The Rockies

     It's the start of a new challenge at Ike's World and this time we'd like you to do something which really expresses the "YOU" of you - in other words, "Be You."  Remember, we're always an "Anything Goes" challenge and the theme is jut an option you can follow if you choose .

     Nothing is more 'me' than being in nature.  In my younger days, I was most alive when I was camping or backpacking in the woods so this "Rockies" image from Ike's Canada Bundle in her World Tour series is a perfect reflection of that.  The psalm I used for the sentiment is my favorite Bible verse so it's another thing which is definitely "me."

     I colored the image with ProMarkers and white gel pen, die cut it with a rectangle die from Spellbinders, and mounted that onto the piece with the sentiment.  I added it to a layer of torn and distressed CS, wrapped the ribbon and tied the bow, then put it all onto a white card base, leaving the design rather CAS.  Although this is a card perfectly showing "me being me,"  I think it also makes a great masculine card.

     Challenges:
AAA Cards
Addicted to Stamps
Aud Sentiments
Brown Sugar
Colour Crazy Craft
DL.ART
Fussy and Fancy
I {heart} ProMarkers
Outlawz Twisted Thurs
WordArt Weds.

     I hope you're going to come play in our challenge this fortnight and show us what makes you "you."   That's such a broad theme, you'll be able to do almost anything with it.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Grandma's Cookies

     This may not look like a typical Valentine card but I assure you, as a very knowledgeable Nana of 6 and Great-Nana to 2, that home baked cookies are the favorite Valentine treat of any grandchild and a huge number of "favorite grandma" points can be scored with a simple plate of them every February 14!  :-D

     The image (from Paper Nest Dolls) is actually intended as a Christmas image, supposedly Mrs. Claus, but I modified it a bit by covering up a sprig of holly in the image and it worked perfectly for a child's Valentine.  Since it's a new image for me which I got just this month, I wanted to find a way to use it without having to wait for Christmas to roll around again.

     I colored her face, hand, hair, and the plate of cookies with my ProMarkers, then paper pieced her dress, apron, shoes, and bonnet.   The holly sprig I mentioned was originally on her apron and it's covered with one of the paper-piecing bits.

     I cut the image with a die from Spellbinders, then cut the card front with the same die and inlaid the image, backing the entire card front inside with darker pink CS.  Die cutting the card front and doing an inlay is a new technique for me and for my first time using it, I think it turned out pretty well.

     I printed the sentiment, matted it with a scrap of the plaid dp and layered it on at the bottom of the card.  The pink bow was white but I 'dyed' it with a pink ProMarker to match the CS as best I could.  There's also embossing and piercing around the image.

     Challenges:
Aloha Friday
Brown Sugar
Colour Crazy Craft
C.R.A.F.T.
Creative Fingers
Cute Card Thurs
In the Pink
Outlawz Twisted Thurs
Polkadoodles

     The more I look at this card, the more I love it and am impressed with the new die cutting technique.  I'm sure you'll see lots of it from me in the future.   Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

A Fairy's Hello

     One more image from A Day for Daisies which has been hiding in my stash, unused until today.  I've done a set of 8 of these for quick note cards and they are a gift for a friend.

     Isn't this the most adorable fairy?  I used ProMarkers to color the image and a Cheery Lynn die to cut it.  The large leaf was cut with a die from Spellbinders.  Both the gingham ribbon and the ribbon leaves were in my stash.  The butterfly was cut from felt and I added a gem to it.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Gals Corner
Crafty Sentiments
Creates and Makes
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
Passion for ProMarkers
Simon Says Stamp
Tuesday Throwdown

     Wishing you a happy Saturday morning and a lovely weekend.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Spa Day

     Ever have one of those days?  I've had three in a row that just seem to have stacked up on me and I really need a spa day!  So, here's my card, begging for one.  :-D  Our latest challenge at QKR Stampede starts today and don't forget that we are now an "Anything Goes" all the time challenge with an optional new twist each week.  We don't have a twist this week so it's just anything you want to submit.     :-D

     You aren't required to use a QKR image but if you do, your entry will go into a separate draw just for QKR users, increasing your chances of winning by a huge amount!

     I used the image Digi 11508 "Up in Curlers."

I pulled my colors from House of Cards

but my deep burgundy turned more brown in the photo.

     I used my ProMarkers to color the image, trying to match the background gray CS as closely as possible.  I used dies from QuicKuts to cut both the image (scalloped oval) and the pale gray CS (scalloped rectangle), then wove ribbon through each one.  I layered them together with burgundy CS in between and put them on a burgundy card base.  I added the pink bow for a bit of feminine touch and called it finished.

     Challenges:
Cards in Envy
Colour Crazy Craft
Come and Get It
Crafty Sentiments
Creative Corner
Digi Choosday
Ribbon Girl
Through the Craft Room Door
Tuesday Throwdown

     I hope you're going to play along  in our challenge this week.  Remember, it's Anything Goes without any twist at all this time.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Pet Themed Thank You Card

     I'm trying something new for me today.  There's a new challenge group called "Sending Paw Prints" and they are collecting pet themed Thank You cards for animal shelters to use.  The shelters want them blank inside so that they can use them to thank pet adopters, volunteers, or donors.  This is the first card I've done for them but definitely not the last.

     I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps. colored with ProMarkers, hand cut into a rectangle and then framed with a die cut from Bo Bunny.  Because the frame was smaller than my image, I cut it and expanded it both tall and wide.  I used the little negative strips from the die cut to make it seem tied together.  That entire frame was cut from a scrap snippet of blue CS that had been lying on my desk.

     I added two ribbons from my stash and a satin bow, dyed with ProMarker ink.   The sentiment is printed with a computer font.  I kept this very CAS because I really wanted the framed image to be the focus of the card.

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Catch the Bug (Bingo diagonal left bottom to right top)
Come and Get It
Glitter n Sparkle
Hiding in My Craft Room
Jo's Scrap Shack
Outlawz CAS
Pixie's Snippets Playground
Sweet Stampin'

     I probably won't have a post for tomorrow but I'll be back on Friday with my regular QKR Stampede post.  If you haven't played along yet this week, be sure to get something done right away.  Remember, QKR is now Anything Goes all the time with an optional twist if you want to use it.  See you there.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Life as a Grown Up

     My eldest granddaughter (the one I hoped and prayed would be a girl after having only grandsons prior to her birth) turns 18 next month!  How is that even possible?  I'm not that far from 18 myself, am I?  :-D  Well, whatever, she's also the one who adores dragons and even though 18 means being an adult, it doesn't mean we have to leave childhood entirely behind so this dragon (from A Day for Daisies) seemed perfect for a birthday card.

     I colored the dragon with my ProMarkers, die cut him with a die from Spellbinders, and matted it with dark blue CS, trimmed to fit.  The diagonal orange strip is actually patterned paper and both it and the argyle diamond paper came from a pad by Paper Studio.  The roses were in my stash and I simply twisted them together and curled their stems.  The bow is one I made weeks ago and tossed in my stash for future use.  This time, I left it white.

     Challenges:
Glitter n Sparkle
Inky Chicks
Inspiration Destination
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
Outlawz Twisted Thurs.
Paper Girls
Path of Positivity
Ribbon Girl
Unicorn
WordArt Weds.

     Someone peeking over my shoulder just asked, "Is that about 'How to Train Your Dragon'?"  Having raised my share of kids and grandkids, I know it's all about the training - - dragons or otherwise.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Cool Winter Friends

     I was browsing around Sami Stamps earlier this month and saw this delightful image of a snowman and his feline friend.  Of course, I don't need to tell you that I fell in love with it!  I bought it right away and this is the first time I've had to play with it.

     I colored the image with my ProMarkers and added a bit of glitter for some sparkle.  I cut it with a die from Spellbinders, then matted it with periwinkle CS which I had cut with an oval-octagon die.  That die is a very old one, not originally designed for cutting paper but rather for cutting heavy fabrics.  It was made in the late 1920s and belonged to my mother (perhaps even my grandmother.)  I have no idea how she used it or for what purpose.  I had to put together 5 layers of CS to get a clean cut on the top one.

     I trimmed off the four corners of the card base to add a shape to the card that echoed the image shape.  I used dp from Studio Five and the satin ribbon was in my stash.  The bows are those I sew up by the dozens and toss in my stash for future use.  They were made from white satin ribbon, but I 'dyed' them the color I wanted with my ProMarkers.  Finally, I added some holographic snowflakes.

     Challenges:
Aud Sentiments
Brown Sugar
Colour Crazy Craft
Cookie Challenge
Crafting with an Attitude
Crafty Ribbons
Cute Card Thursday
DL.ART
Outlawz Festive Friday
Outlawz PAM
{PIN}spirational
Sami Stamps

     Happy Monday to all of you.  Hoping your week starts well and that there will be some sunshine in it.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

New Pad

     A dear blogging friend of mine moved recently and I'm going to be sending her this card.  I hope she doesn't have time to visit my blog for a while.  I feel pretty safe since I know she's unpacking boxes.       :-D

     The image is from the Progressive Challenge at Scrapper's Delights.  It's colored with ProMarkers and cut with a die from Spellbinders, then matted with another cut from Spellbinders.  Everything is mounted onto a textured, colored card base.  I added fabric ribbon and a satin ribbon bow.  Simple design and flat enough for mailing.

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft
A Perfect Time to Craft
CCC Digi Creations
Country View Crafts
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafty Awesomeness
Not Just Cards
Petal Lu
Scrapper's Delights

     Happy Sunday to you and may you spend it resting, relaxing, and being creative.   Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Birthday Bird

     This gorgeous 'Bird on a Wire' is from Beccy's Place and I thought it would be great on a sophisticated birthday card.  

I first pulled my colors from the photo inspiration

at The Outlawz Color Challenge,

     I colored with my ProMarkers (again, my favorite coloring medium) and highlighted the feathers with a white gel pen.  The image is cut with a deckled rectangle die from Spellbinders, as is the pale blue mat behind it.  I matted those pieces with another die cut (Sue Wilson).

     The ribbon is fabric ribbon and the bow is made with satin ribbon.  The sentiment is printed with a simple, computer-font, then adhered at the bottom of the image.

     Challenges:
Angie's Digital Stamps
Beccy's Place
Crafting from the Heart
Creative Fingers
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
Polkadoodles
Tuesday Throwdown

     That's it for me today but since I did two posts yesterday, I guess that's enough.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Emmy's Hat

     A second post for me today so that I can tell you about the new January challenge starting over on the Skeepski Designs Facebook site.  Our theme is always "Anything Goes" with a Sheepski Designs image.  Just go to the site, click on the "Photos" tab at the top, then on "Albums" and enter your project there.

     I used this sweet, perfect-for-spring image called "Emmy's Hat."  Isn't she beautiful?  And so much fun to color!

     I chose a neutral, golden-beige, monochromatic, color scheme and used my ProMarkers to color the image.  The dp is from a Graphic 45 paper pad, and I used beige CS for one of the panels.  I distressed the edges of each piece, including the matted sentiment.

     I dug through my stash of embellishments and chose the flowers and the large bow.  Although it's difficult to see in the photo, each flower petal has a bit of glitter on it for a touch of sparkle.

     Challenges:
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Addicts
Creative Moments
Glitter n Sparkle
Inspiration Destination
Lemon Shortbread
Paper Girls
Through the Craft Room Door
Word Art Wednesday

     That's it for today.  I hope your week has gone well and that you have a fabulous weekend planned, even if it's going to be spent crafting and being creative instead of one filled with sports or other activities and travel.  Crafting's such a great way to relax and recharge.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie 

Ride 'em Cowboy!

     Another wonderful Friday to start the weekend and that means a new challenge over at QKR Stampede.  We've made a change since it's a new year and we're going to be an "Anything Goes" challenge from now on but we will also offer an OPTIONAL twist if you care to use it.  So, our theme this week is "Anything Goes" and our twist is "For the Kids."  If you want to use the twist, just do a card that's meant especially for a child.  You're not required to use a stamp from QKR Stampede, but if you do, your card will be entered into a special drawing just for QKR users.  That really increases your chances of winning!  :-D

     This week, I used two images from QKR; Digi 7704 "Ride 'em Cowboy" and Digi 17009 "Western Sign" which I used for the sentiment.  In the actual image, the sign is blank - I added that sentiment so that I could use the card as a congratulations card for a child.

     I started by coloring the image and I used a combo of ProMarkers, chalks, and a couple of Copics to get all the subtle shades I wanted.  Although I use other things for coloring, I have to admit that alcohol markers are still my favorite.

     The image is cut with a simple square die from Spellbinders, and the blue mat is cut with a simple rectangle, also from Spellbinders.  The "Western Sign" image is hand cut, as is the sentiment, and the sign is mounted on Pop Dots.  The gingham ribbon was in my stash and the bow is hand tied from satin ribbon.  Since this is a masculine card for a boy, I left off any other embellishment, opting for a CAS design instead.

     Challenges:
613 Avenue Create
Aud Sentiments
Crafty Sentiments
Creative Moments
Digi Choosday
Incy Wincy
Sasayaki Glitter
Take It, Make It
Through the Craft Room Door
Tuesday Throwdown
World Wide Open DT

     I hope you're going to come and play along this week.  I can't wait to see what you create.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Birthday Bug

     This is such a silly image but since this seems to be the month to get my stash of birthday cards built up again, I had to use it right away.  Every January, I update my calendar with all the family and friend's birthday and anniversary dates and that makes me realize that my stock of cards is practically depleted so I start making them again.   This image came from Sasayaki Glitter and is part of their Progressive Challenge series.

I started with the sketch from Outlawz.

     I used my ProMarkers to color the image and cut it with a die from Spellbinders.  I cut a mat for it from purple CS with another die from that same set.  The sentiment is framed with a die cut (also Spellbinders) and I used purple (my favorite color, of course!) satin ribbon from my stash.  I found a scrap bit of sheer purple ribbon for the bow.  The purple and blue background paper is embossed and sparkly but that isn't really visible in the photo.

     Challenges:
Crafty Creations
Fab n Funky
Inspiration Destination
Kraftin' Kimmie
Paper Shelter
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Scrapy Land
Sugar Pea Designs

     Tomorrow I'll have another DT card for QKR Stampede and you won't want to miss that one.  You know how QKR images bring out the 'weird' in my sense of humor.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Spread Your Wings

     I've always had a fascination with mythology and Pegasus is one of my favorite creatures.  I have a dear friend who shares that particular love so I made this birthday card just for her.  The image is from Fabrika Fantasy and is a new one for me.

     This time I colored the image with chalks and I framed it with the outer piece left over from a die cut (Spellbinders die)  I used on another project.   The purple paper was a great match for this lavender image, done by mixing blue and pink chalks.  It's amazing what one can do simply by saving the scraps and negatives of other die cuts.  I mounted that whole piece onto a card base and then added the bling and the one flower.

     Challenges:
Allsorts
Aud Sentiments
Chalk n Stock
Crafty Addicts
Fabrika Fantasy
Get Creative
Inky Chicks
Jo's Scrap Shack
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz Greetings
Pammie's Inky Pinkies

     I hope my friend loves this one as much as I do.  I'm really pleased with final product.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Hot Cocoa or Coffee

     The last few days have been so cold here that I've really been inspired by winter themes and images, even for Valentine cards.  When you live in California, it's easy to forget that February 14th is still in the midst of winter and we often plan outdoor picnics for Valentine's Day activities.

     However, this winter has been different what with the massive storms, the flooding, and the heavy snowfall in the Sierras.  Trust me, I'm not complaining since we've had such severe drought for the last five years, but it's just a bit odd to think of this as California weather.  However, it is mid-January as I post this so I guess it's OK to be craving hot chocolate, coffee, or soup.  :-D

I used the sketch from Stella Says Sketch

although  I modified it for a square card.

     I used my ProMarkers to color the image, then die cut it with a stitched die from Die-namics.  Because the mug has text on it which didn't fit with what I wanted, I printed my own sentiment and paper pieced it onto the mug, covering the words originally in the image.  The doily behind the image (looks a bit like a snowflake, doesn't it?) was cut with a Cheery Lynn die.   

     The papers were scraps from my stash.  Monochromatic Blue may seem strange for a Valentine card but it works with the cold winter theme.   I found that lovely navy blue ribbon with the white embroidery on it in my stash, and it was a tiny scrap I had saved, knowing it would be useful somewhere.  :-D  I added the three glittery snowflakes to the upper corner, then tied/stitched three more bows to fill in the lower corner.  

     Challenges:
Christmas Cards All Year Round

Come and Get It
Crafting Circle
Cutie Pie

Dies R Us

Di's Digi Designs

Hiding in My Craft Room

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Outlawz Festive Friday

Outlawz PAM
Pammie's Inky Pinkie

Ribbon Girl

Stamping Sensations

      I'm a bit envious of those of you in the Southern Hemisphere who are enjoying beach weather but if you are suffering impossibly hot days, then not so much.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie 

Spring Planting

     We've had so much rain over the past month that I'm already thinking about spring planting in my garden even though it's much too cold to put in anything in the beds yet.  There's nothing like fresh new plants popping through the garden soil to stimulate creativity.  And those thoughts inspired me to make this card for the latest challenge at Ike's ArtWorld where our theme is "Anything Goes" and there's an optional twist to "Add a Bow."  I used one of Ike's fun images with three flower seed packets.

     I did something a bit different this time; I used watercolors on the image instead of alcohol markers or chalks.  I haven't done any water coloring in several months so it felt good and it was quick.  I distressed the edges of the image after it dried, then added the ribbon and the lace bow.

     A very CAS design this time, and everything is mounted onto a pale green card base.

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Calendar
Crafty Cardmakers
Creates and Makes
Creative Inspirations
Everybody Art
Inky Chicks
Inspiration Destination
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz Twisted Thurs.
Power Poppy
Ribbon Girl

     I'll have another post in a few hours so be sure to stop by and see that one.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Snowball Fight

     At least once every winter there should be a good, old fashion snowball fight!  I remember my dad telling stories about growing up as the middle child of 13, having mostly brothers who were older and mostly sisters who were younger.  His older brothers somehow managed to make him the leader of the team of younger kids every time while they, themselves, banded together, built up huge piles of ammunition, and absolutely wholloped the younger kids every time.  There was always a lilt of humor in his voice when he told those stories and I knew they held great memories for him.

     I have a feeling in today's world, where children are so protected and there are so many rules to follow for every kind of activity, where children don't have to strive for top honors because they are rewarded with trophies just for participating, and where there are never any real winners (heaven forbid we should injure their little psyches by demanding effort for achievement and recognition) that a modern day snowball fight would be more like this:

     The image is from Bugaboo Stamps.  I colored it with ProMarkers and added Stickles to both the snowman and the snowflakes for a little sparkle.  Once that was completely dry, I cut the image with a square die from QuicKutz.  The image originally had a completely different saying on it, but I changed it for the purposes of this card.  That sentiment square was also cut with a die from QuicKutz and I added the banner above the image about the time for the snowball fight.

     The papers are from DCWV.   I'm still using up the last of my "Winter Magic" stack which I've had for more than 4 years!!   That purchase was obviously a great investment.  I did a very CAS design, partly to make it masculine looking (in honor of my dad who would have loved it) and partly to make it easy to mail.  I'll probably use it as a birthday card.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps
Brown Sugar
Cutie Pie
Cut It Up
Di's Digi Designs
Fussy and Fancy
Jo's Scrap Shack
Outlawz Festive Friday
Polkadoodles
Quick Quotes

     I trust your week is starting out well and that whatever challenges life hands you this week, you will meet them with courage and grace, and may you win your snowball fight!  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Sheepski Bears

     As soon as Andrea released this pair of teddy bears, a new image for January, I just had to use it for another of my Valentine cards.  You can find it in the Sheepski Designs store if you want to look.  I'll be sharing it as one of my DT cards on the Facebook site, too.  Don't forget the old challenge on Facebook ends on January 19 ("Always Anything Goes" with a Sheepski image) and the new one will start on January 20.

     I colored the bears with my ProMarkers, then cut the image with a square, stitched die from Lawn Fawn.  I also cut the red mat from a leftover scrap using a larger die from that same set and then offset them onto each other and onto the background dp (Graphic 45.)

     The leaves were also die cut from scraps (Cheery Lynn) and I added a white flower.  I found a large package of those at the after Christmas sales so I added to my stash with these new embellies.

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft
Card Mania
CCC Digi Creations
Classic DT Open
Colour Crazy Craft
Crafty Calendar
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper
Creatalicious
Hiding in My Craft Room
Jo's Scrap Shack
Pattie's Creations
Send a Smile 4 Kids

     Hey, we actually had a few hours of sunshine yesterday afternoon!  Not that things dried out much but we're happy to have no flooding, just wet ground which will last a while.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Real Puppy Love

     This sweet image is by Ching-Chou Kuik and I just fell in love with that darling Papillion!  I know, I know, I'm supposed to be a crazy cat lady but the truth is I'm an animal lover who just happens to live with two cats.  But don't tell them!  :-D

     The image is colored with ProMarkers and chalks (her hair), then cut with a my newest die from Sue Wilson.  I backed it with brown CS, also cut with a die from that same set.  The blue butterfly was also cut with a Sue Wilson die.  The sentiment is mine and the string of pearls came from my stash.

     Challenges:
Brown Sugar
Butterfly
Ching-chou Kuik
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Catz
Creative Corner
Delicious Doodles
Digistamps4Joy
Dream Valley
Whoopsi Daisy

     I hope you're having a wonderful weekend and that the weather isn't too severe for you.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Ice Skating Mice

     Well, you get to see a second post today and it's all because the weatherman was incorrect about sunshine.  :-D  It's cold, it's wet, the sky is completely gray and my heater stopped working!  I have a call in to the repairman but the estimate for their arrival is another 3 hours yet.  I'm bundled up in sweaters and heavy socks, and I'm in my craft room where I have a small, electric space heater under the desk.  There are also two furry felines under the desk, but since they are lying more or less on top of my feet, that's OK with me.  lol

     Here's what I created and it more or less reflects the ambient room temperature here.

I started by using the sketch at The Outlawz,

turned 1/4 turn..

     The image is by Rick St. Dennis and I colored it with my ProMarkers.   I used dies from Cheery Lynn (blue circle), Spellbinders (snowflake), and Fiskars (Image.)  I added sparkle to the snowflake with loose glitter and the bow is from my stash of hand sewn bows.  The pink background is made with glitter paper.

     Challenges:

AuroraWings

Crafty Sentiments

Creates and Makes

Cutie Pie

Digi Choosday

Outlawz Greetings

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

Passion for ProMarkers

Simon Says Stamp

Tuesday Throwdown

     I'm still watching for that sunshine promised by the weather-geeks (and for the heater repairman) but right now, I'm going to go find a warm blanket and curl up with the TV or maybe a book.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

All Knotted Up

     I've been wanting to use this darling "Snake and Cactus" image (Digi 2305) from QKR Stampede for a long time and decided that this week's challenge was a perfect opportunity.  Our new theme is "Clean and Simple" and that gave me a chance to really showcase the image.  I turned it into a perfect masculine birthday card.

     I used my ProMarkers to color the image and then cut it (and the frames) with Pinpoint dies from Memory Box.  Each of those 'layers' is actually inlaid into the next larger one so although it looks like pyramid layers, it's actually only one layer in thickness.  Those are also all cut from my newest stash of CS and I love that particular shade of blue with the vanilla and gray.  Yes, I cut into something new instead of looking for scraps.  :-D
 
     The blue ribbon was in my old stash and the black bow is one of those I make by the dozens (this time without the usual pearl) and have ready when I need them.  Everything is mounted onto dove gray CS.

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft
A Perfect Time to Craft
Card Mania
Classic DT Open
Country View Crafts
Crafter's Café
Crafts and Me
Crafty Awesomeness
Crafty Purple Frog
Glitter n Sparkle
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
Not Just Cards
Paper Creator's Crafts
Petal Lu

     Is it stormy where you are today?  We had another day of rain yesterday and this morning looks overcast and gloomy but the weatherman insists we're going to have sunshine.  We'll see.  :-D  Whatever your weather, I want to wish you Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Teddy Bear Valentine

     This adorable image is from Morgan's ArtWorld and we start a new challenge today.  We have everybody's favorite theme this time - Anything Goes!  Since I'm trying to get my Valentine cards done, I thought this delightful little "Teddy Heart" image was perfect.  It works perfectly for an anniversary card, too.

     I colored the image with ProMarkers, then fussy cut it and added the faux stitching.  The other two 'hearts' were cut with a leaf die from Spellbinders.  I cut a square of textured, metallic-green CS and layered everything together onto the card base. 

     I added more faux stitching in an outline around all the shapes.  I dug thorough my ribbon stash and found the stitched ribbon and a sheer ribbon which worked well together and wrapped them around the card front.  My final touch was the tiny, green bow.

     Challenges:
Creative Corner
Di's Digi Designs
Double D
Glitter n Sparkle
Jo's Scrap Shack
Pattie's Creations
Scrapper's Delights
Scrapy Land
Send a Smile 4 Kids
Take It, Make It

     I hope you're going to come play along with us this fortnight.  We love seeing what you create and we get as much inspiration from you as any you might get from our inspiration cards.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Life's Surprises

     I love the idea of looking out for Life's Surprises, like seeing butterflies in the middle of winter!  This image from "All Dressed Up" is the freebie for the Progressive Challenge at The Outlawz, and it's a perfect example of what I mean.

     I started by coloring with my ProMarkers, then used Pinpoint Rectangle dies (Memory Box) to cut both the image and the dp mat behind it.  I bought that set over a year ago, used it a couple of times and then bought two or three sets of stitched dies and this one got relegated to the bottom of the pile.  I dug it out to use it on this card and can't imagine why I haven't used it more!

     I chose two different ribbons from my stash, one a patterned satin and the other a sparkly sheer, layered them together and wrapped them around glittered CS from a new-to-me paper stack by DCWV.  I tied the bow using more of the sheer ribbon.

     Challenges:
Angie's Digital Stamps
Brown Sugar
Colour Crazy Craft
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafting with an Attitude
Crafty Catz
Crafty Creations
Creative Corner
Creative Fingers
Cut It Up
Glitter n Sparkle
In the Pink
Scrapy Land
Take It, Make It
Word Art Weds.

     I hope you've managed to dig out from under the snow or rain or whatever the weatherman brought to your part of the country the last few days.  Out here on the West Coast, we've had a day of rain, then a day of light clouds or even sunshine, then another day of rain.  There may be two more storms coming in over the rest of this week.  If so, I'll use the rainy days as excuses to stay in and craft.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Song in Your Heart

     The image on this card is from A Day for Daisies and I found it in my folder of images I had colored up but never actually made into a card or other project.  It just touched me and I decided that a nice monochromatic blue card would be perfect on this cold and rainy day.  It's obviously winter in the image because there are no leaves on the tree.  :-D

     I had already colored the image with my ProMarkers so I used a Bo Bunny die to cut it and the frame, then I mounted both of those on a lighter blue rectangle.  The background is cut from paper by DCWV using a Memory Box die.  I layered that onto a piece of navy blue CS and put that onto a card base.

     I decided that there was enough texture and visual detail with the die cuts, so all I added for embellishment were the feather and the flower.  The sentiment is my statement about being positive in all circumstances; despite rain and floods and dark skies, I find something positive in the fact that we've had rain in the midst of this horrible, five-year drought.  :-D

     Challenges:
613 Avenue Create
A Day for Daisies
Catch the Bug
Crafting from the Heart
Get Creative
Hiding in My Craft Room
Lemon Shortbread
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
Unicorn

     Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie     

Sending Blessings

     Today's card is one I'm going to use for a friend who's in need of a few prayers and blessings right now.  She's temporarily home bound and her city is buried under a huge amount of snow so a wintry color combo seemed appropriate.

     The image is from The East Wind.

     I colored with ProMarkers and added a frame cut with a stitched die (Die-Versions.)  It was left over from another project and worked perfectly as a scrap to frame this image.  The CS had been run through my "Linen" embossing folder.

     I added as snippet of ribbon, a bow, and snowflakes for minimal embellishment.  The dp is from one of my brand new paper pads by Graphic 45.  A very CAS design but flat for easy mailing.

     Challenges:

Ching-chou Kuik

Creatalicious

Kreativeinkauf

Outlawz CAS

Pammie's Inky Pinkie

Pixie's Snippets

Scribbles Designs

Stempelsonnen

     Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Winter's Wild Rose

     I was walking through a field near where I live and ran across a wild rose bush with two hardy and determined blooms proclaiming their love of the rain we've had over the last 2 weeks in the midst of year five of the worst drought in recorded weather statistics.  I was so impressed by that rose bush, I came home and made this card, using a beautiful image from MHK Designs.

     Since December was my last month on that DT, it feels good to be using one of Mynn's lovely images again.  And this time, I get to play in the challenge over there instead of having done a DT card for it!   :-D

I started off with the sketch from Sketch Saturday

but I flipped it top to bottom.

     I used chalk markers to color the rose then cut it and the light pink frame, which is patterned dp,  with dies from Sue Wilson.  The lace is new, one of the goodies I found at the after Christmas sales.  The deep pink dp is also from MHK Designs, but after I printed it, I ran it back through the printer to print outline images of the same rose onto it.

     The feather was in my stash and I only remembered to add it because I had been cleaning and reorganizing my craft room and ran across the box of feathers I have on hand.  Do you ever "lose" things in all the supplies you have?  No, no, don't fib to me about it!  lol

     I plan to use this one as a birthday card.

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Catch the Bug
Chalk n Stock
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper
Jo's Scrap Shack
MHK Designs
Not Just Cards
Outlawz PAM
Paper Creator's Crafts
Petal Lu
Sweet Stampin'

     OK, wishing wild roses to all those of you who are buried under snow or who are trying to avoid the flooding on the West Coast.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie    

First Valentine

     I was inspired to get my first Valentine card made when I saw the Progressive Challenge freebie from Sasayaki Glitter (FB) this month.  Not that the image was intended for a Valentine but with the right sentiment (my own), it turned into one.

I started with the sketch from Die Cuttin' Divas.

      The image is colored with ProMarkers and the background sky is done with chalk.  Both the image and the sentiment are cut with dies from Spellbinders, which are actually dies for cutting leaves, not hearts, but I love using them as quirky hearts.  :-D

     The green strip was embossed with a folder from SU, and the blue strip was die cut with a stitched die from Die-Versions.  The leaves are done with a Cherry Lynn die and the flowers are punched and tiny beads are added.   All of those were made from little scraps lying on the desktop.

     I learned to do those little daisies by seeing some commercial ones at one of the craft shops which were a bit expensive given the relatively small number in the package.  So I looked around for some tiny beads and bought a value pack which had wooden seed beads as well as glass beads, brought them home, dug out my daisy punch and made about 200 of them over a short weekend.  They are now all in my stash for use when I need them.  I spent less for the beads (of which I still have many left over for use on other projects) than I would have spent for a package of 15 flowers!

     OK, with that delightful new image, I'm going to enter the following -

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft
A Perfect Time to Craft
Card Mania
Connie Can  Crop
Country View
Crafty Awesomeness
Crafty Sentiments
Dies R Us
Digi Choosday
Lemon Shortbread
Passion for ProMarkers
Through the Craft Room Door

     Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Shoveling Beats Shivering!

     I didn't grow up in a part of this country where it snows in the winter so spending the better part of two years in Anchorage, Alaska, came as a real shock to my system!  Eight months of winter every year made me shiver clear into the summer months.  Usually, along about January hubby would tell me that if I shoveled the driveway, it would stop the shivering and make me warm.  lol

     I was reminded of that when I saw the theme for our latest challenge over at QKR Stampede this week, "Warm Thoughts."   I knew I could use this darling image (Digi 9207, "Shoveling") and it would be a perfect reflection of that memory.

     I colored the image with my favorite ProMarkers and added his shadow on the snow by heat embossing with a VersaMark pen and gray-blue EP.   The die cut was made with one of my new dies from Spellbinders and I can already tell you that the dies in that set are going to get lots and lots of use.  I LOVE them!

     Once it was cut, I added the image piece to glittered light blue CS and layered that onto dark blue glittered CS.  Unfortunately, the glitter really doesn't show up in the photo.  I did the sentiment and then I decided that the intricacy of the frame was something I wanted to showcase, so all I added were a few glittery snowflakes and tiny blue stars.  Now it's a CAS design that doesn't really look too simple.

     Challenges:
Crafting by Designs
Crafty Addicts
Crafty Creations
Crafty Gals Corner
House That Stamps Built
Inspiration Destination
Kraftin' Kimmie
Mod Squad
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Scrapy Land
Simon Says Stamp
Work It Weds.

     Come play with us this week.  We'd love to see your interpretation of "Warm Thoughts."  Will you do something that focuses on a fireplace or maybe dream of warm, tropical beaches?   Enter it into our challenge and inspire all of us.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie