Autumn wishes...CR84FN39 61

Hi there! Hope you are all off to a great start of the Autumn season (if you are observing Fall Equinox)! It's time again for a new CR84FN Color Challenge. Thanks to all those who took on CR84FN38 and to those who leave such sweet comments :) For the next two weeks, we will be playing with the fun colors shown below:

I was not only inspired with the beautiful "traditional" fall colors but the fall themed photos as well featured in the color graphic. With that being said, I inked up a few PTI images from both PTI Friendship Jar Fall Fillers and Friendship Jar. Note the Balsa wood label behind the jar of fall goodness? Well months ago, my sweet friend and CR84FN DT mate, Sue Lelli made a card (click HERE) featuring a Balsa wood die cut label, LOVED the look so I thought I would give it a try! I rubbed a bit of Ranger Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap on the label revealing the woodgrain.

This was my first time inking up the pumpkin and leaf image. A bit unsure how to color it, I referred to a fab tutorial that Debbie Olson shared on her blog (click Here).

Not having the same Copic markers shown in the tutorial, I improvised and substituted quite a few using what I have on hand shown in the photo below:

For sketch inspiration, I played along with Tuesday Morning Sketches:

Thanks so much for visiting today! Please hop on over to CR84FN for COMPLETE details on how to join in the fun and for some awesome inspiration, please visit all the designers blogs listed below. Be Sweet!

Marie Oberg (Guest Designer)

 Suzanne Czosek

Deborah Frings

Stephanie Kraft
Heather Jensen  

Sue Lelli

Andrea Mathews

Lisa Somerville

Photo Credits:
Bouquet, Wreath, Pops

My sweet honey surprised me with this beautiful bouquet of flowers this week :) He photographed them for me in natural light ~

 Love the vibrant orange~

He think he enjoyed photographing them as much as I did looking at them :)

Supplies Used:
Stamps: PTI Friendship Jar Fall Fillers
Die Templates & Machine: Spellbinders Grand Labels Four, PTI Friendship Jar & Lid, Sizzix tag, Grand Calibur
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Copic Markers, Ranger, Memento

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a season of Blessings 36

 Happy Fall to all who are currently observing the Fall Equinox! It's hard to believe today is the first day of Fall when the temps are still in the 100's here in my neck of the woods! Connor & Meri's Fall Break begins today when the school bell rings at 2:30 pm! We will be heading out of town for a mini vacation at our Home away from Home :)

With Autumn on my mind, I made this card using one of my very first PTI stamp sets: Fall Elegance. I love the whimsical ~ elegant foliage in this stamp set as well as the polka dot label from Mat Stack 4. I finished off this card with a pretty purple bow and die cut Maple Leaf that was made using a die template from Spellbinders Nested Maple Leaves:

Thanks so much for visiting today ~ hope you are enjoying the first day of Fall :) Be Sweet!

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Fall Elegance, Mat Stack 4
Die Templates & Machine: Spellbinders Nested Maple Leaves, PTI Mat Stack 4, Sizzix Vagabond
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye

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Hope, Strength, Courage... 36

Hi there! Welcome to the JustRite Stampers August Release! I'm so excited and honored to be part of this special and exciting event! Today, several of the JustRite DT members  will be sharing beautiful projects ALL created using the "special" Strength & Courage set.

JustRite IS Crafting For a Cause

In an effort to find an early diagnostic test or screening tool for Ovarian Cancer, JustRite Crafting For a Cause will donate 20% of the sales from Be Strong and Courage and Strength in 2011 to Ovarian Cancer Research. To learn more about the symptoms of this “silent killer “ visit www.OvarianCancer.org.

and here is a short inspirational story from Amy Tedder, (the illustrator and graphic designer for JustRite):


Hi! I am celebrating 6 years of being ovarian cancer free! I am hoping you will join me in the JustRite Crafting For a Cause Fundraiser.

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers because it goes unnoticed for years. They call it the “silent killer.” Most women can shrug off the symptoms as other things. My only symptom was that I was so tired. “But...having 3 children will do that to you!” My regular doctor found my cancer when I was 39 years old and scheduled me an appointment with the best oncologist in South Carolina. My doctor found my cancer because he took a risk and ran a test that my insurance might not have covered.

Today, we need to encourage all the women we know and love to go for their yearly check ups. If there is any kind of family cancer they need to insist on having the lab work done. I am finding that each woman has to be her own advocate. No one else will automatically do it for us. We have to schedule the appointments, WE have to request the tests, WE have to look for ways to protect our own health and take time to take care of ourselves. Just make your appointment and make your mother, sisters and friends schedule their appointments!

“During my cancer recovery I was blessed to receive cards and notes from friends to encourage me. My hope is that you will use these stamps to encourage your loved ones that are the care givers or are fighting cancer. “

                                                                                                                                                                —Amy

and here is the card I made showcasing several pretty images from Strength & Courage using Teal in support of Ovarian and other gynecological cancers:

 To create this card, I inked up the oval shaped sentiment with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, stamped then using a Spellbinders Labels Ten die template to cut the image. I hand trimmed the beautiful ornate stamped image using Memento Tuxedo Black ink, colored using the Copic Markers shown below, inked the edges using distressing ink, then adhered it to the sentiment using 3D foam squares for added dimension.

Here is a look at the COMPLETE Strength and Courage set:

Here is a ribbon color chart provided courtesy of Kellie at JustRite Stampers that you may want to use as a quick reference guide when creating your projects:

Thanks so much for looking! I will be back tomorrow with some samples for Day# 2! For  COMPLETE details, please be sure to visit the JustRite Inspiration Blog and for some more AMAZING samples of inspiration, please be sure to visit the following DT 
members: 

 JustRite Inspiration

Becca Feeken

Mona Pendleton (that's me)

Debbie Olson

Michele Kovack

Kellie Fortin

Kathy Jones

Stephanie Kraft

Angela Barkhouse

Kazan Clark

Heidi Blankenship

Supplies Used:
Stamps: JustRite Stampers JB-09930 Strength and Courage - Interlocking
Die Templates & Machine: Spellbinders JB-S5022 Labels Ten, Big Scalloped Borderabilities Petite, Grand Calibur
Ink: Copic Markers: C0-00996 BG11 Moon White, BG13 Mint Green, BG45 Nile Blue, BG49 Duck Blue, TS-0111S Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Vintage Photo
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Cardstock: PTI
Other: ribbon, flower and pearls from stash

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thinking of you 41

Happy Saturday! I hope you are all having a great weekend thus far! I have been working on lots of fun DT projects~for both the upcoming Waltzingmouse Stamps and JustRite Stampers July release which begin Tuesday, June 28th. If you would like a peek at what's to come from Claire, please click HERE! I needed a card for my dear GF's 3 1/2 month old granddaughter who is critically ill. The precious little girl is severe anemic and has been in the Pediatric ICU for several weeks now, receiving treatment including multiple blood transfusions while they all anxiously await test results. My heart goes out to all of them.

I stamped the wee L'il sheep image from Waltzingmouse L'il Buddies with Memento Tuxedo Black ink then using a Q-tip, I applied SU Whisper White ink. A technique recently inspired by Nichole Heady click HERE. I cut the cute L'il guy out, popped him up with a few foam adhesive squares, layered him on a die cut circle and label that was stamped using an image from Waltzingmouse Very Vintage Labels No.1.

For sketch inspiration, I referred to this week's Stampin' Royalty Sketch #77. If you are looking for saw awesome inspiration, please be sure to click HERE see what the DT has created!

Thanks so much for visiting today! Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend! Be Sweet :)

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Very Vintage Labels No.1, L'il Buddies
Die templates & machine: Spellbinders™ Nestabilities® Labels One, Standard Circles LG, Grand Calibur
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye

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Happy Birthday Stephanie!...CR84FN26 51

Happy May 1st! Hope you are all having a great weekend! Before I get to today's CR84FN Color Challenge, I have a few things I would like to share. In my crafty world ~ if you visit here often, you know how much I LOVE gorgeous Melissa Frances products. Well, I am tickled pink to tell you that  I recently had a project featured on the Melissa Frances blog, if you have a moment, I would be thrilled if you took a peek, click HERE :) I am also in the midst of the May Waltzingmouse Stamps Previews, so if you are interested in seeing samples that I have made with stamps that Claire is releasing this month, please feel free to take a peek (click HERE ~ Day1 or click HERE ~ Day2.)

Let's get to the CR84FN26 Color Challenge! This week we are celebrating our very own DT member Stephanie Kraft's Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE! Please be sure to stop by Stephanie's blog and leave her some birthday love :)

I would also like to welcome & introduce you to Lin Brandyberry. Lin will be sharing her awesome creations and joining the CR84FN DT as our May Guest Designer! Please be sure to visit Lin's blog to see all of her wonderful artwork.

Thanks to all who played along with last week's challenge! There were so many fabulous entries!

This week we are playing with KRAFT, PALE YELLOW and GOLD. Photos are courtesy of MARTHASTEWART.com 

Here's my interpretation of the soft and subtle colors:

I combined stamped yellow polka dot paper that I created by inking up the polka dot image from Waltzingmouse Gingham & Co. with SU Barely Banana ink with a few pretty My Mind's Eye patterned paper from the Lost & Found collection. I stamped the seed packet image from Artistic Outpost Bloom & Grow then adorned it with several home made flowers and stamped foliage from Waltzingmouse Faux Fun Circles.

Thanks for stopping by today :) Please hop on over to CR84FN for COMPLETE details on how to join in the fun and for some awesome inspiration, please visit all the designers blogs:

Suzanne Czosek

Deborah Frings

Stephanie Kraft
Heather Jensen  (may post later in the week due to lack of electricity but sure would appreciate some love, thoughts and prayers :) 

Sue Lelli

Andrea Mathews

Lisa Somerville

Lin Brandyberry (May Guest Designer)

Hope you stop by later today at 2:00 PM Eastern to see what I have to share for the May Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz. Be Sweet :)

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Faux Fun Circles, Gingham & Co., Frame-It, Artistic Outpost Bloom & Grow

Die Templates: Spellbinders™ Nestabilities® Big Scalloped Circles SM, Big Scalloped Circles LG,  Big Scalloped Borderabilities Petite, Grand Caliber

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Happy Birthday Jerry and Connor! 45

Hi there! Hope you all had a great weekend! Did you watch the Super Bowl? While Scott enjoyed watching the game, I had fun creating a few "manly" birthday cards. I have such a mental block when it comes to creating "masculine" cards of sorts. I think if I had some "masculine" stamp images in my arsenal, it would surely help? Any suggestions? The men in my life are not into hunting or fishing, more like techie~computer/sports sort of guys. I made one for my son Jerry who will be 23 yrs old on Tuesday, February 8th and one for my step-son, Connor who will be 15 on February 16th.

I really don't like making two of the same card but since it was such a struggle to make a "manly" card in the first place, I figured why not? Just change up the patterned paper! YAHOO! As the saying goes, "kill 2 birds with 1 stone" :)

For sketch inspiration, I referred to the February Sketch For You To Try:

I paper pieced the cupcakes, coloring the bottom part with a variety of Copic Markers and using a piece of patterned paper for the top section. I cut out a few felt leaves and stitched those on along with a button as the cherry :)

 Thanks so much for visiting today! Hope you have a great start to a new week! Be Sweet :)

I edited my post yesterday in the afternoon so in case you missed this: You probably know how much I LOVE Melissa Frances products right? Well, a recent project of mine is being featured on the Melissa Frances's blog! :) Pinch me please! If you have a chance and would like to see, please feel free to click HERE :) Thank You!***

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Frame-It, PTI Baby Button Bits
Die Templates & Machine: Spellbinders™ Nestabilities® S4-293 Lacey Circles, S4-116 Standard Circles SM, S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants, GC-001 Grand Calibur
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye Fine and Dandy Collection, Echo Park

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Be Mine Valentine...CR84FN14 62

Hi there! It's time for another CR84FN Color Challenge! This week we are playing with some awesome colors that scream Valentine's Day to me ;) AND we are welcoming Stella as our Guest Designer for the entire month of February. Stella Schenkel will be sharing her beautiful creations with us on the CR84FN site and if you would like to see more of her creativity, please stop by her blog: A little bit of the things I enjoy.

Aren't these pics mouth watering? Best of all ~ they are calorie FREE! :) LOL

I combined a few of my favorite products to create this lil' Valentine treat gift set. I love making tags and don't do it nearly enough! So this week, I made a tag as the focal point of my card and one for the sac of treats:

Please hop on over to each CR84FN for COMPLETE details and for some pure eye candy, please visit all the designers blogs and our Guest Designer:

Suzanne Czosek

Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Stephanie Kraft

Sue Lelli

Meredith MacRitchie

Andrea Mathews

Lisa Somerville

Stella

Thanks so much for looking! Hope you are able to play along! Be Sweet :)

***Edited 02/06/11 @ 12:12 PM - You probably know how much I LOVE Melissa Frances products right? Well, a recent project of mine is being featured today on the Melissa Frances blog! :) Pinch me please! If you have a chance and would like to see, please feel free to click HERE :) Thank You!***

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Seasons of Love - Tags, PTI It's Official
Die Templates & Machine: Spellbinders™ Nestabilities® S4-290 Labels Fourteen, S5-025 Labels Seventeen, GC-001 Grand Calibur
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye Lush Collection, Echo Park

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Happy Birthday Claire! 72

Hi there! Here today wishing SWEET Claire, Owner of Waltzingmouse Stamps, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY along with the Waltzingmouse Design Team, Waltzingmouse Mischief Makers and a special guest. Please head on over to the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog to show Claire some birthday love and to begin the hop!

To create Claire's Birthday card, I stamped the rectangular frame image from Waltzingmouse Frame-It, trimmed around the edges leaving about a 1/4" border then stitched in place. I created a little banner using S5-028 Nested Pennants & S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants.

Thanks so much for looking and I sure hope you wish Claire a Happy Birthday! To continue with the hop, please visit Lynn to see her awesome creation! Be Sweet!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Frame-It
Die Templates & Machine: Spellbinders™ Nestabilities®  S5-028 Nested Pennants, S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants, GC-001 Grand Calibur
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary Collection

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PTI January Blog Hop Challenge 106

Hi there! Here today to share a card I made for the PTI January Blog Hop Challenge. It has been months since I participated and I am so happy I had a chance to play this month! Nichole is challenging us all to use a Papertrey stamp set that either has not seen ink or one that may be collecting dust. (We all know how that goes!)

I blew the dust off Spiral Bouquet and got busy. I was inspired by a card created by Betsy Veldman (click HERE to see Betsy's gorgeous sample!). I loved the way Betsy shared how she stamped the flower die cut with the images from Spiral Bouquet giving a plain flower a whole new look! Thanks Betsy for sharing your "secrets" with all of us :)

The pretty flower shown above was cut/embossed using two of the S5-050 Rose Creations die templates and layered upon a lil' doily cut/embossed using a S5-041 Floral Doily Motifs die template.

Thanks for looking! Can't wait to see all the inspiration along the hop :)

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Spiral Bouquet
Die Templates & Machine: Spellbinders™ Nestabilities®  S5-041 Floral Doily Motifs,  S5-050 Rose Creations, GC-001 Grand Calibur
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye Lost & Found, Madison Avenue Collection/Cherish  
Paper: PTI
Ink: PTI Raspberry Fizz

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