Playing Catch Up-Again!

Welcome! I feel like I have been running behind for much of 2014...and I  am hoping to change that! But for today- I am just going to get up to speed!

The fun ladies at Words to Scrap By have come up with another challenge this month. Make a card inspired by one of these movies:

• There's no place like home. (The Wizard of Oz, 1939)
• The stuff that dreams are made of. (The Maltese Falcon, 1941)
• Here's looking at you, kid. (Casablanca, 1942)
• May the force be with you. (Star Wars, 1977)

I adore the Wizard of Oz but decided to use a Unity Stamp (thanks Jen!) and go with Casablanca. I keep trying to think what it would sound like if Humphrey Bogart said the sentiment! I used colored Sakura Glaze pens on all of the eyeglass frames and I used clear Glaze across the lenses. A super simple card but I am liking it!

Join in on the fun by clicking here:
http://words2scrapby.blogspot.com/2014/03/w2sb-challenge-3-and-oscar-goes-to.html


The Midweek ThrowDown at OWH is a good one to encourage us to clean up our scraps! I do not save a lot of my scraps so I started with papers that were free with a UK magazine.I like the colors in the papers but this card is not going to highlighted in my 'favorite cards from 2014'!!  LOL 
 http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-scrappy-background/

And I wanted to make some western cards for my next box to OWH so I used one of the sooo stinkin cute images by My Favorite Things. I paper pieced a lot of his outfit. The layout was not what was in my mind- but I wanted the cowboy to take center stage.,,hmmm- I feel like it needs something! I think the last time I used this stamp- I made a lassoo from jute. I think I may need to do that again!

And here are a few cards that are not for challenges and are going in my OWH box. I did use scraps for the birthday card...if the scraps are on my table and catch my eye- I use them right away. Otherwise- just more stuff to add to my overwhelming amount of supplies! And speaking of supplies....I store my stamps in clear DVD cases- and I will store 2-3 sets in one case- most of the time by the same maker. I label the spine and slide the image sheet into the DVD outer pocket....it kind of drives my friend Kelly crazy! I figure- I have limited space and if I combine a few sets...I will have room to buy more! And really- my brain can handle it...I usually can find what I want pretty quickly! Sorry Kelly!

I love the colors with the black! gorgeous! All from a pad by KaiserCraft- Violet Crush.

The Mama Elephant rabbits are quickly becoming favorites- they make me smile! And the dies are ME too and I LOVE that the edge 'stitching' is part of the die! 

Well, my girls are all coming home so I am looking forward to spending "quality time" {as Paige says} with some of my favorite people on this planet! I have so much in life to be thankful for and I know how blessed I truly am- but every time Cori, Paige and Maggie make plans to come home...my heart expands when they call or text to make sure I can spend time with them! My sister and her husband have done a damn fine job raising 4 awesome kids (Tessa is in middle school- so she does not have to 'come home' from college and the big apple!) and I am so thankful they share the girls with me! 
Thanks for stopping by and craft on!
Diane

Happy Birthday with OWH Sketch #215

Greetings!
If you missed my post from yesterday, check it out here:
 http://dianecreateswithpaper.blogspot.com/2014/03/happy-retirement-and-give-away.html

I have a give-away going on!

Here is the sketch for this week and next to it is Kathryn's inspiration card. I love the happy colors and the chubby penguin she used--too cute!
Do you want to see more of Kathryn's creations?
http://kathrynscards.blogspot.com/2014/01/after-little-hiatus-i-made-some-cards.html




And here is the card I came up with...I realized I do not have many birthday cards in my OWH box so I used a new to me Prima stamp. All of the patterned papers are by DCVW and have some holographic qualities- so there is some safe shimmer and shine! The card base is Bazzill card shoppe and the image is colored on X-Press It paper with copics. Happy Birthday was stamped with Paper Smooches stamps. The lone gem is by My Mind's Eye.

Happy DayLight Savings.... here is to more sunshine and the hope of spring!
Thanks for stopping by...and craft on!
Diane

Happy Retirement and a Give Away!

Hello! I have been travelling for work the past few weeks so it is nice to be home and have time to create some cards. 

I recently stumbled onto a wonderful site and I am sad to say the fabulous owner, Helene, is retiring. I am happy for her but sad that I did not discover her adorable stamps a long time ago! Head on over to http://www.alotarubberstamps.com/ars2011/default.asp and do it soon-- her incredible retirement sale is ending on March 15!  I placed an order and she mailed it right away but somehow the package got lost on a tour of the United States! Helene sent me out a replacement package asap and what do you know...the original package showed up a month later! And lucky you...Helene is letting me give the stamps away! These are awesome red rubber stamps and most are unmounted. The bees I used in last weeks post are from A Lots Rubber Stamps....so stinking cute! There are bees, Easter, Halloween, kids, nature, sentiments....there is a little bit of everything included and the pile is huge! I will send the stamps to 2 people and I will include a sheet of ez mount! Just let me know in your comment if you are interested in the stamps and a way to reach you! I will draw 2 names March 16th. 

Here are 2 cards based on the OWH sketch for last Sunday:

This sketch is an awesome way to use some scraps...I love the look of all the cards posted at OWH! 
http://operationwritehome.org/sketch-challenge-214/

And the OWH Mother's Day deadline is March 31 so we are encouraged by the midweek throwdown to get working on our cards for mom!
http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-mothers-day/

The panda and the sentiment are from Mama Elephant! How cute! I used glaze on the panda to add some shine- it looks great in person!

Have a great weekend and please go visit A Lota Rubber Stamps!
Diane

Bunnies, Bunnies, and Bees!

Greetings! I am so surprised that it is already March! February went by in the blink of an eye! I am hoping that means that spring is truly going to appear soon!

I have not posted since last Sunday so I have a few cards to share.
I have been on a tiny spending spree...I received an Oozak package today....gotta love Rusty! He ships so quickly and has a wonderful selection of all the things I just have to purchase!

The Midweek Throw Down was a color challenge this week; we are to use teal or turquoise on our cards. This is tough for me; for some reason I cannot see some colors as others see them. These are mostly blue based colors...like blue/violets and surprise... teal and turquoise!  I tried my best! 
http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-color-challenge-15/

This stinking cute bee is by Alota Rubber Stamps. Sadly, the online store is closing but you can still get some great stamps on sale. Helena is a sweetie- go check out her site!
alotarubberstamps.com

 And today, as the first Saturday of the month, we have a new ODBD challenge- thank you cards! Since all my other cards are cutesy, I wanted to make a more masculine card. It is super simple, but I like the simplicity. I used a new die from Mama Elephant to make the curves.And that awesome stitching is made by the die! The papers are by FarmHouse Paper Company They are deep green but photographed more brown. 
 http://operationwritehome.org/odbd-march-challenge/

And here is another card for my OWH box;  I hope to send a box to Sandy this week (I do not have any Easter cards so I do not have to rush, but it has been a while since I sent in any cards.) This adorable stamp is by Art Impressions..look at the backside when the card is opened...how fun is that?

And when you think of rabbits, do you think that they are known to multiply....quickly? Lots and lots of bunnies! That thought inspired this card-made with rabbits by Mama Elephant! I printed the sentiment on my computer.

Thanks for stopping by!

Diane

Another Wonderful OWH Sketch

It is Sunday so Marlene brings us another sketch....
http://operationwritehome.org/sketch-challenge-213/

                                         
Here is my take on the sketch;  a super clean card, perfect for  the guys!

And then I made a just for fun card! I just received some stamps and dies I ordered from Mama Elephant- such sweet images! http://www.mamaelephantblog.com/

Thanks for stopping by!
Diane

It is a Card Sharing Day!

Hello- we had some sunshine and warmer temperatures today- a nice change for New England!

First up, the lovely ladies at Words to Scrap By have come up with a fun challenge for February: make a card that celebrates the Olympics!  http://words2scrapby.blogspot.com/
Since I send my cards to OWH, creating a winter card now is 'off' season so I tried to come up with something that reminds me of the unity of the games and could be used any time of the year. I used a Mama Elephant stamp of 2 people holding hands and used the 5 colors of the Olympic rings to stamp the little gang of people!  The sentiment is by MFT.

This week at OWH, we have a glowing challenge: 
http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-let-your-light-shine/  The lightbulb is with the safe glitter paper by DCWV...so shiny in real life!

I had one of the cute little birdies left over from the Sunday sketch so I made another card featuring the Denami cutie!

And finally, Sandy is looking for more Hero cards. I watched a video by Dawn on making a window slider card...she gives clear directions and measurements- and I love her enthusiasm!
I thought this would be fun to make some Any Hero cards...it is easier than it looks! Go check out her video- I think you will be surprised at how quickly the card comes together!
http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/dawns_stampin_studio/2014/02/window-slider-card-video-.html

Closed- a nice sentiment and image by Paper Smooches.

Pull the ribbon and the panel slides... covering up the eagle and showing another sentiment. I added a small panel to the right so I can write a short note. I plan to write more on the back of the

card. I like interactive cards!

Oh- if you have Netflix- have you been watching House of Cards with Kevin Spacey? (no- it is not about card making--it is a political thriller- not my usual genre.)

 OMG- it is my current addiction (thanks William!)! I do not watch a ton of TV but oh my- this show is so interesting and the characters-so different and some are not nice people!  I have watched 3 episodes of the 2nd season and hope to find time to watch more over the next few days.... it sucks you right in! All episodes of the 2nd season are available now....if I watch it all right away....then I have to wait for the 3rd season!

Have a great weekend and go make some cards!

Diane

Another Sketchy Sunday

Welcome! Marlene discovered another wonderful sketch by an OWH cardmaker! The sketch is based on a card by Lori....you can visit her blog at  http://stampursocksoff.com/2014/02/01/card-bowl-2014-owh-superbowl/

                               

Here is Lori's  fabulous inspiration card:
                                

And here is what I came up with-something cutesy and something masculine:

That is all for today- time for a quick post!
Have a wonderful week and if you are off tomorrow- enjoy President's Day....I like Abe and George!
Diane

The Snow is not Punny....

Are you sick of all of the snow? It is getting a bit old! 
This week OWH is challenging the card makers to create cards using puns.
http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-punny-cards/
Luckily, I have a few stamp sets with puns.

Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Valentines Day!
Thanks for stopping by!
Diane

OWH Sketch 211 and 2 New Loves!

Hello! I hope you are enjoying the Olympics and have had time to watch some of the events.
Today I am sharing a few cards- 3 are inspired by this week's sketch


I like this sketch- one card I stayed true ot the sketch- the others..well.... I went off track a little bit!

 The most true to the sketch!

 Based on the sketch- the bears are so stinkin cute and I love this frame from CTMH Artbooking--- my newest favorite Cricut cartridge!

 The frame above is also from Artbooking. And the stamp and die cut below- yup- from CTMH! I think you already know my newest love is Artbooking-- but I am also wondering where enamel dots have been all my life?  I love how sleek they are, not a high profile and they add just a touch of fun!

Have a wonderful week...I have a 4 day weekend coming up! I recently worked an unexpected Saturday..so I am taking this Friday off to compensate for my time...sweet! 

Thanks for stopping by- a shout out to my girls-- wawa2 to Tessa, Maggie, Paige and Cori--- and of course- to Lola!

Diane

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

Manly Yes...But I Like it Too! (And an Anniversary Shout Out!)

Do you remember the Irish Spring commercial? This weekend OWH is having a Card Bowl and we are challenged to make masculine cards.... thus the first part of my title!
             

Yesterday's challenge was for the monthly ODBD challenge and for February we are to make a card with the color brown. And amazingly- we have already exceed the goal of 50 cards! Wahooo!
Please go see all of the great cards! 
http://operationwritehome.org/odbd-february-challenge/

I used MFT camera die and stamps- and yes- I heat embossed the sentiment! A rarity for me! LOL 

Today's OWH sketch is fabulous and the sample card is by Donna- one the absolutely nicest people I have 'met' online-and so very talented too! You have to go visit Donna 
http://designingkeepsakes.blogspot.com

                                                               
                                             

For my sketch card, I used a CTMH stamp and die cut from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge. I was very surprised on my birthday with a bit of cash so I splurged and purchased some crafty supplies......  and man did I have some fun ordering!! I ordered the CTMH Artbooking cartridge and a few CTMH stamp sets, some Paper Smooches stamps and dies and some embellishments from Simon Says Stamp! I also re-stocked my supply of Copic X-press It Blending Card with an Amazon gift card---so I have loved coming home from busy work days to find packages waiting for me! lol!

And did you know that  Paper Smooches is celebrating their 3rd anniversary? They are-and they have new releases too! I am so impressed with the quality of all of the products, how fun and cute the images are, the super fast shipping and the customer service is OUTSTANDING! Go give Kim some love and help celebrate!
 http://papersmooches.blogspot.com/2014/02/happy-3rd-anniversary-to-paper-smooches.html
                                    

Here is a card I made in honor of the anniversary... I look up to Kim--her talent, her kindness and her business! I tried to keep with the OWH manly theme- and I love this paper-- I hope that coral/pinky color in a few of the squares is not too feminine- I tried to color the hippo's tongue the same color!

Well- I hope everyone has a great week and enjoys the game tonite. I know there will be heartbroken fans as well as joyous fans...I look forward to an exciting game!
Hello to my girls- Tessa, Cori, Maggie, Paige and Lola!
Thanks for stopping by, 
Diane

CardBowl 2014- The Broncos...really?

Hello everyone! I have not posted for a while...I have been extra busy and working long days...so long that I think I am delusional! I am picking the Broncos???? OWH is having a CardBowl this weekend and our first challenge is to make a masculine card based on one of the teams. As a die-hard Patriots fan- I am not thrilled with the Broncos (I will get over it... eventually) but I do think they are going to win. http://operationwritehome.org/card-bowl-2014/

I apologize, my cards are  crooked....that is how my week rolled...all week long- but today is a new day and I started it off making cards- so it is all good! I used Paper Smooches stamps- LOVE PS- great customer service, great quality stamps and dies and stinkin cute images- please go visit Kim- she has a wonderful blog and store!  http://www.papersmoochesstamps.com/ 
I tried some white flock on the top card- thanks Jen!

And I decided to play along with CC Designs this month so I used a sweet bunny/child stamp.....so precious! And there is more flock on the tail!  They have a sketch challenge this time-join in on the fun! http://ccdesigns.typepad.com/cc_designs/2014/01/cc-designs-monthly-challenge-no-6.html

And oh my- I almost missed Marlene's sketch challenge from Sunday 1/26... I just realized I did not make a card on Sunday- as I usually do...so here is my late card. Another shout out to Jen- I purchased some of her stash and love this Unity shirt- so simple but I think it is perfect for no-frilly masculine cards!
http://operationwritehome.org/sketch-challenge-209/

And to round out my catch-up post- I have a kids card for the MWTD of 1/29.  Another Paper Smooches stamp set- again- thanks to Jen! LOL  And the middle egg is on an Action Wobble-a little extra fun for a child!   http://operationwritehome.org/midweek-throwdown-cards-4-kids-4/

And a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Paige-- I hope your weekend is ginormously fun! I miss you and cannot wait to come visit you in the big city again! (Sorry my other P girls...this one is just about your sister....on your birthday, you will get a shout out just for you! LOL- you too Lola!) 

Thanks for stopping by,

Diane