A Quick Card!

Hello! Just a quick card to play along with today's Midweek Throw Down at OWH-we are challenged to make a card with hexagons. 
http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-hexagons/

 I used Spellbinders dies for the hexagons,  Bo Bunny Smoochable 6x6 paper pad, Bazzill cardstock, Memory Box Classic uppercase alphabet die, Signo white pen, a stamp from 'You' by Simon Says Stamp and enamel dots by My Mind's Eye- Lost and Found Antique....love these! Perfect for OWH- lots of shine without glitter and a low profile. Can you see the shimmer? I also purchased some enamel dots by Doodlebug-love a simple accent!

Have a wonderful rest of the week and I hope you are safe if you are having some wintery weather.
Thanks for stopping by,
Diane

Another Sketchy Sunday and a Bit of a Cheat

Hello! Sorry Colts fans...but I am happy with the results of the game last nite!  I have a soft spot for Adam Vinatieri-so I like watching the Colts...but I like it when the Patriots win!

Since it is Sunday Marlene has another great sketch for us and it comes from Jen! I love Jen's cards and she is a sweetheart! Go visit her at 
thesparklewithinblog.wordpress.com

This is Jen's sample card- love the colors!

I had this little couch cut and stamped so I rotated the sketch a bit to fit it in the space- but I think my background paper is a little subdued. Jen's paper fills up the space nicely...mine looks like lonely white space- but I guess the sender is implying they are lonely- so it may work!
I am going to try another card with a different image with this sketch--I really like it!

I used the couch to make another card before I saw the sketch- I am liking this one more. I feel like I filled the space better since the image is so plain. 

And here is my big cheat! The midweek throwdown was to make a card using the chalkboard technique...not my favorite- BUT...I do have a pad of paper from My Mind's Eye with some great chalkboard pages... a little layering, a little ribbon- and there you have it- I am a chalkboard fraud!  But I like the card's simplicity...and besides...MME did the technique way better than anything I could create! I used my resources to the best of my ability- that is my story and I am sticking to it! 

And here is another card- just because! I love MFT a la Mode gals- and this one is so sweet! ( Are you humming the I Dream of Jeannie song?) I used vellum for her transparent pants- they are so cute in person! And the purple and the gold are DCVW glitzy papers-- shimmery without the dangers of glitter! LOL 

Have a wonderful week....Hi to Cori, Paige, Maggie and Tessa! Oh...and to Lola too! Here she is with her Christmas bow. Just to make my sister happy- please comment that she is regal, majestic, beautiful...lol- she is all of those things- but a big, slobbery darling too!

Have a wonderful week! And don't forget to post a comment on my post of January 1st....so you will be entered into my drawing! I will choose a winner next Sunday! 
Craft on, stay warm and Go Pats!
Diane

Plethora of Cards!

Welcome!
I have several cards to share with you today!(OK- 5- not a plethora...but it seemed like a lot! )

First up: January's Our Daily Bread Designs challenge is to use stripes on our cards. http://operationwritehome.org/odbd-january-challenge-2/  The oh so generous folks at ODBD not only will pay for shipping for 2 boxes of cards to be sent to our troops if 50 of us makes cards for the challenge; they also give prizes to 2 of the card makers...EVERY month! They are an awesome company!

Next up- we have this week's OWH sketch.  This is one of my favorites- love the layers and love the circles! Here is Cheryl's inspiration card:  

and you can visit Cheryl here:  http://scrappinforourtroops.blogspot.com/2013/10/owh-midweek-throwdown-color-challenge.html

My card is made from a digi stamp by Some Odd Girl, Authentique papers, copics, googly eyes, twine and spellbinders dies.

And here are a few more cards I made recently. I received my recent receipt from Sandy and I donated 533 cards in 2013! I was surprised by the number- yeah me- but realized that there are lots of cards that I do not post on my blog. So- I am going to try to post more of the cards I make- not just those for challenges. So here are a few cards- and you may notice a recent trend of mine- YELLOW!

 I needed more paper for card bases- I use Bazzill Card Shoppe Marshmallow- it is a nice, heavy weight..so I ordered more white but also got a pack of 25 sheets of Sour Lemon-- love it! Nice and sunny without being over the top bright yellow! 

And here is my tip for this week....did you know you can use your American Express points at Amazon? I got 3 packages of marshmallow and the 1 package of sour lemon-- for free! This is 200 card bases of very fine quality paper --just for using a card I use anyway! I like using my points on papercrafting items- I like this paper; it is more expensive but totally worth it- but when I do not have to pay- that is an extra perk!

And don't forget to comment on my Top 13 of 2013, 1/1/14 post to be entered into a drawing! 

http://dianecreateswithpaper.blogspot.com/2014/01/welcome-new-year-with-re-cap-of-2013.html

My niece Cori (Cori, Cori, Cori-in case you are counting!) came over this weekend and colored some cute images. We did not have time to make cards- she is headed back to school today- her last semester working on her Masters degree- gooooo Cori! (that is 5!) And Maggie - yes Maggie- is coming over today to interview me for a video. Yup- Maggie is visiting today! OK- so these 2 darlings COUNTED how many times they were mentioned in my blog in 2013 and razzed me that sisters Tessa and Paige made the news more often--so this year I will do my best to spread the love around! (I did tell Cori that she needed to do more exciting things to make the blog....LOL!) Oops-just got a text from Maggie! Maggie will be here in a while- so have to run!

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Diane 

Sketch #203

Greetings! We had our frist big snow last night here in Massachusetts...but being the hearty New Englander that I am- I was still out shopping today! I have accomplished a lot the past few days so I took a break (from holiday preparations and crying over the Patriots game) and made a card for today's sketch. Isn't the sketch great! 
                                
 The stamps are Unity-- I love his pouty face! The papers are from Carta Bella and BoBunny. I change the shape from a circle to this Spellbinders die-- mostly because I had the little guy already colored and wanted to use him! Can't you hear him say "I miss you, so there" and stomping his foot!! 
  

 Have a wonderful week- and craft (and party) on!
Diane

Drunken Stampers Time!

Welcome! Since it is Saturday, there is a new challenge for the Drunken Stampers. We have  challenges based upon a person, place or a thing and this week the Tropical Hooters are  globe trotting- we are flying off to Paris!And drinking lots of wine, and eating cheese and crusty bread and escargot!  Oh, we're not? I thought we were challenged to see if we could get to Paris before Christmas. Oh- we made cards about Paris? Oh. Ummm. A tad disappointing. OK- now I feel silly- I had my passport dusted off, my beret tilted on my head and I trying to decide if I should pack clothes or just buy all new outfits there. Guess I am staying in wintery New England! 
And I am really not disappointed- my fellow Hooters have some great creations to share with you-way better than dealing with jet lag!

Ooo la la-- oh no no! I just noticed one of my Queen and Co mini gems is weaving and wobbling from too much champagne! Funny what you notice in pictures- but not when it is right in your face!

My image is a Mimi in Paris by Penny Black-colored with copics and her hat is paper pieced. The Eiffel Tower is from Michael's--it has been in my stash for a while; I am not sure why I purchased it...my only time in France was a 2 day stop in Nice and I am pretty sure I did not see the Eiffel Tower!  (Our side trip to Monaco was fabulous- Nice was going thru construction so it was just eh!) I digress! Back to my card; focus Diane, focus! The pattern papers are from Bo Bunny,the Isabella Collection; the black base and the strip across the card is Bazzill; yummy, thick. study cardstock! 

So- how are you doing with your Christmas plans?
I am getting there- slowly but surely!

Thanks for coming by- and my bratty sister made fun of me and said 'Craft on and party on Garth'.....and that seems appropriate for the DS gang-- party on!!!!
Diane 

Love...All Year Round!

Hello! OWH is challenging us this week to make Valentine's or Love cards. I have made some cards for Valentine's Day for my December shipment to OWH but I also like to make love cards that can be used any time.
My first card is a 'use sooner rather than later' card since the snowman limits the amount of time he can be sent...but with pretty much all My Favorite Things stamps- I could not resist this charming guy!

I kept the card pretty simple. The patterned paper is from Fancy Pants and the solid red and black is yummy cardstock from Bazzill-
nice and substantial ...love it for bases!  I used Spellbinders dies for the circles. The scalloped border is a Fiskars punch and the gold dots are from my stash- Hero Arts metallic dots...I just re-discovered them in a pile-o-stuff! And as always, my coloring is with Copics...I am still in love with these markers! I was a dedicated colored pencil gal until I was converted about 4 years ago...thanks, Fabre!

My next card is also super simple. I purchased the cardboard box stamp last June at the stamp show...it is by Denami- they make such adorable stamps! When I purchased it I thought I had lots of stamps that could come poking out of the box- but it is actually pretty small so an assortment of heart punches worked out well. You cannot see it in the photo, but I used my favorite Sakura clear glaze over the trio of hearts to give them some shiny impact. I also used it on a few of the hearts in the box. The sentiment is by MFT.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Craft on,

Diane

And the Party Continues!

Hello! The OWH VCMP  has been so much fun...the final challenges were posted yesterday. Marlene got the day started with our Sunday sketch- based on a card by Seongsook.
                               

I used papers from a few Christmas 6x6 pads and my image is from Peachy Keen! Love this Santa!

Next challenge: This one almost stumped me.....then I stopped thinking so hard and just had fun! Sybrina K wanted us to make cards for kids....playing tic tac toe to decide what goes on the card!
http://scrappingwithpurpose.blogspot.com/2013/09/owh-vcmp-cards-4-kids.html
                          
I went right down the center row- I stamped and colored the Paper Smooches cow and used a sentiment that came with the set....super easy and fun once I stopped stressing-lol! All the papers are DCWV. I love their glitter paper because it does not rub off so it is perfect for OWH! I mounted the cow on an Action Wobble-let's face it- what kid does not like movement! I remember the simple thrill of spinning on a stool at the donut shop as a kid...it drove my father crazy! 
(LOL I forgot to insert my image of this card...only realized when I went to post it at Sybrina's link! I guess I am tired or old..or both!) 

Next up- Marilyn challenged us to make a fall card. I made my card based on sketch #179. My papers are scraps from other projects-yeah me!- and the sweet little gnome boy is a digital image-and I have no idea who made him-boo me! I regret that I did not save some of my digital images indicating the artist or the store!
http://marilynscards.blogspot.com/2013/09/labor-day-weekend-vcmp.html
                         

Thia challenged us to create a bee card with a bee sentiment. 

http://bluemooncreation.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-un-bee-lievable-challenge-owh-labor.html?m=1

The Stamps of Life stamps  to the rescue-used for the image and the sentiment. I put the bee on an Action Wobble too! Bees very rarely are still...always buzzing around! I used an embossing folder by ProvoCraft to mimic honeycomb!

And our final challenge for the weekend:

Donna inspired us to make a card using the negative of a die or a punch! Loving this! 

http://indianainking.blogspot.com/2013/09/owh-vcmp-play-along.html

This angel is a digital stamp and I know this is from CC Designs- the Meoples line and I am pretty sure the artist is one of my favorites- Amy Young.

I embossed pink cardstock and then cut a circle with a Spellbinders die, then I made a ring from DCWV glitter paper from that circle die and the next size up. I colored the sweetie with Copics and the wings with a Sakura clear star pen. Whenever I use glittery pens-I always use a Sakura clear glaze pen over the glitter- the shimmer shows thru but the glitter is sealed in! I adhered her underneath the circle opening and stamped my sentiment on an EK Success punch. Signo white stitching....and my challenges are complete! 

I have really enjoyed looking at a lot of the cards that have been made for our troops! I am impressed with the talent and creativity and love how everyone is so generous and shares their talent! OWH supporters ROCK!! (like always being on an Action Wobble! lol)

OWH is celebrating their birthday all month long! I am looking forward to more fun and inspiration....it would be great to have some cake and ice cream...some balloons, banners, music...I love parties!

Craft on and thanks for stopping to visit!

Diane

Autumn Around the Corner

Hello- thanks for stopping by! Over at OWH this week we are challenged by Jan to make cards inspired by fall! Yeah- my favorite time of year!
http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-fall-theme/
I used a very cute MFT gal holding a big pumpkin- yes- the kids always want huge pumpkins! The paper behind the image is embossed with a wood grain folder. I made a small bow with stash ribbon,  used spellbinders dies  and copic makers, paper pieced dress-and my card is complete! 

 Sandy has told us that there is not a huge need for Halloween cards so I only made a few and I could not resist these adorable ghosts from CC Designs.

                    

My issues with posting continued- and the only way I could resolve it was to install google chrome and I can post without problems when I access it from GC. 

Please come back Saturday when I will post my first challenge creation as a Designated Designer for Drunken Stampers!
Have a wonderful week and craft on!
Diane

It is Sunday Sketch TIme!

Today is Sunday so that means it is sketch day at OWH. Today's sketch is from a card that Susan S. made- go check out her blog! http://scraptower.blogspot.com/2013/05/owh-mid-week-throwdown-5292013.html

                   

Here is my card....using stamps from Iconic from HSN. Enabler alert....HSN has a papercrafting day coming up; I think it is 8/5/13. I like to DVR the shows so I can check out the projects. I do not order a lot of times but sometimes they show an item seems perfect for card making and I have had good use from the stamp set. I am still trying to use my stash so it would have to be something really special for me to buy anything!

I used Versafine black ink for the rolls of film- it gives a crisp image. I stayed true to the sketch and liked the card until I loaded the image... I think I need to add a black mat to the strip at the bottom; not enough contrast between the papers.

I also made a card based on Paula's Bootcamp this month. http://operationwritehome.org/get-your-priorities-straight-choosing-a-major-minor-accent-color/

I had a harder time with this design concept that the others.... use a color scheme with the colors in ratios of 60-30-10. I use patterns papers and a lot of my papers have several colors- so it was hard to choose my papers! I figured the patterns on the yellow papers were small so they can also be viewed as the main color. I planned to have my white be the 10% but between the snowman, the sentiment and the white circle the snowman is on- the white took up more visual space than the black. And the black is spread out- but it looks like I have 60-20-20! It may not be balanced perfectly but I like the card!

I still want to try out this week's tutorial on a pop up card...we will see about time and energy! lol

Have a fantastic week~craft on!

Thanks for visiting,

Diane

...Late to the Party....

I was in rainy New York this weekend for Paige's college graduation... I am so stinkin proud of her! I was able to schedule my post in the OWH Memorial Day BlogHop before I left for the graduation...but now I am woefully behind on viewing all of the amazing cards! I have been to about 60 sites- 86 left to go! I am getting so inspired by all of the creations! I am blown away by the great assortment of patriotic cards ....and the different ways to use red, white and blue! Not all of us made patriotic cards...but all cards were Thank You cards based on an OWH sketch!

I am amazed and grateful for all of the kind comments so many hoppers left about my fan card! I truly appreciate the time it takes! And there is still time to be entered into the drawing for some blog candy! You can leave a comment on my posts for either Friday 5/24 or Saturday 5/25/13 to enter!

While I am having a great time checking out the cards, I have a hard time sitting at my computer for hours on end- so I took a break and made my card for the Sunday sketch! I kind of turned the sketch upside down! And the green paper has a holographic shimmer ...wish I could capture it in the photo- it adds a lot of dimension and fun to the card! (You may be able to see a little of it in the large green panel.)  And I made a completely Copic free card!

Have a great week- craft on...and I am going back to the hop!
Thanks for stopping by!
Diane





Iconic Stamps and inks by HSN
DCWV The Birthday Wishes 6x6 stack
Black and white mats- stash
Card base-Bazzill Marshmallow
Spellbinders circle and scallop dies
Glossy accents all over the mail box



It is Another Sunday Sketch

Happy Mothers Day! I have had a few busy but wonderful days! I travelled to Poughkeepsie to see Paige's fashion show- Marist Silver Needle Fashion Show- what talent and hard work goes into this! I am so incredibly proud of her-- and cannot believe she graduates in 2 weeks! It was great going away with family- we even made a quick stop at the Hobby Lobby there and scored big by finding the 2 new OWH Hero Arts stamp sets! OK- Tessa found them on the lowest shelf....young eyes and knees win out everytime! The paper pads were 50% off, stamps 40% off, we used 40% off coupons- so Tessa and I enjoyed a bargain filled shopping spree! 

I think I have made a card for every OWH sketch challenge since November 2012-- I look forward to the Sunday sketch- I sometimes struggle with them- but I like seeing what I can come up with each week!



Mama Elephant stamp of USA

DCWV Juniper Berry paperstack





Authentique 6x6 Essentials Collection
yellow paper- stash-of-Diane
PTI stamps
Queen and Co gems
Sakura white glaze pen
Butterfly- a free die with an British magazine
Spellbinders dies (squares)

Have a wonderful week- and please go check out drunkenstampers.wordpress.com! I am the guest designer this month! The challenges are so much fun and there is always room for more to join in on the creative fun!

Thanks for stopping by...yup- craft on!

Diane

VCMP Part 2 and todays technique

I was stumped on one of the challenges from OWH's VCMP this weekend...Nancy wanted us to make a card inspired by a scrapbook sketch. http://brujahrose.blogspot.com/2013/05/vcmp-cards-out-of-scrapbooking-sketches.html

I figured out why this was hurting my brain..I scrap 12x12 and my cards are never squares! Duh! I pulled out some OLD sketch magazines and found a sketch for 8.5x11--now this made more sense to me!



Prima bling
MFT sentiment
the last of JilliBean Soup Dutch Mustard paper pad
digital image of bird colored with Copics



Our bonus challenge by Sandy was to use a googlie eye! So out came the Paper Smooches stamps! I also used spellbinder dies, copics, Queen and Co gems, sakura clear glaze and some very ancient HOTP paper from my stash! And our little alien pal is flying through space on an action wobble!



I really like when Nancy posts the tutorials over at OWH. Sometimes it is something new to me- and sometimes- like today- it is a technique I have not used for a long time so it gets my mojo flowing again!
This tutorial is outside the box....having part of your image come outside the die...like this fisherman's ears.

MFT stamps
Spellbinders dies
EK success border punch
Paper Loft...the end of the pad! boohoo
Queen and Co pearls
Copics

Well- I feel pretty caught up on my challenges! Yahhoooo!
Thanks for stopping by!
Have a great week and craft on,
Diane

Sitting, Waiting...

I am still on my kick of trying to make more masculine cards. I packed up my box which included my 'Dad' cards and mailed it off to Kris yesterday. So what do I find later in the day....my only card that says Happy Father's Day! I try to use just Dad or other general sentiments so the cards can be used anytime by our military but this one I made with an actual holiday sentiment--oh man! I will take the sentiment off and add a more generic one- and add it to my next box! I need to look at this as if I am off to a good start for my next OWH shipment!

Today's sketch is #170--- wow- so many great sketches to refer to for inspiration! I find sketches a great starting off point; they help to get my creative juices out of hiding. You must go to OWH and check out the sample card by Cindy-- so adorable! Sketch Challenge #170





Spellbinders Dies
EK Success Stars
The Paper Loft Hooked on Fishing patterned paper
DCWV solid card stock
Copic Markers
Hero Arts Sentiment

I had this little boy and a twin in my pile of images to color for a while. I know he is a digi stamp but I am not 100% sure who makes him. I thought it was Tiddly Inks but I do not see him on their site... if anyone knows- please share! I want to give credit to the artist! I cannot even find him in my files on my computer!

Have a wonderful week and yes- please -craft on! Diane