Bloom Where You're Planted

     It's the 1st of March and we're starting a new challenge at 2 Crafty Critter Crazies.  As always, our theme is "Anything Goes with a Critter" and that means anything 4 legged, 2 legged, 6 or 8 (or more) legged; animal, bug, fish, bird, whether real or fantasy, as long as it's some kind of creature and you feature it on your project, it's eligible.

     Our sponsor this month is Limited Runs and they have such a wide range of fun and funny images.  Check them out.

     I'm celebrating spring and I fell in love with this cute little bird, gardening in a pot.

     I colored with a combination of ProMarkers and colored pencils.  I used dies from Sizzix to cut the image and the dp frame.  I used glittered washi tape as though it was ribbon and added a tiny, hand-sewn, sheer ribbon bow, then adhered the sentiment.

     Challenges:
Allsorts (bird, bloom)
Colour Crazy
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Friends
Cut It Up
Jo's Scrap Shack
Pile It On
Send a Smile 4 Kids
Simon Says Stamp & Show

     Remember, our challenge runs all month but it now closes on the 25th of each month.  That gives time for the DT to each choose their favorite entry for the month and we publish all of those on the 1st of the following month, along with the random winner, and the new challenge.  Hope to see you playing along with us. And Thank You, Limited Runs, for sponsoring us.

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Clover Pixie for St. Patrick's

     I love doing St. Patrick's Day cards.  I know it's not a big holiday for most of us - certainly not Christmas or Easter.  But I'm Irish on both sides of the family tree and I was born on March 17 so how can I not love it?

     I also love taking images which weren't really intended to be for St. Paddy's and turning them into something fun and green.  That's what I did with this darling "Clover Pixie" from AuroraWings.

I started with the sketch from Try Stampin' on Tuesday

but took a liberty with the placement of one of the 

doilies because the flower embellies were better

showcased that way.

     I colored with ProMarkers, then cut the image with a die from Gina Marie.  Notice the 4-leaf clover shapes in the die cut?  I used two small, purple doilies and mounted everything onto cream CS.  I made one of my hand-sewn bows from sheer ribbon which was white and I 'dyed' it with a green ProMarker.

     I added the crocus embellishments because they were my Grammy's favorite flower.  She always said that they cheered her more than any other flower because they were always the first sign of spring, poking up through the snow, arriving even before their leaves had started, determined to show the world that spring was on its way.  :-D

     Challenges:
AuroraWings (1st column)
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz Color
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
Simon Says Stamp and Show
TTCRD

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Bad Hair Days ?

     While I had fun making today's card, there is a slight note of melancholy.  This image came from My Creative Scoop and their challenge is Color Inspiration Monday.  I was lucky enough to win one of their challenges and I chose this "Rapunzel" image as part of my prize.  Now, the story behind the wisp of sadness.

     I had my hair cut recently.  Not a big deal, right?  Everybody goes for haircuts and hair styling.  But my hairdresser cut 13 inches off my hair and it still hangs below the bottom of my shoulder blades!  So, cutting the hair felt like losing a rather well-loved part of myself.  But the truth is my hair was so long I couldn't sleep without first braiding it or pulling it up into a high ponytail and even then, I'd usually find myself unable to turn over in the night because I was lying on my hair.

     After the cut, I still put it into a ponytail or braid at night - that keeps it out of the way and I'm not sleeping on it.  It's actually kind of thrilling to run a comb through it and get to the end of the hair without having to first pick it up and lay it in my lap to comb the ends of it. 
:-D  So, here's the card that salutes my haircut!

     I colored with ProMarkers, then cut the image and the green frame with an Unbranded die.  For the tail end of the hair, I used a circle die from QuicKutz.  I mounted everything onto a green card front, then added the printed and hand-cut sentiment.  Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day - which I do every year because, not only am I Irish on both side of the family tree, I was born on St. Paddy's!  I was probably 9 or 10 before I discovered the whole country was celebrating something other than my birthday.  lol

     I tied the bow and added the butterfly.  I used left over bits that dropped out of one of my Spellbinders dies.  I took 3 of them, stacked them together, and added them to the front of the bow.  That was all the embellishment this card needed.

      Challenges:
Aloha Friday
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Catz
Di's Digi Designs
Hiding in My Craft Room
Jo's Scrap Shack
Outlawz Greetings
Outlawz PAM
Pammie's Inky Pinkies

     I hope your weekend was both restful and productive, and that you found some creative time in there somewhere.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

The Stylish Belle

     My eldest granddaughter has developed a true love of old Hollywood, pin-up girls.  She celebrated her birthday this month and, while I didn't have anything from the actual WWII time period she likes best, this image from the "Madamoiselle" collection by Linda Simpson Designs seemed to fit the genre.  She loved the card so I guess it worked.  :-D  She and I also found some archive patterns and we're going to sew some pin-up outfits for her to wear when she volunteers at Veterans' and Honor Flight functions.

     Making the card was pretty simple.  I printed the image, wrapped a piece of black CS with wide, white lace, and added the black bow.  Done!

     Challenges:
Creative Moments
DL.ART
Ike's World
Outlawz Twisted Thurs.
Star Stampz
TTCRD
Word Art Weds.

     Short and sweet today but I have places to go and things to see.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Party Hardy Bird

     This poor bird (Birthday Bird 02 from Bugaboo Stamps) looks a bit like he's partied waaaay too long or is just too old to care about birthdays any more.  :-D  I've done this one as a Guest DT for Catch the Bug and we have a new challenge starting today.  Our theme is a color palette which I'll add just below the photo of my card.

Colors

     I colored with a combo of ProMarkers and gel inks, then used some border dies from Spellbinders to cut the image.  I thought that gave the image a great shape and some interesting visual texture with the lacy bits along the sides.

     The striped dp was a scrap in my stash and the sheer, green, ribbon seemed to work well with both the embroidered dragonfly and the dp.  That card front was already so 'busy' I didn't want to add anything else to it.

     Challenges:
Allsorts (bird, birthday)
Colour Crazy
Crafty Catz
Creative Fingers
Cute Card Thurs.
Di's Digi Designs
Ellen Hutson
Jo's Scrap Shack
Polkadoodles
Scrappy Land

     I hope we're going to see you playing along this week.  It's a great color combo so get inspired and share something wonderful with us.  :-D  NanaConnie

Go Fly a Kite

     Today I'm using one of my favorite images from QKR Stampede to tell you about this week's challenge which starts today.  The image is "Kite Flying Girl" and what better image for a spring time card?

     I'm sending this to a friend who just needs some friendly encouragement right now.

     I used ProMarkers to color the image, then cut it with die from Spellbinders.  I used my "Linen" embossing folder on some pink CS and then added the image to that.  I found some sparkly white ribbon in my stash and wrapped a piece of it around the pink background.

     I printed the sentiment, hand cut it, and added it above the image.  The final touch was to tie a bow from polka dot ribbon and add it.

     Challenges:
Crafty Sentiments
DL.ART
I {heart} ProMarkers
Lemon Shortbread
Outlawz Twisted Thurs.
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
Paper Shelter
Pin-Sights
Scrapy Land
Southern Girls

     I hope you're going to come play with us this week.  Our theme is always "Anything Goes" and if you use an image from QKR, you can increase your chances of winning because those go into a completely separate draw.

Bunny Hugs

     This sweet bunny image came from The Dragon's Lair and is for their Progressive Challenge on FB.  I know it would make a cute Easter card but I also think it would be great for a new baby card or even for a first birthday.  With the little hearts in the image, it would even work as a Valentine.

     I colored with ProMarkers, deciding to use mostly my favorite lavenders and purples.  The image is cut with an Unbranded die.  I embossed the front of my card with my "Linen" folder, then wrapped a strip of lace around it.  I added a narrow strip of ribbon to the center of the lace and, unfortunately, it looks deep pink in the photo when it's actually lilac.

     The image oval went on next, and finally I added the embroidered dragonfly as an embellishment.

     Challenges:
Crafty Creations
Crafty Gals Corner
Cute Card Thurs.
Digi Choosday
I {heart} ProMarkers
Mod Squad
Passion for ProMarkers
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Word Art Weds.

     That's it for me today.  Be sure to come by tomorrow when I have another DT card for QKR Stampede.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

The Mind of a Cat

     Those of you who think you own a cat and those of you who fully understand that you are owned by a cat (or cats!) will appreciate the reality of this sentiment while the rest of you will find humor in  it.  That's a good thing since this card was done for Humor Me Wednesday at Catch the Bug, another of my Guest Designer creations.  Of course, if you and your fur babies live in cold country, this is just the first sign of spring!  lol

     I used "Bobblehead Farm Cat" from Bugaboo Stamps and it's only a dollar!  Can you believe that?  Go check it out; I've given you a link directly to it.

     I colored the image with ProMarkers, adding a floor and wall so that it's obvious he's inside.  I die cut him with a pinpoint, rectangle die from Memory Box and I cut the frame with another, larger die from that same set.

     The dp is a scrap which originally came from a "Linen Closet" stack by DCWV.  It's embossed and glittery.  I used the very last bit of some sheer, gold ribbon I had and added another of those accordion fold bows I like to make.

     I first saw bows like these in the embellishments section of my local scrapbooking store but they were very expensive!  I decided to try making them myself and bought three large rolls of beige fabric ribbon about an inch wide.  Once I conquered how to make the accordion fold (I use my bowmaker and wrap them around the middle), they were a snap to make.  I made several over the long weekend and had some left on the craft table so grabbed one for this card.  I think I used one on yesterday's card, too.

     Challenges:
A Perfect Time to Craft
Bugaboo Crafty (Crafting Circle)
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Outlawz Twisted Thurs
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
SUYP Cats
TTCRD

     I'm having so much fun as a GDT for Catch the Bug and I know I'm going to miss it when it's over.  But for now, the fun continues!  Happy crafting.  NanaConnie

"Carrot" for a Smooch?

     I think we all 'care' for smooches if they come from the right person but this image led me to a bit of word play with the sentiment.  Just look at the expressions on the faces of these two bunnies!

     The image is from Sasayaki Glitter and is for their FB Progressive Challenge.

    The image is colored with ProMarkers, and cut with a stitched square die from Lawn Fawn.  I inlaid the image piece into another die cut piece (QuicKutz.)   This is something new for me.  I've done inlaying of die cuts before but this is the first time I've tried inlays using unrelated die sets.  Always before, I've either used only one die (inlaying it into a background piece also cut with the same die) or used different size dies from the same set.  But this time I inlaid it into a die cut from a completely different company.  I like the results and will probably use this new technique quite a bit.

    I layered that entire piece onto a scrap of grunged-up, 12" x 12" paper left over from another project I finished a week or so ago.  It was still lying on my craft table so I just used it.  :-D  I added sheer, gold ribbon and tied an accordion-fold bow from a little scrap of wide, beige, fabric, ribbon.  The sentiment was printed and put on top of a die cut border piece (also QuicKutz.)

     Challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers
Creates and Makes
Ike's World
Lawn Fawnatics
Simon Says Stamp & Show
Simon Says Stamp
Unicorn

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Fluffy Cat

     Anyone who looks at the side panel  of my blog can see immediately that I'm a cat lover so you know without any doubt that the image from Limited Runs this month for their FB Progressive Challenge  just tickled me to pieces!  She reminds me of my Honey, all scrunched into a fluffy ball, with tail end twitching, about to pounce on a dust mote or ray of sunshine.  lol

I started with the color combo from House of Cards.

     I colored her with ProMarkers, then cut the image with a Gina Marie die.  However, that Chain Link die is actually a rectangle so I had to cut twice, adjusting the placement for the second cut, to make it square.

     The two pieces of dp were scraps in my stash and came from a "Linen Closet" stack by DCWV.  The dp is embossed and glittery.  No matter how I tried to photograph it, I got a shiny glare from the embossing on the upper piece.  Apologies.

     I added sheer ribbon and a silver bow for a bit of texture and dimension, then left it alone.  I wanted the image to be the focus, not the embellishments.  :-D

     Challenges:
Color Inspiration Mon.
Crafting from the Heart
Get Creative
Outlawz Color Tues.
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
Passion for ProMarkers
SUYP Cats
TTCRD

     OK, I'm off to bed.  Instead of this being a pre-scheduled post, I'm actually awake at nearly 3:00 in the morning and I really need to go to sleep.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Stella Says Sketch

     New sketch today over at Stella Says Sketch and nothing is more fun than being a  Guest Designer for Catch the Bug and getting an inside peek at the sketch for today.  To make my card, I used "Mildred - Chocolate Enriched" for the image and sentiment.  FYI, the sentiment is my own personal statement if not my philosophy on life in general!

Here's the sketch for this fortnight:

     Mildred is colored with ProMarkers, then cut with one of my oldest dies from Spellbinders, a deckled rectangle.  The flowered dp was a scrap, as was the polka dot ribbon.  I also used a scrap of deep pink CS for the lower portion of the card.

     I cut the sentiment with the same deckled die but I had to cut twice, moving the placement of the die to get the overall size I wanted for the sentiment piece.  I added one of my hand-sewn bows which was 'dyed' pink using a ProMarker, and then added the three tiny pearls to the lower corner.

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Di's Digi Designs
Dragonfly Dreams
Jo's Scrap Shack
Outlawz PAM
Pile It On
Pixie's Snippets
Stamping Sensations

     We'd love to see you come and play in the sketch challenge this time so won't you at least consider it?  Can't wait for you to inspire me.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Popping Out of Bed

     One more card in my role as a Guest Designer this month at Catch the Bug, this time using yesterday's Friday Freebie from Bugaboo Stamps.  If you click HERE, you can get the image for your own collection.  Did you know that Catch the Bug has a freebie each and every Friday?

     We are also starting a new challenge today and the theme is a BINGO board.  You can see the whole board at the end of this post.  I used the center column: Bugaboo Image/ Red/ Sparkle.

     I colored with ProMarkers, choosing to do a monochrome in red with everything else left black or white, although I did add a bit of sparkle gel ink to her glasses.  That color combo was inspired by the photo at The Cookie Challenge,    although this isn't a Valentine themed card since Valentine's Day is already over for this year and those cards were all done nearly 2 weeks ago.  That's what happens when you have to mail your cards instead of hand delivering them.

     I cut the image by hand; the frame is already part of the  image.  I cut red CS with a Die-Versions die and used it for the background, putting the image on top of it.  Once I had attached that to a white card front, I added red glitter to the flower for a bit of sparkle.

     Challenges:
Colour Crazy
Crafting with Friends
Creative Fingers
Di's Digi Designs
DL.ART
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
Polkadoodles
Stamping Sensations
Star Stampz

     That does it for today but please come by tomorrow to see my Guest Designer card using the newest Stella Says Sketch at Catch the Bug.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

  

It's Good to be Queen!

     Good Friday morning, my friends!  We are starting another challenge at QKR Stampede today and we have our usual "Anything Goes" theme.  There is no requirement to use a QKR image but if you do, your entry goes into a special and separate draw and that will increase your chances of winning by a huge margin.  Come play with us, won't you?

     My card today is not only celebrating spring and the flowers which will soon be blooming, it's also a salute to being the ruler of your own hive.  I'll probably use it as a Mother's Day card for my daughter who really needs to know that she's the Queen of her Hive.  :-D  I used the image "Queen Bee 14601" and added my own sentiment.

     I colored with ProMarkers and chalks, then cut the image with an octagon die from Spellbinders.  The edges are all embossed and then inked.  The border die cut of flowers is also a Spellbinders die.  I cut two different scraps of CS and added bits of the gold color cut on top of the pink.

     I printed the sentiment, hand cut it, and layered it onto the border flowers.  I admit that making my own sentiments and cutting them is something I prefer over rubber stamped sentiments.  Those definitely have their place and are fast and easy, but printing and cutting my own allows me to control the shape and size, the font, and the exact wording of the sentiments.  :-D

     Challenges:
Art Impressions
As You Like It
Aud Sentiments
Color Inspiration Mon.
C.R.A.F.T.
Crafting from the Heart
Crazy Challenge
Cutie Pie
Outlawz Greetings
Pammie's Inky Pinkies

     The weekend is here in just a few more hours so relax and enjoy it!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

A Rose by Any Other Name...

     I was looking at the inspiration photo for the February challenge over at MHK Designs and went immediately to my collection of images from MHK.  I found these stunning roses and decided they would be perfect if I colored them in light to deep pinks.

I based my card design on this sketch from Viva la Verve,

although I broadened the design to fit my card shape.

     I colored the image with ProMarkers, then cut both it and the frame with Sizzix dies.  Both the polka dot dp and the background dp were from my stash of scrap papers.  Since I was using wide sheer ribbon, I decided to layer it on top of the image instead of under it.  I found the layered rose in my stash and added it to the bottom corner for a bit of dimension and a tiny pop of green from the leaves.

     Challenges:
Crafting by Designs
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Creations
Creative Inspirations
I {heart} ProMarkers
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Simon Says Stamp
Word Art Weds.

     We're getting close to the weekend again and I have big crafting plans, including some sewing and some machine embroidery.  I have a new data card with butterflies.  Maybe I'll have time for another embroidered applique card.  We'll see.

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Meeting New Friends

     I was sorting through my collection of digis over the weekend and ran across one which had been saved but not in any particular folder so I have no idea who drew it or when I gathered it into my collection.  I'm sure I grabbed it because of my oldest granddaughter who adores dragons in any shape or size.  I know I've never colored it before so it'll be new to her.

    I think it's a classic representation of making new friends, regardless of how different they may be.  Or maybe it just shows how everyone and everything is attracted to baby dragons, even a butterfly.  :-D

     This is a rather CAS card made with scraps.  I started by printing the image on a scrap of CS, then I colored it with ProMarkers.  I cut two sides of it into an oval using an Unbranded die and left the other two sides straight.

     The checkered dp was a scrap with one corner missing but the colors worked so well with the image, I just had to use it.  I found scraps of ribbons in my stash, one of which has stitched edges.  I wrapped one around the checkered scrap and used the other ribbon to tie a bow.

     I found a pre-made card base with a teal front and began put the other layers onto it, creating the simple design you see here.  I printed and hand cut the sentiment, inking the edge before adding it to the card front.  I added three tiny pearls to the upper corner, keeping the embellishment as simple as possible.

     Challenges:
Addicted to CAS
Crafty Calendar
Digi Choosday
Hiding in My Craft Room
Lemon Shortbread
Passion for ProMarkers
Not Just Cards
TTCRD

     I think I'll write a sweet note inside and mail it to my granddaughter for no reason other than I love her and we both love dragons.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Cutting Out Snowflakes

     Many of you know that I live out in California where we have very little snow except in the Sierra Nevada range, those high mountains that run like a backbone up the length of California, into Oregon and Washington, and even on into western Canada.  That's how I love snow - up in the mountains where one can choose to visit for a day or even a weekend of playing in it, and then return to the valley where it's dry and warm and skid-free.  :-D

     I adore Penny Black stamps, especially the cats and the hedgehogs, and this one always makes me think of California winters since, if we want snowflakes, we pretty much have to cut them from paper.

I based this on the sketch at Sketch Saturday

turned sideways and 

kept even cleaner and more simple

by leaving out one layer.

     I stamped the image, colored it with my ProMarkers, and cut it with a Bo Bunny die.  The teal-blue frame was cut with another die which is part of that same set.  I added glitter to the snowflake and set it aside to dry. 

     I found two scraps of teal gingham dp, trimmed them and added them diagonally across the card front.   I layered on the image and the frame, then printed the sentiment, hand cut and matted it, and added it above the image. 

    I used no embellishments because I want this card to be very CAS.  I'm sending it to one of my grandsons who lives in snow country, relishing the fact that he has to shovel snow and I don't!  lol

     Challenges:
Addicted to CAS
Incy Wincy
Jo's Scrap Shack
Kreativeinkauf
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
Not Just Cards
Penny Black Saturdays
Scrappy Land
Word Art Weds.

     Enjoy your weather, whatever it may be on this lovely February day, and if you have no snow, count your blessings and cut out a snowflake or two.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Chocolates Mean Love!

     I remember as a child growing up that there were a few special occasions when a box of fancy chocolates would show up and they were always occasions when love was being celebrated - Valentine's  Day, my parent's Anniversary, sometimes even Mother's Day.  If we were oh, so good, we could choose a piece from the box and that meant "Love!"

     My card today celebrates those lovely memories with an image from House Mouse.

I decided that I'd also use the color palette from Outlawz Color Challenge 

since it has all my favorite purples in it.  :-D

     I stamped and colored the image (using ProMarkers), then cut it with a plain rectangle die from Spellbinders.  I matted it with dp from SU and cut it again with another, larger die from that set.  The background dp came from a pad by Paper House.  I've used so much of it because of the entire pad is all purples and now I wish I'd purchased three of them instead of just the one.

     I wrapped the card front with sheer, lavender ribbon and dug out one of my hand-sewn bows, dyed it purple, and layered it onto the sheer ribbon.  The tiny flower is embroidered using purple floss for the flower itself and a combination of purple and green floss for the stem and leaf.

     Finally, I printed the sentiment, hand cut it, and added it to the bottom corner of the image.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps and More
Cards in Envy
Color Inspiration Mon.
Creates and Makes
House Mouse
I {heart} ProMarkers
Lemon Shortbread
Simon Says Stamp
Unicorn

     Have a great Monday and Happy Crafting.   NanaConnie

Sunrise Bird

     I did some playing around with something that's completely new to me and I'm not even sure the technique has a name but I was playing with alcohol inks for the first time.  I used one of my favorite images from Beccy's Place.

I started my card inspiration with the optional sketch

at Beccy's Place but turned it 1/4 turn.

     After being inspired by a friend of mine, I had been making background papers by adding alcohol inks to watercolor paper and then adding die cut or framed images as layers on top of the background.   But as I looked at this particular inked paper, it had a "hole" of light that I thought would look terrific as a sunrise.  I carefully measured the distance of the "hole" of light from the edge of the full sheet of paper and tried 4 different times printing this bird image until it lined up where I wanted to print the image.  I think next time, I'll just use a rubber stamp instead of trying to print out a digi.  :-D

     Once I was sure the image would print into the right spot, I put the inked paper into my printer and hit the print button!  I had only one shot at it but I'm happy with the result.  I colored the bird with Pro-Markers, then cut the image piece by hand.

     The die cut (Cheery Lynn), golden-yellow, CS was a scrap left over from another project and it worked well here.  The netting added great texture and the bow was already made and in my stash.

     I'm pretty excited about my afternoon with alcohol inks and I'll do more of this, I'm sure of that.  I want to try alcohol inks on a smoother paper so that it doesn't spread or get absorbed as much.  Watercolor paper just sucks the ink right in.

     Challenges:
Colour Crazy
Crafter's Castle
Crafting by Designs
Crafty Calendar
Creative Fingers
Creative Moments
Jo's Scrap Shack
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
Take It, Make It

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie  

Happy Troll Day

     Once more I'm tickled to be sharing a card as a Guest Designer for Catch the Bug.  We have a new challenge that starts today and our theme is to use washi tape.  I'm using one of the newest images from Bugaboo Stamps, the "Birthday Troll."  I'm stocking up on birthday cards.

     I used ProMarkers to color the image and cut it with a diamond die from Spellbinders.  The sentiment was printed and hand cut before mounting it with washi tape bits. 

     All the washi tape pieces were cut with one of my quilting dies, this one from Stampin' Up.  Actually, those were all in my stash of scraps, having been cut from glittery washi for an earlier project.  I used the washi tape as the only embellishment so that I could keep it CAS.

     Everything is mounted on yellow, hand-bleached, CS (done with a Q-Tip dipped in bleach!)

     Challenges:
Bugaboo Crafty 
Colour Inspiration Mon.
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Gals Corner
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Get Creative
Incy Wincy
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
TTCRD

     Have yourself a great weekend and Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Feeling all 'At Sea'?

     We are starting a new challenge today over at QKR Stampede and I really hope we're going to see you playing along with our "Anything Goes" theme.  My SIL's birthday is right around the corner and he's acting like he's floundering in those early-50s years so I thought this image from QKR Stampede was perfect for him!  It's called "Ship" and I love it, despite the apparent danger.  The sentiment is also from QKR Stampede, called "Your Birthday"

     For coloring, I actually printed the image onto blue-gray CS, then added highlights with white gel ink and white colored pencil.  I cut the image and the black mat with pinpoint rectangle dies form Memory Box. 

     The gray background was embossed with a folder from Sizzix  and I wrapped it with blue baker's twine.  I love it alone after that since it's a masculine card and I wanted a CAS design with minimal embellishment.

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft
Country View Crafts
Color Sisters
Colour Crazy
Crafting with an Attitude
Crafts Galore Encore
Createful Heart
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Scrapy Land
Word Art Weds.

      Come play with us this week, won't you?   Remember, it's "Anything Goes" all the time, no twist, no other requirements.  You don't have to use a QKR Stampede image but if you do, you really increase your chances of winning some of our images because we have two drawings; one for just QKR images and one for everybody else.  Come try your luck.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Flowers for You

     This sweet little boy (image for Progressive Challenge at Sasayaki Glitter FB) is bringing flowers for his Valentine, although I think it would also make a great image on a Mother's Day card.  I wanted to keep this one CAS but with a bit of visual interest.

      I colored him with my ProMarkers and colored the flowers using Nuvo Crystal Drops (a new acquisition for me.)   I cut the image with one of my older dies from Spellbinders and I inked the edges using an old ink pad.  I die cut the sentiment piece and inked it the same way. 

     The plaid paper is from the DCWV Linen Closet stack (my favorite ever of all their stacks) and that was a scrap leftover from another project.  The background was in my stash of scraps I've saved from 12" X 12" papers and I don't remember the company.

     I added one of my hand-sewn bows and I made a tiny flower instead of my usual pearl.  Again, I used the Novo Drops to mimic the flowers in the image.  Despite the dp, the design is pretty CAS.

     Challenges:
Cards in Envy
Color Inspiration Mon.
Crafting from the Heart
Crafty Sentiments
Crazy Challenge
Pammie's Inky Pinkies
Passion for ProMarkers
Simon Says Stamp
Unicorn Challenge

     Happy Crafting, my friends.  NanaConnie

Vintage Valentine Kids

     When I found this darling image in my collection from TLC Creations, I just knew I had to use it for a Valentine card this year.  I don't even know how long I've had it but I've never used it so the money for that purchase has gone to waste until now.  :-D  I can't believe I went that long without using it as much as I love vintage images!

     I decided that I really liked the black and white of the pencil sketch image so I colored only the heart and the sentiment with ProMarkers and gel ink.  I die cut the image and the red mat for it with dies from on of my earliest sets by Spellbinders.  I layered those together and then started looking for some dp.

     I'm a person who saves scraps of this and that, and in my stash I had a paper bag with an old newsprint pattern which had held one of my craft purchases who knows how long ago.  I cut a scrap of it and added it to dark brown CS.

     I added a brown doily to one side, then layered on the image piece.  I dug out the red, polka dot ribbon, tied a bow, and trimmed another strip of it to fit the card front.  Fairly CAS design which looks more complex than it is.

     Challenges:
AAA Cards
Angie's Digital Stamps
Aud Sentiments
Crazy Challenge
Frilly & Funky
Mod Squad
Quick Quotes
Star Stampz
Victorine Originals

     Thanks so much for visiting me today.  Take a stroll around while you're here and maybe something will spark your own creativity.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Wild Roses

     This beautiful image from Beccy's Place is the stamp for the Outlawz Progressive Freebie challenge this month.  I'm absolutely crazy about Beccy's art work and my collection of her images continues to grow.  Coloring this particular image was relaxing and fun.

I used colors from the bottom row of 

the Tuesday Tic Tac Toe challenge at Outlawz.

     I had a design  idea in my head when I was coloring the image with ProMarkers and gel inks, but as I began the layout portion, it took off on a path all its own.  The image and the sentiment had been printed onto a scrap of white CS and I used one of my oldest die sets from Spellbinders to cut the image and the sentiment and I layered them together.  I always save the leftover CS when I print/stamp only one image onto an 8 1/2" X 11" sheet and use the scraps for another image later on.  Waste not, want not!

     Lying on my desk was a die cut I had done for another project but didn't use - the lattice work.  That came from my newest die by Spellbinders and I really had no intention of having yellow as a main color on this card but I layered it behind the image and immediately decided to use it for the background. 

     However, a white card front behind the lattice just didn't work for showcasing the roses.  So I dug out a scrap of forest green burlap, distressed it a bit by removing one or two threads on each border and layered the lattice on top of that.  Voila`!  Perfect background and the image is showcased.

     I wrapped some sheer ribbon around the card front before I added the image and then used the large, white bow to complete the design.

     Challenges:
Crafty Calendar
Everybody Art
Outlawz Twisted Thurs.
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Pixie's Snippets
Simon Says Stamp
Word Art Weds.

     I hope your weekend was totally restful and energizing, and that you even got in some creative time.  It's a Monday but don't let that discourage you.  The week will move along at a regular pace and it'll be a weekend again.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

New Sketch at Catch the Bug

     Every other Sunday, Catch the Bug has a new sketch in their "Stella Says Sketch" challenge.  Since I'm a Guest Designer with them this month, and since I love sketches, I jumped right in and used the sketch which starts today.  Of course, I had to use my favorite color - purple - and make something that shouts "Spring!"

Here's the sketch.  

     I printed the image ("5 Flowers") twice and colored both of them with ProMarkers.  Because I needed three "inchies" squares for the sketch, I cut the two end flowers off one of my printed/colored images and cut the center flower out of the other one.  That way, I could lay them out and mat them with dark purple CS.

     For the background papers, I chose one with flowery paisleys (DCWV) and a leftover scrap of hand bleached CS.  I did that myself many months ago using a Q-Tip and dabbing it onto a saucer of bleach and then onto the CS.  Time consuming but since I save every unused scrap of it, easy to grab out of the stash as needed.

     I added grosgrain ribbon which is stitched with pink embroidery floss.  I love real stitching but rarely have the time to do it so I end up being happy with hand-drawn stitches.  But this time, those are real stitches!

     Finally, I added the lilac satin bow (it was white but I 'dyed' it with my ProMarkers.)  The sentiment (Is It Spring Yet?) somehow says it all.  :-D

     Challenges:
As You Like It
C.R.A.F.T.
Crafty Friends
Crafty Sentiments
Digi Choosday
Lemon Shortbread
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Simon Says Stamp
TTCRD
Tuesday Throwdown

    Thanks for visiting and Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Summer Snow?

     This month, I have the honor of being a Guest Designer at Catch the Bug and that means I get to use lots of Bugaboo Stamps throughout the next four weeks!  Yes, I'm excited about that, just in case you hadn't guessed.  :-D

     My first card is for the "Anything Goes" theme on our Saturday challenge this week and it features an oldie-but-goodie image that I've had for a long time.  I adore sweet little "Abby Umbrella."

     I colored her with ProMarkers, and cut the image with a plain oval die from QuicKutz.  I used another oval die (Unbranded) to cut the deep aqua mat.  The polka Dot dp came from a stack by DCWV.  I printed and hand-cut the sentiment, then added one of my more-or-less 'signature' bows.  I make those by the dozens and toss them into my stash for future use.  I usually make them from white ribbon and then 'dye' them with ProMarkers to get the exact shade I want.  I did that with this one.

     Challenges:
Bugaboo Crafty Circle
Colour Crazy
Crafting with an Attitude
Crafting with Friends
Crafty Catz
Creative Fingers
Cute Card Thurs.
Polkadoodles
Take It, Make It

     I hope you'll come play at Catch the Bug this week.  You can use any image from any company but if you use one from Bugaboo Stamps and you win, the prize is much larger!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie
     

Valentine Ragdoll

     Another Friday, another challenge at QKR Stampede and, as always, we have a theme of "Anything Goes."  I've been working on a few Valentine cards and this darling image. "Be My Valentine," worked perfectly.  The sentiment is actually part of the image.

I started with the colors from House of Cards.

     I colored with a combination of ProMarkers and colored pencils, then did an out-of-the-box cut with a square die from Lawn Fawn.  I found a scrap of burgundy CS which I used for the card front and I added mulberry paper to each end of the card front.

     That was another scrap and I didn't have enough of it to do a long strip so I cut it into two small pieces and added one piece to each side of the image.  Once that was done, I 'feathered' the edges of the mulberry and then added the image to the card front.

     I tied one of my little hand-sewn bows to one side and called it finished.

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time ... Extra
Card Mania
Classic DT Open
Creatalicious
Delicious Doodles
Die Cut Divas
Dies R Us
   
     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Joie de Vivre

     The first Friday of the month is the day we start new challenges at Emerald City, using fabulous images and papers from Linda Simpson Designs, and this month I've used a stunning vintage image from the "Madamoiselle" ephemera collection.  Isn't she incredible?

     This one was fast and easy to make.  The image did all the work.  :-D  I cut the image piece into a rectangle and bordered it with black lace on each side.  I put the blue flowers together into a long shape and added them to the bottom of the card.  Honestly, I spent more time fiddling with the flower spray than anything else.  :-D

     I know you're going to see a lot more creations from me using other images and papers from this set!  I'm absolutely hooked on it.

     Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft
A Perfect Time to Craft
Country View Crafts
Crafts Galore Encore
Crafty Hazelnut's Pattern Paper
Digistamps 4 Joy
World Wide Open DT

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie