It Feels Like Spring!

     We've had such beautiful weather out here in central California this last week (in the low 80s) and everything is blooming, bursting, or popping!   In the midst of all that, I simply had to do cards that have springtime images on them, including this one which is my DT card for Digi Doodle Studios, where our newest challenge theme is "Use Ribbon or Lace."  I added ribbon to my lace.  :-D

     The image is called "Keira" and I think she's fabulous with her shy, little puppy behind her.

I based this on the sketch at Tuesday Morning, running the division the length of the card

and offsetting it slightly. I also used the middle row of TicTacToe colors from Color Dare.

  

Colored with ProMarkers
Image and mat cut with dies from QuicKutz
Background dp scrap embossed with 'Linen' EF
Lace woven with satin ribbon
"Pearls" added to ribbon with Pearl Drops
Sentiment printed and cut with Avery Elle die

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Colour Crazy
Creative Knockouts
Cute Card Thurs
I {heart} ProMarkers
Outlawz Colors
Outlawz Twist Thurs
Passion for ProMarkers

    I hope we're going to see you playing along in our challenge this month and don't forget to check out our Facebook page, too.  Over there, we have a "Forever" challenge each month which is always "Anything Goes with a DDS image."

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

A Succulent Bouquet

     It's the third Monday in January and we start a new challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps today!   Our theme is always "Anything Goes" and you may use any products from any makers on your projects.

     I'm using a really gorgeous set called "Succulent Bouquet 942J."  It has some stunning images in both B&W and pre-colored, plus lovely sentiments.  I colored it myself but I did try to stick to the gray-blue colors of the cactus succulents Jan had done in the set.  Mine is almost a perfect match to the few succulents which are growing in pots on my porch.

     I have tons of flower stamps but must admit this is probably my favorite.  There's something about the combination of succulents and roses that really appeals to me.

Colored with ProMarkers and chalks
Pearl Drops added to rose centers
Image and 2 circles cut with Sizzix dies, using out-of-the-box technique on image
Lightest circle is metallic paper
Purple CS embossed with "Linen" folder
Sheer bow has 7 loops
Wide ribbon is sheer, plaid, and from RRR
Sentiment printed and hand cut

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Arty Divas
Colour Crazy
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz Twisted Thurs
Paper Funday
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Scrappy Land
Stamping Sensations
TTCRD

     Come play with us this fortnight.  We want to see what you create.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Best Buddies

     Another Friday so another new challenge at QKR Stampede.  As always, our theme is "Anything Goes" and there's no requirement to use a QKR image (or Eureka - our sister brand which I used this week) or sentiment.  However, if you do use one of those, your entry will be in a completely separate draw and that increases your chances of winning by quite a lot.

     This week, I used an image from Eureka Stamps called "Big n Little Cat."  We all know that cats are my favorite animals but, in truth, I'm a general animal lover -- all animals!  I'm required to say that cats are my favorites because my feline fur babies would throw me out of 'their' house if they thought for one second that dogs or rabbits or horses might have even a second or third place in  my heart.

     Although the the fur babies spend a lot of time watching over my shoulder as I'm drafting my blog posts, neither has yet learned to read so I'm safe sharing that fact with you.  :-D

I chose a color combo from

My Favorite Things.

     I colored with my ProMarkers and framed it with a scrap of embossed CS which had been cut with a die from Cheapo dies.  The 'ribbon' strip is also a scrap and I added one of my signature bows.  Instead of sewing on a pearl, I used blue Pearl Drops in the center.

     Another of my CAS design with lots of open space, even if not the usual "white" space, which will be perfect for another masculine card.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps & More
As You Like It
Aud Sentiments
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Gals Corner
House That Stamps Built
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz Greetings
SUYP Cats
TTCRD

     Come play with us this week!  We love being inspired by you and your creations.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie