image from I Knead You die namics using Neenah Solar White card stock.  I stamped the coordinating image from I Knead You stamp set in Hybrid Black Licorice ink.  I colored with copics.    I used foam mounting tape to attach to the pierced circle stax for some added dimension.  I also used some more foam mounting tape to pop up the pierced circle element.  These are the cutest kitties ever!  Well, aside from the real thing, of course!

To comply with sketch elements, I die cut the stitched sentiment strip from Blueprints 20.  I cut to fit on card.  I added a layered die cut button from Blueprints 18 in gumdrop green.  I threaded with some white thread.  I finished my card with a few touches of silver sequins.

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Happy Birthday!

I am popping in with a quick card to share today.  When I saw this week's ColourQ colors, I just knew I had to play along.  I am also playing along with Retro Sketch and Just Us Girls masculine card challenge.  

I am using MFT Stamps Products unless otherwise noted.  I started with MFT card stocks in smooth white and black licorice card stocks.  I am using PTI blueberry for the color brocade blue.  I die cut the blueberry using Vertical Stitch Strips.  I die cut the black with Blueprints 13 stitched panel.  I cut it again with Blueprints 15 stitch panel to make it more narrow to comply with sketch.  I stamped the blue panel with fine check background in versamark pressing on certain areas for a more distressed stamped look.  I stamped the black panel with linen background using versamark for some subtle texture.


I stamped a smooth white panel using Forget Me Not stamp set sentiment strip to stamp repeatedly using steel gray ink to create a newsprint looking background.  I cut a strip of this using vertical stitched strips die namics.  I layered the three panels and  used foam mounting tape to pop up for added dimension.

  
Next, I worked on the focal image.  I die cut the circle scribble flowers die namics using smooth white.  I used Circle Scribble Flowers stamp set and stamped the layers using sno cone and summer crush inks.  I stamped the scribble image by stamping in black licorice ink on two of  the layers to create a more whimsical flower.  I used some foam mounting tape for dimension between a couple of the layers.  I topped it with a black enamel dot.   I stamped one of the leaves in black licorice.  The other I used the newsprint looking stamped panel and stamp it with black licorice ink.  I like the different look.



I added some loose white threading along with Scribbles die namics cut with silver foiled card stock.  I combined these elements for added dimension and depth.  They also add to the whimsical nature of the card.  I used Blueprints 20 to die cut a sentiment strip which I stamped with Totally Happy stamp set in black licorice and added to the bottom.  I finished my card with a few sequins to comply with sketch.  


As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Stitched With Love!

TGIF!   We have a two hour school delay today due to potential black ice.   I do not mind delays.   It gave me time to get crafty last night.   I am playing along with a couple of blog challenges.  I love the fun sketch this week from MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge and the colors from The Color Throwdown were too good to resist.

I am using My Favorite Things stamps products unless otherwise noted.  I started with MFT Card stocks in  kraft , smooth white, nightshift blue, and red hot card stock.    I die cut the nightshift blue with pierced traditional tags stax.  I stamped the edges with blanket stitched image from Stitched with Love stamp set with versamark and heat embossed with Recollections aqua embossing powder.  I layered Blueprints 20 rectangle quilted die cut in smooth white.  I inked distressed the edges.  

 I added the die cut element in red hot card stock from Blueprints 15 to comply with the sketch.  I white embossed the sentiment from Stitched With Love stamp set.  I layered the die cut elements from from Stitched With Love die namics.  I die cut the needle with silver foil card stock.  I added some dyed to match threading using Blu Raspberry premium ink refill.  The tag top reinforcement circle was die cut from pierced circle stax in red hot card stock.   I finished the tag with a few buttons and some hemp cording.  

I added the tag to the kraft card base.  I die cut the scalloped panel from Blueprints 20.  I inked the edges with versamark and some distressed ink.  I layered a stitched panel from Blueprints 22 that I embossed with Quilt Square Cover Up   turned at a slight angle for some added interest.  I really love how this whole card with tag turned out. 

A couple of weeks ago I needed to restock some of my stamping supplies so I clicked over to Starlit Studio.  Aside from some awesome customer service and fast shipping, the prices are absolutely amazing!   I was able to restock some of my "go to" stamping supplies like  TomBow Mona Aqua glue, Glue Dots, Mini Glossy Accents, and  X-Press It  foam mounting tape.   I was also able to pick up a few of My Favorite Things stamps and dies while perusing  the sight!

As always thank so much for stopping by!

Betty

Diva Inspirations Challenge and Blog Hop!

It's the 5th of the month and time for the Verve Divas to bring you our monthly Diva Inspirations Challenge and Blog Hop! There are two ways to win Verve prizes: comment on the design team's blog hop posts (linked below) to see their take on the inspiration, then go get inky and link up your take on the challenge to be eligible in our prize drawings!

Our March challenge is B is for Birthday...

Don't be caught short - make a fabulous birthday card to keep in your stash or give away! Use the inspiration graphic as a starting point, or head off in your own direction - just show us your birthday creations!

For my card I started with some Heidi Swapp Favorite Things designer paper pad to mimic some of the patterns and colors in the inspiration picture.  I combined Verve's On Occasion and Chevron Love stamp sets along with Verve's On Occasion Frame die and Banner Bundle die set.   I added some loose thread for detailing and finished with some Verve Signature Sequin Mix.  I am playing along with this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.  

Click here to link up your challenge entries
Challenge deadline: Thursday, Mar. 19.
Prize: $40 gift voucher to the Verve online store!

Need a little inspiration? Check out the blogs linked below to see what the other Divas did with the challenge! It's sure to be a treat, and speaking of treats, we've got a prize for one lucky commenter along the hop! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize info and deadlines!

	1. Julee	7. Sankari
	2. Amy	8. Sarah
	3. Anya	9. Susan
	4. Betty	10. Marisa
	5. Jen	11. Maureen
	6. Karen	12. Stacey

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

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