Butterfly Summer

     Today I want to share one more DT card on which I used a beautiful fairy from Conie Fong, called "Crystal Fairy 3."  As you can guess, there's more than one version of this image and you can receive them when you purchase the image.  I used the one without the crystals for this card, so the name may seem a bit confusing.  But if you click on the link (image name), you can look at the actual image in the store and that will clear it up for you.  :-D

Colored w/ ProMarkers +
   2 colors of Stickles on wings
Cut w/ Spellbinders die
Green CS (scrap) cut & embossed w/ Spellbinders
Background dp - scrap from basket
Green "lace" - scrap
Sheer ribbon bow tied on bow maker
Sentiment printed & cut with Avery Elle die, inked edges

     Challenges:
Aud Sentiments
Colour Crazy
Crafty Sentiments
Outlawz Twisted Thurs
Paperbabe
Papercraft
Passion for ProMarkers
Pattie's Creations
Pixie's Snippets
Your Next Stamp

     Our July challenge ends today but a new one starts tomorrow.  Actually, 2 new challenges begin at the same time; one is for coloring only and the other for completed projects, like mine.  Both can be found on the Conie Fong Facebook page.  We hope to see you playing long.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Gift Card Holders for Christmas

     Last week when I was doing cards for the Christmas in July challenges, I made a money folder specifically for cash but it could have been used for gift cards as well.  However, it was longer than needed for a gift card so I rimmed the height and made these. 

     It seems every holiday season (well, all year round, actually) my family members and several of my friends come to me asking for gift card holders.  I guess we use a lot of them.  So, this year, I'm trying to get ahead of the game and get a couple dozen made up before the first request comes in.  :-D

     To make these, I start with card stock which is 4.5" high x 8" long and I score along the length of it at 1", at 4", and at 7", then fold on the 1" and 7" score lines, using double sided tape to close those folded ends so that they won't flip open.  On one side is where the gift card goes and on the other there is room for a short note or for "To:/From:" tag.

     Here's what they look like when the gift cards are safely tucked inside and they are folded up and tied with the ribbon which runs under the image and wraps around the back to tie on the right hand side.

Images are pre-colored or colored w/ ProMarkers
Images from Bugaboo Stamps & Doodle Pantry
Die cut images = QuicKutz
Die cut sentiments = Die-Versions & A I

     Challenges:
12 Months of Christmas
Christmas w Cuties
Crafty Hazelnut's
Die Cut Divas
Dream Valley
Outlawz Festive Fri
SheepSki Designs
Star Stampz
Winter Wonderland

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Hiking Break

     I'm sharing a card I made using the image from the Progressive Challenge at LeAnn's World 101.  The image is just the girl but I added a rock, grasses, and sky, creating a background scene so that she looked like she was taking a break while out hiking.  The frame around the image was made by cutting a scrap of paper which had been water colored for the sky part and cutting a scrap of dp for the ground part.  I think it turned out pretty well.  :-D 

Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Frantic Stamper rectangle die
Frantic Stamper frame die
Card base embossed w 'Linen' EF
Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon
Hand tied bow
Sentiment printed and hand cut

     Challenges:
Arty Divas
Bastel-Traum
C.R.A.F.T.
Creative Moments
I {heart} ProMarkers
LeAnn's World
Outlawz Color
Paper Funday
Passion for ProMarkers
World Wide Open

     See you tomorrow with another DT card to share.  :-D   Happy Crafting,.  NanaConnie

Keeping Baby Dragons Safe

     Did you know there are dragon-keepers whose only job is to keep all baby dragons safe until they reach the age of 1 year and have had lots of practice flying?  It's true!  Don't doubt me.  Am I not the one who told you about Pocket Dragons?  :-D

     However, I could really use some help on this image.  This is one of those I printed out long, long ago, tucked it into a folder, and never got it colored.  While coloring it yesterday, I realized that I hadn't put any notation on the back regarding the artist or company so I have no idea after all this time who drew it nor how to give proper credit to the artist.

     If you know who created this marvelous image, will you please leave me a comment and tell me?  I really want to do justice to the artist by giving them credit.  Thanks so much.

I chose colors from I {heart} ProMarkers.

Colored w/ ProMarkers
Open Studio Fairy Sugar on her wings
    (unfortunately it doesn't show up sparkly in the photo)
Corner die from Memory Box (also embosses)
Sponging w/ chalks
Grosgrain ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon
Hand tied satin bow
Sentiment printed and hand cut, inked edges

     Challenges:
Arty Divas
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz Color
Passion for ProMarkers
Penny's Paper-Crafty
TTCRD
Tuesday Throwdown (ribbon/bows)

     Thanks for stopping by and if you do know who the artist is, please leave me a comment and let me know so that I can give them credit.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Best Buddies

     It's another Monday and that means a new challenge is starting at Pammie's Inky Pinkies (PIP.)  Our theme is always Anything Goes (except when there's a 5th Monday in the month) so you have no excuse not to play along.  We don't have a sponsor this week but PIP is offering a $5.00 gift certificate for Mo's Digital Pencil.  In honor of that, I've used one of my own Mo's images (called "Buds") for my DT card today, and used warm summer colors.

     I thought that sweet little gal looked like a "Peggy" so I put that into the sentiment.  :-D

This is based on the sketch at Sketch Saturday w/o the background

strips and with sentiment at the top instead of bottom.

Colored w ProMarkers
Image is fussy cut w scissors
Image mat cut w Spellbinders dies
    (mounted onto yellow CS)
Background dp from  DCWV
Hand tied bow w shank button

     Challenges:
Ellibelle's Craft Weds
House that Stamps Built
I {heart} ProMarkers
Morgan's ArtWorld
Outlawz Greetings
Passion for ProMarkers (top row)
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Word Art Weds
Your Scrapbook Place

    Come play with us this week.  Remember, it's "Anything Goes" so no excuse not to enter.  :-D Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Ugly Sweater Time

     One thing we all know is that the holidays will come around no matter what so for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the cold months mean Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Ugly Sweaters!  lol  It's almost a national craze here in the USA and Art Impressions has helped us celebrate that craze with this fun and funny stamp!

Colored w ProMarker
Glitter added to the snowflakes on her sweater
Cut with QuicKutz die
Snowflake embellies are sparkly
Card base is shiny, pink CS

     Challenges:
All Fun
Cardz TV
Crafty Hazelnut's
Crafty Sentiments
Dragonfly Dreams
Ike's World
Lemon Shortbread
Lil Patch of Crafty...
Outlawz Festive Fri

     Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Flutterby Daisy

     I adore this sweet fairy from Conie Fong, called "Flutterby Daisy."  She comes in a set, both with and without the daisy but I loved her best all nestled into the daisy having a wonderful conversation with the butterfly.  I suspect they're talking about great changes and how to face them.  :-D

Colored w/ ProMarkers & gel inks
Glitter added to wings
Cut w/ QuicKutz oval die
Sentiment cut w/ Avery Elle die
Lace scrap
Background dp from DCWV
Signature bow w pearl

     Challenges:
Allsorts
Angie's Digitals
Arty Divas
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Incy Wincy
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz PAM
Passion for ProMarkers
   (pearls/image/die cuts)
TTCRD

     Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Last Day - CIJ Catch the Bug

     Here we are on the last day of the Christmas in July daily challenges at Catch the Bug and today I'm using the Friday Freebie, a cutie from the Knobby Knees collection called "Christmas Sack," plus colors from the inspiration photo.

Colored w/ ProMarkers & a touch of glitter
Card front aperture cut w/ Tonic Studios die
Image cut with Spellbinders die
Sentiment cut w Sue Wilson die
SnowTex added to ground

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Cardz TV
Colour Crazy
Cute Card Thurs
Cutie Pie
Double Trouble
Dragonfly Dreams
Outlawz Festive Fri
Pattie's Creations

     Enjoy your weekend and Happy Crafting!  NanaConnie

List or No List?

     Here's what happens to Santa's Nice List when the world wide pandemic takes over.  He has to choose the Top 3 and let everyone else go by the wayside.  :-D   This is my card for Day 6 of the CIJ daily challenges at Catch the Bug and this is one of the older images from the "A Kid's View" (AKV) collection.  There's an inspiration photo so be sure to check out the Catch the Bug blog for today.

Colored with ProMarkers & pencils
Image & green CS cut w/ Tonic Studios dies
Red, satin bow
Sentiment printed & hand cut
CAS design

     Challenges:
Arty Divas
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Dream Valley
Kerst/ Christmas
Outlawz Greetings
Paper Girls
TTCRD

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

NOT Merry & Bright !

     Day 5 of the CIJ week at Catch the Bug and since it's Wednesday, we get to use Humor, a theme which I love.  This crabby cat is from Bugaboo Stamps and what could be more perfect?

Colored w/ ProMarkers
SnowTex added to ground
   (it sparkles but that's hard to see in the photo)
Image cut w/ Cottage Cutz die
Sentiment printed & cut w/ QuicKutz die
Papers are scraps from the basket
Gold metallic ribbon
Bow tied using bow maker

     Challenges:
ABC Christmas
Country View
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafts Galore Encore
Crafty Hazelnut's
Double Trouble (fav tool = dies)
Ike's World
Paper Girls
SUYP Cats

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Bad Boy Gus - Day 4 Catch the Bug CIJ

     Here we are, on Day 4 of the daily challenges this week over at Catch the Bug and the theme today is a TicTacToe board.  I've used everything on the board except for 'distressed' and 'twine' (unless the gold cord counts as twine.)  Bugaboo image of Gus in Santa's sled.  The sentiment is totally mine. :-D  There's also a flash freebie which you can grab between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. today only

     If the papers look familiar, I've done enough Christmas cards over the last week that the scraps are piling up in the basket.  I decided to use up as many of the scraps as I can by reaching into the basket instead of cutting new sheet of paper.

 

I used 1st & 3rd columns plus the diagonals.

Colored w/ ProMarkers
Both image & mat cut w/ QuicKutz die
Glitter added to openings in frame
Paper scraps from Graphic 45 and DCWV
Gold cord + sparkly ribbon for bow
Sentiment cut w/ Spellbinders die
3 metal brads

     Challenges:
Colour Crazy
Crafter's Cafe
Crafty Hazelnut's
Creative Fingers
Double Trouble (fav tool = dies)
Outlawz PAM
Paper Girls
Winter Wonderland

     Another CIJ day down and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow when we get to use humor as the theme.  lol  I think all of mine so far have had an element of humor but check back anyway.  You might get a smile.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

CIJ Day 3 - "Wrap" a Gift

     Day 3 of the daily "Christmas in July" challenges at Catch the Bug and, in keeping with their usual "Anything but a Card" Mondays, today we are to make things that hold or go on gifts - gift card holders, money folders, boxes, bags, tags, etc.  Mine is a money folder with a cute Bugaboo Stamps snowman.

Here's a photo of the inside.

Image colored with ProMarkers
Cut with Gina Marie die
Scraps of Graphic 45 dp inside and out
Jute cord tie

     Challenges:
12 Months of Christmas
Dare 2B Artzy
Die Cut Divas
Dies R Us
I {heart} ProMarkers
Kerst Christmas
Lil Patch of Crafty...
Outlawz Festive Fri
Star Stampz

     That's all for today but I'll see you tomorrow with the next CIJ challenge at Catch the Bug.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Christmas in July - Day 2 - Sketch

     Here we are on Day 2 of the Christmas in July daily challenges at Catch the Bug and today we get to use their sketch.  I used this cute, silly bird who's in the process of decorating for Christmas.  He's definitely an "early bird" on Christmas decorating since it's only July.  :-D

Here's the sketch & you can see I adjusted it 

slightly for a square card.

I also used colors from House that Stamps Built.

 

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut with Unbranded die

Frame cut w QuicKutz die

Sentiment cut w Die-Versions die

Papers from DCWV Basics stack

Satin ribbon and Twine bows

     Challenges:

A Gem of a Challenge

Angie's Digitals

Arty Divas

Christmas w the Cuties

Crafty Hazelnut's

Crafty Sentiments

Digi Choosday

Simon Says Stamp
Tuesday Throwdown

     So far, I'm right on course with doing a card each day of the Christmas in July event and I already have the next project done so check back tomorrow.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Set Your Goals High

     I have two posts today and this is the first.  I hope you'll come by later this morning to see my second post featuring another card for the Christmas in July event I'm following all this week.

     This morning I have a delightful inspiration card as my DT post for the mid-month reminder at Jan's Digi Stamps.  I've used a perfect summer-y (or fall) image called "Boy Climbing Tree" and the sentiment is also from that set.  I think this is a magnificent image for a masculine card.  :-D

Colored w ProMarkers and pencil
Cut with QuicKutz die
Vertical strip done w watercolors
Butterfly cut w Impression Obsession die
CAS design to go w masculine theme

     Challenges:
Butterfly (apricot & aquamarine)
Crafty Creations
Creative Inspirations
Cutie Pie
Ellibelle's Crafty Weds
Lemon Shortbread
Paper Funday
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Simon Says Stamp
Word Art Weds

     You still have time to come play in our "Anything Goes" challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps which runs until Sunday, August 2nd.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Santa's Workshop circa 2020

     Today is the first day of the "Christmas in July" week-long, daily challenges over at Catch the Bug and, as I have done for the last several years, I'm planning to play each day.   There is a different theme for each day and Saturday's is "Santa's Workshop."

     My mind immediately went to how the Workshop would be functioning during the pandemic, assuming it has reached the North Pole.  :-D  I used this cute Bugaboo Stamps image.

Colored w ProMarkers and Copics
Corners cut w Fiskars punch
Glitter added to the snowflakes
Sentiment printed and fussy cut
Narrow satin ribbons wrapped and tied

     Challenges:
Aud Sentiments
C.R.A.F.T.
Crafty Calendar
Dare 2B Artzy
Dragonfly Dreams
Ike's World
Outlawz Festive Fri
Southern Girls
TTCRD

     Have a great weekend and Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Tori the Dragon - Birthday Girl

     I'm totally in love with dragons (as is one of my grown granddaughters) and I think this is the third card I've done with one of the dragons from Conie Fong.  This one is called "Tori the Dragon - Birthday Girl" and I love the look of that luscious birthday cupcake!

Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w circle die by Spellbinders, Pop Dots
Leafy mat cut w Sue Wilson die
Pink CS backing for mat
Sentiment hand cut & matted, Pop Dots
3 hand-tied bows

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time...
CCC Digis
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafts Galore Encore
Creatalicious
Creations in Pink
Creative Crafters
Creative Moments
Pearly Sparkles
Southern Girls

     Come play in our Conie Fong challenge this month.  Actually, we have 2 - one for coloring only and one for completed projects like this one. You do have to use a Conie Fong image but you have great chances of winning if you just enter.

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Kitty in the Box

     I'm working on my Christmas card stash and am determined to have an additional 30 cards done by the end of this month.  I may not get them all posted this month but you'll see them over the upcoming weeks.  Today's card was made using an adorable image from AuroraWings.

Colored w ProMarkers
Dots in eyes done w white gel pen
Image cut with Unbranded die
"Noel" sentiment = Die-Versions
Holiday ribbon is a scrap
Background is glitter paper
Signature bow w pearl - 'dyed' w ProMarker

     Challenges:
12 Months of Christmas
 (3 layers/rectangle/dots/ribbon/faux stitching)
Classic Design
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafts Galore Encore
Crafty Hazelnut's
Die Cut Divas
Morgan's ArtWorld
SheepSki Designs
Your Scrapbook Place

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Teddy Bear Birthday Party

     One more birthday card today and this time it reflects what happens when you have a birthday in the middle of the pandemic shutdowns.  You have to gather all your teddy bears into one place and let them have the party without you.  Social distancing, you know!  lol

     The image is from Bugaboo Stamps and the card design is pretty CAS.

I based this on the sketch from Stella Says Sketch.

Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens

Cut w die from Tutti Designs & edges inked
Paper is a SU scrap
Narrow, satin ribbon + gingham ribbon for bow
CAS design

     Challenges:
Allsorts (bears,bow)
Catch the Bug
Crafty Calendar
Cutie Pie
Get Creative
Outlawz PAM
Passion for ProMarkers
Stamping Sensations
TTCRD

     Happy Tuesday and Happy Crafting!  NanaConnie

Share My Garden

     I'm delighted to tell all of you that I've joined the DT at Pammie's Inky Pinkies!   It's a weekly challenge with a theme of "Anything Goes" each Monday (except when a 5th Monday occurs, & then we have a specific theme to follow.)  I've played over at PIP for a few years now and am thrilled to be part of the DT now.  :-D

     This week, we're sponsored by Di's Digi Designs and I have a growing collection of her digis.  Today I used one called "I've Got This, Kitty."  I adore the idea of cute creatures sharing a day in the garden.

Image printed on scrap CS & colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Memory Box die - inked edge
Butterflies - Memory Box die - cut from scrap CS
Sentiment printed & cut w Avery Elle die - scrap CS

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time...
Angie's Digitals
A Perfect Time...
Carlin's Card Paradise
Country View
Dragonfly Dreams
Pixie's Snippets
Stamping Sensations
SUYP Cats

     I hope we're going to see you playing along with us at Pammie's Inky Pinkies (aka PIP.)  We'd love to see what you create and be inspired by it.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

The Gnome Road

     I've always smiled at gnomes; they seem such an engaging sort of creature.  But a few years back when my blogging buddy, Linda - http://lindasimpsoncraftypieceofheaven.blogspot.com/ - revealed that her hubby really loves gnomes, I sent him a gnome card I had made.  For some reason from that point on, I began looking at gnomes differently, with more appreciation and joy over them.  They are now a close rival to dragons (yes, even pocket dragons) in my affections and I search artists for gnomes quite often.

     This gnome, from Mo's Digital Pencil, seemed rather wise in the ways of tramping the world's roads so I paired him with that Mo's sentiment.  This card will be going to a grandson for his 21st birthday, that magical age when all roads seem possible.  :-D

Colored w/ ProMarkers and water color pencils
Cut w/ stitched die from Cottage Cutz
Scrap dp for background
Jute cord, 2 colors, wrapped and tied

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Colouring in Scrapland
Crafter's Castle
Crafty Sentiments
Get Creative
Outlawz PAM
Paperminutes
TTCRD

     I hope you are having a marvelous weekend.  Take some time for yourself and Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Holly Berry Bouquet

     When I first saw this lovely Christmas image from Conie Fong, called "Holly Berry Bouquet," I was reminded of days gone by when ladies made holly corsages to wear on their coats throughout the holiday season.  I remember sitting at the dining table watching my mom and my grammy make theirs over more than one year.

     By the time I was old enough to help with crafting them, you could find factory-made corsages with shiny, plastic, holly leaves and tiny, metallic, tree ornaments for very reasonable prices and after that, the dining table remained craft free.  My mom still made up holly bouquets in fancy vases for the dining table but to my mind, it just wasn't the same.

Colors inspired by Color Dare board.

Colored w/ ProMarkers
Glossy Accents added to leaves for shine
Image & frames cut w/ Sizzix dies
Red satin ribbon
Sentiment (x2) cut w/ Sue Wilson die

     Challenges:
Aud Sentiments
Crafty Catz
Dare 2B Artzy
Dragonfly Dreams
I {heart} ProMarkers
Lil Patch of ...
Outlawz Festive Fri
Paper Shelter
Time Out

     Remember, Conie Fong's has 2 challenges on their Facebook site each month; one is for coloring only and the other is for completed projects.  You must use Conie Fong images but how could anyone resist them?  You'll fall in love with her delicious artwork the instant you see the first one.  :-D  Come play and Happy Crafting.

Quilted Horse for a "Birth"day

     When I was a day or two ahead of my 10th birthday, I remember my dad asking me, "How many birthdays have you had?"  Of course, my first response was "10!" and then I realized I hadn't celebrated the 10th one yet, so I quickly changed my answer to "No, 9!"  He grinned and said, "No, you've only had 1.  All the rest were anniversaries of your only 'birth'day."

     So, this is a true "birth"day card for a new baby.  The image is from Beccy's Place and I used the optional colors for the challenge over there.

Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w QuicKutz circle die
dp from Beccy's Place
Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon
Sheer ribbon - quadruple loop bow

     Challenges:
Carlin's Card Paradise
Crafty Calendar
Crafty Friends
Crafty Sentiments
Cuttlebug Mania
Digi Choosday
Paperminutes
Penny's Paper-Crafty
TTCRD

     That's it for today.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

One Little Fish

     Fishing was something my dad loved to do and, as the favorite (only) daughter who was a dedicated 'tomboy' during childhood, I often got to go with him.  I have extremely fond memories of those days spent at the river or a lake or even on the pier at the ocean.  It was delightfully special time with Dad, even when we caught nothing.  It was called 'fishing,' not 'catching.'  :-D

     This image from Bugaboo Stamps is one of my favorites.

Colored with ProMarkers
Cut with QuicKutz die
Background is watercolor & scrap dp
Watercolor piece is embossed w "Linen" EF
Hand tied bow
Sentiment printed and hand cut

     Challenges:
All Fun
Allsorts
Arty Divas
Catch the Bug
Colouring in Scrapland
Cuttlebug Mania
Double Trouble (Top Row)
Paper Funday
Simon Says Stamp
Stamping Sensations

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Cardinal Christmas

     It's the first Monday in July and that means it's time for the newest monthly challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps.  In honor of the fact that Jan's is running a 25% off sale on all the Christmas Sets for the entire month of July, I've done a card using one of the newest sets called "Christmas Cardinals."  There are 21 Christmas sets altogether!

Colors from Color My Heart Color Dare.

Colored with ProMarkers
Stickles used on the snow
Cut with QuicKutz die
Sheer ribbon has glitter added
Red card base embossed w "Linen" EF
2 layer CAS design

     Challenges:
ABC Christmas
Art Impressions
Creative Fingers
Cute Card Thurs
House that Stamps Built
Outlawz Festive Fri
Pattie's Creations
Simon Says Stamp
Word Art Weds

     Come play with us this month.  The challenge runs until Sunday, August 2, and you can enter up to five times.  The theme is always Anything Goes and if you use a JDS image on your project, your entry will be put into a separate draw which increases your chance of winning by quite a lot.  :-D

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Dance Like There's No Tomorrow

     When I was young and growing up as the youngest girl in the family, I had many fears about looking foolish if I didn't do things 'perfectly' and look good doing it.  lol  I see now how silly it was to expect perfection from myself, especially if it was my first time doing something, but it took a warm and wonderful person to say to me, "You need to always dance like there's no tomorrow; otherwise you'll never get to experience the fun things because you're spending all your hours trying to master them before your enjoy them."

    Here's to the fun of dancing!  Image is from LeAnn's World for their Progressive challenge.

Colored w ProMarkers
Cut with die from Spellbinders
Aqua mat cut w QuicKutz die
Lace 'dyed' w ProMarker
Signature bow w pearl
Sentiment hand cut & edges inked

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Crafter's Castle
Creative Crafters
Digi Choosday
I {heart} ProMarkers
Passion for ProMarkers
Simon Says Stamp
Word Art Weds
World Wide Open

     Wishing you the best for the rest of your weekend.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Hot Dog Time

Happy 4th of July !

     For those of you doing BBQ in your own back yard because of the new "go-back-inside-and-play-lockdown-again" rules, enjoy and stay safe.  Me, I think I'll 'toast' a hot dog in the toaster oven and call it good.  I'm isolating and spending quiet time in the craft room this weekend.  :-D

     But here's my salute to happier BBQ days, be they past or in the future (we can hope!)  The image is from Bugaboo Stamps.

I took my cue from the colors at Outlawz, 

red, white, and a touch of green

although my red is a bit more subdued.

Colored w Promarkers and gel inks

Cut w QuicKutz die

Diagonal strip is embossed w 'Linen' EF

CAS design

     Challenges:
Arty Divas

Catch the Bug
Crafty Creations
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Ellibelle's Crafty Weds
Lemon Shortbread
Paper Shelter
Penny's Paper-Crafty

     Have yourself a great day and enjoy the holiday, USA.  Happy Crafting, NanaConnie

Christmas Angel

     This gorgeous angel image is called "Angel of Christmas Stars" and is from Conie Fong, where there are 2 different challenges running this month - 1 for coloring only and the other for Finished Projects.  Use a Conie Fong image and enter either one of the challenges for a chance to win more of her wonderful images.

     This is yet another for my stash of Christmas cards and I'm still focused on Christmas in July, as you can tell.  :-D  Anyway, here's what I've done with this stunning angel.

I took colors from board #401 at Color My Heart.

Colored w ProMarkers & Copics
Glitter added to wings
Cut w large rectangle QuicKutz die
Inked edges
CAS design

     Challenges:
12 Months of Christmas
Colour Crazy
Crafty Sentiments
Dream Valley
Outlawz Festive Fri
Outlawz SAR
SheepSki Designs
Southern Girls
TTCRD

     Come play along at Conie Fong this month, won't you?  We love being inspired by all the entries and you could end up winning Conie Fong images!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Eat, Drink, Be Merry

     Well, July is always the month when I really get going on Christmas cards and that's mostly related to all the "Christmas in July" things going on around blogland.  This is not my first Christmas card this year - I've done a few previously, but it is my first one in July and since it's only July 2, I'd say that's pretty good!  :-D

     This image was supplied for the Outlawz Progressive Challenge and is from Twinkle Lane Designs.  I love the mug of hot cocoa and the gingerbread man with the little bite taken off the top of his head.   :-D  Compared to the recent spate of CAS cards I've been doing, this one may seem a bit "over the top."

Colored w ProMarkers & Copics
Cut with die from Spellbinders & embossed
Large sentiment cut w Sue Wilson die
Ribbon wrap around card front
Signature bow w button
White sparkly snowflake
Small sentiment cut with Spellbinders

     Challenges:
ABC Christmas ("O")
Allsorts
Crafty Hazelnut's
Creative Fingers
Cute Card Thurs
House that Stamps Built
I {heart} ProMarkers
Outlawz Festive Fri
Paperbabe Stamps

     I hope you'll come by again in the morning when I'll have another DT post for Conie Fong, which is also another Christmas card.  Yes, I'm really rolling with those already.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Slow Turtles and Snails

     It's July 1st and QKR Stampede is doing its second monthly challenge.  For those of you who still haven't adjusted to it not being a weekly challenge, you still have at least another 2 months to get used to the idea of only one challenge per month.  After that, QKR will be making a decision on whether or not to stay as a monthly challenge or revert to weekly or maybe even fortnightly.

     I have two cards to share with you today and neither one of them has anything to do with the upcoming 4th of  July celebrations.  lol  However, they do reflect the slow pace that comes with hot July weather!  This first one shows you what happens when a meandering turtle forgets that he shares the world with racing hares and other fast animal traffic.  The image is called "Black Eye" and I thought it would be perfect for a Get Well card.  :-D

Colored w ProMarkers

Image & Sentiment cut w Unbranded, cross-stitch, dies

Sheer ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon

Metal brads

     Challenges:

All Fun

Cardz TV

Crafty Sentiments

Creative Crafters

Creative Moments

Lemon Shortbread

Lil Patch of ...

Paperbabe Stamps

Polkadoodles

TTCRD

     This second card is either a salute to or a complaint about the brutal summer weather which arrives in my territory sometime in mid- to late- May every year and stays around until well into September, often into October.  Most summer days, I feel exactly like this poor snail - "Exhausted."

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut with Gina Marie die

Glitter paper 'sun' cut w QuicKutz die

Background paper from scrap basket

     Challenges:

Allsorts

Arty Divas

Aud Sentiments

Colour Crazy

Creative Fingers

Cuttlebug Mania

Digi Choosday

Outlawz Festive Fri

Passion for ProMarkers

     I hope we're going to see you playing along with us at QKR Stampede this month.  Lots of time to get something made and entered.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Dog Dayz of Summer

     I'm not sure if we've actually reached the 'Dog Days' of summer yet but I'm fully prepared for them when they do arrive!  It's a new month and that means a new challenge over at 2 Crafty Critter Crazies which is sponsored by Jan's Digi Stamps this month.  The image and sentiment I used are from a set called "A Boy and His Dog" and it's fabulous!

Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w QuicKutz die
Scrap dp cut w Spellbinders dies
Double loop twine bow
Blue CS background embossed w 'Linen' EF

     Challenges:

Colour Crazy

Crafty Catz

Crafty Friends

Crafty Gals Corner

I {heart} ProMarkers
Incy Wincy

Penny's Paper-Crafty

Scrapping4Fun

Word Art Weds.

     This is the first of two posts today so be sure to check back in a couple of hours to see my DT post for QKR Stampede which is also now a monthly challenge through the summer.

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie