Friday, December 29, 2017

Happy Winter, Happy 2018! for QKR Stampede

It's the last Friday in 2017, and the new year is soon upon us.  This is my last blog post I've got planned for 2017, so I'll take this opportunity to wish all my readers a happy and creative 2018!

Since it's Friday, it's also time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede challenge blog. It's our last challenge with an optional theme.  Next year, all our challenge will be Anything Goes, so I hope you link up often to join the fun! 

This week's optional QKR Stampede theme is 'Snowman or 'Snowflakes'.  I used both on this winter card: 


This adorable little snowman, is called Catching Snowflakes (Q-digi21304), colored with Copic markers.  

The snowflake card base was found in the Silhouette Online Store, and was cut out with my Silhouette Cameo.  The snowflake dies, from Paper Wishes, were cut out with gold paper to add a festive touch.  The sentiment was computer generated. 

Speaking of snowmen -- what did the snowman say to the other snowman?  Do you smell carrots? Bwahahahaha!

I hope to see you often in 2018!  Join us at QKR Stampede for this week's optional Snowman or Snowflake challenge.  I'd love to see what you make!

Friday, December 22, 2017

A Christmas Santa -- Wisconsin Style -- for QKR Stampede

Woohoo!  It's Friday, and it's VERY close to Christmas!  We can stop hustling and bustling very soon now!

It's also time for another challenge at QKR Stampede challenge blog.  This week's optional theme is Santa.  Well, here is Wisconsin, we're all about cows, so I thought this would be a good Santa alternative for this challenge:


This card uses Christmas Cow (ES-digi2401), colored with Copic markers, and fussy cut, and Merry Christmas Script (Q-digi7817).

The colorful snowflake paper for this card is from Imagine That! Digistamp.  All card stock is from Close To My Heart.  Dies are from My Die Deals (Snowflake flourish corner die), Craftin' Desert Divas (circle die), and Lawn Fawn (stitched oval).  The gold foil tape is also from Close To My Heart.

I hope you find time during this busy Christmas week to join us at QKR Stampede.  You can use the optional Santa theme, or enter anything you like.  Next year's challenges will be Anything Goes every week!  Yea!  Can't wait!

Merry Christmas, everyone!  

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas -- for Imagine That! Digistamp

It's time for some mid-challenge inspiration over on the Imagine That! Digistamp blog.  This month in the Creative Playground, you can link up ANY set for the challenge, then you'll be able to choose any set of your choosing from the Imagine That! Digistamp Store.  WOW!!

I fell in love with this Snowman with Tree Hat set, and created this:

I colored the Snowman with Tree Hat with Copic markers, then fussy cut it out.  The sentiment is part of the Snowman with Tree Hat set.  There's a colored version, and a black & white version of the sentiment (and of the snowman -- the pre-colored version is adorable, too!).  

The papers I used on this card are also by Imagine That! Digistamp.   They're called Merry & Bright digi papers

I used a cutting die by Sizzix to make the card base.  The snowman is on papers cut out by Spellbinders dies.  The snowflakes are stickers by Paper Wishes.  I think that's it for product credit!

Imagine That! Digistamp products used on this card:



I'll leave you with one more view of my card:

This is my last post with Imagine That! Digistamp.  I love this team, but my work schedule has gotten too intense, so I'm having to give it up.  I will miss it very much!  

Friday, December 15, 2017

Christmas Joy -- for QKR Stampede Challenge Blog

Another Friday, another week closer to Christmas!  These weeks are flying by!  It's time for another challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge blog, where this week's alternate theme is 'Christmas Cards'.  I've been hard at work sending mine out all week, including this one:


This card uses Eureka Stamps digital image, Christmas Joy (ES-digi6503), colored with gel pens.  I was not very successful with this medium, but it's how we learn, right? 

The die cut deer is one of my Christmas favorites, and I've had it so long I no longer remember who it is by.  The snowflake card base was cut out on my Silhouette Cameo with a file I found in the Silhouette Design Store.

I hope you can join us this week at QKR Stampede for our 'Christmas Card' optional challenge -- or enter anything you'd like.  In 2018, all the QKR Stampede challenges will be Anything Goes, so look for those coming very soon! 

Let it Snow for Christmas -- and DigiStamps4Joy

Dec 15 -- that means it's time for some mid-month inspiration over on the DigiStamps4Joy Challenge Blog.  This month, the optional theme is 'Holidays'.  Since I never seem to have enough Christmas cards made, I took advantage of the challenge theme to make this:


I used 3 DigiStamp4Joy digi images on this card.  The background paper was created using Christmas Paper (mp128), the tags are a set currently 60% off!  You'll find them here.  There are not sentiments on the tags.  Those were computer generated.  A bit of white gel pen, and a touch of twine, and the card was done.

I hope you can enter our challenge at DigiStamps4Joy.  They are Anything Goes, with an optional 'Holidays' theme.  It runs until Dec. 31.  

Friday, December 8, 2017

A Non-traditional Merry Christmas -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friiiidaaayyy!  The 2nd Friday of December already!  How can this be happening!

It's also the start of a new challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog. This week's optional theme is 'Non-traditional Christmas Colors'.  I like this theme as I get tired of the usual red, green, and blue.  I had fun with this one!


I used the digi stamps Christmas Ball with Ribbon (ES-digi12702) and Merry Christmas (ES-digi3206) to create this card. 

I colored Christmas Ball with Ribbon with Copic markers, then fussy cut it. 

The designer papers are digital papers that I found at Snap Click Supply.  The plain colored card stock is from Close To My Heart.  The snowflake stickers are from Hot Off the Press.  The card base is a cutting die from Tattered Lace.  Other circle cutting dies are from Craftin' Desert Divas (scalloped die) and Lifestyle crafts. 

I hope you find time to join us this week at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog.  I know things are getting busier and busier, but enter anything you make -- I'd love to see it, and we've got great digis that you can win!  

Monday, December 4, 2017

Let It Snow -- for the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog

Let It Snow!  (OK, maybe not.  I've really been enjoying this mild fall we've been experiencing, but it's changing today).

There's a new challenge starting today at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog.  Our guest sponsor this month is Bugaboo Stamps, and this month's Path of Positivity theme is 'Festivity'. 

I found these 2 adorable snowmen digi stamps in the Bugaboo store, and thought they'd be so fun to color up, and festive, too. 



I colored Two Snowmen with Copic markers.  The sentiment was computer generated.  The frame was cut out with a Lawn Fawn die, using Close To My Heart designer paper.  The snowflakes are also Lawn Fawn dies. 

I hope you can join us this month at Path of Positivity Challenge Blog for our 'Festivity' challenge.  You can follow the theme or link up any inspirational project you'd like. 

I'd like to enter this in the following challenge:
Catch The Bug -- Merry and Bright (thanks, Lisa Lynn!)

Friday, December 1, 2017

Ho! Ho! Ho! for the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up

Happy December, crafty friends!  If you've been linking up with the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up all year and playing along, then you have at least a dozen Christmas cards made for the upcoming holidays. 

Our guest sponsor this month is Limited Runs.  And, as always, Decosse's Dynamite Doodles has made some fantastic papers to go with the challenge!   This month's theme is cupcakes!  Yum!


Limited Runs has many great cupcake-themed digis.  I used Santa Cupcake on this card.  Isn't he cute?  I colored him in non-traditional Christmas colors to match the Confection papers I by Decosse's Dynamite Doodles, then fussy cut him. 

Come link up your Christmas cards at the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  To win the prize from our guest sponsor, follow the optional theme! 

Snowy Christmas Tag -- for QKR Stampede Challenge Blog

Ho! Ho! Ho!  The month of December is upon us!  Let the festivities begin!  We've begun decorating the nursing home this week (inside, that is -- outside began a couple weeks ago whenever the weather was nice and we had a few spare minutes).  This evening, the first of many groups will be at the nursing home for their annual Christmas festivities.  This evening, it's the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and their families.  It will be a great event!

Speaking of events, there's a new challenge starting today at QKR Stampede challenge blog.  This week's optional theme is 'Christmas Tags', or you can enter an 'Anything Goes' project, too.  I love making tags, so I had fun with this one!



This tag uses the digital stamp Snowy Christmas Tree (ES-digi39401), colored with Faber-Castell colored pencils.  

The background paper, the musical notes, is a digital paper found at Snap Click Supply.  It's by Cosmo Cricket.  All the dies used on this tag are by Paper Wishes.  The fibers are from Close To My Heart. 

I hope you can join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Christmas Tags optional theme.  I'd love to see your entry, and we have great prizes to win! 

Friday, November 24, 2017

Skiing Over the River and Through the Woods --- for QKR Stampede

Is it really Black Friday?  Did you make it over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house yesterday?  I worked all day, so I only made it as far as the nursing home parking lot, lol!  Tomorrow, though, some celebrating will go on with the family.

There's a new challenge going on, starting today, at the QKR Stampede Challenge blog.  This week's challenge will be Anything Goes.  Yea!!!!

My brother loves to ski.  He's been on the ski patrol at his local ski hill for over 30 years now, and he's taught and coached countless young people how to downhill ski.  This card is in his honor and will end up in his mailbox by Christmastime:


Santa on Skis (ES-digi6607) was colored with Copic markers, and icicle Stickles were added to his trim.  He's swooshing down that hill with impeccable form!  The Merry Christmas sentiment (Q-digi13806) placed just below the skis to make him go even faster -- kind of like wax!

The card base is an SVG cutting file from Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons.  Papers used on this card are from Close To My Heart.  The snowflakes are cutting dies by Lawn Fawn. 

I hope you can join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Anything Goes challenge.  We've got great prizes, and I'd love to see what you make!  

Monday, November 20, 2017

You Rock! for Path of Positivity Challenge Blog

Hello, all you rockin' craft friends.  Happy Monday!  Today, there's some mid-challenge inspiration going on over on the Path of Positivity Challenge blog. Our theme this month is: Surround Yourself with Music.  

One of our sponsors this month, and the one I had the privilege of using for this challenge, is Imagine That! digistamp.  I had the fun of using Elvis Bear on this Rockin' card! 


I used a pre-printed image of Elvis Bear because he was just too cute with his glittery sunglasses and blue guitar!  The sentiment was computer generated.  The rocker card was found on the Silhouette Design Store and cut out on my Silhouette Cameo.  The awesome star paper is from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles

I grew up in the 60's and 70's, so I'm a child of rock 'n roll.  I'm actually not a fan of Elvis, but play me a good Beatles tune, and I can't sit still!  

I hope you can join our optional themed 'Surround Yourself with Music' this month at Path of Positivity, or enter any positive themed project that you'd like. 

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Christmas Poinsettia -- for Imagine That! Digistamp

Hurray!  It's the weekend!  It's also time for some mid-challenge inspiration at Imagine That! Digistamp's Creative Playground.  Enter any project using an Imagine That! Digistamp image, and get the Reindeer Carols set for free!

I'm trying to get all my Christmas cards made, so I can send them out early in December.  Here's another to add to the stash:


This uses Poinsettia, colored with Copic markers, and Deck the Halls digi papers.  The sentiment is part of the Poinsettia set. 

Imagine That! Digistamp's products used on this card:



I used dies from Stampendous and ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon on this card. 

I hope you can join us this month at Imagine That! Digistamp's Creative Playground.  You have until December 1 to link up and win this set... 


Friday, November 17, 2017

Thankful for You -- and QKR Stampede

Happy Friday!!!  It's time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog.  Our optional theme this week is 'Give Thanks', or you can always enter an Anything Goes project.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought this would be a great card for this challenge...


This card uses 2 digis from Eureka Stamps -- Fall Frame (ES-digi56801), and I am So Thankful (ES-digi37603).  I colored Fall Frame with Copic markers.  Backing papers are from DCWV.  The card stock is from Close To My Heart. 

Our optional 'Give Thanks' challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog will last all week, so I hope you can join us! 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Fancy Folds Blog Hop with Imagine That! Digistamp

Hello, and welcome to my portion of the Fancy Folds blog hop!  I hope you are enjoying yourself and I know you are seeing lots of great inspiration along the way!  You should have arrived here from Jennifer's Blog.  If you stumbled across my blog, start at the beginning, at the Imagine That! Digistamp blog.

I found this fun file in the Silhouette Design Store, and I thought it worked so well with the new Imagine That! Digistamp Scallop Circle Sentiment set.  What do you think?
 Here's the front of the card, with the belly band in place:



I used one of the MANY sentiment circles (there are also many scalloped circles in the set).  They all come both pre-printed and in black & white.  This is a pre-printed version.  I sized it to 2.23 inches, then used a circle die (2.25 inch die) to cut it out.   Papers on this card are also from Imagine That! Digistamp.  I think they match the sentiment so well.  They are the Rose Duo 2 digital papers

Here's the inside of the card, with more of the pretty Rose Duo 2 papers showing:



Imagine That! Digistamp products used on this card:




Off you go to the next stop on the hop, Ink Something.  You'll love what Kristy's got for you!  Have fun, and fancy fold on!  

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Masculine Happy Birthday -- for DigiStamps4Joy Challenge

It's time for some mid-month inspiration at the DigiStamps4Joy Challenge blog.  Challenges are always Anything Goes with an optional twist.  The twist this month is, "For the Guys".  Masculine cards can be tough, but with so many great choices in the DigiStamps4Joy store, it makes it easy!


This card uses Pony (lb009), colored with Copic markers.  It comes in a pre-colored version also.  

The sentiment is computer generated.  The plaid background paper is from MHKDesigns, and it is digital.  The burlap trim is from Close To My Heart.  I used a couple of Spellbinders dies to cut out the Pony digi stamp and to back it. 

I hope you can join us this month at DigiStamps4Joy for our optional 'For the Guys' challenge!  We have great digis to win, and I'd love to see what you make!!  

Monday, November 13, 2017

Give Thanks -- for MHKDesigns

Fall greetings, fellow crafters, and happy Thanksgiving!  I am posting today on the MHKDesigns blog with a very meaningful card for me.  Thanksgiving, here in the US, isn't very far away, and I was thinking about the many things I have to be thankful for as I made this card.  A year ago tomorrow, I started chemo treatments.  Now, I am full remission.  Give thanks!!!!


I used the sentiment from the Funky Fall Foliage digital stamp set and made it the focal point of my card.  Papers on this card, also from MHKDesigns, are part of the Autumn Accents Digital Paper Pack.

MHKDesigns products used on this card:



Have you joined the MHKDesigns challenge yet this month?  It's anything goes if you use an MHKDesigns image.  You have a little more than 1/2 the month to link up, so please join us!  Check out the MHKDesigners & Friends Facebook group, too! 




Sunday, November 12, 2017

Make Today Amazing -- a New Release at DigiStamps4Joy

It's Sunday, and there are New Releases at DigiStamps4Joy!  I'm also happy to say I'm back on the design team after being away for awhile.  I missed the team, I missed the stamps, and I missed the creativity of it all.  So, here I am with the first New Release of November with this card:


This digi, Mousebird, (lb010c) comes in both a colored (used here) and uncolored version.  Since I'm not familiar with this particular bird (I believe it's native to Africa), I went with the pre-colored version.  The sentiment was computer generated.  All the papers on this card are from Paper Wishes.  The feather die cuts are from Spellbinders Paper Arts.  The twine is from Timeless Twine. 

I hope you check out the other New Releases at DigiStamps4Joy here. 

I'll be back on Wednesday, Nov 15, with some mid-month challenge inspiration for the "For the Guys challenge at DigiStamps4Joy Challenge Blog.  See you then!  

Friday, November 10, 2017

A Touch of Gold -- for QKR Stampede

I'd like to take a moment to thank all the Veterans that have served our country as you are honored officially today, and again tomorrow, on the traditional day.  This country owes our freedom to you!

It's Friday, and time for another challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog. This week's optional theme is "A Touch of Gold", or you can enter anything you'd like.


I used QKR Stampede's Acorn Accent digi on this (Q-digi19403), and the sentiment is "Large Thanks" (ES-digi4402).  The papers, also digital, are by BoBunny, and were purchased at Snap Click Supply.  The touch of gold is added with a piece of gold foil paper cut out with a Paper Wishes die.  The crinkle ribbon is from my stash.

I hope you can join us this week at QKR Stampede for our optional "A Touch of Gold" challenge.  We have great digi prizes you can win, and I'd love to see what you make!!

Monday, November 6, 2017

Wishing You...for Path of Positivity

Welcome, crafty friends!  It's time for a new challenge at Path of Positivity Challenge blog.  This is the 3rd and final month of our "Surround Yourself" themed challenges.  This month, the optional theme is "Surround Yourself with Music", or you can enter any positive project.  We have 2 guest sponsors this month -- Limited Runs, and Imagine That Digistamp.  For this post, I got to play with a fun image from Limited Runs:


This is Mini Birds - Starry Night, by Limited Runs, printed on blue card stock, and colored with Faber Castell colored pencils.  The sentiment was computer generated.  

I've always liked the song Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) by Don McClean, and as soon as I saw this Mini Birds - Starry Night digi stamp, I thought of that song.  I've also been a fan of Vincent VanGogh ever since I studied art history in college, so this card ties in to both my love of art and music.  

Papers on this card are from Close To My Heart.  I used dies by Die-namics to cut out the image, sentiment,  and backgrounds. 

I hope you can join us this month at the Path of Positivity for our "Surround Yourself" with the good things of life challenge!  It runs until Dec 3, so you have plenty of time!  

Friday, November 3, 2017

Fly High, Angel! For QKR Stampede

It's FRIDAAAAAY!   And, it's time for a new challenge at the QKR Stampede Challenge blog.  This week, our optional theme is "Angels", or you can always enter an 'Anything Goes' project.

If you know me at all, you know I love dogs.  I colored my card this week to resemble my British Golden Retriever.  I'm not sure she's an angel, but...


This card uses Angel Dog (ES-digi14701) and Flyin' High (Q-digi20005).

I colored Angel Dog with Copic markers.  The dies used to cut it out are from Stampendous.  The card base was cut out on my Silhouette Cameo with a file I found in the Silhouette Design Store.   The blush ribbon is from Close To My Heart, as is all the card stock. 

I hope you join us this week at QKR Stampede challenge blog for our optional 'angel' challenge.  I'd love to see what you make, and we've got great digis you can win!  

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Happy Holidays -- for the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up

November!  Only one month to go until Christmas!  How are you doing on getting your Christmas cards made?  Make sure and link them up at The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.

This month, the optional theme at The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up is "Star Struck" (use a star somewhere on your project).  Our guest sponsor this month is Decosse's Dynamite Doodles.  To be eligible for the great prizes and papers, stick to the Star Struck theme. 

Here's my "Star Struck" themed card:


The papers on this card, from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles, are part of the Nature of Christmas mini kit.  The sentiment, also from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles,  can be found in the Imagine That! Digistamp store.  The die used to cut out the sentiment is from Paper Wishes.  The red glitter stars are from Close To My Heart, as is the card base. 

I hope you join us this month at The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up for our optional "Star Struck" challenge.  You have until Nov. 30 to link up! 

Deck the Halls -- for the MHKDesigns Nov. Challenge

November 1st, and I'm already making plans to "Deck the Halls."  It's also the start of a new challenge at MHKDesigns.   The challenge is Anything Goes, if you use an MHKDesigns image, or these is a mood/picture board if you choose to use something else.  But, with the many awesome MHKDesign images, why not go with the Anything Goes option?

Here's my card for this month's MHKDesign's challenge:



I used an image and sentiment from the Deck the Halls digital stamp set.  The stocking is colored with Copic markers, then fussy cut.  The card base and layers were created with a shape I found in the Silhouette Design Store.  The base was duplicated and welded.  Papers on this card, also from MHKDesigns, are the Deck the Halls Digital Papers.  The crinkle ribbon and rhinestones are from my stash.

MHKDesigns products used on this card:



Here's a picture of the November mood/picture board, if you'd like to use it:

The challenge goes until November 30, so you have plenty of time. Please join us at MHKDesigns!


Friday, October 27, 2017

Happy Halloooween! for QKR Stampede

Hello, and Happy Halloween weekend!  There are lots of fun things happening in my small town this weekend in honor of the approaching holiday, and probably in your city, too.  Enjoy!

Today, at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog, we're starting an optional themed "Happy Halloween" challenge, or you can always enter an "anything goes" project. 

Here's my "Happy Halloween" themed entry:


I used QKR Stampede digital stamp, Carved Pumpkin (Q-digi14209) and colored it with Copic markers.  The "Happy Halloween" sentiment is from Eureka Stamps (ES-digi3907).

The dies are from Stampendous and the candy corn digital paper is from MHKDesigns.  The card base and sequins are from Close To My Heart. 

I hope you join us this week at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog for our optional "Happy Halloween" themed challenge.  I'd love to see what you make, and we have great prizes!  

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Tick Tock -- An MHKDesigns New Release

Aw, it's the final day of New Releases at MHKDesigns 😞.  I've so enjoyed the entire month of October releases!  To win them for yourself, start at the MHKDesigns blog, and comment on each designer's blog.

Today's featured release is "Tick Tock".  It's perfect for New Year's, belated birthday cards, masculine projects -- anything with a need for a vintage timepiece.  It's sooooo cool!


I printed 3 different time pieces from the Tick Tock digital stamp set on to MHKDesigns Very Distressing digital papers.  The sentiment, also part of the Tick Tock digital stamp set, was also printed on to Very Distressing digital paper.   It was a quick card to create, and, I think, has a masculine feel to it. 

I little glimmer trim from Close To My Heart and some 1/2 pearls from my stash finished off the card.

Don't forget to start at the MHKDesigns blog to see all the awesome inspiration from the MHKDesigns team.  You'll find the Tick Tock new release, and all MHKDesigns, in the Etsy Shop.

MHKDesigns products used on this card:



There's still a few more days to enter the MHKDesigns challenge, if you haven't had a chance to link up yet.  Use an MHKDesigns image, and it's Anything Goes.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Thanks a Bunch -- for Imagine That! Digistamp

Have you joined in at the Imagine That! Digistamp's Creative Playground yet?  It's time for some mid-challenge inspiration with this month's free image. I hope you link up, as this is a great image!


I made this shaker card using Thanks a Bunch and colored it with Copic markers.  The papers, also from Imagine That! Digistamp, are the Tea N Roses digi papers. I used dies from Lawn Fawn and sequins from Craftin' Desert Divas to create the shaker. The ribbon is from my stash.

Imagine That! Digistamp products used on this card:



Link up any Imagine That! Digistamp image and the Thanks a Bunch set is yours!  You have until Nov. 3! See you in the Playground

Friday, October 20, 2017

Heaven Heals -- an MHKDesigns New Release

Hello crafty friends.  Today is another day of new releases at MHKDesigns.  It seems like I need far too many sympathy cards, so todays New Release, Heaven Heals, comes in very handy for me.



I used one of the pre-framed sentiments to create this card.  I wanted a design I could duplicate easily when I need a sympathy card, so I chose not to color the flowers in the frame, but it would be very pretty colored, too.  Papers on this card, also from MHKDesigns, and found in the MHKDesigns Etsy Shop, are Serene Seaside digital papers

MHKDesigns products used on this card:





To have a chance at winning this yet, start at the MHKDesigns blog and leave a comment on each designer's blog.  Good luck! 

Have you joined the MHKDesigns challenge?  There's still plenty of time.  They run from the first of the month to the end of the month.  If you use an MHKDesign image, it's Anything Goes!  I hope you link up!  Check out the MHKDesigners & Friends Facebook group, too, for news, inspiration, and fun!