New Cards with Old Sketches

I love, love, LOVE to use sketches when I make cards.  I have been attempting to clean/organize my crafting area over the past few days, and one of the jobs I needed to do was sort through the sketches I'd been meaning to use ...... someday.  I decided to take a little break from organizing and make a card with two of my "someday" sketches.

Card #1 uses Amy's sketch and some very bright K & Co. papers.

Supplies:
Stamps:  SU! "Very Punny" (SAB set from several years ago)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  white, bright pink, dps from K & Co. "Berry Sweet"
Other:  Copic markers, Bow Easy, organdy ribbon (Jo Ann's), circle Nestabilities

Card #2 follows Jackie's sketch and more scraps from the same paper collection as the first card.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve "Carpe Cupcake"
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers:  K & Co. "Berry Sweet"
Other:  Nestabilities circle, scalloped circle, and labels 5 dies, organdy ribbon from Jo Ann's, Bow Easy, Copic markers, Stickles "Crystal" glitter

I'm embarrassed to say that the house has become a disaster zone while I've been in school full-time this fall.  When push came to shove as finals approached, I just let it all go so I could spend time studying (which did pay off in my final grades!).  I've managed to get some more general cleaning done in the house today which really feels good when you can look back and really see a difference as you move from room to room and get the clutter put away/thrown out/recycled.  I need to get myself removed from a bunch of mailing lists!  Good thing I tackled that task before recycling pickup!  I really wanted the living room especially to look nice so that we have a good background for the Christmas pictures tomorrow!  Ariel was a big help in picking up her various Littlest Pet Shop figures and helping me with the floors.  Choir sings for church tonight, and I hope our two songs go smoothly!

Merry Christmas and thanks for stopping by! 
Blessings,
Sarah

Christmas Snow!

This week's Shining the Light Challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs (snow or snowflakes) was certainly appropriate for the wintry weather we've had in Wisconsin over the past few days.   We picked up about 15" of snow from Wednesday through Friday, so it will definitely be a white Christmas for us this year!

Here's Ariel measuring the snow on the deck.  The tape measure isn't quite level with the table top, but I think you can see it's a lot of snow!

Our 2 malamutes were also pretty happy to see a lot of snow!  They were not at all happy with the hot, dry summer we had.  They are finding this weather much more to their liking!  I took this picture while it was snowing on Thursday.  As you can see, there are 2 perfectly good dog houses, but these dogs would much rather enjoy the snow. 

OK, on to my card for today!  I used a combination of Our Daily Bread Design stamps for the outside and inside of my card.

I combined these challenges: 
Our Daily Bread Designs Shining the Light 135:  Snow or snowflakes
Simon Says Stamp:  Anything Christmassy
Papertake Weekly:  Pick of the Year (Anything Goes is my favorite!)
Basic Grey Challenges #84:  Anything Goes (I used Basic Grey "Jovial" papers)
Pile it On:  Embellishments

Supplies:
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs "Ornaments 2" and "Christmas Blessings" inside sentiment
Papers:  White, ivory, dps from Basic Grey "Jovial"
Ink:  SU! Wild Wasabi and Versafine Onyx Black
Other:  Spellbinders oval, scalloped oval big scalloped oval, and create-a-flake 4 dies, May Arts 1.25" ivory silk ribbon, Favorite Findings snowflakes, Bow Easy, ivory ribbon with gold edge from stash
Card size:  6" square

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

ETA:  Thank you to Our Daily Bread Designs for selecting my card as one of the Shining the Light Award cards for this challenge!  Merry Christmas!

CIC blog hop winner

So the winner of the $25 Clearly Digi Stamps gift certificate was one of the commenters on my blog.  Congratulations to An'Jenic of AJ Scrapbooking and Cards!  Enjoy your shopping spree!  :)

Wishing you all a blessed holiday season!
Sarah

Come Hop Along!

As promised, today is the Clearly Digi Blog Hop!  One lucky commenter (randomly chosen) will win a $25 gift certficate from Clearly Digi Stamps good on their fabulous array of digital images.  The hop starts at the Clearly iStamp blog HERE.  Our theme today is Anything Christmas.

Here's today's hop order:

Clearly iStamp

Kathy

Dana

Vicki

Cassie

Sarah N. (you are here)

Lisa

Linda

For my card, I decided to use this cute snowman image that was just released last month in "Baby It's Cold Outside."

I used sketch #237 from Sketch Saturday as the basis of my layout.  I want to use this layout again sometime with flowers in the lower left hand corner!  :)

Supplies:
Image:  by Clearly Digi Stamps (Clear Dollar Stamps)
Papers: white, red, dps from DCWV "Everyday stack"
Other:  Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle dies, May Arts 1.25" red silk ribbon, Bow Easy, snowflake from Favorite Findings, Copics, MS snowflakes border punch
Card size:  6" square

Your next stop on the hop is the lovely Lisa!

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

New Release Day at CDS!

Today there is a new release at CDS!  There are new flower images, new animal images, a fun coffee themed set, and much more!  You can see all of the sets being released at the Clearly Digi Stamps blog HERE.

For the new release, I'm featuring two sets today, Flower Garden and Animal Mania.

I decided to use a single flower fom Flower Garden and print it three times close together to make a little flower garden.  I used SC378 for my layout, but I rotated the sketch so I could use up a few scraps of paper. 

 

 

 

Supplies:
Image:  Flower Garden from Clearly Digi Stamps
Papers:  white, pink, dps from Basic Grey "Gypsy"
Other:  Copic markers, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Spellbinders oval and scalloped oval dies, Recollections rhinestones for flower centers
Card size:  A2

I decided to use the elephant from Animal Mania along with SC339 for my layout.  I rotated the sketch and oriented it "the long way" to fit my elephant image.

Supplies:
Image:  Animal Mania from Clearly Digi Stamps
Papers:  black, white, dps from DCWV "Everyday Stack"
Other:  Copic markers, Recollections mini rose
Card size:  A2

Remember to stop back tomorrow for the CDS blog hop!  Commenters will be entered into a random drawing to win a $25 gift certificate from Clearly Digi Stamps. 

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

From All of Us

I have had more problems with scheduled posting on Blogger than I thought was possible!  This card was supposed to go live yesterday, and it didn't.  As I re-read my post, it turns out that was a good thing because I forgot to mention an upcoming blog hop, and I also got a chance to take a better picture of my card.  :)

First of all, mark your calendars for Sunday, December 16th. Clearly Digi Stamps (Clear Dollar Stamps) will be having a blog hop.  When you leave comments on the participants' blogs, you will be entered into a random drawing to win a $25 gift certificate for digital images from Clearly Digi Stamps.  With a new release coming up on the 15th, you will have even more awesome images from which to choose!  The hop will start from the Clearly Digi Stamps blog HERE.

Another fun thing from Clearly Digi Stamps is their Clearly Inspired Challenge.  You can read all of the challenge guidelines and prize details HERE and see the DT samples HERE.  The current challenge is a sketch challenge, and you have until midnight on January 3, 2013 to enter (challenge was extended from 2 weeks to 1 month for December).

Here's my card that I wanted to share.  I have been wanting to use these cute little birdies for a while, and it was finally their turn to be colored!  I used SC383 from Splitcoaststampers for my layout.

Image:  Tweet Houses from Clearly Digi Stamps (Clear Dollar Stamps)
Papers:  white, black, dps from DCWV "Everyday Stack"
Other:  Copic markers, Nestabilities circle dies
Card size:  6" square

I probably won't have another post until the CDS new images for December are released on the 15th.  I have final exams all of next week, and then I am going to clean my house and stamp, well, maybe not in that order!  (wink)

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

Happy Birthday!

Today I have a masculine birthday card to share with you.  I struggle with masculine cards as there always seems to be a perfect place to add a nice bow or some flowers, but I left them off and just did some sponging and edge distressing instead!  I like how the sentiment has a screwdriver for the letter i in birthday as it helps with the masculine theme. 

This image is available as a digi from Clear Dollar Stamps.  The digi set also includes 2 patterned papers.  I was going to print them and use them on my card except that I need to get more ink for the printer, so I used a tape measure patterned paper and some others that coordinated.

Supplies:
Image from Clear Dollar Stamps digi "Classic Tools"
Papers:  white, dps from DCWV "Everyday Stack"
Ink:  Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Other:  Copics, Tim Holtz distressing tool, Spellbinders oval die, Recollections screw head brads, sponge
Card size:  6" square

I used SC346 for my layout.

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

Hello Friend

Sorry for such a long absence from posting.  School has been keeping me quite busy, and I just haven't had time to do any cards lately!  Today I wanted to share this cute turtle image from Clear Dollar Stamps.  It's one of several turtles in a digital set called "Turtle Greetings."

Supplies:
Image:  "Turtle Greetings" from Clear Dollar Stamps digis
Papers:  white, dps from Basic Grey "Euphoria"
Other:  Copic markers, Nestabilities scalloped circle and circle dies, EK Success scroll punch, flowers from stash, pink pearl from Hero Arts
Card size:  6" square

I used one of Dawny's lovely sketches from Paperake Weekly for my layout.  I'm also entering my card in their challenge for this week which is a free for all using any of the PTW sketches.

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

New Release Day at CDS!

Today there is a huge array of new digis being released at Clear Dollar Stamps!  There are so many great holiday stamps and sentiments to see over at the CDS blog.

Today I'm previewing two new digi sets.  The first one is called Christmas Card Sentiments.  I gravitated to this religious one and made the sentiment the focal point of my card.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Christmas Card Sentiments Digi from Clear Dollar Stamps
Papers:  white, red, dps from DCWV "The Christmas Stack"
Other:  Spellbinders Romantic Rectangles, Recollections red mini roses, white flower from Prima, stick pins and beads from stash
Card size:  6" square

For my second preview, I used the digi set Baby It's Cold Outside.  This set is super cute with penguins, snowmen, and accompanying sentiments.  I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to find a sheet of dp with cute little penguins on it in one of my paper pads to use for this card! 

I based my card on SC377, but I didn't do two panels for the deepest background layer.  If I hadn't already adhered the dp to the mat and more layers on top, I would have changed it!  ;)

Supplies:
Stamps:  Baby It's Cold Outside Digi from CDS
Papers:  white, red, dps from Debbie Mumm Harvest and Holiday collection
Other:  1.25" May Arts red silk ribbon, Bow Easy, Nestabilities oval and scalloped oval dies, snowflake from Favorite Findings, Copic markers
Size:  6" square

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

The Last HYCCT Cards for 2012!

I just finished the last two cards for this year's Hope You Can Cling To challenges!  I really did not think that I was going to get all of them done, but they are now all packaged and ready to be mailed.

For HYCCT1202 we were challenged to make a cupcake wrapper or 3D cupcake box and a coordinating note card and/or tag.  I decided to make a card and a wrapper.  The only problem was that I forgot to buy regular sized cupcake liners, so all I had were the teeny tiny mini liners.  They didn't work very well for making a cupcake wrapper, so I kind of hid the cupcake in the back of the photo.  I hand wrote "You're so sweet" on each of the hearts.

I used SC382 for my layout.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Clear Dollar Stamps "Yummy Cupcake"
Papers:  white, black, dps from K & Co. "Smitten"
Other:  Copic markers, Recollections pearls, Creative Memories heart punch, toothpick
Card size:  A2

For HYCCT1221, we were challenged to include some kind of clear element in our card.  I decided to use the cracked glass technique.

I used SC375 for my layout.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs "Hope"
Papers:  white, dps from K & Co. "Smitten"
Ink:  Versafine, SU! "Melon Mambo"
Other:  Ultrathick embossing powder, heat gun, Nestabilities circle and scalloped circle dies
Size:  A2

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

Getting Closer

This is the second to the last HYCCT post for 2012!  I still have one more card to make, but I'll post that one separately once I make it!

The HYCCT1224 challenge was to use the "kissing" stamping technique where you apply ink to a solid stamp and then before stamping it, "kiss" (stamp) the solid stamp with a stamp that was inked up in a different color.

I used Amber's fabulous November week 1 VLV sketch for my layout.

Supplies: 
Stamps:  Verve "Great Friend" and Hero Arts "Newspaper Eiffer Tower" background stamp
Ink:  SU! "Melon Mambo" and Versafine Onyx Black
Other:  Cuttlebug embossing folders, pink gem
Size:  A2

For HYCCT1226, we were challenged to use a pink dog on our creation.

I used SC375 for my layout.

 

For HYCCT1231, the challenge was to be inspired by nature.  I pulled out one of my favorite sets, "Lovely as a Tree" and created a scene using Prismacolor pencils and cracked glass technique.

 

Supplies: 
Stamps:  SU! "Lovely as a Tree"
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark
Papers:  white, brown, dp scraps from K & Co.
Other:  ultrathick embossing powder, heat gun, Prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits
Techniques:  Gamsol magic and cracked glass
Size:  A2

For HYCCT1227, challenge was to use a window.  I created a window scene using a window die cut.

Supplies:
Stamps:  SU! "Lovely as a Tree" and Verve "Birthday Bash"
Papers:  white, brown
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
Other:  Prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits, Our Daily Bread Designs Spellbinders window die
Technique:  Gamsol magic
Size:  A2

The last card of this batch is for HYCCT1225B.  The challenge was a tic tac toe board.  I went with pink, buttons, and patterned papers. 

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve "Believe"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
Papers:  white, burgundy, dp scraps from K & Co.
Other:  Hero Arts button, organdy ribbon from JoAnn's, Bow Easy, twine
Size:  A2

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

Just About There!

Well, I'm getting closer to the end of my HYCCT cards.  I was mistaken when I said I think I had 9 challenges left to finish.  I actually had 13 of them yet to do!  I got all of them except one done yesterday, so I just have to make that one last card, and then I've finished this year's challenges.

Today's first card is for HYCCT1223.  The challenge was inspired by chicken soup.  We were supposed to use one of something from each of the letters in SOUP.  I used Spellbinders (also strips on the umbrella), an oval, an umbrella, and pink on my card.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Whipper Snapper "Baby Zoo Umbrella"
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers:  white, green, dp from DCWV "Nana's Kids"
Other:  Copic markers, Spellbinder oval and scalloped oval dies
Card size:  A2

The next challenge I tackled was HYCCT 1229.  We were challenged to make a treat container using the colors pink, black, white, and silver.  I made a little box and a coordinating tag.  I took a couple of pictures for you as you can't really see the base of the box with the lid on it.  I figured that going through the mail, I should make the box top a little longer to make sure it all stays together during shipping.

Here's the box with a better view of the black paper with silvery pink hearts.  There are 3 mini Almond Joy candy bars in the box.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve "Brighter Days"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black and SU! "Melon Mambo"
Papers:  white, dps from K & Co. "Smitten"
Other:  Magnolia Doohickey Dies Tilda's Tag, Hero Arts gems, silver ribbon from Michael's
Box size:  about 4" square

We were challenged to use clay, canvas, or cork for HYCCT1230.  I found a little scrap of canvas in my crafting supplies to use.

I used Tosha's VLV October week 4 sketch for this card.  I made another HYCCT card using the same sketch the other day, and I just had to use her sketch again!

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve "Believe"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
Papers:  white, colored papers from Hero Arts
Other:  canvas, Hero Arts gem, Hero Arts Art Flowers
Card size:  A2

We were challenged to use postage stamps as our inspiration and them for HYCCT1225A.  I took this challenge pretty literally.

Supplies:  Stamps:  Oriental Trading Co., Inc.  clear stamp set clled "Postcard and Stamps"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
Card size:  A2

Finally, for HYCCT1228, the challenge was to make a CAS (clean and simple) card.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve "Believe"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, SU! "Melon Mambo"
Card size: A2

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

Still More HYCCT Cards

Here's another mostly pink group of HYCCT cards.

For HYCCT 1215A, we were challenged to make peaceful pink cards.  I used a lovely sketch by Anya from Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge for my layout.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps:  "Fancy Phrases"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
Papers:  white, pink
Other:  SU! Textured Impressions "Vintage Wallpaper" embossing folder, Spellbinders Shapeabilities Kaleidoscope Pendant die, Hero Arts Art Flowers and pearls
Card size:  A2

HYCCT1218 challenged us to be inspired by vital signs such as heart beat and temperature.  I was stumped on this one for a little while, but then I remembered I had this quilt stamp that had warmth in it, so that's what I decided to use.  This card is an odd size, 4" x 6" but the proportions weren't right when I tried to use an A2 base.  It fits in a photo card envelope (with some room to spare).

Supplies:
Stamps:  Whipper Snapper Designs "Homespun Quilt"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black and Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers:  white, pink
Other:  Copics, Spellbinders Shapeabilities "Fancy Tags 2"
Size:  4" x 6"

 We were challenged to be inspired by a musical for HYCCT1212.  This one also had me stumped for a bit, but then I realized I had the perfect set of stamps to use for "Climb Every Mountain" from "The Sound of Music."  I used Copics and Prismacolor pencils to color the image.  The sky is a very pale blue and doesn't show up in the picture very well.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs "Keep Climbing" image and sentiment
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Papers:  white, dps from K & Co.
Other:  Nestabilities circle and petite scalloped circle die, pewter brads, Copics, Prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits, sponge
Card size:  A2

Finally, for HYCCT1215B, we were challenged to sparkle and use lots of glitter and gems.  The dp has glitter stripes on it, and I added as many gems as I could!  I used Julee's awesome Mojo Monday #261 sketch for my layout.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve "Birthday Bash"
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
Papers:  white, dp from DCWV "The Sorbet Stack"
Other:  Hero Arts Art Flowers and gems, rhinestone flourish from Recollections, Nestabilities circle and petite scalloped circle dies, MS leaf punch
Card size:  A2

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Sarah

Edited to add:  Thank you to Our Daily Bread Designs for selecting my Climb Every Mountain inspired card as the customer card of the day back on November 7, 2012.  I really appreciate the recognition, and I love using Our Daily Bread Designs images and sentiments.  Thank you so much!
It was a completely unexpected blessing that really brightened my day during a stressful stretch of exams.