For All the Guys

     I have a few masculine/ Father's Day cards to share with you this morning and will also have another one tomorrow.  Each of these cards uses an image from Doodle Pantry, a couple of which are new and one I've had in my collection for probably 3 years, but this isn't the first time I've used it.  OK, here's the first card:

     Since my SIL is an avid fisherman, one of my granddaughters laid claim to this one as soon as she saw me making it.  I hadn't even finished it yet when she said she wanted to give it to him for Father's Day.  This one is a pre-colored image but I used ProMarkers to darken the water and his coat and to make the tackle box a bit more orangey-red.  The background is done with corrugated paper and the baker's twine is from my stash.

     Challenges for this card:
Artistic Inspirations -- All about Dad
Craft Your Passion -- For the boys/Father's Day
Crafty Boots -- Sport
Digi Makeover -- For the men
Digi Sketch -- For the men
Doodle Pantry -- Make it Manly

     Next card, also a Doodle Pantry image --

     I love these fishing lures and this time I hand colored them using Copics and gel pens.  I've used them several times before and even did another card with this same image but used a pre-colored image on that one.  Maybe I'll get time to share it tomorrow.  This one is pretty simple -- hand colored, cut with a rectangle die, edges distressed, and mounted onto another strip of that same corrugated paper.  The stars were in my stash and I thought they worked as reminders of starfish.  :-D

     Challenges for this card:
Crafty Sentiments Designs -- Father's Day
Going Grey w Scrap Creations -- Father's Day
MarkePOP -- A/G
Melonheadz Friends -- Summer fun
Ooh La La Creations -- For a man/boy
Paper Nest Dolls -- A/G
PaperTake Weekly -- For the boys
Pink Elephant -- Father's Day
Sweet Stamps -- For Dad

     OK, if I have a favorite out of these three images, it's probably this wonderful classic car.  I can't tell you if that's a Model A or a Model T, but my dad would have known.  I'm old, but I'm not old enough to have driven one of these.  But they always remind me of my dad who just loved to see one of these marvels driving down the street.  That would bring on stories from him of his younger years and learning to drive (around the family farm) about the age of 12 in one of those early Fords.  Even tho' he's been gone for many years, I still miss him.  :-D

     Pre-colored image again from Doodle Pantry.  This is another one which got claimed by a granddaughter for her dad.  She likes the blue with all the neutral beige and she's a great fan of all things vintage or classic.  I would have bet my fortune (if I had one) that she would chose this card for him.  :-D  

     Papers are from the Linen Closet stack by DCWV and the sheer ribbon was in my stash, probably from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I know for sure that's where I got the polka dot ribbon.

     Challenges for this card:

Aud Sentiments -- Any sentiment for a man

Frilly and Funky -- Special Man  

Hobbybook -- Dad/Special Man

The Male Room -- Father's Day

MFP Simple Salutations -- Father's Day

MilkCoffee -- Father's Day

Penny's Paper-Crafty -- A/G

Rhedd & Rosie's -- Back in time, vintage style

     Well, I hope you've enjoyed this long post which salutes masculinity.  I enjoy making guy cards; always have, always will.  I know, I know, I can hear some of you groaning out there from the bottom of your toes.  lol  Ah, well, Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Humbug Owl

     Having not blogged anything in more than a week, I have a ton of cards to share and I'm setting scheduled posts for all this week.  On Saturday and Sunday, I'll be sharing with you several cards I did for Father's Day or with a masculine theme.  But for today, I'm going to share my first Christmas card of the year.  I haven't done anything about Christmas up to now because I made so many Christmas cards last fall that I still have more than enough for family and friends this year!  But, I saw this mopey looking owl over at QKR Stampede and couldn't resist him so doing a Christmas card was necessary.  :-D

     With that look on his face, the sentiment was a natural.  I colored him with Promarkers, corner punched the image piece and mounted it onto two layers of torn CS in red and kraft.  The dp is from SU and I added sparkle to the snowflakes on it.  The bow is tied with gingham ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Very CAS in design, even with the three metal brads.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps & More -- CAS
City Crafter -- For the birds
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas -- A/G Christmas
Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- A/G
Fussy and Fancy -- Things with wings
Jingle Belles -- Red & green
Loves Rubber Stamps -- CAS
Moving Along with the Times -- CAS
Scrappers' Delights -- A/G + Layers
Squigglefly -- Christmas
Stampin' for the Weekend -- A/G

     OK, I'm off again and will be visiting all your blogs when I return and have some time that's really all mine!  That may actually not be as soon as I'd like but I haven't abandoned you, honestly.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Kittens for Birthdays

     I guess my card yesterday with green hair on the image was just practice for the new challenge theme at Tuesday Throwdown this week, which is "Wild Colored Hair!"   Our wonderful sponsor is The Paper Shelter and they provided an image for the team to use.  You need to check out the Tuesday Throwdown blog to see all the different inspiration and colors of hair.

     My card is for a wonderful friend who's celebrating her 79th birthday on Friday, and, no, she won't see it here before then.  I doubt if she even knows I have a blog although she does know about my cards and loves them.  What a sweetie.  :-D

Here's the inside sentiment.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers and glitter gel ink.  I used one of my framing dies to cut the image and then used the same die to cut a negative from dark pink CS.  I used that to 'frame the frame.'  It took a bit of planning because I wanted to have the image framed on an angle instead of vertical but I also wanted to angle the darker pink CS on the card base, which is a lighter pink.  

     The butterflies are punched and I added pearls to the bodies, plus I added three pearls to the bottom corner.  Speaking of corners, I used a punch on all four of them.  The bow is made from two separate ribbons, one tied into a triple bow and the other into a double bow and then tied together with a butterfly in the middle.

     Challenges:

4 Krafty Girlz -- A/G

A&T Emerald Faeries -- Flowers, ribbon or lace

A Creative Need -- For a woman

A Creative Romance -- Girly creations

Brown Sugar -- A/G

Craftitude -- Use a die

Fairies -- Ladies

Hanna & Friends -- Dies

Little Miss Muffet -- A/G

Outlawz Twisted Thursday -- A/G

Red Rubber -- More precious than pearls

Sister Act -- A/G

Stamping for the Weekend -- For the girls

Sweet Pea Stampers -- Things with wings

The Squirrel & the Fox -- Girls

     I hope we're going to see you playing along this week.  We had so few entries last week (probably because of the Memorial Day holiday and everyone getting their summer started instead of crafting) that we didn't even have enough people to choose a Top 3!  Of course, that makes your chances of winning the sponsor prize that much greater.  :-D  See you at Tuesday Throwdown.  NanaConnie

Escaping the Doctors

     A week or so ago, I told you how much I dearly love the bears from QKR Stampede (challenge theme: dies or punches) and today I'm using another one for a Get Well card.  I hope this brings a smile to your face.

My design sketch came from the CASE card at

AAA Cards and it has to be CAS.  

I tried to stick with the colors, too, but dulled my background pink quite a bit.

       I colored the bear with ProMarkers, then die cut the image with a square die and used a corner punch on all 4 corners.  The background piece I made myself, using an old piece of plastic netting (like you get with a fruit or vegetable bag) and coloring across it with the chisel tip of the ProMarkers.  Aside from the fact that I wanted something close to the background on the CASE card, I really like that effect and will use it again, I'm sure.  That piece is also die cut and punched.

     I dry embossed the brown CS strip with the "Lattice" folder from SU.  The sentiment is my own, printed with a computer font.  My only embellishment on this CAS card is the die cut swirl in the lower corner.  No ribbon, no twine, no string, no flowers, no gems or pearls -- I think I'm finally getting the hang of CAS!!  :-D

     Challenges:

A Creative Romance -- 1 for the boys

Artistic Inspirations -- Dies or punches

Come and Get It -- Bingo: Texture/ Free/ No dp

Crafting from the Heart -- A/G

Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- 1 for the guys

Glitter n Sparkle -- For men or male colors

Graph'It -- Warm colors

Hiding in My Craft Room -- Embossing

Paper Nest Dolls -- A/G

Papertake Weekly -- Ooh, so cute!

Passion for ProMarkers -- die cuts

Speedy Fox & Friends -- No design paper

Wags 'n Whiskers -- 1 for the boys

     Well, this was fast and simple so you did get a post today after all.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Roses for Love

     I have the honor of being a GDT at Through the Craft Room Door this week, where the challenges are always "Anything Goes."  I got to use a digital image drawn by Sandi Huggett, one of my favorite artists.  I first got to know Sandi and her work over at The Outlawz.  Here's one of her incredible flower images.

     I colored the roses with my ProMarkers, then die cut it with one of those wonderful framing dies by Spellbinders.  I cut another frame with the die one size larger, using some dusty pink CS, and embossing it.  The dp is from Crafts, Etc., the "Sweet Pea" stack.  The lovely, sheer, polka-dot ribbon came from Really Reasonable Ribbon and is one of my favorites.  I wish I had more of it in my stash.  The frames are so decorative and detailed that I decided to limit embellishment to just the ribbon.  That way, the focus is on the gorgeous roses!

     Challenges:
613 Avenue Create -- A/G
A & T Emerald Faeries -- Flowers + ribbon or lace
Addicted to Stamps -- Song inspiration (Paper Roses)
Bearly Mine -- Flowers
Challenges 4 Everybody -- A/G
Dream Valley -- A/G
Fairies -- Mothers
Glitter & Sparkle -- Female
One Stitch at a Time -- Use a digi
Outlawz Greetings -- Flowers
Outlawz PAM -- For a special lady
Outlawz Twisted Thurs. -- die cuts
Robyn's Fetish -- Flowers in the image

     I hope we're going to see you playing along in the challenge this week.  With an "Anything Goes" theme, how can you go wrong?  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

"Beary" Godmother

    Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in Canada and the US!

      I have to admit that my favorite silly bears are the ones from QKR Stampede.  They're just so quirky and full of attitude.  :-D  Today I combined the "Baking" bear with one of the QKR sentiments about a "Beary Godmother" and I think this is such a fun and funny card!  Here's the card front.

and the inside...

     I colored the image with ProMarkers and die cut it with one of my Spellbinders dies, then distressed it with one of the Ranger inks.  The inside sentiment is cut with a die from QuicKutz.  The A2 card base is made from colored CS.  I used two pieces of scrap brown CS for neutral colored layers (wanting a monochromatic feel to the card), tearing each of them and embossing one.  The blue gems are on ribbon and I wrapped them around the card front.  The bow is one of the ones I make and stash away until they're needed.

     Challenges:
Artbymiran -- A/G
As You Like It -- Favorite fur or feathers & why
Crafting at the Weekend -- A/G
Crafting for all Seasons -- Lots of layers
Digi Chooseday -- Make it for the kids
Di's Digi Designs -- Use markers
Hiding in My Craft Room -- Scraps (all the CS)
Pile It On -- Fuzzy
QKR Stampede -- A/G with twist of gems/rhinestones
Quick Quotes -- Tear it up
Savvy Handmade Cards -- Zoo animals
Sister Act -- A/G
Through the Craft Room Door -- A/G
We Do Doobadoo -- Layers

     How's your weekend going?  I'm having a fantastic time with lots of playing and lots of family.  If you seem to be seeing less of me over the summer months it's because I'm taking a leave of absence from one of my DT positions; 2 of my DT terms are ending, and I'm working ahead as best I can on another team.  I'll be doing my best to make cards and schedule posts when I'm home and can craft but I may be a bit hit or miss between now and mid-September.  Hope you'll continue to visit when you can.  In the meantime, Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Daisies in a Bottle

     It's been a while since I used an image from A Day for Daisies (add a doily or twine) but when I saw this one while scrolling through my collection, I immediately printed it (which is a story in itself!) and turned it into a birthday card.  I know I've been doing a lot of those recently but my birthday card stash was down to nil, zero, nada so it's time to make several and get stocked up again.

I used the sketch from Sketch & Stash

but it's turned 1/4 turn.  See below for the explanation on that.

     OK, when I went to print the image, I knew I wanted to print directly to my card base because I am going to enter the first challenge at AAA Cards and their challenge theme calls for only 2 layers, plus glitter and "Happy."   Well, only 2 layers means CAS to me (despite the fact that I love to mat everything and have many layers on most of my cards.)  Anyway, back to the printing story -- I thought I had the printing all figured out so that the image would print on the card front with a left hand fold for an A2 card.  Unfortunately, when the card came out of the printer, I hadn't planned it properly or I forgot which way the printer would print onto the paper.  In any case, the only way I could make it work for the sketch was to turn the sketch 1/4 turn and have a top fold, tent card.  OK, so I just went with it.  Next time, I'll practice on plain copier paper before printing on my good CS. :-D

     I colored the flowers and vase with watercolor pencils, and then added Stickles to the vase and flower centers.  I die cut the frame and layered it onto the card front, encircling the image (making my second layer.)  I added twine in two colors, punching a small hole in the top fold so that I could wrap the twine.  That's it.  Totally CAS and other than the time messing around with how to print it, it took me less than 20 minutes to make.  Of course, I had to wait a good 45 minutes before taking the photo so the Stickles would dry.  :-D

     Challenges:
Artistic Inspirations -- A/G or Mom
Crafting from the Heart -- A/G
Die Cut Divas -- At least 1 embellie (twine)
Digi Makeover -- A/G (with a digi)
Love to Create -- Flowers
My Craft Creations -- A/G
My Craft Spot -- Spring
Simon Says Stamp Monday -- Use 5 things total (CS/glitter/image/frame/twine)
Stampin' with the Dragon -- Flowers
Sweet Peas Stampers -- Birthday

     What a wonderful Wednesday this has been!  And that means only a day or two until the weekend.  Remember this Sunday is Mother's Day here in the States.  I hope you have your plans all made.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Activity, Feline Style

     Good morning and happy Saturday!  It's the weekend, the Easter festivities are over and summer is just around the corner.  It's time to begin a new challenge at Open-Minded Crafting Fun with four more fantastic sponsors.  They are: Art by Miram; Kenny K.; Pholkart; and Stitchy Bear.  Our theme is "Sports or Activity."  I used a delightful image from Pholkart.

     I call this card "Window Staring" for obvious reasons.  Since the theme is Sports or Activity, I guess I should explain that "Window Staring" is one of the premier events in the Feline Olympics!  This particular 'Folk Art Cat' has been at it day and night for 2 straight days.  :-D

     The image is colored with Copics and ProMarkers and cut with a rectangle die.  The papers are from Close to My Heart and are also die cut.  The long strip isn't ribbon, it's also dp from the same CTMH set.  I tied a triple bow using cord and added a flower and a rhinestone.  The sentiment is printed with a computer font and then cut with a fancy frame die.  I added distress ink around the filigree edges.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps & More -- Make your mark (Coloring)
Crafting from the Heart -- A/G
Everybody Art -- Cute card
Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- A/G
Incy Wincy Designs -- Furry friends
Just Inspirational -- Bingo: dies/ Flower/ Glitter/ Twine
My Craft Creations -- A/G
Outlawz Twisted Thurs -- A/G
Pholkart Studio -- A/G

     Come join us in our challenge at Open-Minded Crafting Fun.  If you check out the rest of the DT projects, you'll find all kinds of activities that are a lot more 'active' than Window Staring, but my life is ruled by felines, especially those who love to Window Stare!  Our challenge run for two weeks so you have plenty of time to get something made and entered.  Remember, with four different sponsors, you have four times as many changes to win something great so it's definitely worth entering!  See you over there.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Rainy Days for Spring

     OK, so southern California is still in the midst of a huge drought but maybe another rainy day card will bring us some of that moisture from the sky that so many of the rest of you have had.  If not, then this card will be celebrating typical spring days everywhere else.  :-D

I took my sketch from  Tuesday Morning Sketches,

turned sideways to accommodate my tall image.

     The image is from Lacy Sunshine (theme: Feminine) and I colored her with ProMarkers.  Although it's very difficult to see in the photo, the raindrops and the puddle are made sparkly with a glitter gel pen.  I used three different dies from one of my framing sets (by Spellbinders) to cut the image and the fancy frame.  Everything is mounted onto a black card base.  The flower is handmade with three layers of petals and a black brad in the center.  The leaf is another Spellbinders die cut.  Can't see it?  It's cut from navy blue CS and just blends into the black border in the photo.

     Challenges:
Artistic Inspirations -- Monochromatic
Bearly Mine -- Spring
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards -- Spring
Corrosive Challenges -- Pretty pastels
Crafting Musketeers -- Monochromatic
Craftitude -- Spring
Crafty Catz -- "B" is for... blue
Crazy Challenge -- Spring is here
Creative Card Crew -- Spring
Creative Moments -- Girly
Delightful Challenge -- Add a flower
Digi Haven -- Black, white +1 color (blue -- just for you, Lynn!))
Love to Scrap -- A/G
Ooh La La -- Spring
Paper Shelter -- Spring
Party Time Tuesdays -- Die cuts
Scrapping4fun -- Digi or stamped image

     First card of the weekend and I've already started on the garden.  I have flowers in but am not sure if I'll get veggies in this year.  There's just so much to do, including a complete re-vamp of the sprinkler system all around the yard.  I can always water with a hose but would prefer not to spend hours standing out in the heat this summer to keep the garden watered so the less planted, the better.  Once the sprinkler system is up and running again, I'll plant more if it isn't too late in the season.  Ah, well, no sprinklers means I'll have to craft more and garden less.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Spring Planting

     I haven't played with a Bugaboo Stamps image in a while and today seemed a good opportunity to play in their Catch the Bug "Spring" challenge.  I've had this fun image for so long but I can't remember ever using it so...  I'm not sure if the cat is chasing the bird or if the cat is protecting his seed pots but either way, I thought it made a great image for spring.  :-D  Hmmm, maybe the bird is chasing the cat?

I also used the sketch from Bugaboo's Stella Says Sketch.

     I used ProMarkers to color the image and then die cut it with a Spellbinders die.  I used a plain octagon die (QuicKutz) to cut a mat for the image.  I used chalks to highlight the embossed edges of the image.  The leaves were cut with a Cheery Lynn die and I added some ultra fine glitter to them to give them some sparkle.

     The background dp is from the Loolah stack by Iron Orchid and that stack has been hiding in my stash for more than 2 years!  It was one of those I bought because I just 'had to have it' and have never used a single page of it.  Now I can give up my guilt trip over that since I've used a sheet of it now.  And it's a sheet I really, really love!  My final touch was the Baker's Twine bow.

     

     Challenges:
A Creative Need -- Signs of spring
Add a little Dazzle -- Spring
Craft for the Craic -- Something for spring
Crafter's Cafe -- Spring
Crafty Catz -- Animals
Hobbybook Designs -- 2 or more die cuts
Moving Along with the Times -- Spring
Polkadoodles -- Animal magic

     I hope you've enjoyed seeing this as much as I enjoyed making it.  Our weather is nice -- not too cool and not too hot yet so I may actually put some time in on gardening matters myself.  I have new bulbs to get in the ground and herbs to pot.  If I miss a couple of days of posting this week, you may rightfully conclude that I'm engaged in spring planting.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Vintage Scribble & Scrap

     Sunday morning -- the sun is shining and we had a bit of rain late last night (which we desperately need), and another new challenge starts today at Scribble & Scrap.  We always have an "Anything Goes" theme so there's absolutely no excuse not to play along.  You don't have to use a Scribble & Scrap image or digital papers to enter the challenge but they are all so lovely, why wouldn't you want to use one or the other or both?

     I used a wonderful image called "Vintage Beauty 2" and paired it up with papers from the "Fabulous Florals 2" set.  Wow, do I love the blue papers in that set!  Check this out --

 I used the sketch from Outlawz Sketch challenge this week.

     This vintage lady is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  I printed two of the blue papers from the set, and die cut one for the mat behind the image.  The second paper for the background is double printed at the bottom to make the darker strip but it's only one piece of paper.  I added no embellishments at all because I just wanted to show off that beautiful image and the gorgeous papers.  This has to be the most CAS 'vintage' card I've ever done but I think it qualifies as somewhat elegant, don't you agree?

     Challenges:
A Creative Romance -- Spring Flowers
Art Impressions -- Getting Girly
Crafty Catz -- A/G
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper -- A/G
Digistamps 4 Joy -- Vintage
Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- A/G
Graph'It -- Spring Pastels
I {heart} ProMarkers -- A/G
Just Inspirational -- Monochrome
MFP Simple Salutations -- Elegant
Outlawz Alcohol Markers -- A/G
Penny's Paper-Crafty -- Fav color combo (blue & white)
Red Rubber Inspirationals -- Vintage
Southern Girls -- Floral Frenzy
Stampin' for the Weekend -- Spring colors

     Come play along with us over the next 2 weeks, won't you?  We'd love to see your fabulous creations.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Dragon Babies for Mom

     Happy St. Patrick's Day!!  

     Spring is definitely creeping up on us and that makes me think of new life.  New life often means first time moms and birthdays -- and no 'birth'day is more important than the actual day you were born.  Each one after that is just a celebration on the anniversary of your birth, right?  So, today's card is dedicated to spring, new life, new moms, and milestone birthdays.  Yes, I'm celebrating mine today, too, even though it's not a milestone.  :-D

     The image comes from Aurora Wings and is called "Dragon Babies."  Aurora Wings has a fantastic FB page which you should visit for some wonderful inspiration.

I chose to use the sketch from Sketch Saturday.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  The mat is die cut from dp by K & Co. and the background dp is also K & Co.  The ribbon is grosgrain and was in my stash.  The bow is one of those I make by the dozens.  The glittery border is actually made using "Design Adhesives" diamonds and green glitter.  I'm still experimenting with various gitter and adhesive techniques.  I really like this one!

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge -- Mother's Day or Special lady
AuroraWings -- Anything goes
Corrosive Challenge -- Go green
Craft for the Craic -- Something green
Craftitude -- Add green
Dream Valley -- Big birthday (the day you were born!)
DRS Designs -- You're a good egg
Glitter n Sparkle -- Green
One Stitch at a Time -- Use a digi
Outlawz Alcohol Markers -- Fantasy
Paper Sweeties -- Polka dots
Ribbon Girl -- Green
Robyn's Fetish -- Green & glitter
Sentimental Sundays -- Cute & cuddly
Simon Says Stamp -- Mother's Day or Special lady
Stampin with the Dragon -- Go green
Sunflowerfield Designs -- Birthday
That Craft Place -- Mother's Day

     It's Monday and I'm sure that means we're one day closer to spring.  I hope your weekend was relaxing and productive whatever you were doing.  Now we face the start of another work week and must wait a few more days before we can anticipate the weekend.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Writing Squirrely Notes

     This is set to go live on Saturday morning and if it gets posted as scheduled, I'll be very happy.  We've suffered two power outages this afternoon, one just as I was getting ready to write up this post.  Boom, no power!  Then it came back on for about 10 minutes (just long enough to get everything reset on the computer and fix the two electric clocks in the house) and then, snap, out again.  It's back on now but who knows?  I've set the scheduler first thing and then added the photo and I'm hoping to get the post finished without any further problems.  :-D  But, if you're seeing an unfinished post, it went out again and I'll finish it when I can.

     Today is the start of our next challenge at Open-Minded Crafting Fun and this fortnight we want to see buttons on your creation.  That's it -- make whatever you like but be sure to add some buttons.  We have 4 wonderful sponsors, one of which is QKR Stampede and I used a fun image supplied by them.  Our other sponsors are:  Digi Darla, Gerda Doodles, and Oak Pond Creations.

     Here's my card using "Writing Squirrel" from QKR Stampede.  I'm probably going to use this card myself to write a real note to a friend.  Shocking idea in this day and age of e-mail, isn't it?

My sketch came from the Outlawz Wednesday Sketch challenge.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, and it really isn't done in blues.  Everything except his blue jeans is lavender and periwinkle, including the 'blue' CS.  Oh, well, I tried for more spring like colors but the photography really did that in.  I die cut and layered the image onto a mat which was also die cut.   The papers are from DCWV, but they were left over scraps so I'm not sure of the name of the stack.  The sentiment is computer generated, then around-the-corner-border-punched and matted, and I added my buttons to the sentiment piece.  The little bows in the corners are from the stash of bows I make.  Those are my last brown ones so it's time to make another dozen soon.  :-D

     Challenges:

Digi Makeover -- Buttons

Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- Anything goes

Friends of Speedy TV -- Spring colors

My Craft Spot -- Cute critters

Paper Nest Dolls -- Anything goes

Papertake Weekly -- TicTacToe: Buttons/ free/ punched

Party Time Tuesday -- Anything goes

Vintage Stamping/ Flonz -- Just for you

     I'll keep it really short and hope that power stays on.  Come play with us this fortnight.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Birthday Roses

     Well, two posts yesterday and one this morning.  You know I've been making good use of my play time this weekend.  :-D  This next card I did using an image from Beccy's Place (theme: Anything Goes with Beccy's image.)  I discovered Beccy's Place images a couple of years ago and I just love them.  These roses seemed perfect for a birthday, and a friend of mine has her birthday on Mother's Day this year so this will probably end up in her mailbox.  :-D

I started with the sketch at Speedy TV (twist: add bling), turned sideways.

     The roses are colored with ProMarkers and die cut with another of my frame dies from Spellbinders.  The polka dot dp is from SU and the background has been lightly embossed with my "Linen" folder.  Can you believe there are no fewer than 6 shades of green on this card between the papers, the CS, and the coloring?  There are just so many challenges this week wanting us to do something with green.  I tried to satisfy them all.  :-D

     I added the pearl swirls and the metal brads for a bit of bling but the card is still flat enough to fit into a regular envelope for mailing.

     The following challenges all have themes related to "green":

Craft for the Craic

Craftitude

Cut It Up

Digi Haven

Get Inky

Pattie's Creations

QKR Stampede

Stampin with the Dragon

     Challenges with other themes:
Crafty Creations -- Birthday
Creative Moments -- Swirls/Pearls
Cuttlebug Mania -- For Mum
Digistamps 4 Joy -- Birthday sentiment
Fussy and Fancy -- Birthdays
Just Inspirational -- Photo of flowers
Loves Rubber Stamps -- A/G
Scrap It Girl -- Birthdays
Seize the Birthday -- A/G
Totally Papercrafts -- female birthday

     Back to my craft room now.  If you're in the USA, but not in Arizona, did you remember to move your clocks forward into Daylight Savings Time?  If not, better do it before you have to go to work or be at an appointment.  You'll be late if you don't.  BTW, can anyone tell me why we "save daylight" in the spring and summer when days are longer and we have more daylight anyway?  The farmer's cows still wake up with the sun, not the clock.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Spring, Spring, Beautiful Spring

     I know most of the country is looking forward to spring being here and I'm no exception so I'm making springtime cards.  I've been sniffling and sneezing and coughing with the last of the winter colds (I hope it's the last) so my crafting has taken second place to resting and getting better but I did manage to make this card this morning.   I used an image called "Bouquet Chick" by  From the Heart and also used their sketch.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, die cut and added to a die cut mat.  The background dp is from Anna Griffin, her "Georgette" stack.  That was one of those "must have" purchases which has now lain idle in my stash for more than a year!  Polka dot ribbon came from Really Reasonable Ribbon and the 7 flowers were in my stash.  I added a bit of color to each of them with a marker, then put rhinestones in the centers.  The leaves were cut with a die from Cheery Lynn.  Can you  believe all those flowers but still a ton of open space?  The sentiment is mine, printed with a computer font and ink outlined.  I added the stitching using a white gel pen.  Finally, I added 5 rhinestones to the lower corner.

     Challenges:

ABC Challenge -- "G" is for Girls

A&T Emerald Faeries -- Girly: Pretty in pink

Bearly Mine -- For the girls

Card Mania -- Sentiment

Crafting from the Heart -- Use dies

Crafty Sentiments -- Spot or Dots

Created with Love -- Think spring

Deep Ocean -- Just for a girl

Fairies -- Spring

Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- Anything goes

Just Inspirational -- photo of flowers

Natalie and Amy's -- Flowers

Oldie but a Goodie --  Spring has sprung

Passion for Promarkers -- Flowers

Stamp and Create -- Ready for spring

Tok Bobok -- Spring flowers

Top Tip Tuesday -- Use 3, 5, or 7 of something (3 large flowers in image, 5 rhinestones in the corner, 7 embellishment flowers)

     I know spring is just around the corner now but we could use a lot more rain out here in the West before summer hits us with all its heat and sizzle.  Those of you with snow still in your yards, would you be so kind as to ship it out to us?  We need it and you don't !  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

'Tis a Sweet Irish Lassie

     It's Saturday and that means another challenge has started over at Open-Minded Crafting Fun.  We have four more fabulous sponsors this fortnight (Dilly Beans, Flat Friends, The Stamping Chef, and Whoopsi Daisy) and a great new theme, "Something Green."  Well, not only am I getting prepared for the green of spring, I'm thinking of St. Patrick's Day and my own Irish heritage.  Today's card is a tribute to all of the above.  The image is from The Stamping Chef and it's called "Louisa Mae."

I used the sketch from The Outlawz Sketch Challenge this week.

      I tried a new technique on this card which I learned about a couple of weeks ago.  It has to do with "velvet" glitters which I discovered over at Sparkle n Sprinkle (challenge theme -- use loose glitter, EP or flocking), which are micro fine glitters with an incredible look and feel.  Let me tell you about making my card and we'll get to the glittering technique in order.

     I colored the image with ProMarkers, and then die cut it with one of my framing dies from Spellbinders.   I kept the outer (negative) piece, chalked the edges of it with mint green chalk, then laid it back around the frame piece.  I took a piece of sticker paper, peeled the paper off one side and laid the image and outer piece onto the sticker paper.

     All the open holes in the die cut frame were now "sticky" so I sprinkled on Mountain Mist velvet glitter, burnished it into the sticky holes with my finger, brushed off the excess glitter into a coffee filter I had put under the image piece, and then I cut the outside shape of  the chalked piece to what you see on the card.  Peeling off the paper from the back side of the image piece let me adhere the image right to the card front (after laying down the green newsprint paper, of course.)

     I added the triple bow and the shamrocks (also die cut from sticker paper and glittered), then the sentiment, pearl swirl, and gems in the corners.  I wish the sparkle of the velvet glitter showed up better in the photo.  I guess you'll just have to take my word for how sparkly it is IRL.  I love this sticker paper technique and plan to do a lot more practicing with it.  I want to try some other masking techniques with it as well.  In case you're wondering, yes, I had glitter everywhere!  lol  But that's because I seem to be a glitter magnet when I try to use anything more than the teeniest pinch of it at a time.

     Challenges:
Baffies Kreativladen -- Anything goes
Creative Moments -- Anything goes or swirls/ pearls
Divas by Design -- Sparkle
Digi Sketch -- Anything goes
House That Stamps Built -- Black, white & 1 color (green)
I {heart} ProMarkers -- Die cuts, no punches
Lexi's Creations -- Monochromatic
Paper Pretties -- New technique
Passion for ProMarkers -- Make it digital
Perfectly Rustics -- Shades of one color
Simon Says Stamp -- Pearls

     I have three posts today and one of them is as a new DT member so be sure to check out each one of them.  I assure you, you'll find lots of green so you can pretend it's spring or just celebrate the Emerald Isle.  :-D  Happy Stamping  NanaConnie

Bear's Best Friend

    So I have to ask, if kids love teddy bears and consider them to be 'best friends,' why shouldn't a bear-child have a teddy bear best friend?  That was my first thought when I spotted this image over at QKR Stampede, where their theme this challenge is "Friends are special."

I based my colors on the theme at CAS-Colors & Sketches.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers and die cut with a die from Spellbinders.  Everything is matted with daffodil yellow CS.  The slate gray background piece is embossed with a folder from Sizzix.  I added a bit of twine and three buttons since this is a masculine card and it didn't need a lot of frills.  I thought it would be perfect for a young boy's birthday card.

     Challenges:
2 Sisters -- Embossing
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards -- Teddy bears
Crafty Little Fairies -- For the boys
Crafty Hands -- Embossed background
Created with Love -- Friends
Totally Gorjuss -- String's the thing

     This is supposed to be my post for tomorrow but I'm posting it now because I can't get Blogger's scheduler to work.  Sigh.  You don't mind seeing it a bit early, do you?  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Something Great

     Back again with a second post today although it's been a lot of hours since my first post in the middle of the night last night.  In lots of places, it's already tomorrow.  :-D

     I was going through my stash of digital images and happened on the folder with Squigglefly images.  Realizing that I hadn't dug into that one in a while, I opened it and was delighted to find this curious cat who obviously can't keep any kind of secret -- Valentine or birthday!  Or maybe she's the gift?  I'd be thrilled if someone gave me a new kitten as a Valentine.  (No, no, nevermind -- I see all of you lining up to drop off your strays on my front porch!)

     The image is colored with ProMarkers and Copics, and I added clear glitter to the tissue paper in the image and another touch to the bow on the box lid.  Then I layered the image onto a piece of white CS which has been run through a Darise embossing folder, one of my new ones not used before.  The sentiment is mine and I added it before printing the image.  I added dots of red to the embossing and inked the edges before adding it to the card front.  The red bow is from my stash and is part of the latest batch that I made.  Between Christmas and Valentines, I was completely out of red bows, so I spent some time making another dozen.

     Challenges:
Animal Friends -- Dots
Cards Galore Encore -- Add glitter or a gem or candi
Cuttlebug Mania -- A touch of red
Emergency Crafters -- Pink & red
House That Stamps Built -- Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty
Scribbles Designs -- Sparkle it up
Sparkles Forum -- Show new stash (Emb folder & bow)
Squigglefly -- Red and pink
Sweet Stamps -- Pink, red, white
Whimsy Inspiration -- Something new (Emb folder)

     OK, tomorrow morning I'll have a different kind of project which has taken me well over 4 days to complete and I have 3 others still "under construction."  Not a card but something recycled.  Whew, it makes me tired all over just thinking of it.  lol  Be sure to peep in mid-morning or so.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Roses Mean Love

     One more card which could be for your special Valentine or just to show that you love someone.  It's a new challenge day at Scribble & Scrap, which always has an Anything Goes theme.  I used the beautiful Vintage Rose Bud 2 image.

     The rose is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  I cut a black mat with another of my new "vintage" frame dies from Spellbinders.  I really love the way those frame dies make the card look so fancy when they really are just CAS.  In this case, the image and the frames make for an elegant vintage card that's just 2 layers of CS and a bit of sparkle in each corner.  The sentiment is mine, computer printed and hand cut, then layered onto the die cut.

     Challenges:
Crafting for All Seasons -- For the girls
Creative Moments -- Add sparkle
Cuttlebug Mania -- All you need it love
Frilly and Funky -- Valentine w/o hearts
LEJ Designs -- Anything goes
Little Miss Muffet -- Love
Miriam's Crafting -- Flowers
Party Time Tuesday -- Anything goes
Passion for ProMarkers -- Anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door -- Anything goes

     I hope your weekend is going well and that whatever your plans, the weather where you are will co-operate.  Personally, I'm staying in and watching the Super Bowl.  I may be one of the few who remembers the days when the Seattle and Denver teams were both in the same Division of the AFC.  Then Seattle got moved to the NFC and now the two teams are facing each other in the Super Bowl.  How odd.  :-D  Oh, well -- Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Strut Your Stuff -- A Birthday Card

      Good morning and welcome to February!  My gosh, 1/12th of 2014 is already gone.  But the good news is that the first of a new month means a new release of digi sets at Doodle Pantry.  Laurie always does wonderful sets but I am just so excited by the releases this month.  It was a really tough decision as to which one to use first.

     Let me introduce my card by telling you two things; I love peacock images and they intimidate me because I never know where to start on the coloring.  I'm always afraid I'll get the blues and greens in the wrong spots and there just no way to really capture the magical quality of the feathers.  But, this peacock comes fully pre-colored as well as in black and white outline form and that ended my intimidation.  :-D

I chose to use the sketch from Sunday Sketch & Stamp

and the colors are perfect for Sketchy Colors, blue, green and white.

  

     The dp is also from Doodle Pantry and comes with the "Pretty Peacock" set, along with several sentiments, one of which I used (see below.)  Inside I added a Happy Birthday sentiment but didn't photograph it.  The bow is one of those I make by the dozens, however, this time it was white and I needed it to be that particular green so I colored it with a marker.  I always have white ribbon and bows on hand in case I need to color them to match dp or the colors of an image.  And that's your tip for the week.  :-D

     Challenges:
Artistic Inspirations -- A/G or Animals
Creative Creations -- Less is More
Digi Makeover -- Shades of blue
Dream It Up -- CAS
Eureka Stamps -- Anything goes
Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations -- Favorite embellie (the bows I make)
Nutcrafters -- CAS
Outlawz Greetings -- Anything goes

     Be sure to check out the Doodle Pantry challenge this month.  It runs through the 24th of February and if you use a Doodle Pantry digi (not just a sentiment), you'll get a free set just for playing.  If you win the draw, you can get another set of your choice.  And, finally, there's a free set with any purchase.  Below, I've added pictures of the challenge Freebie and the Free with Purchase sets.  Check out the entire new release collection -- more than worth your time!  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

 I used this set

 Challenge Freebie for using DP image

  Free with purchase