Another 'what a week' week! Fortunately, tomorrow's Friday and I'm off to see my family for the weekend. On Sunday, my just-turned-five-year-old niece is performing in her year-finale ballet recital, as a butterfly. How perfect is that for her slightly butterfly-obsessed Aunty C! I promised her a couple months back that I would come to see her flitter and flutter across the stage, as I've not seen her dance 'for reals.' My husband, however, won't be joining me, as a couple weeks ago, his sister invited us to his niece's high school grad celebration. Talk about crazy timing, right! Oh well, we'll both have the pleasure of seeing our nieces 'cross the stage', ready to spread their wings in readiness for new adventures. I'm nervous about my four-hour solo drive but...putting on my big girl pants and heading north!
Anyway, in the midst of various hectic-nesses this week, I etched out time to make a card (actually I made three, but two were ewwww!) for the amazing, talented, energetic and fabulous Amy's Coffee Lovers Summer Blog Hop
Check out the sponsors she lined up...nothing short of amazing!
The popularity of this hop is exponential; last count, showed 434 fabulous creations in the gallery!
Here's my card...all STAMPlorations images coloured with my Chameleon pens (still working on a relationship with them...)
I'm entering this in the STAMPlorations Anything Goes gallery.
AND, since I have your attention, below is the card I made for my niece. The ballerina (isn't she adorable!) is one of several that sweet Bev sent me a while back. I finally got up the nerve to colour one and I'm happy with the results. The HUGS is another gift, from sweet Barb, who sent me a variety of 'hug' die cuts, along with some other treats. I sponged it in rainbow colours because Ms. T is all about rainbows. Mega THANK YOU, my wonderful friends, for sharing with me; I'm feeling mighty blessed. All because of you, I was able to make something super special for Ms. T!
Hope she'll like it...
ETA: A visit to Sandie's blog, and her revelation of a new-to-her challenge - Sovushka Slavia - sent me on an investigation of my own and...WOW! My card 'resembles' the fabulous muse card created by Vanessa, so I am linking up! Love when unexpected wonderful things happen!
Oh yes...I've fallen behind in commenting; I'll catch up! Stay tuned!
Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!
Hugs,
WOW! Look at those expertly colored coffee cups! Gorgeous shading!
ReplyDeleteAnd the card for your niece is utterly adorable with the rainbow hugs and that cute ballerina! How wonderful that you can be at the recital! Safe travels!
I am desperately trying to comment on all those coffee cards. I think I'm up to 385, so normally, I wouldn't reach your card for a bit yet. However, after checking my blog and seeing that you'd popped up there, I had to make a detour out of my one-track mindedness. Coffee card = magnificence. All your practice with the chameleon pens has paid off in spades; this is perfectly colored. LOVE it!!! All that lovely white space and then wonderful pops of color! And you're most certainly welcome for the little bannereela (as my Jessie used to say, instead of ballerina). You've colored her brilliantly, and the sentiment is perfect for sweet little Miss T. She'll love this card and treasure it always. And rainbow stars...so perfect at five. Take care, drive safe and enjoy your fun with the little ones. Bev
ReplyDeleteLove your coffee card. Wonderful design.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully colored card! LOVE the colors and design!
ReplyDeleteOoh-la-la! I'm completely loving both cards, Aunty C! The first one just made me crave for coffee big time (thanks a lot!) and I can't have it (haven't had a single drop of it since January! Aaand...you're way ahead of me in the Chameleon coloring department -- I've neglected those pens and when I tried coloring with them again early this week, I was not a happy camper lol. As for the second card...it's superbly adorable! Ms T is going to love it! Oh and I just had to comment on one of your statements (can't let it pass)...you -- slightly butterfly-obsessed?!?!? SLIGHTLY? I think you need to re-think that (hehehe!) Hope you and Andy both have a wonderful time watching your nieces! Hugs!
ReplyDeletegreat colors and I love the layout! TFS
ReplyDeleteThe coloring on your card is really good. Thanks for sharing. Oh yeah, your niece will love her card. :)
ReplyDeleteUmmmmm your coffee card is pretty much sheer perfection! LOVE the colors and the bit of grunge in the background! As for that ballerina card, it's so adorable! I'm sure your little butterfly will be so proud to have it!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors!
ReplyDeleteThese are both stupendous cards. Love the coffee card, and you did a fine job of coloring. Like that bit of grunge surrounding each cup. And, your rainbow ballerina card is just priceless, as I'm sure your niece will be in her recital. Oh, I remember those recital days all too well, until we switched to soccer all the way. More loving inking and coloring.
ReplyDeleteLove your superb coloring in coffee cups, both of your cards are awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteWow two pretty cards love them both.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards, Carol, I have wondered where you have been...Life is like that so hectic. Good journey and be safe my blog friend! Have a good visit and enjoy the butterfly!
ReplyDeleteThe coffee card is just my tase: beaudiful and the balerina card is adorable. Great idea sponging the different colors.
ReplyDeleteWe think you did brilliantly, we love both cards :)
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I like the coloring on the coffee cups (but not the liquid inside said cups). Your relationship with the pens looks to be progressing quite nicely, I'd say! Well done! Your card for your niece is fantastic! Adore the image and the wonderful rainbow on the hugs. Your niece will be in heaven. How lovely for you to get to see her perform! I know you'll enjoy. Safe travels!
ReplyDelete2 super adorable cards great job !
ReplyDeleteLove both of your cards! The coffee cup card is adorable, and that hugs card is awesome with that ballerina and the rainbow of hugs!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards, Carol. I love the colouring and sentiment on your coffee card and the second is so sweet and a fabulous take on the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteSo fun! LOVE the lime green coffee cup! And the ballerina card is adorable too!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. I love how you colored the cups. TFS
ReplyDeleteooh great colouring on your coffee card, I really like how you put it together!
ReplyDeletelove the coloring. I wondered how those pens work. I am still working on my blending with copics. my success varies day by day.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards! That hugs die cut is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing! ~Annie
ReplyDeleteOooh, awesome cards!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun coffee card, Carol ... and fantastic colouring! Your hugs card stole my heart ... what a sweet little ballerina ... and oh my, that sponged rainbow hugs ... need to CASE!! Have a fabulous weekend! Hugs, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteYour latte card is amazing, Carol and I love your sweet ballerina with the rainbow effect! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHi Carol - your coffee card - Yummy! Looks like you doing well with those Chameleon pens! Your second card is truly darling - your nice must love it! that is some fabulous rainbow inking! And what a perfect fit for that challenge!
ReplyDeleteLovely little duo!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are fab! Have a fun trip!
ReplyDeleteHi Carol...hope that coffee is still warm!...fabulous card...love it and what a great sentiment. the ballerina is just perfect for your niece I am sure...love the rainbow colours. Safe travels my love and have a fantastic time too xxx
ReplyDeleteLove your coffee card, Carol! And the ballerina card is just adorble. I am sure your niece will be thrilled to bits to receive this card.
ReplyDeletehugs Asha
Fabulous cards...oh my but that coffee card is so wonderful, love the look you created.
ReplyDeleteWOW-eeeee great cards!! Love the coloring and designs! Your niece will love her card!! Drive careful and enjoy the ballet!
ReplyDeleteCarol, these cards are awesomely awesome! I love that coffee card. Now you'll have to let me know how your relationship with Chameleons goes. Wait - maybe not. I just bought some Pro brush markers (squeal!!!) so I can't afford any new pets right ow. That ballerina is adorable. Love . love. love the rainbow hugs die. Ms. T has one very awesomely awesome aunt to make her such a sweet card. Enjoy her recital! xo
ReplyDeleteTwo really FABULOUS cards, Carol! I love the details on your coffee lovers card and the soft colors you chose for the cups...very cool! And, by the way...I can't imagine anything you've created to get a response like "ewwww"! You are too funny :)
ReplyDeleteYour 'Hugs' card is absolutely perfect for your niece! The ballerina is darling and your coloring (as always) is just amazing! Love the rainbow of colors on the sentiment so much, too! I'm so happy you chose it for this special occasion!
I hope you've had a safe drive...you are such a special auntie to do it solo! Wishing you an equally safe trip home ~ Hugs, Barb
Oh these are so fabulous.
ReplyDeleteOh so fabulous, c... your CLBH card is so chic and cool - goodness I LOve it! But, speaking of love? That little twinkle-toed niece is going to LOVE her card... nearly as much as she loves her Auntie C...
ReplyDelete=] Michele
Awesome cards!! I love your coffee layout and your coloring is fab!! And i know those pens are not easy to use!! The ballerina card is perfect (and oh so pretty) for your niece!! Travel safe and i hope you have a great time!!
ReplyDeleteYay! LOVE your awesome coffee card, love to go cups are on my list! Such fun colors and the card for your niece....she's going to LOVE it! Have a FABulous weekend with the family!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop♡
I'd say your chameleon coloring is coming along find, Carol. The coffee card is wonderful and I like the added "shadow" stamping behind the cups. The ballerina card is just too cute. Coloring well done there, too. Have fun watching your niece dance. My granddaughter (16) is a ballerina and I love watching her - in a show - not a recital.
ReplyDeleteGreat coffee card - makes me want to hop in the car and go to Starbucks for a decaf, non-fat latte :) Adore the card for you niece. Super cute ballerina and love the rainbow hugs! Enjoy watchingher - they are so cute a those recitals!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully colored coffee cups, fabulous card!
ReplyDeleteMs. T is going to hug you sooooo tight when she sees her card - it is beyond PERFECT! YUMMY coffee card too! In fact, if it wasn't 12:11am, I'd be brewing up a cup after seeing your creation!
ReplyDeleteBTW - I think we are all behind in commenting, so for the rest of the summer I will be commenting in "SITS" mode....which translates to "Summer Is Too Short" to spend indoors in front of a computer...so brief comments will be the norm....until the snow flies again!
Both cards are ADorable!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day,
Migdalia
Crafting With Creative M
Both cards are gorgeous :-D
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! That coffee card is stunning!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous creations sweetie but the ballerina one stole my heart, your colouring is perfect <3 <3 hugs Pops x
ReplyDeleteI missed this one Carol! How could I have done that?!! I hope you and your hubby enjoyed time with each of your nieces, crazy that they were both at the same time. I hope your 4 hour trip went well and I know you were melting at the sight of your sweet niece floating across that stage as a butterfly-was that cosmic or what that she was given the part of a butterfly?! Did Auntie C put a bug in the dance instructor's ear? lol No? Well it must just be fate! I love, love your coffee card. The colors are amazing and I so love your coloring. I think you got those markers down pat because your coloring is gorgeous! I also adore that ballerina card and I know Miss T will too. I also love how you colored the "hugs". A special card for a special little girl! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteI bet the recital was so adorable and hope your niece enjoyed herself, as much as you did watching her. And I'm sure this gorgeously sweet card was a hit too. Love the rainbow 'hugs' and your colouring of the ballerina is brilliant. I'm very behind with my commenting too (hence its Tuesday night here and you posted this last Thursday) so trying to catch up with everyone's adventures. Hope your having a wonderful week!!
ReplyDeleteSo very FIRST of all - I need to thank you for all your absolutely sweet and fun things you said in the comments you left for me!!! You are as generous with your complimentary words as you are with the sharing of your marvelous talents!!! So thank you!!! OK, now about these delightful cards made for such fun occasions - the ballerina with the hugs is ADORABLE beyond anything!!! Love the rainbow hues on your die cut and your ballerina is too cute - which I am positive was so true about MsT - I bet she delighted your socks right off!!! Your card for the CL hop is excellence personified - love the soft colors you chose to add that help showcase it. Well, my charming and sweet friend - I wish you a good day!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful creations :) So lively and colorful !
ReplyDelete2 super cards, Carol, but the one for your darling niece is just a treasure!
ReplyDeleteCarol, both cards are wonderful, coffee card is just terrific! But I came to say how much I loved your caseing of Vanessa's card and a perfect rainbow HUGS. Thank you for sharing it with us at Sovushka Slavia. -Ksenija
ReplyDeleteCarol, beautiful cards) Thank you. Sovushka Slavia
ReplyDeleteCarol, beautiful cards. Thank you. Sovushka Slavia
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful interpretation! Thank you so much for playing with Sovushka Slavia!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful your niece was to be a butterfly! I bet she was the most wonderful butterfly there has ever been. And you know your cards are just wonderful too. A real feast for the eyes!
ReplyDelete