Miracles Happen

I started making a card for my young cousin yesterday but was not pleased with it.  When I saw that Today's SCS Ways to Use It Challenge (WT573) is to use a pet, I knew this was the direction in which I would go to make a card for him.  He has an incurable illness and he has been depressed since his last hospitalization... He has been hospitalized so much during his young life.  I wanted to remind him of the importance of today.

I don't have any pets other than the ones in my Craft Room and I've had this particular stamp set for years and, until today, it has never seen ink.  This card is also for the WT565 Lose Weight Feel Great challenge (Retired DSP).  The card sketch is SC582 Sketch Challenge from Splitcoaststampers.

I hope the sentiments that I stamped inside will be an encouragement to him. I wrote a personal message

inside but I covered it with the envelope.  At the end of the message I stamped 'Miracles Happen' from the Bloomin' Marvelous stamp set because I pray that God will bless us with a miraculous cure for Sicle Cell one day.

Card Recipe:  All supplies are from Stampin' Up
Inks:  StazOn Black, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo
Papers: Fan Fare DSP; Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, and Island Indigo card stock
Stamps:  Summer Afternoon; Vintage Vogue; Word Play; Bloomin' Marvelous

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Thinking of You

I think I might have gotten a little carried away with this one.  I started adding flowers and I couldn't seem to stop myself.  I wanted to make a masculine card for a relative who has an incurable illness so the Kind Koala stamp set seemed to be a good choice because of his young age.  Somewhere along the way the card took on a feminine look.  I'll have to start all over on another card for him.

I used the Just-Add-Ink Sketch Challenge #300 to start my card.  The card stock and inks used were from The Color Tree Challenge #8 ... Watermelon Wonder, Mint Macaron, Whisper White, and Gold.  I used my Gold Wink of Stella brush to color the Koala Bear because it was the only gold I had.  I  also added a touch of gold to the wings of the butterfly from the Papillon Potpourri stamp set. I also added a touch of gold on the letters of 'YOU'.

I stamped the blades of grass from the Inspired by Nature stamp set... I still love this stamp set.

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Beautiful Bunch of Flowers

I am really rushing trying to complete the TCTC6 challenge before it closes.  I've been busy this week getting my craft room back in order after receiving paper holders from Stamp-n-Storage. They were a bit expensive but worth it; I am now able to find the card stock I need pretty quickly.

To make this card I used SC578, a sketch challenge  from Splitcoaststampers.  I used Whisper White card stock as my card base with Blackberry Bliss panels.  I stamped the flowers using the Beautiful Bunch stamp set in Perfect Plum and Rich Razzleberry. I stamped the butterfly using Papillon Potpourri stamp set with Perfect Plum.  The centers of the two Rich Razzleberry flowers were stamped with Perfect Plum and cut out and layered on top.  The center of the Perfect Plum flower was stamped with Rich Razzleberry and cut out and layered on top.  I dry embossed each of the Blackberry Bliss panels with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.

Stamp Sets:  Beautiful Bunch, Papillon Potpourri
Inks:  Blackberry Bliss, Perfect Plum, Rich Razzleberry
Card Stock:  Blackberry Bliss, Perfect Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
TIEF: Deorative Dots, Fluttering, Lovely Lacy Fancy Fan (Retired)
Banners Thinlits
Elegant Butterly Punch

My Splitcoaststampers Gallery

Beautiful Birthday

We are experiencing some pretty cold weather right now and I am taking this opportunity to stay inside and take part in a few card challenges.  I've been working on this card all day and I am desperately trying to get it done before the deadline for entries for TCTC4 The Color Tree.

My mother's birthday is next month so this card is for her.  I am also using it for SUOC141 Happy Birthday challenge.  I am using the SC578 Sketch Challenge.

Splitcoaststampers current technique challenge is Naked Stamping.  The line stamps I used are the butterflies since they are open enough to let the background show through.  The background was created by swiping Daffodil Delight, Tip Top Taupe, Pool Party, and Calyso Coral ink pads across whisper white card stock, stamped the butterflies using Tip Top Taupe, then punched them out and added them to my card.  I colored the flowers using the Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, and Pool Party Stampin' Write markers.

My Splitcoaststampers Gallery

Other supplied used:
Stamps:  Awesomely Artistic, Papillon Potpourri, Birthday Blossoms

TIEF: Decorative Dots, Lovely Lace, 

Punches:  Elegant Butterfly, Bitty Butterfly, Bow Builder

Pleats, Pleats, & More Pleats

Today's tutorial gives directions on making a Pleated Skirt card.  It was so easy that I made several much-needed cards.

I've got a lot of DSP that I've hoarded over the years and one of the SCS challenges from earlier this year is to Lose Weight Feel Great ... I'm losing weight by using up some of my old DSP.  I've also not used this Apothecary Art stamp set in quite a while.

SUOC141 - Happy Birthday is to make a Birthday Card. I hope this qualifies because one of my cards is a birthday card.  This card can really be used for any occasion.

Love my butterflies (Papillon Potpourri)

My Splitcoaststampers Gallery

A Field of Flowers

Another entry for the Just Add Ink Challenge to Just Add Nature.  I made a card for this challenge a few days ago using this same flower stamp using Stampin' Up!'s 'You've Got This'.  Since I was up in the air over whether I wanted to add a dragonfly or butterflies, I decided I needed butterflies with all these flowers.



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Dragonfly Thanks

Butterflies are usually my go-to when I stamp flowers on my card and the new challenge on the 'Just Add Ink' blog, is to Just Add Nature, JAI#296,  I'm adding a dragonfly and flowers as my nature items.  I used the colors listed in the current 'Color Tree Challenge' TCTC3 of Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Gold, and Mint Macaron to color my flowers and dragonfly.

I stamped the flowers twice (You've Got This stamp set) on Very Vanilla card stock using Basic Black ink, then cut out three extra flowers to pop up on top of the ones stamped on my Very Vanilla panel.  I colored the centers of the flowers using my gold Wink of Stella pen and colored the leaves in Mint Macaron.  Even though it's hard to see, I colored the flowers with the Wink Of Stella glitter pen.  I stamped the dragonfly (Awesomely Artistic stamp set) in Soft Suede, cut it out, then covered it in embossing ink to add stability and shine to it.  I stamped the sentiment (An Open Heart) in Mint Macaron.  I Used my Apothecary Accents Framelits to add my sentiment at the top of the card.

My Splitcoaststampers' Gallery.

On the Fringe

I am so glad to have time to play along with this very first Color Tree Challenge.  I thought it would be easy-peasy until I sat down in my craft room getting ready to craft ... My mind went blank.  I was in need of inspiration to start this project and found it on page 5 of the current Stampin' Up! Catalog.

The base of my card is 'Early Espresso' topped with a layer of 'Very Vanilla'.  I used my Stampin' Up! Fringe Scissors to fringe the So Saffron, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, and Perfect Plum layers.  The image panel is 'So Saffron' embossed with the Stampin' Up! Butterfly Textured Embossing Folder.  I stamped the flowers using the 'Remarkable You' stamp set onto 'Very Vanilla' card stock and fussy-cut them out and popped them up using 'Dimensionals'.  I colored the stamens in the flowers with 'Early Espresso' ink. I stamped the butterfly from the 'Butterfly Basics' stamp set onto 'So Saffron' card stock using 'Perfect Plum' ink.  The 'Venetian Crochet Trim' is topped by a bow made with 'Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon'. 

Here is an image of The Color Tree listing the colors for this challenge (Perfect Plum, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, and Early Espresso).  So glad Perfect Plum was on the list because I was not aware of how low my supply was ... adding it to my next Stampin' Up! order.

I would love to add The Color Tree Badge to my blog but, for some reason, the link does not appear when I click the badge.  Nevertheless, I am looking forward to more of these challenges in the future.

Birthday Wishes to my Hubby

This is the front of the birthday card I made for my husband using retired Stampin' Up! DSP.  I have a ton of DSP that I've been hoarding for years and I have resolved to make use of it this year.

I wanted to make a card with a different type of fold and he got a kick out of opening up this card.

I once saw this fold demonstrated on the Carol Duvall Show when she was on the DIY and/or HGTV channel.  I loved those crafting shows and was sad to see them taken away one-by-one.  I found directions for this fold again on Karen Burniston's YouTube channel. 

I used a combination of Stampin' Up! DSP and stamps (Another Great Year, Big Day) and Tim Holtz's Dies to decorate this card.

A Christmas Wish

I have finally completed and mailed my Christmas cards. I'm having problems getting them loaded onto my blog but I hope to have everything resolved and have pictures posted by tomorrow.

Stamps Galore

Card Collapsed

I'm loving last week's Color Challenge:  CC541 Rose Red, Mint Macaron, and Tip Top Taupe.  I used it to make another card for today's Technique Challenge TLC545 Fussy Cutting.  I pulled out quite a few stamps to make this card some of which, before today, had never been inked up.

Stamp Sets:
Gorgeous Grunge
Butterfly Basics
You've Got This
Best Thoughts
Best of Butterflies
Wetlands
Express Yourself

Partially Opened

Inks:
Rose Red
Mint Macaron
Tip Top Taupe
Black StazOn
White Gel Pen

Fully Opened

A Pictorial Tutorial:

4 1/4"x2 3/4"; 11 1/2"x5 1/2"

Score at 1/4"; 3 3/4", 7 1/4"

 

Cut away 5/8" at top left on first 2 panels

A closer look at cutting away 5/8" in picture #3

After 5/8" cut away

Fold on score lines using bone folder

Cut away small tab on top left side

After tab cut off. 4 1/4" x 2 3/4 panel from  picture #1 will be attached here.

Attach 4 1/4"x2 3/4" panel from first photo to the 1/4" strip

Decorated card & template of card

An Open Heart

My favorite new stamp set is 'An Open Heart'.  I finally ordered it and this is my first time using it.

This is a 'Thank You' card for one of my daughter's fellow Airmen who sent us a Memorial Video put together by the 433 Security Forces Squadron, San Antonio, TX.  I thought it such an honor that they loved her enough to honor her in this way.

The Challenges:
SUO127  (Favorite New Stamp Set)

CC541 (Color Challenge: Rose Red, Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe, Dessert: Ribbon... I only had Whisper White Ribbon so I used my Rose Red Stampin' Write marker to color it Rose Red)

SC551 (Sketch Challenge)

Birthday Step Card

Front of Card

Today's card was a real challenge until I finally got it right.  Part of the challenge was in deciding how to decorate it and decorating it would depend on the sentiments used.  I decided on 'Birthday'...  my friend Tabitha's birthday is July 20th and I need to make & mail her a card ASAP...  I missed her birthday last year & she celebrated a milestone.  I'm making up for it this year by making something extra special for her.

I wanted to participate in the SCS Color Challenge, CC539 by using Perfect Plum, Soft Sky, and Wild Wasabi.  I followed Jan Brown's YouTube instructions for Veronica's Step Card.

Back of Card

I think the Butterflies on this card qualifies it for the TLC542 Challenge ... All Different Directions.  I used three butterflies and each Butterfly is facing a different direction.

Jan didn't decorate the back of her card but I decided I wanted to decorate the back of mine and add a sentiment on the back.  Even though I added a sentiment on the back, I also added an additional sentiment on the bottom of the card which is where I will sign it before mailing it to Tabby.

The finished card is 6" x 4 1/2".  I am so glad that I have the Stampin' Up Envelope Punch board because I was able to make the 'perfect size' envelope for my card using it.  The paper I use for my envelopes come from scrapbooks I

Bottom of Card

purchase.  I usually remove the light-weight white card stock from the page protecters in the scrapbook and replace it with either DSP or heavier-weight card stock that coordinated with whatever project I am working on.

Did I mention that you can fold this card flat to insert it in an envelope to mail?  That's one of the best perks.  Because of the size of the card, you'll probably have to pay extra postage to mail it.  I added more panels than the YouTube tutorial because I wanted to add extra strength and stability. Most of my extra panels were added inside of the card.  I hope you will give this card a try.

Flat Fold

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Watercolor Trio (sentiment on bottom of card); Wild About Flowers (sentiment on back of card); Decorate a Daisy (images in circles); Papillon Potpourri (Butterflies).

Inks:  Perfect Plum, Soft Sky, Black StazOn, Versamark.

Papers:  Perfect Plum, Soft Sky (card stock & DSP), Whisper White.

Happy Birthday

Just trying my hand at a couple of SCS Challenges... Sketch and Color.  I wanted to make a birthday card but was drawing a blank and, whenever that happens, the best place to surf is SCS.  I love that there is a new challenge every day.

The colors from last Tuesday's color challenge are Melon Mambo, Island Indigo, and Sahara Sand.  The Sketch challenge is from last Wednesday with an optional dessert option of Stripes.  My mat behind my image panel has stripes on it but you cannot see them.

Hello

My card for today was kind of an experiment using  the SCS Try a New Technique... Camouflaging Die Cuts, TLC540.   I really like this technique and will definitely use again.

Stamps:  Flower Patch, Hardwood Background

Dies: Flower Fair Framelits, Hello You Thinnest, Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits

Inks: Watermelon Wonder

Cardstock: Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White

Hello

Front.  I inverted the Fun Fold

This just in... my new Stampin' Up! Supplies.  Love them. The SCS New Technique Challenge is to "Look Into My Window".  Also, This is also for the SCS Color Challenge Pools of Wisteria Bliss.  New Supplies... New Challenges... New Folds (for me).  I followed LeeAnn Greff's  directions for her Corner Fold Fold Card on her YouTube Channel.

Inside of Card

Thanks So Much

Front of Card

Inside of Card

I've never tried the Chalkboard Marker Magic Technique before.  I don't have many solid image stamps but after trying this technique, I'll probably add more to my collection. 

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Old Olive, Basic Black
Blendabilities: Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Old Olive

VersaMark Ink and White Embossing Powder

Calypso Coral Ribbon

Butterfly Basics Die (Inside of Card)

Stamps:Oh, Hello; En Francais; Serene Silhouettes

Remembering our daughter this Memorial Day Weekend

To My Dear, Sweet, and Beautiful Angela...

It was a year ago today that I last heard your sweet voice and saw your beautiful smile. I cherish those last weeks spent with you because we had no way of knowing that God would perform the ultimate miracle of calling you home to rest safely in his arms ... forever.

Oh how my heart aches for you... I miss you dearly. You were my first born and I thank God for blessing me with you.  I thank Him for the short time we had together, and for allowing us to spend your final hours here on earth with you.

I think of you every day and will continue to think of you every day for the rest of my life.  I look forward to the day when we are reunited again as a family... until then, just know that you were and still are loved beyond measure.

I'll love you always... Mom

Happy Mother's Day

Card Front and Envelope

My Mother was admitted to the hospital a few days after the big finale of her 95th birthday celebration.  After her health improved, she was released to rehab.  Great news... she goes home tomorrow and she gets to spend Mother's Day in the comfort of her own home... there's no place like home.

The latest SUO Challenge #121 is to make a Mother's Day card or project; this card is for my mother.  After the new SU! catalog was revealed on line, I fell in love with a card pictured on page 26 ... I CASE'd it but  used my Honeycomb EF. Other SCS challenges for this card: WT530, SUO, WT528 Inside and Out. 
All products are from Stampin' Up!

Inside of Card

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Butterfly Basics, Sweet Laughter, a Delightful Dozen

Card Stock:  Pool Party, Whisper White

Other Products:  Basic Jewels, White Detailed Embossing Powder, Honeycomb EF

Ink: StazOn Black Ink, VersaMark

Dies: Ovals Framelits, Butterfly Basics Die

Another View

Happy 95th Birthday, Mother

Before adding the banner

My mother's 95th birthday was March 19th but our tradition is to celebrate her for the entire month of March. I wanted to make her a really special card this year and I saw a really neat money cake on the Internet and I decided to try my hand at it.

After finishing the cake, I was at a loss as to what to use as a topper. I subscribe to the SUO Challenge Blog and the latest SUO Challenge was #119 - Fun Folds. My Fun Fold is a Pop-Up Box Card and I decided to use it as her birthday cake topper.  The tutorial for this card can be found on the Splitcoaststampers website Here.

My Mother loves watching hummingbirds and butterflies so I had butterflies popping out of the. Pop-Up Box Card. She absolutely loved it (as you can see from her reaction) and I was really pleased with it myself... so was the rest of the family.

The finished cake

Surprise, Mother!!!