Another Creative Day at Summer Card Camp!!

   I am back this afternoon and happy to have two new cards to share.  Both of these cards were created today and inspired by the wonderful new color combo were are working with this week at Summer Card Camp.   I think these colors are so pretty and with so many of us in a Heat Wave - these serene colors of the sky and ocean just make you feel a bit cooler.

     I have to say that I was very scared when I first turned on my computer this morning, only to see a black screen and an alarming message about the computer not being able to start itself?  Yikes!!  I read the message, where it asked I wanted to allow Windows to search for a solution....of course I do, what else can I do?  Then after a while, it popped up a second message asking if I would allow a System Restore, which again I did.   I then left it alone, as it said, it would take a while and was very happy to return and find it at the log on screen!   PHEW!!   I have NO clue what went wrong, and it has been fine all day yesterday?  It has been slow lately and freezing  bit at times, but never anything like this?   I sure hope it's not a bad sign, but I have a feeling it is?   This computer is older now and still runs VISTA (yuk), but otherwise has been good and we've always bought Dell with great experiences.   A former computer died under warranty and they replaced it 100% free with lots of upgrades and even allowed us to remove the old hard-drive, before they picked up the dead computer.  Another reason, I would definitely look for a new Dell PC.   I would also upgrade my monitor to a larger size, but otherwise, I'm all set.  I love my little net book, but it's not practical as a main computer, but sure is a great plus, and I love keeping it on my craft desk for easy access to videos etc., while I'm creating.

   And speaking of videos, my cards today were also inspired by some new techniques from our Weekly Video that Jennifer created for us today at Camp.   One technique is using inks with your Embossing folders to create a look that looks like Letterpress.  That's somethign I've done before and also learned at my LSS.  It's very easy and you can also use acrylic paints for the same look.   Another new technique is stamping on Acetate with Staz-on and then creating a window card with the Stamped section.   My first card shows both the new techniques and it was really fun to make.

 
   The bottom blue/white section of the this card is where I did the 'faux' Letterpress technique and it's one I really like.    I actually embossed a full A2 size page, but then trimmed it down to the size I wanted for this card.  The middle section is the Acetate layer/window and I also use a Pearl Pen to add some white pearls for extra dimension and sparkle.  My next image is a close up the the same card that shows more detail of the acetate window, which was created by Stamping with Blue Staz-on Ink directly to the Acetate.

 The top section of the card was created using a combination of Color Wash Spays and Ranger Distress Inks, that I applied directly to my background stamp.  Once I had it good and wet, I stamped it directly onto Watercolor paper and let it set overnight to dry.  I created several of these in a variety of designs and colors last night and left them all out to dry.   Now when I want a piece to use on a card I have several all set to go.

   And last is this very fun and easy card, which is simply one of those watercolor stamped pieces that was cut down for the card.  I used a Scallop Border Punch and picked out some matching cardstock to make a matching card base.  I then simply created a sentiment for the middle and adhered it onto two layers of flowers...very easy, but fun!

   I'm off now to water my gardens, much needed with all this heat.   I will be back later and hope to work on some new cards or challenges.  My next stop today is over to The Outlawz group to see what the new color combo is for the weekly challenge!  If you love to take part in Challenges, then I invite you to come on over and play !

  Afternoon Update -  I received a nice award this afternoon from CDAC (Crafter's Digital Arts Center) for a card I had created a while back for one of their challenges.  I wanted to say THANK YOU to all the members of the team who chose my card and also to share the card and award here on my blog!!

 

 

    Thanks again the honor and a very nice surprise!   

Would YOU like to WIN a Brand New Cricut E2??

    If so, then I would LOVE to invite you to head over to my friend Marti's Blog (Pez-a-Doodle Designs), where you will find all the wonderful details to win a wonderful Anniversary Edition E2 --

  This is part of a special fundraiser and it will help Marti to reach her personal goal of collecting for this wonderful cause - The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. 

   For more about Marti's love of pets, please go to her blog HERE and be sure to read all about the adorable little kitties she has been fostering since birth.  They are so cute and she has been updating us with pictures of them and their Momma since she began caring for her.    The kittens are all adorable and I have copied over one of Marti's pictures to share with you here on my blog --

   I hope I have inspired you to help out the foundation and who knows, maybe your little act of kindness will bring a new E2 into your home!!

   M very best wishes to Marti and I HOPE she reaches her goal of raising $2,000 for such a special cause.  Every little bit helps, any and all donations will be greatly appreciated!

  
Hugs,

 

A rainy Monday.....

  At least we are having some much needed rain and I just hope it does a good job of watering my flowers.   My garden was starting to look a little dry and with more hot and humid weather coming right back tomorrow, it's nice to have one day of rain!

   Rainy days are also fun for crafting for me and now that I have my new OTT light, I can even take fairly good pictures without the sun.  Today I am here to share a few new cards and the first one I had started last night for the Wacky Wednesday Challenge that is hosted at both PCP and CDAC by Bugaboo Stamps.   This week we had a cute color combo and since it had PURPLE as one of the colors, I had to play.   I picked out one of my newest images, which I think it's adorable and made this cute little card.

   I have another Christmas In July themed card today and this once was inspired by the new Sketch Challenge being hosted by Bugaboo over at CDAC.   If you head over to the group you'll find a special surprise that Jodie has gifted to everyone who plays along.  You can find you find ALL the Challenge details for the challenge HERE!!     Here is a copy of the sketch that I copied over to inspire you to play along --

Sketch Inspiration

My Card

 

    I am also submitting my Happy Holidays card to today's new Greeting Card Challenge over at 'The Outlawz'.   Their theme this week is also  Christmas In July.

  My next card today was created based on the fabulous new colors were are working with in Summer Card Camp.  I'm soooo bummed that this is already our last week and can not believe that four weeks went by so fast.  It's been such a wonderful treat to have taken the Camp and I'll definitely sign up for more online classes with Jennifer and Kristina!  I'm sure they are both now out at CHA and checking out all the wonderful new products ready to hit the market.   In the meantime, they are still stopping in and you can always finds some news on CHA on their blogs.

     Our new colors this week are wonderful colors that remind me of the Ocean or a fabulous day at the Beach.  This is copy of our color swatch for Week 4 -  Awesome!!

 

   And this is my first take on the colors using a cute Bugaboo digi image that I've had for a long time.   I can see now that my colors look a bit dark, as compared to how they printed out, so I'll be more careful on my next card to go with even lighter shades of each color.   I took a little break from inking hands today and instead colored with my Copics.  All of my patterned papers are from Basic Grey.

 I'm also very excited as I have a new goodies package that arrived today from Ellen Hutson and it is the order that I just placed on Friday!  Yippee!    It includes a wonderful new Background Stamp from Hero Arts along with some more Distress Stains and two new Distress Color Washes - two of my new favorite coloring mediums.   I also wanted to mention that the brand new Memory Box dies are now in at her store and also at my LSS, but they are selling out super fast and more will be back in stock.   I have my eye on a few that I want for Holiday Cards and if you are looking for these awesome dies - please go HERE!!  

  These are two that I have on my Wish List and will be adding to my collection, when I can find them back in stock -

Frostyville Border

 

Frosty Border

   I think they are both stunning and will add such a nice touch to my Christmas Cards.   What about you, do you like them as much as I do?   I have already started quite a nice collection and found them first at my LSS.  I also have been a fan of Memory Box papers and stamps for a long time and think they are really lovely.  I can't wait to take my Memory Box Class in August.  Woohoo!   

   I just LOVE classes and workshops and I know when Summer Card Camp on Sunday, I'll miss it a lot!!   On the upside I know that Suzanne Dean is planning on a brand new Copic Coloring Class, that she hopes to start in August!  I have already taken several classes in the Classroom and enjoyed everyone.  There are currently 8 different classes ongoing and you can work at your own pace.   I have take all of the Copic Classes and also one of Marti's Cricut Classes and loved each one.   You can find all the class info over at the main site --  Color Me Creative Classroom.    I am looking forward to enrolling in the new upcoming class and also still love to play in the challenges.  If you want to play along - you'll find the bi-weekly challenge in the Group Section -- Go to - the  Copic Coloring Challenge!   I would love to see you there!!

Comfy, Cool and Crafting....!!

  And I'm having such a wonderful day spending time working on cards for a variety of challenges.   I have been spending so much time in Summer Card Camp that I have not had a lot of extra free time to make create extra cards for some of my favorite challenges and today was a catch up day for me!  We start our very last week of Camp tomorrow and I know I will miss it, but I have LOVED every minute and hope Jennifer and Kristina offer it again!

  I started by making a new card for class today and I chose one of the new color swatches from Friday and if you know me well, you'll now it's one with PURPLE.  I also created this card to submit to the new Paper a la Mode Challenge over at The Outlawz.   Their challenge is very easy this week and one that I think everyone will love -- it's all about Flowers....any kind and any style - all you need to do is use a Flower in some way on your project.   I picked out one of my favorites from Prima and also made sure it would match my new color theme.

  I just love how this card turned out and for me, it was done with a brand new technique of using Distress Stains with Rubber Stamps to create a background or image for any card.  I used one of my brand new Hero Arts Stamps (Classic Fabric Design) and used a combination of Distress Stains and Perfect Peals to make this pretty purple card.   You can find a wonderful tutorial on this technique done by Jennifer McGuire over on her blog.

  My next card was created for another challenge at The Outlawz and that one is today's new CAS Challenge -- a favorite for me, since I have grown to LOVE this style of cardmaking.  The girls came up with a cute little Recipe - Something Old, Something New and Something Blue, and you can create any type of CAS project and it does NOT have to be a Wedding Card! 

  I used the same basic technique as in the card above with a brand new Outlines Rubber Stamp -  Lynnwood to create this card and hope you'll like it.  The 'old' on this card is and old card base from my stash, that I distressed to give it an aged look.  The 'New' my brand new Outlines Stamp and the Blue is the Faded Jeans Distress Stain!

   My next card was created with today's new Sketch Challenge over at the Stars and Stamp Blog, which you'll find HERE!  I have also copied over the sketch to share with you and hopefully inspire you to create a card to submit.   I also want to remind anyone who is interested in making card for OWH that now is the time to get your Holiday cards submitted.  You can find ALL the details over at the main site HERE!

Sketch # 78

My Card

  In addition to using the sketch this week, I also chose another one of the new color swatches had from Summer Card Camp and this card will also be submitted to the Camp Gallery!!  I thought it would be really fun to use all these wonderful shades of blue and green. 

   For my next card I actually broke out my Copics and this card was inspired by our brand new challenge over the the Color Me Creative Classroom.   Our new challenge, which is open to ALL, was to use our Copics to create a project using any of our favorite Copic Coloring techniques.   I chose the technique of Coloring White and made this very fun new Christmas Card.   I used a combination of the very lightest shades of blue (B0000), Blue Green (BG0000) and Cool Grey (C000), so highlight around the areas of my snowman and snow, which makes him really show as a bright happy white guy.  I also added a combination of Crystal Stickles and 3D Crystal Lacquer to the white areas, to give them more sparkle and dimension. 

  This card was also inspired by a new challenge at 'Crafting by Design' a really fun new craft group I was   to join.  This is for the new CAS Challenge they are hosting and the theme is Christmas in July, making my little Snowman perfect.  Lastly, I am also submitting him to the current Copic/Prismacolor Challenge over at The Outlawz and their Challenge this week is also a Christmas in July theme and everyone is welcome come on over and play along! 

  Mr. Snowman is also being submitted to the Christmas in July challenge being hosted by Get Hippity with Ippity, which  recently moved from the former SSC site to a new Ning Site called 'The Latte Lounge'!  There are a variety of groups at The Latte Lounge and it's seems to be a very fun and friendly group!   You are all welcome to come on over and join the fun.    

   And Lastly, Bugaboo is currently hosting a Christmas In July Blog Hop, and although I find blog hops way to hard to take part in, I did want to submit my fun little Snowman card to their Challenge.  I wish I could do blog hops, but spending all that time on the computer, does me in!  I do want to wish everyone who plays GOOD LUCK !!! 

  And I even have one more card today and this one was also inspired and created for a new challenge and this one is for the new Recipe Challenge at the 'Through The Craftroom Door'.   I wanted to again say thank to Michelle Perkett for sponsoring last month's challenge and sending me a Gift Certificate to her wonderful store for winning the last challenge.  I hit the store yesterday and totally enjoyed adding three new images to my collection by Michelle.

    The DT has come up with a FUN new recipe challenge and it's one that everyone can come on over and play.  If you are new to the group, simply create your sign up and then head into the Challenge Section HERE to play.   The recipe is:  1 Ribbon, 2 Patterned Papers and 3 Buttons!

    I went with very vibrant colors for my card and my Patterned papers are from Basic Grey/Lauderdale and Bo Bunny's Ad Lib - two of my favorite paper companies!

   I have had such a wonderful day of creating and it's been a blast.  I feel good today and it's just amazing at how much I seem to accomplish when I feel good.  I'm soooo HAPPY to be having another great day and to have this wonderful hobby that I absolutley LOVE!!!   Sending out a BIG Hug to everyone who has stopped by and wished me well, especially when I was feeling so YUK earlier this week! 

Challenge WIN -- Summer Camp and FUN!!!!

   Yaay!!   What a difference a day can make!!   I'm feeling sooo much better today and it's such a great feeling.   We are back to gorgeous Summer weather -- lots of bright blue skies, sunny days and nights that are comfy and cooler for sleeping -- sweet!    My favorite kind of day and another day that I have spent a lot of time in my Craft Room.

    My focus as you know for the past three weeks has been very much in the Summer Card Camp and I do admit that I am loving every day of Camp and will miss it, when it ends next weekend.  It's been so much fun and I have totally spend almost all of my time trying new ideas and creating the new techniques we learned in camp and those I have also learned in classes at my LSS.

    I know that I have missed out on almost all of my favorite challenges for the past couple of weeks, but  I also know I will have more time to get back one Camp is over!   If you are wondering where I have been, I'm attending an online Summer Card Camp and we have only one more full week before it's over.   I have been trying to fit in a few challenges here and there, but it's been hard.  I will be back to Challenges soon and look forward to making all kinds of fun new things, with all that I'm learning,

   I have two new cards to share today and both were card that were started yesterday and feature the main colors we've been working with all week.   Every Friday we receive a new selection of colors and I am loving the colors we have to work with this weekend!!  

   My first card was one that I was not happy with earlier this week, so I took apart what I could and turned the old card into this card, which I like much better --

    I also have a second card today and this is a very simple card, but one I like.  It was created based on yesterday's Camp Class which focused on using Sentiments as a main focal point on our cards. 

   Now, I am working on some new cards with these wonderful new color options and I have to admit, these are some of my favorite colors.  Here are two of my favorite new combos that I'll be using for my card creations this weekend. 

  I think the top swatch with the two purple shades, is going to be one I'll LOVE to use again, I have always like using lavender and purple with opposite colors and the lime green and the light grey, both are great contrast colors.   I also really like the  blue/green combo and hope started on a background with those colors today too.  I am working with Ranger Distress Stains, Perfect Pearls Mist along with one of my new Hero Arts Background Stamps and Watercolor paper.   I'm following along with this fabulous tutorial by Jennifer McGuire, that you'll find over at Ellen Hutson's - Classroom Today!!!   I was very excited to see it and having had some Distress Stains for awhile, I finally now know of some great ways to use them.  I LOVE the card that Jennifer created with the Purple and green and I'm hoping to try and CAS something similar as my next Stamp Camp Card. 

  Please be sure to stop back by this weekend to see the end results of the cards with this new technique.  I also have a little Gift Card project that I tried for the very first time and it was for a Challenge over at The Outlawz Group.   I found this fun little Tutorial by Kristina Werner and I created mine using her template and some scraps papers.    This is my end result, which I think is kind of cute!  I'm sure with some wonderful new holidays papers and some extra embellishments - I could make some really nice card holders and I'm going to be sure to keep this template and tutorial in my files.

   And lastly, I was very happy and excited to find out that I WON a challenge today over at the Through The Classroom Door!!

    I am the very lucky winner of a Gift Certificate to shop at Michelle's Perkett's wonderful Etsy store, which you'll find HERE!  Michelle is a fabulous artist and I already own quite a few of her awesome images - now I'll have even more.    Thanks to Michelle and TTRCD for hosting the challenge!  Sandi and Kerry, each won a digi of their choice from Michelle's Store.  That wonderful RAK was given to them by Melanie the DT Coordinator -- how sweet is that!!

   I would also like to invite you ALL to play along in the brand new challenge with started today!  This month we have a fun little Recipe Challenge and you can find all the details HERE!   Note:   The Through The Craftroom Door Site and Challenge is open to ALL and the group is FREE to join.  You do NOT need to be a subscriber to play along and every one is eligible to enter!  If however, you are also a subscriber, you'll also have additional access to a Subscriber ONLY section on the site!!

   I'm off now to work start working on my newest cards for Summer Card Camp.   The backgrounds that I stamped earlier are almost all dry now, so it's time to come up with my design and start putting it all together!

    Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and as always -  Happy Crafting!