Inkspirational Challenge #260~Word Prompt - Curve...Rainbows (Pinkfresh and Cocoa Vanilla)

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #260, where we're inviting you to share *CURVES* on your cards/projects for the next two weeks. From a curved card shape, to curves 'on' your card, to curvy images...plenty of directions to take with this prompt.

My card has oodles of curves, thanks to this pretty rainbow paper (I really need to whittle down my paper stash!) from Cocoa Vanilla's Daydream collection and the curvy lines of the Pinkfresh Studio ornate dies. No sentiment; I think the little heart says it all! 

Please check out my teammates' curve delights, then play along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey 

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #258~Photo Challenge...Roses Envelope Special Delivery Valentine Card (MCT)

Hello,

Time for a new challenge over at Inkspirational and, being that February is the month of love, we have this lovely roses wreath as our photo inspiration. Oh, to have that beauty adorning one of the doors in our house....gorgeous! 

In the circles of card-making land that I visit frequently, I've seen a variety of cards that present a stylized version of a one-layer card; namely, a solid panel with a 'something' on the front that opens as a mini-card. No need for a full card base, as the front image allows space for a message. I'm all for avoiding card bases (mainly because I can never get them straight!), so this new format works for me!

Here, I've used Bo Bunny patterned paper and an envelope/mini card combination (My Creative Time) for the front.  You can see the mini card's sentiments in the photos below.

Super easy to make, not bulky and straight edges! LOVE it!

Please check out my teammates' delightful creations, then play along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey 

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #257~Designer's Choice - Cozy...Warm and Cozy (Simple Stories Ephemera and Knit EF)

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #257 where I've selected COZY as my Designer's Choice. Quilts, warm clothes, snuggly things: I'm sure many of those spring to mind...but perhaps a cup cozy might be a choice, or a teapot cozy, or a cozy group of close knit family/friends. Lots of choices! 

I dove, once again, into my rather extensive stash of ephemera - this time from Simple Stories - for my card. I selected images that keep me toasty on wintry days: sweaters, hats, mittens and of course, hot beverages. Even the background has an element of cozy, with the knit embossing from a RG folder. 

Please check out my teammates' delightful creations, then play along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey (on break)

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #256~Word Prompt - Goal...Nephew Hockey Card

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #256, where our word prompt for the next two weeks is GOAL. Setting, accomplishing, reaching for, scoring...what goals will you share with us?  

My nephew plays hockey, so of course, the minute I saw this prompt, I immediately thought of him. This photo is one of my favourites, taken when he was trying on his gear - in the house, of course- for the first time. He was about 5 then and now, nearly 5 years later, he certainly shines as a sporting, solid, committed player. Yep...that's my boy! Oh...and he's not a goalie on a regular basis; I just wanted to use my Photoplay hockey paper and stickers for this challenge occasion. 

AND, I accomplished *my* goal of making a mini trifold album for him - similar in format to the one I shared here -  featuring a handful of photos from his 2017/18 year of playing. A bit of a challenge to get decent pictures of the album but...I think you'll be able to figure it out. The tutorial, at Polly's Paper Studio, is so easy; I love the format! 

Cover

Inside pages - mini cards tucked in pockets

Papers lining inserts, where more photos could be added:

Back of album when unfolded: cover on right, the back in the center, a fourth pocket/insert that folds in, when assembled.

Cover and insert photos

Please check out my teammates' delightful creations, then play along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey (on break)

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #255~Word Prompt - Ice...Polar Playtime...Polar Bear and Penguins

Hello

Before introducing our new challenge, wishing you a most Merry Christmas ! May your festive season be filled with JOY! 

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #255, where ICE is the inspiration for the next two weeks. Plenty of possibilities with this cue...from ice cubes, to skating, to ice floes, to icicles to whatever catches your fancy. 'Tis, after all, freezin' season (at least here it is!)

Full on patterned paper and die-cutting mode for me, which seems to be my card-making/crafting style of late. Craft Consortium's Polar Playtime collection is filled with the most adorable polar bears, penguins and fish enjoying themselves in wintry wonderlands. Two cards using these cuties...

First, a 4" circle card, complete with matching envelope. The "happy mail' die sentiment, stamp and heart are part of the envelope die collection. I just want to give the snoozing polar bear a big ol' cuddle!

The penguin sitting on ice cubes...couldn't resist! This is from the 6x6 pack, so a bit smaller than the bear, above. Die cut, matted it with a patterned paper from the 12 x 12 collection, and added the combination to the skating/skiing penguins background paper. 

Both cards, inside, read "Wishing you an 'ice' day!" 

Please check out my teammates' delightful creations, then play along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #254~Photo Challenge...Two-in-One Gift Boxes...Falalalala and Merry Christmas

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #254,where we have this lovely, cozy, I-want-those-pjs-and-slippers photo as inspiration. Oh...and the hot chocolate...the pillow...the works!! 

As you see, I was inspired by the gifts, the hot chocolate with marshmallows, the wreaths, the bough/sprig patterns on the pjs...plenty features caught my eye. Recently, I ordered the Two-In-One Box from EH and, after some fiddling around (a bit of a learning curve to put these together), I wound up with two gift boxes. Papers are from Echo Park's Winter collection; so pretty. I'm not skilled with tying bows, wrapping with strings/ribbon, so forgive my 'messy' attempts. Still...the concept of the boxes is fun...more to be created soon!

Please check out my teammates' delightful creations, then play along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #252~Designers' Choice...Plaid Sleigh Treat/Gift Box

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #252, where Marlene and Pia have teamed up in selecting PLAID as their Designers' Choice. Makes me think of things warm and cozy...

Making a debut for this challenge is my new Sleigh Treat Box die and I just happened to find a lovely piece of P13 plaid paper to pair with it. The bow and runners are sheeny silver cardstock. This took, literally, under 5 minutes to put together and is roomy enough for small gifts (as you see here) or quite a few chocolates, if you prefer! Place-table settings, home decor, gift container (tealight candles just popped into my mind)...all kinds of possibilities with this easy-to-use die. 

Please check out my teammates' delightful creations, then PLAID along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #252~Photo Challenge...Gold Deer and Black Wreath Peace on Earth

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #252, where we have this lovely chair photo to spark your creativity for the next two weeks. Black + gold...so many possibilities, especially for Christmas cards. Or perhaps the florals will catch your eye...or maybe even the 'chair' itself. How about that background? Loads of entry points; let your imagination soar!

Using the black + gold combination as my starting point, I chose to transform the beautiful busy pattern into one more clean and simple.  Of course, gold is a pain to photograph but in real life, it has such a lovely sheen.  

 

That's it from me; looking forward to your photo-inspired creations filling the gallery!

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #251~Word Prompt: Cheer...Wishing You Christmas Cheer Pocket Card and Tag (STAMPlorations Ephemera)

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #251, where Cheer is our word prompt for the next two weeks. Lots of direction to go with this one...all you need do is bring on the happy!!

My card features some of the charming images from STAMPlorations Christmas #2 ephemera collection. Cuteness galore and oh, the sturdiness of the paper is truly fabulous! Envelope pocket on the front; tag nestled inside. Snowflakes are from Lawn Fawn; the sentiment, from MFT. Easy to make...especially since I LOVE tags! 

The card:

The tag: 

The duo:

Please check out my teammates' delightful creations, then CHEER along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey

Thank you for dropping by!

Inkspirational Challenge #250~Designer's Choice: For Boys or Men...Camera Album for my Nephew

Hello,

Welcome to Inkspirational Challenge #250, where Pia has selected "For Boys or Men' as her Designer's Choice. Love this theme and you'll soon see why!

Many of us find creating masculine cards a challenge - as do I - but when I have an awesome 'muse' as inspiration, the ideas and designs come easily. Who is my muse, you ask? My nine-year-old nephew, Mr. C!  

Back in August, I started a camera-style album for my niece and nephew. They're 'loosely' school-themed and, hopefully, will continue to be works-in-progress for the duration of this school year. I shared details and photos of the version for my niece on this post. 

Today, I'm delighted to show you the cover and a few of the inside pages of the one for my nephew. Yes, very time consuming but worth every second! 

Photo from first day of Grade 4 (this year)

First day of  Grade 3 (2020)...he's a Boston Bruins fan!

The photo below makes me laugh; the helmet is a 'badge of honour' for being the top player in a hockey game. LOL! 

And a few more pages

Since I'm on a roll with nephew projects, I'll also share the cards I made as a guest designer for Missees, featuring one of the new Missees Man sets. I LOVE all things Missees! More details on the photos that inspired them on my instagram feed.

Please check out my teammates' take on the photo, then play along with us!

Marina, Pia, Marlena, Lindsey

Thank you for dropping by!