SPARKLE!

I had a pretty productive weekend and I was able to find time to make several cards-yahoo-my OWH box is almost full.

Over at Drunken Stampers this week's challenge is:





I have this very sweet Tiddly Inks little fairy digital image- so fun to color!  I used BoBunny Isabella papers, and copics (C3,5,7,9; YG45; E00,50; R20; RV00,02 and 04, EK Success punch, Hero Arts sentiments and Sakura clear star and clear glaze pens. Since most of my cards are sent to OWH, glitter that comes off is not OK! So- when I want lots of sparkle but want our troops to be safe, I cover the clear star glitter pen with a clear glaze pen, The glaze gives lots of shine and seals in the glitter so it passes the Sandy Allnock sweater test! I put a honkin' lot of glitter on her wings and scribbled more on her hair, dress and shoes. The shine on her hair and wings in the first picture is from the glaze. The second picture shows less glaze, more sparkle! I cut 3 butterflies from another piece of the BoBunny papers and glued them around the fluttering fairy!

And did you hear??? The awesome ladies over that Drunken Stampers are on the look out for some fun and crafty folks to join their design team. I had a lot of fun with the group when I was the Designated Designer in May....so I am thinking this would be a blast! Not a lot of hoops to hop thru- just some great challenges, laughs and lots of support--- go take a look and give it a chance!
http://drunkenstampers.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/looking-for-fun-crafty-peeps-for-the-drunken-stampers-fall-term/

Another great sketch is posted at OWH by Marlene today. I am so loving the sketches and the sample cards that Marlene is choosing-- I am having a hard time picking my favorite! I guess each week the posted sketch is my favorite--I like when I use the sketch for several cards but they all look different! I do not take pictures of all of my cards- mostly just the ones I make for challenges....I may take pictures of my whole box before I mail it off to Kris.... and maybe I won't-depends on the timing!
                     

Kathryn  made a fantastic card for today's inspiration! I love her patterned papers and matting- and I love that the sentiment really stands out and is the same paper as her mats!http://kathrynscards.blogspot.com/2013/05/its-time-for-another-bloghop.html
                          


My card:

I tucked my panel on the right behind the panel on the left and changed where I put my embellishments and left off the twine but otherwise I stayed pretty true to the sketch.
I used Authentique Festive papers, Mama Elephant stamps, Memento Tuxedo Black, Lady Bug and Bamboo Leaves inks, Copics R29, C1,3,5, G99 and YR04. I am trying to make some Christmas cards every week to add to my next shipment for Kris- so she has a little bit of a headstart on the winter holidays. I am really going to try to get my boxes in well before the OWH deadlines....sometimes I cut it very close!

Another busy softball week coming up for Tessa- the town league championship games are starting this week-after the break for the All Star games. Her team won 1 out of 3 of the All Star games- so they are out of the tournament....but the 2 losses both ended up requiring extra innings! The win was by a score of 16-1--the bats were on fire that night! Fabulous effort by all the teams- we just came up a tiny bit short.....but wow- her team really put forth true teamwork!!!

Craft on and have a great week- and fellow Americans, enjoy our Independence Day!
Diane

Wonderful Mail Day!

Hello! Happy Thursday! I won the Art Impressions prize at the OWH blog hop recently- and today my package came in the mail! Wonderfully fun stamps! And a very generous company! Go check them out...they are also doing an OWH fundraiser-donating a portion of the sales of 2 fantastic stamps!

Can you believe I won all these stamps!!!!!

And here is my card for this week's throwdown- clean and simple!

And here is my Drunken Stampers card for this week's movie- Edward Scissorhands-or sewing! I did some faux cross stitching....the extent of my sewing skills lately!

Sorry for the quick post!

Craft on!

Diane

Two cards today!

I had some catching up to do...I totally missed Wednesday's Throwdown! I feel like lately I have been running behind, but I do catch up eventually! It is softball season and I try to go to as many of Tessa's games as possible...she is one dedicated and talented kid! And boy does she love the game! I played softball for 9 years in my youth- and loved it too but she has an incredible passion for the game! (Are you getting the impression that I am stinkin proud of my family???)

Last week's challenge was to made 'cards 4 kids'. I pulled out some of my beloved MFT Pure Innocence kids and decided on this skater boy image. The papers are from DCWV Boyhood stack. I used the Sakura clear glaze pen on his helmet and the skateboard. Love this pen... I do need to put a few coats on to make a nice shine- but it dries very quickly and smooth....so no added bulk or stickiness to the card!

Today's sketch at Operation Write Home is right up my alley-  layers and matting- great way to showcase pretty papers!

                      

Since I was looking thru my stash of MFT stamps, I decided to use this peek-a-boo gal. Bazzill papers, a cute image and a great sketch and I am all caught up with OWH challenges...I think!  I may have missed a recent tutorial or two....

Have a wonderful week and craft on!

Diane

OWH Tutorial Window Cards

This week Nancy has a fun tutorial at OWH- Penny Ward shows us how to create window cards.
I made my card  and thought- ehh-- and while it is fine- I wish I popped up the purple layer from the white paper with the 3 images....it lost the dimension of being a window card-oh well- I am sure I will make another card using this technique.

I used Lifestyle Crafts dies for the hearts and the circle and the bird stamps are Inky Antics, the sentiment is from the HeroArts/OWH fundraiser set, Authentique striped paper and Bazzill cardstock. The ribbon and stickers are from my stash. Cute enough- but not the look I was going for... so... I thought about making another card and decided to take a break.

My break consisted of  looking at some of my favorite blogs and saw that Erika  http://scrappinintervention.blogspot.com/- she is oh so brilliant- used a window..yup- a view through a window! It just so happens I made 2 cards this weekend using Memory Box dies- the window, curtains and the cats. I do not post every card I make for OWH- usually just challenge cards- so these just went into my box. Thanks to Erika- I had a V-8 moment (or a Homer Simpson DOH moment)- and decided to take some pictures of my cards to share with you! LOL  The top card- the curtain is crooked- hey- but that is how I hang my curtains...the rod is always hung a little off!
The 2nd card- I used some acetate to mimic a pane of glass--to protect the birds from Art Impressions from the hungry cat! 
Oh and speaking of AI-- did you hear the news- did you hear me shout wahooo when Paula S commented that she saw I won?  Yup--I won the random drawing from this weekend's bloghop! Wahooooo- perfect timing...this makes being on a mini spending freeze so much more tolerable! Hey-even if I was not in a 'use my stash mode'- the win is thrilling!  I am so excited and thankful to AI! I will post a picture of my prize when it arrives!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
Craft on!
Diane

Another Sketch Sunday!

Hello!
Here is another cool sketch from OWH:



Can you believe this the sketch #177?  I love using sketches as inspiration. Speaking of inspiration, did you check out the blog hop yesterday at OperationWriteHome.org/blog?
Two news stamp sets were introduced and the bloggers made fun cards with the stamps by
artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com. A portion of the sales will go to OWH... love that! Alas- no shopping for me right now- but I am adding them to my wish list.

This is another stamp from the SweetnSassy set.... the images are all so simple and cute!  Papers are MME and yes- a few copics were used....I did shade the milk but it looks all white in the photo...I think I am going to put some glaze on the glass.

Thanks for stopping by...craft on peeps, craft on!
Diane

Midweek turned into the end of the week throwdown and post!

This week's throwdown over at OWH is to create a general card featuring things with wings! I pulled out an older red rubber stamp (I unmounted it so I do not know who makes it-dumb- I know!). I like the birds and the branches--cute!  I kept the card pretty simple; just some copic coloring on the image. I stamped the image on the blue paper again and then fussy cut the parts of the colored image and quickie glued them to the stamped image. This turned out to be a good move...so I did not have to fussy cut those very thin bird legs! I just cut the body out and glued it on top of the stamped image! Some clear glaze on the birds and flowers to add some shine, a Paper Smooches sentiment and viola- a completed card! And, yes- I did cut the sentiment stamp so that it would fit in my space. It is fine to cut them- you can re-align the stamps if you want the original spacing or you can mix and match with other sentiments.

We are supposed to get some sunshine this weekend so I plan to soak up some vitamin D-- hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks for stopping by-- and what will we all be doing after basking in the sunshine? yup--craft on!
Diane

Oh My! Can you stand it?

I got home today to a nice surprise...I won the Drunken Stampers Challenge....again- yup I am the Life of the Party! Can ya stand it???  I truly have a great time creating cards for these challenges....I really have to think long and hard to come up with something that fits the theme for the week....always based on a movie! Too fun...why are you not joining us over at Drunken Stampers?

I look forward to Paula's monthly post at OperationWriteHome.org for the  Design Bootcamp. This month the topic is repitition. Paula's tutorials are always  clear and helpful! Putting all her ideas into one card....let's just say-not every card comes out how it appears in my head...but I keep trying!

This card uses an assortment of polkadot papers and I repeated the main colors- orange, green and blue and repeated the dots with the fuzzy brads, I even embossed the striped piece of paper with tiny dots...overkill? And this cutie stamp is from Sweetnsassystamps.com! A really adorable set! I have seen some of their stamps on blogs but the stamp show is the first time I saw them in person! And the folks at the show- wonderfully nice!!

Want to see what Paige created the other nite? I guess she is now my 2nd guest designer- lol! The cupcake is from CTMH and the sign holding gorilla is from QKR Stampede-another new to me company- great unmounted red rubber stamps! It is a great and detailed stamp- but will you just look at the coloring of that ape? And this was her first time using Copics! I made a card with the gorilla too- but that can wait- just take in the glory of Paige's cards!! 

Have a wonderful week!

Craft on!

Diane

Happy Birthday Netty and the Sunday Sketch

Today is my mother's 80th birthday! I know I am fortunate to still have her with us- we lost my Dad in 2004...so celebrating another year is a true blessing!

This week's OWH sketch is great! I love the versitility...I can see showcasing gorgeous papers and a fabulous sentiment--I think I will use this one often!



I decided to get an early start on my winter/Christmas cards... really- I just wanted to ink up these cute stamps from denamidesign.com. I purchased them at the stamp show last week. They are so cute and make me smile- so I am hoping they will bring a smile to one of our dedicated servicemen...and then make a loved one smile when they receive the card...cute chickies spreading the smiles!

I used copics, Recollections Festivus paper pad, crinkle ribbon colored with a green copic, stamp from Simon Says Stamp (Kristina Werner's handwriting-love it!) and some small red gems to complete my card.

I plan to use my stash of Christmas papers this summer and if I use it all....
#1  it will be a miracle 
#2  only then will I allow myself to buy more paper!

Aside from adhesive, I do not anticipate needing ANYTHING for the rest of the year- so I am going to try very hard to refrain from purchasing more stamps, paper, etc.  I have a lot of wonderful items that I really want to use. This card used all older goodies in my stash aside from the cute stamps! And yes- I have more stamps from the stamp show that I will share as I create the cards! But-no new purchases! Really. It is true. I am going to shop my own store...my closet!

My car is repaired and I picked it up Friday afternoon! I am so very pleased with my insurance company and with the repair shop. If anyone lives in the Boston area and ever needs collision repair done- I will gladly share the name. They were kind and respectful, they did a fabulous job, my car looks great, and they kept me informed along the way.

I hope to share more cards later in the week- 2 of my nieces came over the other nite and we had a dinner and a movie night- but also spent time coloring and making cards! Tessa is already a great cardmaker but I think we got Paige to drink the kool-aid--- she has such an artistic flair...she got the hang of Copic coloring in about 5 brush strokes! She really got into creating a card from start to finish!

Have a fantastic week-and yes- please-craft on!

Diane

Drunken Stampers Time!

This week's challenge is:




I am thrilled there is a bling option... as I have never seen the movie- I know--it is un-American to have never watched this classic movie! I do know Audrey Hepburn starred...I will watch it....I know, I know! 

  My card had lots of shine and shimmer- and I cannot get a great picture! The paper is DCWV and the stamps- MFT! I have not used MFT for a while so I was happy to ink her up! Her bow and shirt are colored with black Wink of Stella by Zig. Her pants and the star are paper pieced!
Thanks for stopping by....
craft on!
Diane

Midweek Throwdown-Water

Happy Wednesday! Just a quick post today.
Today's challenge is to create a card with water.
Here is my card:

Thanks for stopping by- craft on!
Diane

Winners and a Better Day!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments and well wishes- I am lucky I am OK- and the other driver was also not injured! My car is in the shop and things are looking good! And yes- I also heard Joey from Friends in my head--- how you doin?- when I made a card for my last post!
I have some winners!
Cissy Murphy won my OWH Memorial Day Bloghop candy! Yahoooo!

And my blog title- there were a few correct guesses but the first to answer correctly was By Annette!  I struggled with a blog title...and then thought that I have so many supplies- I could never just pick a few if I had to cut way back. I was reminded of Steve Martin in "The Jerk" when he was leaving Bernadette Peters and all he needed to take with him was a lamp, and then an ashtray, and this chair.... he kept finding things to take with him! My sister and I do the routine a lot-- so it seemed to fit! All I need is stamps....copics, paper, ink, my Cricut, trimmer, ATG, gems....I could go on and on! LOL

I have a few cards to share today....

I may have mentioned that I have great friends in my life....well- my very talented artsy friend Kelly has been coming over to make cards---ok -we eat and laugh and squeeze in some creativity- but really- some cards are made! I want to share her recent creations....I love the cards- but my favorite thing about them ....about 1/2 hour after she completed all 12 cards- she was looking thru my stamps and started to laugh-she was ready to say 'I really like this cow' then realized that she just made a dozen cards with that cow stamp! Well- when you like something- you like something!

I guess you can say that Kelly is my very first guest designer! The very cute cow and sentiment stamp are made by Paper Smooches.

My card for today is another one based on yesterday's OWH sketch. Clean and Simple stamps and DCWV paper, brads and ribbon-quick and fun to make!





Have a wonderful week! Craft on!

Diane

Playing Catch Up...(or my stinky week!)

I try to make the best of things- but this week...well let's just say it was not my greatest...but at least it ended on a good note!

I still have not finished looking at all the posts from the OWH Memorial Day bloghop--I have about 40 to go! I am enjoying the cards...but just have not had time! My goal is to complete it this week!

I was in a car accident this week...I am ok but my beloved Camry is in rough shape....waiting for the adjuster to make a decision...I hope they can fix it! I thought I had to cancel going to the Heirloom Stamp Show but I was able to rent a car--and they gave me....the same car! Same Camry, same color...ok- the stripped down model but it is basically my car! So- off to the show in my not so comfy driver's seat in the rental with my pal Fabre'. We had lots of fun and both stayed within our budgets but got plenty of fun goodies! I purchased 2 dies and the rest stamps-not a single piece of paper!And I got the prize for guessing the inspiration for my blog name!

I had a great breakfast today with the greatest friend in the world!  At least 20 years ago my niece Christine called my friend, Nancy, "the nicest lady in the world" and she was- and remains -so right on! I am so lucky to have wonderful people in my life...and I try to be grateful daily!

And I am going to Tessa's softball game tonight- love that sweet little athlete with a heart of gold! Her text to me after my accident:
"I hope you are OK and hope they can fix your car. We have had a lot of good memories in that car!"  What a wonderfully old soul in an 11 year old body!!

I bet you are here for cards!! Here they are:

Midweek Throw Down: Transportation


PTI die and car stamp
Mama Elephant sentiment
DCWV papers
Stampin Up punch
Action Wobble



Our Daily Bread Designs OWH Challenge:Water

( I met nice folks from ODBD yesterday at the show! Great products, generous company! I will try to use some stamps later this week!)



not sure where I got the surfing penguin stamp-but he is a cutie!
Papers from Simple Stories Summer Fresh
Copics
Black glaze pen



Sunday Sketch: In memory of OWHer -Jane E.



Papers from MME The Sweetest Thing Tangerine
kraft paper-stash
Pearls and mini bling- Queen and CO
Uniball Signo White Pen
Sentiment: HSN Iconic stamp set
small image stamps- I think they are Hero Arts

 That is it for today! Check back tomorrow-- I will be announcing the 2 winners-- the Memorial Day blog hop winner and the winner of my blog name inspiration! Yup- there is a winner! And yes- I will explain! lol
Have a wonderful week and craft on!
Diane