Look who I created with this weekend???

.....I'm sure those of you who follow my blog, already know that I was very excited about spending the weekend taking Copic Coloring Classes, all being taught by Sandy Allnock, who I know most of you know best from Operation Write Home or from her own blog, where she shares so many of her wonderful card creations.

    Well not only did I get to meet Sandy, we have a very special guest in classes yesterday and that was Heidi, the wonderful owner of Simon Says Stamp, which as you know is one of my favorite online stores.  I also have had the honor of being in the Designer Spotlight on the Wednesday Challenge Blog, and love that Heidi is so generous to all the students who take classes in the awesome Online Card Classroom.   I had not idea Heidi was also coming to visit, but it was such a pleasant surprise and so fun to finally meet both her and Sandy, two very creative and craft ladies that I greatly admire and have known "online" pretty much since I started creating.  I'm actually one of those who has been shopping at SSS, when it was a small eBay store, so you can imagine the changes I have seen--it's been awesome.

Kate, Sandy and Heidi at Absolutely Everything

      I'm also very thankful to have such an awesome  LSS, "Absolutely Everything" and to have Kate, the fabulous owner, who knows all these wonderful designers and always brings in so many talented artists to teach at her store.  It's also where I have met Jennifer McGuire, Tim Holtz, (and Mario, of course), Joanne Sharpe and even, Dyan Reaveley...not to mention so many more who have come from all over to the world to teach at Kate's Store!   We are very very lucky to have such a wonderful place and I'm so happy that AE is a pretty easy 40 minute drive from my home.  I have been in many classes, where people have come from all over the country to have the chance to meet and take workshops with some of these very popular artists.  Even this weekend, there were a few gals who had traveled quite far to be there and that's what makes me realize how truly lucky I am!  Thank you, Kate!!    I also was fortunate enough to have had the ability to take all four of the classes, and even lucked out and got into the Saturday afternoon class, that very morning.  Woohoo!

    And now I have a few pics to share of some of the projects were worked on in class, and the very best part is that some of the classes are available "Online" meaning you now can take them too!   How cool is that.  One of those, was our first class on Saturday which is called, "Spin The Color Wheel", and you can sign up to take that class over on Sandy's Store  HERE!    I also want to tell you that I have taken several different Copic Coloring classes, over the years and there was NO one thing that was not NEW or some awesome new tip that I learned in each of the classes this weekend.   They are very much technique classes and unlike anything I've taken, and I totally loved them all.

Click Here for More Details or to Enroll!!

     Here is a little picture of my little "Color Wheel", and it's a great little tool to have for those of you who are just starting to color with Copics, or even those who have been using them for the past several years.  I won't give away all the details, but I'm so impressed with how Sandy designed this and the fun new tips I learned in this class.   This is a class I recommend for anyone who loves color...and wants to learn more about the color wheel, in general.  It is NOT specifically for Copic users only and at a price of only $7, how can you pass it up!!

   That was the end of day one and it was really fun.   I was beat, but went home, basically tossed my Copics on my desk, packed up a few more and added my "Compressor" which we used on Sunday for two more really fabulous classes.   It's called "Funny People" and the cards and characters were all super fun to color.  I do HAVE a lot left to do from this class, but that's because we really focused on watching Sandy and learning her fabulous style of coloring.

Two of my creations, in progress!!

   Sunday, was again focused on backgrounds, and part of that fun was using the Air Compressor, which was a big hit, because it makes creating gorgeous background VERY easy, and they also look fabulous.   Our morning class, is another class which you can also take online.  You'll find it in the store section of Sandy's blog -- Here!  These class is called "Creative Copic Backgrounds",  and was one of my favorites.   The only thing I will  say about this class, is that Sandy makes it look super easy...(as with all of her coloring), but like with most new techniques, it will take practice and the more your practice, the better you'll become.   I also should note that I have not finished ANY of my cards and they all need a more coloring and details, before I will be actually making them into cards.  Once I have them done, I'll share updates photos of the finished cards!!

Creative Backgrounds -- 1

Click Here for more details or to enroll!!

And these are some pictures of what I have done, so far....there is more to be colored, as you can see!  I found the hardest technique for me, was the "Tim Man", in the rain design.  

I will be working on that MUCH more!!

   I love this one, especially colored  in purple, of course and bought the stamp, "Faith the Fairy" , which is from Stamping Bella!  That way I can practice this technique more and more and have a lot of fun coloring up this adorable Fairy.

And this is my FAVORITE and a card I can easily re-create as I have several of this style of border die, which is from Memory Box.  I won't be using the polka dotted paper for my final card, it was simply a scrap I grabbed to add for picture purposes, so that you can tell where the "moon" will be!! 

  That brought us to our final class of the day, which was called the "Lost World" and you can watch two fabulous videos over You Tube, that will take you step by step on how the creative the same fabulous card we did in class.  Sandy did this video for Simon Says Stamp, and you'll find it HERE!  If you want to make the exact same card, you'll will need this adorable set of Dinosaur Stamps, which are by Lawn Fawn, and are named "Critters from the Past", currently available at  Simon Says Stamp HERE!!  There is even a set of "Matching dies" and I think I'll be adding this to my collection very soon!!    You'll find Part II of the Video Here!   Sandy also has her own YouTube Channel with lots of fabulous inspiration for cards and all kinds of wonderful information about "Operation Write Home".  You'll find that channel HERE!!

  This was kind of my "bust" project of the day, because I made a mistake in masking and will be doing this over, that's the fun part about having the stamp set, my own compressor and the videos to watch again.  I can go step by step and start over.   I'm sharing my photo, so you can see what I did get done, before I found my OOPS!!   NOTE:    The larger image in the background is the PDF file from class that shows a photo of the card that Sandy Designed.  As you can see, I messed up my little "Baby", but may be able do save him, by stamping and coloring him again and adhering him "over my mistake.   Or I may ended up adding a "Sentiment" Banner and that area, if I decided to continue on this card.   I still have lots of coloring to do, and love the fun "pebble" technique we learned how to do for the bottom area on the card.   If I can't "save" this -- nor worries, I can re-create it again!!

    And that was how I spent my weekend and I loved EVERY minute!   Hubby was home doing some work on our deck and they dogs had a great time being outside with him quite a bit, but also seemed to be VERY happy when I did not get up and leave again today, after pretty much being gone for the past three days.

   Friday, was another fabulous day, spending with my Mom and my cousins, who came up for the day so we could all go out for a nice lunch.  We have a fabulous lunch, lots of laughs and my Mom really enjoyed the day and her wonderful gifts.   All in all she's now been celebrating for days and all of her friends have also treated her very special as she celebrated her 80th Birthday!    

    Today, I'm pretty tired, but believe me, I am quite content being home and spending time in my very cool and comfy air-conditioned home.  Just two weeks ago, I was waiting for some nice Summer weather andi t's here--a gorgeous weekend and the next couple days are going to be very Summery...hot and humid, but not brutal with temps in the mid 80's.......ahhh!  I LOVE Summer!!  

What Day is It? Mike, Mike...Mike...Huh?

  I don't know about you, but now that the silly "It's Hump Day" Camel ad has not been on TV so much, I'm kind missing it and it always did make me smile.   So...in case you've been missing it, or haven't ever seen it, I'm sharing it with you here today---- WHY?   Because, today is "Hump Day"....

   Ironically, I had no CLUE what company the ad was for, until I went to look for the video...so despite it being a very funny and popular video, I totally never remembered anything about Geico!   Kind of sad for Geico!

     And now back to the card-,making world .... I am so thankful and grateful again to all those who voted for my card in last week's MUSE Challenge.  I am very happy to have been awarded an "Honorable Mention", for this birthday card which I also created to give to my Sister in Law, Pam.   And she absolutely loved it.   Thank you all again for the votes, it means a lot to receive an award and I'm very thankful.

  And speaking of the MUSE challenge, I'm happy to be here now to show you two new cards that I created today, both of which were inspired by the card design, created by this week's MUSE,  Beverley Brown, whose card I am sharing below!

Muse Card by Beverley Brown

Challenge # 73

My Card

   I chose two element from Beverley's card to use as the inspiration for my card -- a Kraft Background and also the butterfly design.   My butterflies are from a new Hero Arts Butterfly Set CL750 and were stamped in Versamark and then heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.  I then used my Copics to color each one and then fussy cut them out, and adhered them to my kraft cardstock, which I first embossed with one of Tim Holtz's "Texture Fades" embossing folders.  I chose to color with yellows and oranges and used the Morocco Memento Luxe Ink for my Sentiment, which is another fabulous SSS Exclusive "Friendship Messages" set, designed by Kristina Werner.

  After finishing up that card, I had the idea of using the same basic design to create a new card for this week's Anything Goes Challenge over at Simon Say Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog.  Only this time, I changed the colors to Aqua and White and instead of Butterflies, I used Balloons, which I created with this wonderful die set, another SSS Exclusive.  

   I think it's a fun design and can be used in so many ways, thanks to Beverley for such a creative idea.   After die-cutting my Balloons, I attached little bows, which I created with some aqua twine.  I then picked out a Sentiment from this Hero Arts "It's Your Day" CL661 Set, and after learning a great tip from Jennifer McGuire, I cut the original sentiment in half, so that it would fit better on my card.  I used Tide Pool Shadow ink to match my balloons.  I finished it off with a few matching sequins.

   That's all that I managed to create today, but I did a lot of organizing, which is always a plus.  My focus today was on my Copic Markers and I pulled out all that I need to pack up to take to my LSS this weekend.  I'm super excited to be taking some fabulous Copic workshops what will be taught by Sandy Allnock, who many of you also know from Operation Write Home.   Now, every marker on the class list has been pull, cleaned, refilled and packed in my Copic bag.   All I need to do is pack my Compressor, which I'll be taking along on Sunday.   If you are coming up to AE to take the classes or meet Sandy, please let me know.  I always love to me crafters that I primarily known from online only!   

   And that's it for today, as it's just past dinnertime and time for me to clean up my room and relax.  We had our first taste of Summer today...Yippee!   Very warm with lots of humidity, not my favorite thing, but I do have AC so I was very comfy and cool all day!

    Update:   I meant to also post to say how sad I was to hear that "Two Peas in a Bucket" is now closing.  You can read it HERE on the site.   When I first started card-making Two Peas was the very first place I went to take part in many of their fun challenges and online card classes.   It's where I first met Kristina Werner and loved her "A Year in Card Series", which I took part in for about three years.  I also met Jennifer McGuire there too and also totally enjoyed the classes and fun techniques videos and workshops she shared, plus so many others.  I loved the Gallery and still to this day have photos there, that I should probably save over to my computer before they close it up!    I don't' know why or what happened, but I'm guessing there is simply so much competition now and with so many online stores and new companies, it must be a huge challenge to be competitive!  I'm sad for all those who love Two Peas and for those employees who will now be without a job!    My heart goes out to you all!!

What's up?

....  for me, it's another gorgeous day and my chore day, plus another fun afternoon of being creative.   I also have a card from yesterday that I will be sharing and one that I shared in one of my online groups and then disliked it SO much that it's not gone to my recycling....aka "Card Heaven".

      My first card is also the card that 'inspired' the title to today's blog post and is a fun little card I created for the current "Friendship" challenge being hosted over at Simon Says Stamp's Wednesday Challenge Blog. The adorable little birds are also one of the new SSS Exclusive Stamp and Die sets and I think they are so cute.  The set is ideally meant to be used for a new Mom and Daddy, but I think just changing around the sentiments, make it work for so much more.  And that's exactly what I did, by using the cute 'Slang Gang' term "Sup?" from this fun Paper Smooches Stamp set.  Love all these really cool saying...perfect for fun cards and especially those teens in our lives!!

  My next card was created for today's new Sketch Challenge over the OWH's Stars and Stamps Blog, which you'll find HERE!  I thought the sketch looked like a FUN one, so I was happy to play along.

This is a copy of the sketch, which I hope may inspire YOU to play along and also start donating some of YOUR cards to the wonderful group!!

Sketch #230

My Card

  As you can see, I used all neutral colors on this card, which I think makes it perfect as a Masculine card or one that one of our soldiers, might like to send home to their loved ones.   The sketch made it a fun and easy card to create.  I started with a Hero Arts Wet Cement Note card, along with some of my favorite "Dots and Stripes" paper from Echo Park.  I used a variety of punches and dies to cut my circles, and then simply combined the as shown in the sketch.  I added a little extra embellishments, some black sequins along with a wood veneer heart that I colored black, with a Wink of Stella marker.  I finished it up with the "Love you" sentiment which is from this fun SSS Stamp Set, designed by Kristina Werner.

  Moving on, I created two more cards and both cards were again inspired by Challenges, the first being a Fun Sketch Challenge at StampNation, along with the latest challenge over at "Addicted to CAS" where our theme is SUN!   And for me that's a perfect theme, since I love Sunny Summer days, just like we're having here today.  Not too hot, and not cold -- just one of those perfect "Blue Sky" days!!

   I had so much fun with this code word that I actually created two cards.  This was my first one and part of the inspiration, came from the Sketch Challenge at SN, but because you need to be a member to have access to all the details, I'm afraid I can not share the sketch!   I can say that I'm totally LOVING be part of this group and it's really helped me with my quest to learn how to create better cards and also to create really nice "Clean and Simple" Cards  -- which I just LOVE!!

    I started with an all white card base and pulled out a bunch of yellow and white scraps, which I used to cut the strips I have layered across my card.  I then pulled out this wonderful stamp set, another Simon Set called "Bring the Sunshine", which is just perfect for this theme  I love the sun-shaped stamped and that' what I chose to use and stamped it directly onto a piece of yellow patterned paper, and then punched it out and layered it on a piece of black and white polka dotted paper and popped it up on my card, using foam tape!!

  

    After completing that card, I remember that I had this fabulous sun themed die, also from Simon Says, and pulled that out to start working on my second card.  I die cut my sun, from more of the same left over yellow papers and then added it to a white base.  I also used the same SSS stamp set, as use on the card above, but this time I picked a different sentiment and used a combination in Hero's Yellow Shadow Inks to stamp it onto some white cardstock, which I then popped up off my card, again using foam tape.  The final touch was my little sun, which is actually a flair button from a set that I bought from Bossy Joscie, who has the more adorable buttons in her online store.   

  And that's it for today my friends!!  I did work on another really cute card, but it's for a little surprise, coing up soon!  You'll have to stop by again for more on that!   Wishing everyone a fabulous first full week of Summer!  Sounds like it'll be a very nice week here!  Yippee!!

Goodbye Spring = Hello Summer!!!

 ....Not that we ever had much of a Spring here in Massachusetts, I'm very happy and excited that tomorrow of the first day of Summer and I hope it's a fabulous one.   I am lovin' the weather we've had this week, lots of sunshine, pretty blue skies, not super hot and low humidity.  If the entire Summer ended up the same way, that would be fabulous.

    Today, was a busy day for me, as I always have lots of running around to do on Fridays, but that's okay, because it was so nice out and I'm happy to have my errands pretty much done so I can have a nice relaxing weekend.

     I only have two cards to share today and the first one is one that is for two challenges, as both "Cas(E) This Sketch" and "Fusion" have teamed up together this week.  I loved both the "Sketch" as well as the "Photo Inspiration" so I combined both into my own "Fusion" card.   First, I start by sharing a the inspirations image

   The very first thing that popped out to me was the Gold Butterfly and the combo of white and gold. I also loved the card design (Sketch) and put both together to create my card.   I started with a plain white card, and first die cut a "Banner" from some Stampin' Up Gold foil cardstock.  I then cut my gold/vellum striped card front from another stash of Stampin' up "specialty papers" that I've been saving to use for something special.   I used the same foil gold cardstock to cut my Butterfly, along with my "Love" sentiment, both dies from Memory Box.

   My second card, also features some pretty patterned paper, that is also from my Stampin' Up collection   I love the soft subtle colors and finally put this set to good use for my next card.   I don't recall the name of this set and believe it was from a special sale, now I wish I had bought more, because I don't see it in the store any longer?  If anyone recognizes this or knows any more about this, please leave me a comment!  

   I had fun playing with some new dies on this card, including this new one "Blooming Flower" from Hero Arts, as well as "Custom Panels" set Avery Elle.  I love the different elements that make up this set and how you can use them to easily create unique and interesting panels for your card fronts.   My little "Thanks" stamp is from a cute set that I bought from SSS!  It's another of the adorable sets that Kristina Werner designer!  Oh how I love her style and between her and Jennifer McGuire, I tend to want everything they use or share!    

   Oh, and speaking of Jennifer & Kristina, I was very excited to see that "the stamp supply list"for the upcoming  "Stretch Your Stamps II" class, has now been shared in the classroom.  For those of you who are already signed up, you'll find it HERE under "Featured Supplies".    Jennifer also did a fabulous video showing you how you can use alternate sets, that you may already have in the stash.  That's was awesome to see and I was especially happy to see that I have almost all the sets, either the exact set or many of the similar sets.   Yippee, I really do not NEED to buy anything new, not that we ever really do, you are always encourage to use what you have!!   But, I do love the try and same exact techniques, at times, and that's when you realize you really want to use or have the same sets!   They is only one set that I plan to add and it's one that's currently out of stock online, so I am hoping I can find it at my LSS when I there next weekend taking Copic Classes!!    What is it, you might be asking?  Well, sorry, I can't share that, you have to be a enrolled in the class to know all the details!   But, you still have plenty of time, as this class is not starting until August 4th, and the main reason, is so those who want to use and have all the same stamps sets, we'll be using in class, will have plenty of time to purchase them!!   I'm excited that I have so many that will work perfectly and will now be looking forward to the class starting!!   For more details or to sign up, simply click on the link below!   Hope to see you there, these classes are always awesome and I'm very happy to have taken EVERY one.

Enroll Here!!

  Time to go and let the pups out and then time to make something for dinner!   Wishing you all a wonderful last day or Spring and hope we all have a Super Summer!!

Friendship, Cool Colors and Wine...

   You're probably thinking hat in the world is this post about, well that part is easy, it's another post where I am sharing some of my most recent cards and the title, is a combination of the themes and inspiration I used for today's card.

    Let's first start with Cool Colors and that's exactly what I thought the first time I saw the new color themed challenge being hosted over at Reverse Confetti.  I loved how vibrant and colorful the combo was and thought t would be fun to put together a card using, Teal, Red & Yellow

My Card

     My first step was to pull some cardstock and papers, all in the theme colors.  I even had some scraps of SU paper leftover from yesterday, that I thought would go very well.  I then used a combination of Confetti Cut dies along with the "Lots to Say" stamp set.   I put everything together in a fun little "Hi" card which is what I'll be submitting to the challenge!! 

     My next card today is all about "Friendship" and was inspired and created for this week's challenge over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog.   The name of this one if "You've Gotta Have Friends" and is that ever true.  I'm very grateful and thankful to have a wonderful group of friends.  Those I've know all my life, and a huge variety of new friends, from all over the world, who all share the joy of creating, as much as I do.  

My Card

  My first step in putting this card together, was decided which Sentiment Set I wanted to use and I ended up picked out one of the fabulous SSS Exclusives, designed by Kristina Werner.  This set is called and you can find it HERE in the SSS Store.  I also used the Apothecary Labels, die set form SSS for my Sentiment, which was stamped in Tide Pool Shadow Ink.  My card base was created from Teal Bazzill Cardstock along with some  Mixed Pool layering papers from Hero Arts.   The patterned background on my card is another of the cool Gelli Prints I created with my Gelli Plate!   Loving it more and more every day and my next "Gelli Printing" class is coming up fast, on July 8th and I can hardly wait to see what we do next. 

   And moving on to my last card, I first want to give my special thanks to Jacqueline, who I know from the Hero Arts Flickr Group.   She was very generous and kind and send me an RAK, of the fabulous "Wine Labels" from France (she she lives), that she has used on many of her fabulous cards.  I used two today for my next card which I created in a collage style, something Jacqueline is amazing at creating.  Thanks again Jacqueline for sending me such a nice variety of labels.  I can see that you were thinking of me when you sent them and love that some have lovely purple and plum designs on the labels.   You can see some of Jacqueline's wonderful art on her blog - HERE!!  

   And this is my first attempt at using some of the labels and also trying to create a card much in the fabulous "grid/collage" style that Jacqueline does so well.   I started by using a 1" punch and punching out a variety of images from the labels.  I then pulled out some deep purple cardstock that matched perfectly to some of the flowers in the images.  I then added my squares in a grid like pattern and also added a piece of Ribbon and the "Bravo" sentiment, which is from Avery Elle   I then added this all to Kraft Case base and was done!   Hope you like it.

   For me, it was another really fun and creative day and that's the days I love most.  Tomorrow, I'm off early to have my hair done, then have a few errands to do, but HOPE to be back in my craft room sometime in the afternoon!   Hope you all have a wonderful night and as always -- Happy Crafting!

Happy Dancin'

....today has been another fabulous day!  The weather is wonderful...hot and summery, I'm feeling pretty good, (no Fibro flares) and best of all I am thrilled that one of my cards, was Featured in the TOP 3 over at the MUSE Challenge!!   Woohoo!

     And this is the fun little "Hello" card that won me that honor!  Please hop on over to the Muse blog to see the other fabulous cards, including those in the Honorable Mention too!!   Congratulations to each of the winners, I hope you are all doing the Happy Dance too!!

.....and this was the card that inspired it all!!

   The Muse Challenge is one of my favorites and I play in it almost every week, but this is the very first time, I've made it into the Top 3.  I have had a couple of cards in the Honorable Mention an that too means a lot to me!!     Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit the blog and vote for my card, along with the other winners!     If you would like to play in this week's challenge, please go HERE, for all the details and where you'll find the current Muse Card.  I have already entered and you can my new card on THIS post from Monday.

    Today, I have been spending a lot of time over at StampNation, the online group that I've been writing about a bit lately and one that I'm really enjoying.   I have already taken part in a few of the challenges there and have watched lots of great videos on new ideas, as well as lots of fabulous tips and hints.  If you would like to learn more about StampNation or sign up to be a member, please to HERE!   I've already found quite a few people I know and am also enjoying meeting new crafters from all over the world.   After seeing some fabulous new creations by the Design Team, including my friend, Maureen Merritt, who is the DT Coordinator at StampNation, and a very talented designer, who I'm sure many of you know and love.   I decided to play along in the new challenge which is all about "Graphic and Geometric Designs", along with the fabulous stamps, by Altenew, a new stamp company I have talked with you about in previous posts.   Of course, you have to be a member to play or see the fantastic cards that the DT shared, and if you are already a member be sure to check out today's new post, in the Challenge Section and hope to see your cards there soon!

     Currently, I own, only one set of Altenew stamps, but I know I'll be adding more and started today, by ordering a set from my wish list.   The set I own and LOVE is one it's is currently sold out and already very popular.  It's called, Super Script  'and I have seen it used on many cards all over blogland, which easily explains why it's sold out!   The new set I ordered today, was also sold out, when I first went to buy it, so I was thrilled to see it "Hennah Elements" back in stock.  I think this one will be really fun to stamp and then color with my Copics!   For my graphic stamps, I used this Graffiti Wooden Stamp set, (currently on sale at a2z), which is from Hero Arts.  I think it's a very cool set and if you want it, now is the time to buy at 50% off!

    I started with some Snow Layering paper, cut down to fit on my dark teal card base,  and I started by inking up the longs strips with Hero's Grape Juice Shadow Ink, after masking off a section to use for my sentiment.  I repeated that design, but changed to the Tide Pool Ink, and then took a tiny dot stamp and repeated that using both colors again.  Once I had that done, I layered on a piece of dark Teal cardstock, this is from Bazzill and stamped on my sentiment in Versamark and then heat embossed it with Hero's White embossing powder.  

  Having so much fun with that card, I decide to try another other, and this time instead of using graphic stamps, I went with a Geometric patterned paper, which is from Stampin' Up.  I used this fabulous new set of dies from Avery Elle, to make this fun custom cut piece for the front of my card and then simply added that to some white cardstock, added my "Hello" Sentiment, also from Altenew.  I used an Stampin' UP border punch to create with little elements I added on the left side of the card and used the same left over teal cardstock, from the card above to create two thin strips, one for the top and a second for the bottom of my card.  I finished it off by adding a hint of shimmer to my sentiment with a Black Wink of Stella Marker!!

     I really love the fun look of both of these cards and am finding that I love creating with the very trendy new graphic and geometric stamps and papers were see in all the stores these days.   

     My next project will be two create two more challenge cards, but I'm out of time for today, so I plan to start on those tomorrow.   One will be for the new color inspired challenge at "Reverse Confetti", where I'll be using this image as my inspiration.  I'm even thinking of using that same SU patterned paper from the card about, for part of my card.  The colors seem to look perfect, and I'll also be using some of my RC dies.

   Following that it'll be onto the new challenge at the "Simon Days Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog", where this week's new theme, is all about Friends and is named "You Gotta Have Friends", don't you just love the idea!  I do, plus I love creating friendship cards, so I know that will be fun!  If you want to play along, please visit the blogs for all the details!   Have fun and as always, Happy Crafting.

    

  

It's time to CELEBRATE.....

...and a BIG "Shout Out" of  Congratulations to CASology for marking the latest challenge as the 100th!!   How cool is that and for this week's Cue Card, can you guess what the the word is?   That was actually a contest that was held over on the blog last week and the answer is:

   And today I actually created two different cards, both using the exact same "Celebrate" Stamp which is one of my newest favorites from Altenew!!

   This is my first card and this one was started by masking off a nice wide diagonal section for my Sentiment and then "stamping" the rest of the white space with a variety of stars from this cute stamp set, which is by Winnie & Walter...yes, I love this company and seem to be using their stamps a lot!   They are so fun and also very popular right now!!  I kept my color them at Teal, White and black and this how my completed card turned out.

  For some reason, I just was NOT loving it as much as I had hoped, so I decided to try a second card and for this one I went with bright red as my primary color and used a Red Spray Ink, (Amuse) along with this fun "Splatter" stencil from Tim Holtz.   I did mask off another space for my sentiment, but did have some over-spray issues and still have not totally mastered using Spray Inks.   I'm also submitted this one to a fun little challenge over at StampNation, where Maureen, shared a fabulous new video on exactly how she does her spraying!  Clearly, he's had MUCH more practice and her cards are always awesome.   But, I kind of like this one and that's why it's the card I have decided to enter to the CASology Challenge!!

   I'll also let you vote, just leave me a comment and tell me which card you think I should submit?   Who knows, maybe I'll end up submitting both, let me know what you think?

   I'm also working on my new goal of trying to create new cards for Operation Write Home, at least once per week and to try and send of a package, once every other month, or when I can fill a Flat Rate Envelope or box!    I picked up a nice little storage bin and now am "preparing" all my cards as I create them also that when it's time to send them off, I need to do is quickly tuck them into an envelope.  I also ordered a whole case of A2 envelopes from Heinrich, which is a great store with some really good prices!   In doing some organizing in my craft room, I came across two full bins of cards that I stored and found I had a nice selection in their that I can use for OWH, so I pulled those out and also added them to my new bin.    Oh and the best news is that I am currently at 483, which was even more than I thought!   It also means that when I send in my next package, I will have sent  500 cards to Operation Write Home, something I am very proud and also honored to have accomplished!

   These are the two cards I completed today and both also fit in our June Linky Party, over at the a2z Scrapbooking Blog, where you can enter your "Stars & Stripes" card for a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to the a2z Store on Etsy!!  Come on over and play and if you are doing any shopping at the a2z Store and would like to my DT Promo Code, please do to! It's available for all my followers and you can even use it more than once!!  My code is - LISAH15 - and entering it at check out will save you 15% on all your orders of $25+ (excluding shipping)!     Happy Shopping and don't forget you still have time to enter your card HERE!!

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  Loving this fabulous new star die, which is another from Simon Says Stamp.  It's perfect to use for OWH cards and also Birthdays, Celebrations, the 4th of July and so much more!  My cards were created with Hero Layering Papers, along some Gingham paper from Amuse, and some scraps.  I used one of the Hero OWH Stamp Sets for both cards, it's called "Year Round Sentiments" and is now in limited supply!   However, there are several new sets and you can find some of them right HERE, at the a2z Store!!   

  That's it for today...the puppies are hungry, which means it's time for me to go!!

Is Summer really here?

   I sure hope so and the gorgeous weather we've had for the past two days, has been so awesome.  After a very very long and snowy winter, I think everyone I know is hoping for a really fabulous Summer and although Spring was pretty cool and rainy, if things go as they are this week, it very well could be a great start to Summer, which officially begins this weekend!

    The sun and warmth also feels wonderful that's also a bonus and another thing that I so love about Summer.  It's my best season and to feel better is such a good thing, so I'm always very grateful for any day that I feel well and today is one of those days!  Yippee!!     Not only am I enjoying the weather, I'm also loving the longer days and that seems to help me get more done.  I have been up earlier, have my chores done early and then have lots of outdoor time with the pups and in between I've been in my craft room working on more new cards.

    I have three today to share and they were all created for more challenges, starting with the brand new MUSE challenge and a gorgeous card that Marion created as our inspiration for this week.  I'm sharing a copy of her card here, and hope it might inspire you to head on over the the challenge blog and play along with us.  Today is also voting day, and it was hard avian this week to pick only 3 cards.  There were so many good ones!

Marion's Card

My Card

  I totally loved her design and also the colors of teal and those where the element that I used to create my card.  I started by stamping my "Delightful" floral image, which is one of my favorite from Penny Black.  I then colored it with my Copics and also highlighted the flowers with a clear Wink of Stella Marker.  Next, I created my card base using some cardstock from the "Mixed Pool" collection, by Hero Arts (I love this cardstock and use it on the majority of my cards).  The best part about it, that it's white on the inside, so I never have to worry about adding card liners.  It's also a nice quality and works very well for die cuts too.  You can also find a wonderful array of colors available at a2z Scrapbooking and you can also use my DT Discount - LISAH15 - which will save you 15% off any order of $25 and up (before shipping & taxes).   Simply enter the promo code during the check out and you'll automatically see the discount.  And the best part is that you can use it more and once and even use it for Sale Items!!    

  Once my flowers were dry, I stamped on my Happy Birthday sentiment, from Reverse Confettti, and then layered that section to my Tide Pool, card base  I then cut two strips of  "charcoal" paper and added those to the sides of my image section, much like Marion did on her Muse card!   This also will be a card I'll be using this week, since my SIL has a birthday coming up!  

   My next card was created for the current "Stencil it" themed challenge over at the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge Blog, another of my favorite challenges.   I had this printed and sitting on my desk and finally pushed myself to get this done, before I missed out.   I don't know why, but I'm still a bit intimidated with Stencils, even though I own a nice collection?  Just one of those things, but when I do use the, I'm usually very happy with the outcome, including this card today.  I started this one, with a piece of Ranger's Distressed Watercolor Paper, and the pulled out my SSS Moroccan Stencil, this one (the small one), was one of the exclusives that came in one of the the Monthly Card Kits.  Love it!!   I masked off a section of my watercolor paper, using Blue Painter's Tape and then placed the stencil in that are and also taped that down win the same tape.  I then picked out my new "Gold Shimmer Spray" and lightly sprayed over the stencil.  (Love the shimmer in this gold color).   I also took a piece of scrap white cardstock and sprayed that gold to later use to die cut my little Butterfly, which is this one, also an SSS exclusive.  I used my heat gun to dry my misted card front and then used on the awesome "Lil Inker Designs" Stitched Rectangle dies, to cut it out.  Next, I added my Sentiment, which is another favorite from Winnie and Walter's new release.  The final stop was to add my little butterfly, a few gold gems and then I used foam tape to add it all to a Sunshine card base.   

  That brings me to my last card for today, which was created for the brand new challenge over at the SSS Monday Challenge Blog, which this week is "Anything Goes".  The idea and background for this card, however was inspired by a brand new Video that Jennifer McGuire shared on her blog today.  A fun technique which shows you how to use Distress Inks along with your Embossing Folders to create some really fun card backgrounds.

    I ended up making about six or seven different backgrounds and it's super easy.   All you do is ink up one of your favorite embossing folders, with your Distress Inks, mist it, add your cardstock run it through your embossing machine.  I tried both sides and also used some Perfect Pearls mist, instead of water on a few of mine.  You can also add even more water after you do the embossing to make the colors all wick together...the wonderful things about Distress Inks and how they react with water!   I love them and happily own most all the colors.  I wish I had the minis too, but for now the large sizes work fine for me.  However, if I were starting over, I'd go with the mini's for sure!!   

   Tp make this card, I totally dried one of my background, using my heat gun and cut it down to fit on the front of my card.  I needed another Birthday Card, so I used this die cut, created by Kristina Werner for SSS, and cut it in a deeper shade of teal.   I then used my little "X" Xyron to add adhesive to the back to make it very easy to adhere to my card!!  I also punched out three little hearts, from the same deep teal cardstock and colored over them with my Wink of Stella marker and then added a coat of Crystal Lacquer! 

    Special thanks to Jennifer for sharing this fun and easy background technique!  I love how it works and the variety you can create is really endless!   A fun day and I hope tomorrow is another day as nice as today!