Hello There!

Hi there blog friends ~ It's time for a new challenge at Fusion and this time our prompt is ‘Decor’. I decided to go with the sketch this time... 

I started by inking this NBUS flower from SSS and bottom half of the background with distress inks (picked raspberry, spun sugar, twisted citron). I spritzed the flower with Sheer Shimmer Spray, and the upper half was embossed with my fave Textured Impressions folder, however, both are difficult to see on screen. A simple sentiment and a few sparkly gems, and that was it ~

Don't forget the best thing about the Fusion Card Challenge is that you can choose between the sketch and the theme/inspiration photo, or both! My teamies have created some beautiful cards to inspire you, so feel free to stop by the challenge blog and play along with us!

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - More Essential Sentiments
Dies: SSS - Cosmos Stem
Misc: Stampin' Up - Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions; Lucy's Jewels, Imagine Sheer Shimmer Spray

October CAS Stencil Challenge

Hi there blog friends ~ It’s time for a new challenge at CAS Stencil! Our Guest Designer is Gundi and our Hostess for October is Loll, who has chosen ‘Patterned Paper’ for our technique.

Funky Fossil Designs Stencils have become a real favorite of mine, so I chose one of my newest stencils called 'Beauty in Profile' for this card. Because it's such a large image, I kept my design very simple...I sponged it with Tumbled Glass DOX ink, then sprayed the image with Shimmer Spritz to add sparkle. I added a few clear gems and the sentiment. I apologize for the small font on the embossed sentiment...it says: {Love} 'you so much'. Lastly, I matted the striped paper to a grout gray base, and this card was complete!  

I rarely use patterned papers, and I really enjoyed playing with them for this project ~ There's lots of Design Team inspiration over at CAS Stencil Blog  - as well as from our talented Guest Designer, Gundi ~ And, don't forget there are also a few links to video tutorials. You have until the 24th to link up your card...I hope to see you there!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: SSS - All My Love
Stencil: Funky Fossil Designs - Beauty in Profile
Dies: Reverse Confetti - Lovey Words
Misc: Papertrey Ink - Soft Stone Pattern Pack; MFT -Silver Shine Cardstock; Lucy's Gems - Diamonds; Altenew - Antique Silver embossing powder; Tim Holtz - Tumbled Glass DOX inks; Sheer Shimmer Spritz

Twofer Card Challenge #19 ~ Nautical

Hi there blog friends! Darnell's Twofer Challenge is one of my all-time faves, and this month's theme is 'Nautical'...Yes! First things first...the rules ~

I grabbed my new SSS Anchor die and created my first card ~

I thought a shaker card would be fun for my sister. We recently had a good laugh about our summers at the beach, spending hours in the ocean with a truck tube :) I also think sending love is always a nice thing to do! The background panel was created with alcohol inks and the sequins are a variety from my stash. 

My 2md card is a thank you to my sweet hubby...he truly is my 'Anchor' ~

I started with ink blending with DOX inks and die cut the waves with a new MFT die. I stenciled soft clouds behind the anchor and added water droplets with Glossy Accents (a few too many). Lastly, I framed the scene with an antique frame die and embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder.

Here is the photo for Darnell's Challenge Blog ~

- Two different designs

- Two different occasions

- Using the same die on both cards

Darnell's challenge is open until the 24th, so there is still time to play along...go and check it out!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Card #1
Stamps: MFT - Friends with Fins
Die: SSS - Anchor
Misc: Alcohol inks; Sequins from stash

Card #2
Stamps: MFT - You Float My Boat (sentiment)
Dies: SSS - Anchor; MFT - Friends with Fins (waves); Penny Black - Antique Frame
Stencil: MFT - Clouds
Misc: Tim Holtz DOX inks - Blueprint Sketch, Salty Ocean, Peacock Feathers, Mermaid Lagoon; Glossy Accents; Ranger - Super Fine Gold EP

Fusion Card Challenge - Butterfly Wreath

Hi there blog friends ~ It's time for a new challenge at Fusion and this time our prompt is ‘Butterfly Wreath’. Today, I decided to go with the inspiration photo for my card:

I started by using a white woodgrain panel, although it's very hard to see on screen. Here is a close-up

I die cut the butterflies and wreath and blended DOX inks to color them, and used gold foil to die cut the sentiment and bow. A few sparkly sequins and gold embossing on the stamped sentiment, and this card was complete!

  

Don't forget the best thing about the Fusion Card Challenge is that you can choose between the sketch and the inspiration photo, or both! My teamies have created some beautiful cards to inspire you, so feel free to stop by the challenge blog and play along with us!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Because You
Dies: MFT - Because You; SSS - Chisholm Wreath; Butterflies - Memory Box
Cardstock: SSS - White woodgrain cardstock; PTI - Luxe Gold cardstock
Ink: Tim Holtz DOX - Picked Raspberry, Squeezed Lemonade, Wilted Violet, Salty Ocean, Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers
Misc: Ranger - Super Fine Gold EP; Pretty Pink Posh - Sparkly Clear Gems

Fusion Card Challenge - Tropical Fish

Hi there blog friends ~ It's time for a new challenge at Fusion and this time our prompt is ‘Tropical Fish’...they are beautiful, but this time I decided to grab my favorite little Bitty Bears and go with the sketch ~

I flipped the sketch to fit the trio of squares die, then stenciled clouds as a background for the bears (hard to see, I'm sorry). I colored the images with Copic markers and once I added the embossed sentiment, this card was complete!  

Don't forget the best thing about the Fusion Card Challenge is that you can choose between the sketch and the inspiration photo, or both! My teamies have created some beautiful cards to inspire you, so feel free to stop by the challenge blog and play along with us!

Thanks so much for stopping by...I read every one of your comments, and appreciate your kindness very much ~

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Bitty Bears
Dies: MFT - Bitty Bears; SSS - Tri-Square Wafer Die
Stencil: MFT - Clouds

Fusion Card Challenge - Create

Hi there blog friends ~ It's time for a new challenge at Fusion and this time our prompt is ‘Create’. This time I used the inspiration photo for my card ~

I was inspired by the word 'Create' on the wall and the wooden chair for the handle on the paintbrush.

I started by stenciling and splattering the background, then used a piece of an alcohol inked panel for the die cut word. I added a simple stamped sentiment and die cut paintbrush for fun :) To add a little contrast, I placed the wonky stitched panel on a grout gray card base ~ 

Don't forget the best thing about the Fusion Card Challenge is that you can choose between the sketch and the inspiration photo, or both! My teamies have created some beautiful cards to inspire you, so feel free to stop by the challenge blog and play along with us!

Thanks so much for taking a few minutes out of your day to stop by,

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Too Cute Turtles (sentiment)
Dies: MFT - Wonky Stitched Rectangles; SSS - Create; Paper Smooches - Paint Palette
Stencils: ARTplorations - Art Splatters

CAS Stencil Challenge Reminder

Hi there, blog friends! I'm back with a reminder...There's still time to play along at the CAS Stencil Challenge...This time I created a custom sized card for a special friend.

I used my new Blender Brushes to create a soft blue background and black Brushos for this stencil because I love the bits of color that appeared when I sprayed it with water. I also used Loll's technique again and chose the 2nd panel for my design. 

Don't forget there are several video tutorials listed on the challenge blog and lots of inspiration from the team! This challenge closes on the 24th, so if you have the time, grab your stencils and powdered inks and join us...we would love to see what you come up with for this technique!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Keep it Simple: Friendship
Stencil: The Crafter's Workshop - Aspen Trees
Dies: SSS - Chisholm Wreath - Birds
Misc: Brushos; TH - Tumbled Glass Distress Ink

Fusion Card Challenge - Christmas Chair

Hi there, blog friends ~

It's time for a new challenge at Fusion and our prompt is 'Christmas Chair'. As always, we can use the sketch, the inspiration photo, or both and for this challenge,  I was inspired by the photo to create my card.

I used a SSS die for the gifts, separating the ribbon and bows by using white glitter cardstock to add sparkle to the design, then added striped papers to the border as a nod to the seat cushion on that gorgeous chair. Here's a close-up of the sparkly bows:

 My teamies have created some gorgeous cards to inspire you...come on over to check them out, and if you like, feel free to play along :)

Thanks so much for stopping by...I really appreciate it! To my blog friends in the U.S., I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! This is where you'll find me today ~

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Sweet Holiday Penguins (sentiment)
Dies: SSS - Brilliant Gifts
Misc: SSS - White Glitter Cardstock; MFT - Dots & Stripes Neutral Paper Pack

October CAS Watercolor Challenge

Hello there blog friends! CAS Watercolor Challenge is celebrating their 2nd birthday, and as always, I am excited to play along! For the October challenge, they have chosen a beautiful autumn color palette for us...and here is my take ~

I wanted to watercolor a flower, so I chose this lovely Gerbera Daisy from Winnie & Walter using my brand new liquid watercolors. I also painted a strip of dark green on the left with Glimmer Metallic Ink, and added a touch of Wink of Stella to the center of the bloom...here is a close-up ~

It's a little difficult to see the sparkle on screen, but I love the effect of all the shimmer and flecks of gold in the green metallic ink on the border. I mixed it with a little water and brushed it on...yummy! I'll be adding more colors to my collection asap.

Check out THIS VIDEO by Jen McGuire using the Hero Arts Glimmer Metallic Inks. 

Happy 2nd Birthday to Loll, Bonnie and their amazing DT at the CAS Watercolor Challenge! 

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: Winnie & Walter - In Bloom: Addies Garden
Dies: Winnie & Walter - In Bloom: Addies Garden; SSS - Painted Hugs Wafer Die
Ink: Pinkfresh Studio - Liquid Watercolors (flower, stem, leaf); Hero Arts - Glimmer Metallic Inks; Versafine - Onyx Black Ink
Misc: Hero Arts - Clear Embossing Powder; Lucy's Things - Diamond Sequins; Wink of Stella - Clear Shimmer Pen 

CASology Challenge #315 - Gratitude

Hi there blog friends ~ I thought it would be fun to play along at CASology this week with this card...

I started with a stitched panel, then created the background with a stencil, but I think I got a little carried away with the circles :) I love the shadow on the thanks die, so I included that along with a stamped subscript. Lastly, I placed the panel on a black card base for a strong contrast...and that was it!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: SSS - Big Thanks
Dies: SSS - Big Thanks; MFT - A2 Stitched Rectangle STAX; Slanted Sentiment
Stencil: MFT - Circles
Ink: Versamark; Altenew - Cotton Candy; SSS - Audrey Blue; MFT - Spearmint

May Twofer Card Challenge - Butterflies

Hi there blog friends! It's time for another Twofer Card Challenge with Darnell and her fabulous DT, and the theme for this month is 'Butterflies'! Here are the parameters of the challenge:

Since I just placed an order from PTI and bought this sweet little butterfly stamp set, I was ready to get crafty ~ Here is my take on the challenge:

For my first card, I used Peerless watercolors and created a monochromatic color palette. I colored behind the 'fussy-cut' vellum butterfly with Copics, used silver EP for the sentiment, and added a few silver sequins for a little sparkle!

My 2nd card is very simple :) I started by stenciling the clouds, then stamped the butterflies and used my Glaze Gel pens to color in the tips of the butterfly wings. More fussy-cutting, a stitched border, a scripty sentiment and a few clear sequins, and that was it!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies
Card #1:
Stamps: PTI - Butterfly Blooms; SSS/Mama Elephant - Summer Garden
Dies: SSS - Chisholm Wreath, Mini Flowers & Leaves; Mama Elephant - All Prettied Up Stitched Scalloped Mat
Ink: Versamark
Cardstock: PTI - Stampers Select White, Vellum; SSS - Fog
Misc: Peerless Watercolors; Copic Markers; Copic Markers; PPP - Silver Sequins

Card #2:
Stamps: PTI - Butterfly Blooms; Avery Elle - Sentimental Swirls
Dies: MFT - Stitched Rectangle STAX #1
Ink: MFT - Licorice Hybrid ink; Tumbled Glass DI
Cardstock: PTI - Stampers Select White; Copic X-Press-It; MFT - Stone Gray
Misc: Glaze Gel Pens; Spectrum Noir Clear Glitter Pen;  Lucy's Ice Cube Mix Jewels

Fusion Card Challenge - Easter Bunny

Hi there blog friends ~

It's time for a brand new challenge at Fusion, and this time our theme is "Easter Bunny"!

I wanted to create an Easter card for my granddaughter, so this time I went with the inspiration photo. I die cut the wreath twice to give it some dimension, then added the mini-blooms and leaves. The bubble-blowing bunny is from a new MFT set, which I colored with Copic markers and added Glossy Accents to the large bubble.

Head on over to the Fusion Challenge Blog and check out the beautiful cards by the DT...of course, we would love it if you played along, too :)

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Bubble Over with Joy
Dies: SSS - Chisholm Wreath, Mini-Flowers and Leaves; MFT - Bubble Over with Joy, Blueprints 15
Cardstock: Kraft; PTI Stampers Select White; X-Press It Blending Card
Ink: Versafine
Misc: Clear EP; Glossy Accents; Lucy's Cards - Ice Cube Mix; Copic markers

Addicted to CAS Challenge #130 - Cat

Hi all, it's time for a new challenge at Addicted to CAS! Doni is our Hostess, and she has chosen 'Cat' for our code word. Here is my take...

and the inside...

I love a peek-a-boo card, and this little kitty in a box from SSS seemed perfect. I colored the images with Copic markers and added a Mama Elephant sentiment.

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: SSS - Furry Cat & Box
Dies: MFT - Blueprint #15 (stitched circle)
Misc: Doodlebug - Gray Enamel Dots; Copic markers