Sunday, May 30, 2021

Butterfly Face

      Another Monday, another challenge at Pammie's Inky Pinkies.  While our theme is almost always "Anything Goes," this happens to be a 5th Monday (in a month) and when that happens we have a specific theme.  So this week our theme is "Butterflies."

     Our sponsor is Bugaboo Stamps and they provided images for the DT to use.  I chose "Butterfly Face" and, much as I love Bugaboo Stamps it's hard to pick favorites, but this has to be my favorite Bugaboo Stamps image ever!  What fun to color.  :-D


Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w QuicKutz die
Circle frame cut w QuicKutz die
Background dp DCWV scraps
Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die
Pearls added to the frame

     Challenges:
Butterfly  (Navy Blue)

     Remember our challenges run for 1 week and this time you can enter with anything that has one or more butterflies on it.  Come on - we want to be inspired by you and what you create!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Get Well Fowers

      This card was not only fun to make, it allowed me to try some new design ideas.  The freesia image is from SheepSki Designs.   What looks like dp for the background is actually pics of pink freesias which I printed from online to help me decide how to color the flowers in the image.  When I was finished coloring the image, it seemed a shame to just throw out what I had printed so I fussy cut the flowers and added them to 2 corners of the card before wrapping the ribbon and layering on the image piece.


Colored w ProMarkers; glitter on the vase
Cut w Spellbinders die
Large freesias fussy cut
Butterfly embellies colored; glitter added
Ribbon scrap (RRR)
Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

     Challenges:
Butterfly  (Naples Yellow, NY Pink)

     That's all I have for now but check back late tonight (or tomorrow) when the Pammie's Inky Pinkies challenge begins for the upcoming week.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Hedgie & Snail

      This is another image from Mariola Budek, the artist I recently discovered and I think it's a perfect spring showers image.  Around here, we WISH we'd had many more spring showers than we actually had but instead we are in a severe drought.  In addition, we are expecting our first over 100F heat wave for at least the next 5 days.  I think I'll stay inside in the air conditioning, stare at this cool green card, and dream of rainy days.  :-D


I used the sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday.


Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens
Cut w Unbranded die
Black mat cut w Unbranded die
Background papers are all scraps
Flower embellies made from negative die cuts 
   (the pieces which fall out when you use certain dies)
Sentiment fussy cut

     Challenges:

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Friday, May 28, 2021

Sowing vs Reaping

      We're all familiar with the phrase "Reap what you sow" but this cute image from House Mouse Stamps makes me wonder about the wisdom of a tiny mouse sowing Catnip seeds!   If, indeed, he reaps what he sows, he may have a field full of cats which isn't really what a mouse would want!  On the other hand, maybe he's just warm and neighborly and believes in taking care of all creatures, friends or foes.  

      Or maybe he's like me and any excuse will do to get out into the garden, my favorite place to be!  :-D


Colors chosen from Color Dare challenge.
Canary/ Mink/ Blue Belle/ Ivy Green w a neutral of Brown



Colored with ProMarkers  
   (my fav coloring medium because of the way they blend)
Cut w Lawn Fawn die
Matted w Cottage Cutz die cut
Texture burlap scrap
Plaid paper from Your Next Stamp stack
Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die
Watering Can charm
Fiber bow

     Challenges:
Lawn Fanatics (used LF die)

     I think I'll get away from the computer and go play in the garden for a bit.  The weather this morning is a perfect balance of warm and still cool enough to be comfortable outside but that is slated to change drastically this afternoon and over the Memorial Day weekend.  We'll be in the mid to high nineties later today and they are predicting a 5 day (or more) run of temps over 100 F starting on Monday.  Yuck!  I guess summer is officially here even though the calendar says it's still 3 weeks away.

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Birthday Balloons

      I love kittens!  I love birthdays!  I love balloons!  That makes this darling image perfect for me to use and now I have one more card to add to the birthday stash.  :-D  

     The image is from Di's Digi Designs and the challenge theme is "Birthday cards."


Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Spellbinders frame die
Papers are scraps from the basket
Sentiment fussy cut
Grosgrain ribbon for hand-tied bow

     Challenges:

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Walking the Pug

      My "third" granddaughter, more or less adopted by the entire family when she became a room mate to my eldest granddaughter, has the cutest "ugly" pug dog in the whole world, named Eva.  When I ran across this image at Wink Wink Ink (I was lucky enough to win a challenge they sponsored), I grabbed it immediately and here's what I did with it.

     I had just finished my first "Hat" easel card (see this post) and I guess my mind was still on doing easels because before I realized it, I was doing a second easel card this morning.


Colored w pencils and ProMarkers
Image is fussy cut w scissors
Brown doily cut w QuicKutz die
Circle cut w QuicKutz die
Image mounted on dimensional dots
Paper from Recollections stack
Sentiment mounted on dimensional dots
Easel is an A2 card folded lengthwise

     Challenges:

     Thanks for stopping by and I hope you've enjoyed your visit.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

New Spring Hat

      I saw the tutorial for this "Hat" easel card over at Beccy's Place.  It was so intriguing I just had to try it.  This is my first attempt.  There are parts of it which are a bit 'fiddly' but with practice, I know I can get better at making them and I'm more than pleased with this one for a first try.  :-D

     This was made entirely from scraps of dp and I'm pretty sure they were from a DCWV stack.  I didn't have enough of the darker scrap to do the entire hat so I used a lighter dp for the crown of the hat.  Even the ribbon was a scrap piece.


Papers = scraps from DCWV
Cut with QuicKutz dies
Card base and CS circles cut w QuicKutz dies
Paper flowers from Recollections
Ribbon scrap from RRR
Sentiment frame cut w Avery Elle die

     Challenges:

     You really should go check out the tutorial at Beccy's Place (linked up above) and try this fun version of an easel card.  They really are spectacular!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Monday, May 24, 2021

'Til the Cows Come Home

      "...'til the cows come home" was part of my childhood.  Both of my parents loved the phrase and would put it behind nearly any admonition to finish doing something or in answer to every child's "Are we there yet?"  The answer was usually something like "We're going to drive 'til the cows come home," "I want you to run 'til the cows come home,"  "You must study 'til the...."  Well, you get the idea.  When I saw this silly little cow from Bugaboo Stamps, I giggled and browsed through all those childhood memories.  :-D


Calf and Barn images merged
Sentiment printed w image
Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Cottage Cutz stitched die
Satin edge, sheer ribbon from RRR
Metal brads
CAS masculine design

     Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Sunday, May 23, 2021

A Birthday Celebration

      This darling image is a freebie from LeAnn's World  FB site to help celebrate LeAnn's birthday this month. 


Colored w ProMarkers
Image & frame cut w Sizzix dies
Background = dp scrap
Really Reasonable Ribbon - polka dot ribbon
Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die
Tassel made from silky embroidery thread

     Challenges:

     I hope your weekend is going well and that you'll have time for some "me time" crafting during what's left of it.  Enjoy and stay safe.   NanaConnie

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Sophie and Kitty

      You already know that I'm cat crazy so any image which has a kitty in it is going to speak to my heart.  This is my latest DT card for Conie Fong and the image is called "Sophie and Kitty."  Isn't she adorable with her red hair and calico kitten?

     I love the way alcohol markers blend to give shadows and depth.  Nothing else I use (pencils, chalks, water colors, or paint pens) gives the same effect so they have become my favorite way to color.  I also wanted the image to pop so I chose a black background and a really CAS design.  All I did was die cut the image and put it right on the background.

    I did challenge myself a bit when I decided to do this all in oranges and yellows, my 2 least favorite colors (except for fall cards!)  Despite not being a fan of those colors, I am rather pleased with the way this turned out.  :-D


Colored w ProMarkers
Die cut w Spellbinders die
Hand tied bow w flower sequin
CAS design

     Challenges:

      Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Wrong End of the Hourglass

      It's time for a new challenge at Creative Knockouts and this time we're sponsored by Jan's Digi Stamps.  Our theme is to "Finish the Inside" of your cards.  I used the "Beach Friends" image and sentiment, which reminded me of my mom who used to say that age 45 was when the sands of time began running into the wrong end of the hour glass.  When I saw that sentiment, I just had to use it!  lol  However, in my case, I think they started running to the wrong end at about age 30.  :-(


And here's what I did on the inside...

Colored w ProMarkers
Background paper w sparkle from DCWV
Double-loop bow, hand-tied
Inside dp = K & Co.

     Challenges:

     I hope we are going to see you playing along this week.  Remember to finish the inside of your card and then submit it as an entry.  We love being inspired by you!  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Knitty Kitty

      I've discovered a new artist - well, new to me though I'm sure she's been around for a while.  She does digis and digital coloring books, and you can find her on Etsy here.  Her name is Mariola Budek.  Of course, I fell in love with this kitten wrapped in knitting yarn and it's from one of her coloring books.  It's a .pdf file and I adjusted the size in Adobe Acrobat when setting up the printing process.


Colored w ProMarkers, pencils, & gel pens
Cut w Spellbinders die
Pink "jeans" dp scrap
Signature, hand-tied bow w flower sequin
Sentiment - unknown rubber stamp

     Challenges:

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Spring Walk for an English Lady

      It's time for another new challenge at Pammie's Inky Pinkies and our theme is "Anything Goes."  Our sponsor this week is Star Stampz and they generously supplied images for the DT to use.  I chose "English Lady" - isn't she elegant out for her first spring walk?



Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Frantic Stamper die
Pink lace scrap from stash
Pink dp scrap
Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die
Framed w Frantic Stamper die
Hand-tied, pink lace bow

     Challenges:

     I hope you're going to come play in our challenge this week.  Our sponsor, Star Stampz, has such cute digital images and you could win some of them!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Plant a Kiss

       Half way through the month of May and very close to half way through the year!  How did that happen?  We're starting our mid-month challenge at QKR Stampede today and our theme is always "Anything Goes."  You can use any images from any company on your projects but if you choose to use a QKR image (or one from our sister company, Eureka Stamps) then your entry qualifies for a separate draw only for QKR/Eureka images.  That increases your chance of winning by a huge amount, so think about it!  :-D

     I did a lovely spring card using the image "Flower Girl" and the sentiment "Plant a Kiss" both of which are from Eureka Stamps.


I pulled my colors from the top row at Color Dare.


Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w QuicKutz oval die
Lace trim added to image
Sentiment fussy cut
Row of pearls for embellishment
Mulberry paper flower w pearl
Card base made w shiny CS

     Challenges:

     Come play with us.  The challenge runs for the rest of May and a new challenge starts on June 1.  We'd love to be inspired by you and your creations.  :-D

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Friday, May 14, 2021

Home Tweet Home

      One more card for a progressive challenge and this one is for Stampers Delights.  I merged three of the images and a sentiment from the set for this month and this would make a cute card for someone moving into a new home or coming home after being away for a while.  Come to think of it, it might even work to welcome kids coming home from their first day back at school considering how long they've not been able to go to school.  Of course, having been stuck at home for a year, maybe they are delighted to be back at school.  :-D


Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Lawn Fawn die
CS squares cut w Lawn Fawn die
Sheer, plaid ribbon strip = RRR
Bow tied using bow maker

    Challenges:

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Birthday Bear for a Blog Hop

      This delightful Birthday Bear from Jan's Digi Stamps is wishing everyone at the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge a Happy Birthday during their 12th Annual Blog Hop.  Jan's Digi Stamps has happily sponsored several of their weekly challenges during the last two years and when they asked if we'd like to participate in the birthday celebration, we jumped at the chance!  For this Birthday Hop, Jan's Digi Stamps is offering a $10 (US) gift certificate to one lucky prize winner who leaves a comment on this post before or by May 19.  

     My card is also doing double duty as my mid-month DT reminder card for the challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps.  As the Sponsorship Coordinator for Jan's, I'm delighted to make my personal blog one of the stops along the hop.  


Pre-Colored Bear & Cake images merged
Sentiment merged
Cut with Spellbinders die
Background dp scrap from DCWV
Wide grosgrain ribbon used for the bow

          You should have come here from Monika’s Blog and your next stop is  Sheryl’s Blog 

     If you get lost along the way, check out the Annual Blog Hop post at CRAFT Challenge and also come play in the May challenge at Jan's Digi StampsHappy Crafting.  NanaConnie

     Challenges:

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Liliana Mermaid

      Today I'm sharing the first of my #Conie Fong DT cards for the month of May.  It features Liliana Mermaid as well as some fancy die cut work.  Don't forget that each month we have two challenges running; one is for colored images only and the other is for completed projects.  You do have to use Conie Fong images but there are so many of those and you're sure to fall in love with several once you go and explore the Etsy store.  :-D

     The image set includes Liliana both with and without a water lily and my original plan was to merge both images for use on one card.  However, I had forgotten I was working with jpg images, not a png images, and the plan went awry.  So I used one of the printed images and will save the other one for a future project.  The sentiment is also from Conie Fong but not from the Liliana Mermaid set and I honestly don't remember which set has that sentiment.  Sorry

     The best part about this card is that it's made with scraps and bits, both paper and CS.  Even the burlap ribbon for the bow was a left over scrap which I found in my scrap basket.  There was just enough of it to tie that bow and trim the dove-tail ends.


Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Unbranded die
Sentiment cut w Unbranded die
Pattern paper from K & Co.
Lime green CS cut w Cuts die
Tallest flower created w 'negative' pieces from the die cut
Burlap bow hand-tied and dyed w ink pad

     Challenges:

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Fairy Dust Day

      It wasn't until I saw this image and sentiment from Bugaboo Stamps that I understood what makes the difference between an ordinary day and a birthday.  lol  I love that idea and will be calling on the fairies for all family birthdays from this point forward.


Colored w ProMarkers (in my fave purples & blues)
Glitter added to wings
Image & frames cut w QuicKutz dies
Sheer & sparkle ribbons from RRR
Sentiment & mat cut w QuicKutz dies

     Challenges:

     That's all I have for today.  I'm having a bit of a relapse into the COVID lethargy and am finding it hard to sit at the computer or crafting table for more than half an hour at a time.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.  In the meantime, Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Monday, May 10, 2021

Beach Lemonade

      It's very likely that the area where I live will reach 100 degrees this week and it's only the first third of May, for Heaven's sake!  We always get hot, hot, HOT! weather during our summer months, usually several days in a row of over 100 degrees and when that happens I either stay inside in the craft room air conditioning or I head out for the beach.  I guess this week is perfect for this card I made over the weekend.  These House Mouse mousies have the right idea but they really need to watch that sunburn.  :-D


Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Die-namics stitched dies
Sentiment printed & cut with Die-namics
Scraps used for mats & frame
Sentiment printed on a scrap

     Challenges:

     I hope your weather is more pleasant than ours.  If it's not, stay inside and Happy Crafting.  :-D  NanaConnie

Friday, May 7, 2021

The Dough Maker

      Today's post is a quick one and it features the Dr. Digi image for the Progressive challenge at The Outlawz.  


Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w Dare 2B Artzy die
'Textured' dp from DCWV
Sparkle ribbon from RRR
     (I love wrapping ribbon around the card front because it's the fastest and easiest way to add ribbon to a card.)
Sheer ribbon for bow (used Bow Maker)

     Challenges:
Dragonfly Dreams (Sparkly ribbon)

     That's all for today.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Happy Mouse

       It's Thursday and that means it's time for another challenge at Creative Knockouts.  This week, we're sponsored by Fabrika Fantasy and the theme is "Anything Goes."  They supplied images for the team to use and I used the pre-colored, bonus image from the Happy Mouse set.  I needed the shortcut of a pre-colored image at the time I was making this card; I was still in the midst of my COVID recovery.  :-D


Pre-Colored image
Card front embossed w "Linen" EF
Butterflies cut w Press Cut die
Sentiment cut w Memory Box die
Satin & sheer ribbon by Crafty Ribbons
Hand-tied bow

     Challenges:
TTCRD

     Be sure to visit the Creative Knockouts blog t see what all the other designers created this week and than come and play with us!  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Sky's the Limit!

     It was wonderful to receive the freebie image for the May Progressive challenge at Imagine That!  It meant I was back as one of the participants over there and that made me feel that things were definitely getting back to 'normal.'  :-D

     I thought this would be perfect for an encouragement card or just to let someone know I was thinking about them.


I based this on the sketch from The Outlawz.

Colored w ProMarkers
Cut w QuicKutz oval die
Polka dot dp - DCWV scrap
Flags cut w IO die
Flags colored w watercolors
Metal brads & gray pearls

     Challenges:

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie