Thursday, August 31, 2017

Little Camper Thanks So Very Much...FUSION Card Challenge~Glamping

Hello,

We're away from home yet again, having brought mom back yesterday evening from visiting us and now, in turn, staying with her for the long weekend. Some big pro road bike races happening in Edmonton; my husband is one of the officials. As for me: a fan on the side of the road for two days, then joining in for the last two stages. I'm soooo excited to have an opportunity to play in the big leagues!

Anyway...time to welcome you to FUSION Card Challenge~Glamping. How sweet is that trailer! I'd even reconsider my stance on 'no camping for me' if this "glamper" was offered as accommodation. As for the sketch; inviting as always!

No camping stuff in my collection, however, I found these darling, detailed Little B camper stickers from my local scrapbooking shop - Scrapshotz.  Such fun!  Added a background from Uniko's Explosion Additions set and...ta dahhhh.  Just a little something to say 'thank you' to those friends who enjoy camping/tenting....


Oh...and a second one happened.


Please head over to see the marvelous cards designed by my wonderful design team:



How will *glamping* and/or the sketch inspire you? 


Also sharing at:
CASology Week #264~Square


Looking forward to seeing you in the gallery!

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

BLOOMTANGLED Blog Hop & Linky Party

Hello,

I'm absolutely delighted to be joining several of the STAMPlorations gals for round two of colouring fun: the Bloomtangled Blog Hop and Linky Party.  This hop is in celebration of Shery's second colouring book, Bloomtangled, a work of art with its marvelous flowers, leaves and, of course, *tangles*!


I have a set of four cards and one framed project to share.

Several of the flowers on this page spoke 'snowflake' to me, so I heeded their call, using a variety of blue prismacolour pencils. I added the lovely intricate Flutter Zen 2 Butterfly and a three-layers-stacked Celebrate CUTploraition. Everything is set atop a panel using the Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Dies.


With the leftovers, I was able to create a second card, using the solid image from Flutter Zen 2 Butterfly, a bit of Dots All Over stenciling and a sentiment from Trendy Butterflies 2.


My third card was an attempt at 'subtle'...yellows, greys and just a whisper of green (prismacolours and polychromos pencils). The popped up panel is the smallest rectangle from the Crazy Double Stitch Running Dies; a stacked Thanks Cutplorations is the final touch.  I added Wink of Stella to the grey flowers...shimmery in real life.


Again, no pieces left behind...a snippet of the colouring page, another Flutter Zen 2 Butterfly and a sentiment from Trendy Feathers (which I think may be retired...)


Finally, a page of 'sunflowers' that I couldn't bear to cut...so I just put the page into a frame...my sunny blooms make me smile...


Okay...enough from me. Time to put YOU to work! Here's your agenda *grin*

Please comment on all our blogs and also download the sampler page, color it, create something with it (card, ATC, bookmark, anything) and then link it up to our linky for a chance at the prizes.

Commenting and linking up closes on Tuesday, September 5.

Prizes:
- one commenter randomly drawn from the STAMP blog and designers blogs will win a $10 gift certificate to the store
- one participant randomly drawn from the linky party entries will win a copy of Bloomtangled and a $15 gift certificate to the store


Winners will be announced on Sunday, September 10.

Looking forward to seeing your versions of the colouring page in the gallery!

Thank you for dropping in; your visit brightened my day!










Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Pink and Yellow Layered Dahlia Thanks...Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge #257~Make Your Mark

Hello!

Hope you're having a wonderful week! I am...my mom's visiting! Yayyyy!

Welcome to Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge #257~Make Your Mark.  For this challenge, bring out you pencils, markers, stencils and sponges, paints...essentially, anything that 'makes a mark.


Two cards from me today, both using the fabulous Layered Dahlia stencil from Altenew., paired with the new Thanks die from MFT.


Here's one posing for its close-up; the letters cut out separately so for this card, I stacked them three high...


The second sees the letters cut and backed with black. I admit I had a 'moment' of 'oh noooo' when I started rolling the panels into my Big Shot, as the stenciling has such impact (gotta love when products have impressive results easily achieved), but...I think the big sentiment works okay. Hope you think so, too!


Okay, I'm off for some more mom-and-daughter time. We might go for ice cream later, especially since the forecast is for the high 80s today...

Looking forward to seeing your designs in the gallery!

Thank you for dropping in; your visit brightened my day!


Friday, August 25, 2017

Uniko Beautiful Blooms I: Celebrate and Thanks...Inkspirational Challenge #142~Oldie but Goodie

Hello,

What a fast-paced, filled-with-a-whole-lot-of-stuff two weeks I've had...and the next two are looking to be the same!  I'm ping-ponging all over the place: heading to Edmonton for bike races this weekend; bringing mom home for a visit (yayyyy!); then returning to the city on Wednesday, so my husband can tackle his officiating duties with Tour of Alberta pro bike race. Between now and Labour Day long weekend, we'll be home for only three nights!  It's all wonderful...but I'm realizing I need a planner! Not the paper/journal type one; rather, someone to get me organized! Sheesh!

Anyway, welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #142~Designer's Choice. Our own Nonni is the designer making the choice and here's her selection:


Cool, right?  A chance to dive into those products we've stashed away and give them some TLC!

Joining the team today is our uber-talented guest designer, Shirley; she makes *the* most incredible cards, in any and all styles, and her work with distress inks is pure magic! Added to that: she has her own line of stamps - The Bee’s Knees -  sold through STAMPlorations. Remarkable, right? Right! Thrilled you've joined us for this challenge!  My teammates are mighty remarkable, too; please check out their cards and leave them some love that I know they'll appreciate deeply:


My *oldie, but goodie* is a stamp/die combination that's been part of my collection from my early crafting days:  Uniko Studio's Beautiful Blooms 1.  I loved it when I first received it and I still love it now!

Confession: oldie paired with some 'newies' here, all from Uniko (All Occasion Sentiments 6 and Background Blocks Halftone); hopefully my teammates won't mind a bit of rule-bending. 

Here's my first card; had some fun stamping with two inks, then popping it up against the halftone dots. 


My bloom felt rejuvenated, so we had another play.  Hard to see but I added shadows with prismacolour pencils. I die cut an opening for the bloom in the panel, set the coloured bloom inside, stamped the Thanks, then added the coloured bloom, slightly popped up, to give the card a bit of dimension.

Turning the stage over to you...I'm excited to see what
 *Oldies, but Goodies* 
you'll be sharing in the gallery!

Thank you for dropping in; your visit brightened my day!





Thursday, August 17, 2017

Halloween Tags...FUSION Card Challenge~Orange and Black Stationery

Hello!

Hope you're having an amazing week! My brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew are visiting us and good times galore happening!  The energy of the kiddos is contagious and I'm having a blast, gallivanting to the park, to the zoo, to the trails, to the ice cream shop...to here, there and everywhere! Of course, we're doing some crafting and colouring, too!

Taking a quick time out to welcome you to the new FUSION Card Challenge~Orange and Black Stationery. Those papers, pens, stapler and clips (especially the one with the mustache!)....oh my! Hoarding guaranteed! And the sketch is, yet again, wonderfully inviting!

So, here's the thing: if orange and black are the inspiration, especially this time of year, I'm compelled to go in one direction. Halloween!  I love making Halloween tags/mini cards (I'll be doing so for my niece and nephew's classes soon!) and this is as good a time as any to make a start...

Please welcome my little orange, black and white trio...





Too. Much. Fun.  The wee spider....love him!

Please head over to see the innovative cards designed by my wonderful design team:


How will the lovely pencils and inviting sketch inspire you? 

Looking forward to seeing you in the gallery!

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

You Mean the World to Me and Koi Birthday....TIME OUT Challenge #89~Home Sweet Home, CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge #234

Hello,

Super quick post to share two cards I made before my guests arrived (and we're enjoying ourselves fabulously!).

TIME OUT Challenge #89~Home Sweet Home has this lovely room to inspire us:


Here's my take...Concord and 9th stamps all the way...and even some embossing, as I'm trying out my new heat gun.  Hard to see the shimmer on my map, but it's definitely there...


CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge #234 is next:



Planning to go to the zoo today! I'm excited...hippos!

Thank you for dropping in; your visit brightened my day!





Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Dahlia Thanks...Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge #255~Photo Inspiration

Hello,

Welcome to Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge #255~Photo Inspiration.  Isn't this image amazing? The blues, purples, shapes, highlights, shadows....gorgeous!


My card features Altenew's Layered Dahlia stencils and yes, they are quite the delights...and addicting! More panels 'happened' when I made this one...you may see a couple down the road.


Just another view....

As you'll see at the main site, my teammates created sensational interpretations of this photo - and I know YOU will too! Hope you'll find time to play along.  Oh, and some news. First, a sad 'see you later' to LeeAnn,who has stepped down to contend with life for the time being. She will be deeply missed. On the plus side:  Kylie, our awesome leader, is now part of the DT! Woo hoooo! More of her fabulous inspiration to dazzle and delight all of us!


See you in the gallery!

Thank you for dropping in; your visit brightened my day!


Friday, August 11, 2017

Beautiful and Celebrate Layered Marble....Inkspirational Challenge #141~Word Prompt: Waves

Hello!

Talk about a whole lot of hustle-and-bustle going on in these here parts! I spent most of the week at my mom's, visiting and working (marking the summer sitting of diploma exams), as well as spending as much time as possible with my niece and nephew. Headed home once we wrapped up the essays and now, preparing for my brother, sister-in-law and the kids to head our way on Sunday.  SUPER EXCITED! Oh...and my husband, who's been in Winnipeg as an official at the bike-racing events at Canada Summer Games since the 5th, will be arriving on Sunday.  Looking forward to a houseful!

The task-at-hand, however, is to welcome you to Inkspirational Challenge #141~Word Prompt: *Wave*.  Loads of possibilities, right?


Want to see a bunch?  Then head over to the Inkspirational site, where our wonderfully talented Guest Designer, Helen is joining the team - MarinaKylieSandieShaunaNonni, Yvonne and me - in this fabulous 'so many directions to explore' challenge.

As for me...I finally used my Waffle Flowers Layered Marble stamp to create 'waves'.  Yes, a wee bit fiddly in some ways, but so delightfully organic. One play is all you really need to get the sense of which layer goes where and after that....oh my! So pretty....and I hope you agree.  I paired the marble backgrounds with sentiments from Uniko...



You know the routine!  Looking forward to seeing you *waving* at us from the gallery!

 Thank you for dropping by; your visit is both welcomed and deeply appreciated!



PS. Yes, I've fallen light years behind in commenting...and with family coming, I suspect that may not change for a bit! Bear with me, please! I'll do my best to catch up, whether on your blogs or IG or FB!  HUGS to all of you, my sweet friends - thank you for continuing to visit, even when I'm soooo pathetic at returning the gesture (for now....).

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Blah Bunny: Coffee & More Coffee...Happy Little Stampers August 2017 Anything Goes with Dies Challenge

Hello,

Another month (passing far too swiftly in my books!) means another Happy Little Stampers Anything Goes with Dies Challenge!


Our winner for this challenge will receive a $20 coupon to spend at the shop! 

Check out all the details HERE.

I finally brought out my Blah bunny (Honey Bee Stamps), who make me laugh!  These days, with travel, visiting, marking diplomas and officiating at bike races, I certainly do need coffee...


and quite often, more coffee.


 Isn't he a blast! And I've only used two of the plethora of sentiments that accompany this set! More bunnies to come!

Please visit my teammates for some truly amazing die cut inspiration, then play along with us!


See you in the gallery!

 Thank you for dropping by; your visit is both welcomed and deeply appreciated!



Thanks and Celebrate....Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge~Herb Garden

Hello,

A busy weekend of officiating at bike races, and today, packing my bag and heading north to visit my mom for a few days. Before I do, sharing a couple of cards for the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge~Herb Garden,


where I was especially taken with Sheri's inspiration pieces.  Mine come nowhere near being as crisp, fresh and stunning as hers, but if was fun to play with a few different dies/background arrangements all the same.



The Altenew forest glades ink I used is much deeper in real life; not sure why that doesn't come through in the photo. Sighhhhh...Both cards feature predominately Uniko products: Nature's Treasures II and All Occasions Sentiments #6.  They're soooo marvelous!

Time to get ready...fingers crossed my drive will be smooth and safe!

Thank you for dropping by; your visit brightened my day!



Sunday, August 6, 2017

Pineapple and Flower...CASology Challenge #260~Juicy, Less Is More Challenge #340~Tropical Fruits

Hello,

CASology Challenge #260~Juicy


and Less Is More Challenge #340~Tropical Fruits


see me bringing out my HA pineapple and a new pineapple embossing folder!  Wasn't feeling 'sentimental' so this will be a 'just because' note card for the time being....


Heading off to Day 2 of the weekend's three bike races....

Thank you for dropping by; your visit brightened my day!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Flamingo Fabulous and Pineapple Thanks....FUSION~Pastel Pencils

Hello!

Yes, I'm back yet again (been crafting up a storm since returning from our little vacation!), this time to join my awesome team in welcoming you to FUSION Card Challenge~Pastel Pencils.  The assortment of  pencils and pencils, tucked into what looks to be re-purposed cans, has me thinking about jazzing up some containers of my own. I do have a soft spot for pencils having been a teacher for years upon years...
That said, I did not bring pencils or pens to the challenge; rather, I took my cue from the sketch and the colours, creating this pastel flamingo and stripes pairing,


followed by a pineapple and stripes version.


I rather like the 'swirl' element; a change from my typical same old-same old rectangle panel.

Please head over to see the beautiful cards designed by my wonderful design team:


How will the lovely pencils and inviting sketch inspire you?

Looking forward to seeing you in the gallery!

Also sharing at:

CAS on Sunday Challenge #113~Exotic

City Crafter Challenge Blog Week 373 ~ Pretty in Pink


Thank you for dropping by; your visit brightened my day!


Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Flowers x Three...Happy Little Stampers August 2017 CAS Challenge~Flowers

Hello,

July was a whoosh! Hopefully, August will see the minutes, hours, days and weeks slow down a bit! I want the summer months to last!  Speaking of August, time for the new Happy Little Stamps CAS Challenge, where the theme of *Flower* is sure to generate plenty of inspiration and gallery entries.



I've brought three for you today, beginning with my flowering cactus.s (My Favourite Things),


a layered lily (Altenew) and


a whimsical 'natural organic' (Uniko)


NOTE:  Honoured and thrilled that my Uniko card was selected as one of the Top 3 in the Uniko Studio Challenge #42~Flowers. THANK YOU!


What types of lovely blooms will you share with us?  Looking forward to discovering a garden of gorgeous in the days ahead!

Also sharing at:

Uniko Studio Challenge #42~Flowers

Thank you for dropping by; your visit brightened my day!