April Showers . . .

Bring May flowers!! Well, at least that's what they're doing for me this week! It's Tuesday and, as always, there's another super-de-duper fun challenge over at  Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! And, once again, the very lovely and talented Miz Dawn is our hostess!! And, for this week's theme she's chosen . . . can ya guess? . . . .

April Showers!

Seriously . . . I'm ready for some dry weather!! But, at least we've just been getting rain here in my little corner of the world! (Unlike my poor sister in Minnesota . . . who is still seeing snowwwww!!) So, for my project this week, I decided to just blow by the "April Showers" part . . . and focus on the "Bring May Flowers" thing! And, let me tell ya . . . I used lots and lots of flowers!! Take a look . . . 

Oh . . . sorry . . . I forgot to give ya a "sunglasses alert"!! hehehe!! I just had this idea that making a card with different colors of cardstock and lots of fun and funky flowers would be sort of cool!! So that's exactly what I did!! This is, of course, Sassy Sally!! I just love, love, LOVE this image!! It's called Just be Yourself and is available HERE at Sassy Cheryl's online store!! This card is a simple "pocket" card . . . here's a peek at the back . . . 

 My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen Metallic White cardstock

Cardstock: Stampin' Up

Sentiment tags: LOTV

Flowers, brads, & twine: My stash

Sentiment: A Muse

Colored with Copics, Shin Han, & Colored Pencils

A peek at the inside card . . .

And . . . the "artsy" view . . .

And that's what I've been up to . . . just hanging out trying to dodge raindrops and find the flowers!! Please stop over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Dawn and the rest of my talented DT ladies have created for this week's challenge?!! Then, we'd love for you to grab your craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's "April Showers" challenge! Oh . . . and don't forget . . .

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

Thanks so much for visiting . . . and for your kind comments! Until next time . . . hugs!

We're doing "Pastels" this week over at Mo's!

Oh my goodness! Can you believe that it's Thursday already? This week flew by!! Oh . . . wasn't last week's Blog Hop at Mo's such fun? Thank you so very, very much for all of your kind comments!! And, speaking of Mo's, it's time for another fabulous challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! My sweet friend and oh-so-talented Design Team sister, Franz, is our hostess this week! And Miz Franz has decided she'd like to see cards and projects with . . .

Pastel Colors!

Ooooh . . . perfect! I LOVE pastel colors!! And here's what I came up with . . .

Spring has definitely "sprung" here in Richmond, VA, USA . . . so this seemed like a perfect image to illustrate our gorgeous Spring weather!! Here's a close-up . . .

This image is called "End of Summer" (but it definitely works for "Spring" too!) and is available at Mo's online store HERE. I've added a fun little tag . . . here's a look at the tag . . .

 My Card "Recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen cardstock
Bashful Blue cardstock: Stampin' Up
Digi DPs: "Sunshine & Laughter" from Nitwits
Labels #18 Nestabilities die: Spellbiders
Ribbon, pearls, & charm: My stash
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Corner die: Joy Crafts

Fence & tag dies: Magnolia

Sentiments: (front) Lockhart Stamp Co.; (inside) Hero Arts

Copic & Shin Han markers and colored pencils

Here's a look at the inside card . . .

And an angled view that shows the "bowed out" fence . . . 

And that's my "pastel" project!! What'cha think?! Kinda "Springy" huh? Now . . . please pop on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog to check out the fabulous projects created by Franz and the rest of my talented Design Teamies! Then, please join us for this week's challenge. It's simple . . .  just pull out your craft supplies and at least one Mo Manning image and let the crafting begin!!

Oh . . . and don't forget, Mo is awarding (selected at random) one $5.00 shopping spree at her online store for every 25 challenge participants!

And that's it for me! I hope you have a great week!! Sending sun-filled hugs . . . until next time . . .  

Monochromatic . . . Really?! (Maybe . . . if ya close one eye!)

Hello there, all my "sassy" friends!! It's time for another fantabulous challenge over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! And our very talented and ever so "sassy" Miz Dawn is our hostess this week and she's chosen a pretty cool theme! Are you ready? Wait for it . . . .

Monochromatic

Seriously . . . what, exactly IS the definition of "monochromatic" anyways? Probably something like "all one color" . . . or "hues from one color family" . . . or something like that. Hmmm . . . perhaps Mr. Webster (you know, the dictionary guy) meant that merely as a "guideline" . . . am I right? hehe! Well, I have to tell ya . . . this really IS "monochromatic" . . . at least in my book it is! Here . . . what'cha think?

OK . . . I admit, it's a bit of a stretch . . . but, honestly, all my markers and pencils were sort of monochromatic!! And the flowers sort of come from the same color family as that delicious die behind little Miss Maddie!! No? Hmmm . . . well, we may just have to agree to disagree on this one! hehe!!

I just really, really wanted to make another "vintage-y" card . . . and these flowers and DPs seemed the perfect backdrop for sweet little Maddie!! That's right . . . this image is the very adroable Maddie (I love, love, LOVE that hat!!) . . . the actual image name is "Beauty in the Making" and is available right HERE at Sassy Cheryl's online store! Care for a close-up? No problem . . . here ya go . . . 

I just got some new Shin Han markers (they're almost identical to Copics) . . . but I've been having some trouble with my Copic skin and hair tone markers getting "gummy" . . . so I decided, on the advice of my friend Kim, to give these a try. Thanks girlfriend! They really do slide on like "buttah"!! Here's a side view . . . 

 My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen Metallic White cardstock

Kraft paper & corrugated paper: My stash

Very Vanilla cardstock & seam binding: Stampin' Up

DPs: Crab Apple Lane "Country Lady" by Mary Fram: LOTV

Butterfly border: Tim Holtz

Fence, lace border, and heart tag dies: Magnolia

Swedish Spring Oval Frame: Cheery Lynn Dies

Corner dies: SCACD & Whimsy

Charm: The Charm Store 24/7

Pearls & lace: my stash

Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Sentiments: A Muse

Colored with Copics, Shin Han, & Colored Pencils

Markers used:

Skin: YR 133, 132 (Shin Han), E13, 000, & 0000 (Copic)

Cheeks: R139 (Shin Han)

Hair: BR95, 97, 107 (Shin Han), E53, 51, YR20 (Copic)

Clothing: E07, R11 (using tip-to-tip method), R00, 000, 0000

A peek at the inside . . .

And . . . the "ahhhtsy" angle . . .

Seriously . . . try closing one eye . . . it looks kinda monochromatic now, right?!! hehe! Well . . . that's what I've been up to this week!! Please pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Dawn and the rest of my talented DT sistahs have created for this week's challenge?!! Then, we'd love for you to grab your craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's "Monochromatic" challenge! Oh . . . and don't forget . . .

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

Thanks so much for stopping by . . . and for taking the time to leave me such sweet comments! Until next time . . . hugs!

Stitch . . . and I don't even sew!

Happy Monday, my darlings!! Can you believe that we're more than halfway through April already? I think we skipped Spring and jumped right into Summer here in Virginia! But, I swear, I'm not complaining! My sister, who lives in Minnesota, just had 4 inches of snow the other day!! Yikes! I almost made a Christmas card just to tease her about the snow . . . but then I decided I just couldn't do it! Making Christmas cards in April just seems unnatural . . . at least to me, anyways!!

So . . . I have a new Sugar Nellie DT card to share with you . . . and I have to say, I rather like how it turned out! What'cha think?

This quirky little image is from the Leanne Ellis collection of Sugar Nellie stamps. She's called "Stitch" (well, at least I think she's a "she", but I can't really be sure!) . . . and is available HERE at Funky Kits. What fun, huh? The ironic thing about me making a card like this is that I do NOT sew! hehe! In fact, my little Janome sewing machine is still safely sealed in the box (I got it 2 years ago!) What? I'm protecting it from dust!! LOL!! Ahem . . . sorry . . . I digress! As I was saying . . . I don't sew . . . but I sure love this image! It's "sew" fun and funky!! And I honestly do believe that people who sew are, indeed, artists!! Here's a close-up . . .

I did some serious digging into my "stash" of embellies for this one!! I think I may have added just about everything but the kitchen sink!! Here's kind of a side view . . .

I want to give a "shout out" to my friend Dena (from Dena's Stamping Corner)! I totally "lifted" her idea of pinning a torn piece of DP with teensy safety pins!! I love the look! Thanks girlfriend!!

My card "recipe" . . .

Image inked onto Cryogen Metallic White cardstock
So Saffron cardstock: Stampin' up

DPs: "Material Girl" from Cosmo Cricket
Cardboard cutouts: Maya Road
Silver embossing powder (used for "needle" and "scissors")
Pearls, raffia ribbon, & pins: My stash
Ticket sentiment & measuring tape ribbon: Tim Holtz
Inside sentiment: Stampin' Up
Fauz stitching stamp: LOTV
Colored with Copics & Colored pencils

A peek at the inside . . .

And, the "artsy" view . . .

I sure enjoyed creating this funky little card!! Those of you who know me know that I like to shake things up now and again! hehe! And I think I did just that with this week's card!! Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. I really hope you've enjoyed looking at my newest Sugar Nellie project! I'll be back tomorrow with another new card!! Seen you then, I hope!! Until then. . . hugssssss!

Spring Blog Hop at Mo's

Happy Thursday, my sweet friends!! I'm so excited because today we're having our regularly scheduled Challenge over at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog . . . our Theme this week is . . .

 

SPRING!

 

PLUS, we're having a super-de-duper fantabulous Spring Blog Hop!! Read on for more info . . .

 

The Dream Team and the Challenge Team for Mo’s Digital Pencil have joined forces to bring you a spectacular Blog Hop with 6 brand new images being released today.

Not only that, but we have a hidden discount code in flowers on some of the blogs so make sure you start at the very beginning of the Blog Hop and jot them down in order and you will get a whopping 25% discount when you apply the code to Mo's online store!

Okey dokey, my lovelies . . . you've been patient long enough!! Let's get crackin', shall we? Here's my card . . . using the very precious, albeit a little dirty, "In the Spring" . . .

Isn't she just as cute as she can be? I merged (yes, I figured out how to merge . . . finally! hehe!) the sentiment (which comes with the image when you purchase this sweetheart!) I used Graphic 45 "My Secret Garden" DPs . . . and colored the image with Copics and various colored pencils. I should point out that I got the idea to smudge "dirt" here and there from my sweet and very clever DT sister, Cathy!! Thanks girlfriend! You rock!

Here's a bit of an "artsy" view . . .

Here's a peek at all 6 of the new images

In addition to collecting the flower codes for a 25% discount, you can also win the chance to receive a $5 gift voucher for Mo’s shop . . . we have 4 to give away as spot prizes from the comments left on our blogs! So remember to leave some love in the way of a comment on each blog you hop to.

The blog hop order is as follows . . .  

Pat, Alice, Anja, Kerttu, Cathy, Debby, Elaine, Gretha, Debbie L, Heidy, Franz, Jane, Iulia, Julie, Kat, Mina, Kim, Tine, Pops, Tracy, Jak

Here's your first flower. You'll want to collect a total of 6 flowers on your "Blog Hop" travels. Some have numbers or letters...and some say "Try next Blog". Once you've collected all 6 flowers in order, they will spell a code that you can use to get 25% off your order at Mo’s Digital Pencil shop!

Thanks so much for "hopping" by!! Your next stop along the way is the very talented Alice! Enjoy! 

Ummmm . . . I Forget . . .

Wheet whooooo!! It's Tuesday . . . and it's Spring . . . and I'm in such a hap-hap-happy mood!! It's time for another super-de-duper funtabulous challenge over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! And once again this week, the ever talented Miz Jackie is our hostess! And she's come up with the coolest sketch for us to use! Here . . . take a look . . .

Jackie's Sketch...

I have to admit, I nearly did something crazy with this sketch . . . you know, like turning it inside out or on its head or something!! But . . . I decided that, since Jackie worked so hard on this sketch (and since it's a very fun sketch), I'd keep it pretty much as is!! Here's my version . . . 

Now . . . this card is for my sister, Dee, who is having a birthday on Thursday. Right off the bat I have to say . . . "Dee, quick . . . avert your eyes . . . NOW!" hehe! She's such a sneaky peeker!! This precious Sassy Sally image is called "I Forget" and is available HERE in Sassy Cheryl's online store. Isn't she adorable? And such a perfect image for so many occasions . . . like birthdays! hehe! Here's a close up . . . 

I almost never make Sally a blonde! She's almost always a redhead in my mind!! But today, she's blonde. Well . . . maybe "strawberry blonde"! Here's a bit of a side view . . . 

 My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen Metallic White cardstock

Pool Party cardstock & seam binding: Stampin' Up

DPs: Miss Caroline's "Howdy Doody" by My Mind's Eye

Corner die: Joy Crafts

Charm: The Charm Store 24/7

Pearls: ZVA Creatives

Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Ric rac & safety pin: My stash

Inside corner dies: Whimsy

Inside "top" sentiment: Catslife Press

Colored with Copics & Colored Pencils

A peek at the inside . . .

That sentiment just cracks me up!! Especially since my sister is 6 years younger than I am! bwahahaha!! Here's a close-up . . .

And . . . the "ahhhtsy fahhhhtsy" view . . .

And finally . . . check out the stamp on the back! hehehehe! (I have no idea where I got it . . . but it makes me chuckle!) . . .

And that's what I've been up to this week!! Now . . . please pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Jackie and the rest of my talented Design Teamies have created for this week's challenge?!! Then, we'd love for you to grab your craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's "Sketch" challenge! Oh . . . and don't forget . . .

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

Thanks so much for stopping by . . . and for taking the time to leave me such sweet comments! Until next time . . . hugs!

Airplanes have WINGS, right?

Hap-hap-happy Thursday, my sweet friends!! Oooh . . . quick update on last week's card . . . Nana and her "baby" sister both LOVED the card!! I'm thrilled!! But, I gotta say . . . what's NOT to love about any card with a darling Mo Manning image?! Oh, and speaking of Mo Manning . . . it's that time again!! That's right . . . time for another fun challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! This week's hostess with the mostess is my sweet friend and oh-so-talented DT sistah, Debbie! And Miz Debbie has decided she'd like to see some . . .

"Things with Wings!"

Hmmmmm . . . me thinks Debbie is longing for birds and bumblebees and butterflies! I decided that I'd go in a bit different direction! What'cha think?

What?! Airplanes have wings, don't they?! hehehe!! I just love this Mo Manning image . . . I always have!! And I decided that this would be perfect for our eldest granddaughter, Emma, who will soon be "promoted" from Junior High (8th grade) to High School! I can't believe it! It seems like just yesterday when I was rushing to the hospital to meet little Emma for the very first time!! Time sure flies, doesn't it? Here's a close-up of this cutie patootie . . . 

This image is called "Dream" and is available at Mo's online store as a girl HERE and as a boy HERE. I decided to make a pocket card this week . . . just looking to change it up a bit!!

I colored this sweetheart with Copics and Prismacolor pencils on Cryogen cardstock. And just used a cleverly cropped piece of the DPs for the inside card . . . with plenty of room for a "Congrats, Emma!" note!

 My Card "Recipe" . . .

Kraft paper, corrugated cardboard, & charm: My stash
DPs: "Portobello" by Reflections
Twill tape, sentiment & tab punch: Stampin' Up

Lace: The Ribbon Girl

Flowers Prima & Wild Orchid Crafts

Bronze corner: The Charm Store 24/7

Here's a look at the inside card . . . 

And one last, kinda "artsy" angle . . .

Fun, huh? Now . . . please pop on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog to check out the fabulous projects created by Debbie and the rest of my talented Design Teamies! Then, please join us for this week's challenge. It's simple . . .  just pull out your craft supplies and at least one Mo Manning image and let the crafting begin!!

Oh . . . and don't forget, Mo is awarding (selected at random) one $5.00 shopping spree at her online store for every 25 challenge participants!

And that's it for me! I'm outa here! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit! Until next time . . . 

Just "Clowning" Around!

Happpppppy Tuesday, kiddos!! I'm so excited that we are finally having some absolutely gorgeous Spring weather here in Virginia!! The grass is really greening up and before long we'll see some tulips peeking out!! Yippee!! And, of course, I'm delighted that there's another fun challenge happening over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! My sweet and often "sassy" . . . and always talented . . . Miz Jackie is our hostess with the mostess this week . . . and she's chosen my best ever kind of theme . . .

ANYTHING GOES!

They're always such fun . . . and, for those of you who know me, I've never been very good at following rules! So "Anything Goes" is right up my alley!! Here's what I came up with . . . 

I think this is called a "Crossover Card" . . . and I realized I hadn't made one in a while . . . so today seemed to be the perfect opportunity!! You may, of course, recognize Sassy Sally! She's sort of a "Sassy Clown" . . . and I think she's positively adorable!! Love that hat . . . and the red nose!! Here's a close-up . . . 

This Sassy Sally image is called "Clowning Around" and is available HERE in Sassy Cheryl's online store. Oh . . . and I just have to let you know . . . Sassy Cheryl has started selling rubber stamps AND digi sets of some of her older, well-loved images. So, check it out HERE!! 

Here's a view of the inside card . . . 

My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen Metallic White cardstock

Real Red cardstock, buttons, & tag punch: Stampin' Up

DPs: Stampin' Up

Sentiment: Stamping Bella

Banner/flag dies: Whimsy

Rhinestones & baker's twine: My stash

"Bubbles" edge punch: Martha Stewart

Colored with Copics & Colored Pencils

And one more pic . . .

And that's my "Anything Goes" project! I hope you enjoyed seeing it! Now . . . please pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Jackie and the rest of my talented Design Teamies have created for this week's challenge?!! Then, we'd love for you to grab your craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's "Anything Goes" challenge! Oh . . . and don't forget . . .

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

Thanks so much for stopping by . . . and for taking the time to leave me such sweet comments! Until next time . . . hugs!

Posy Pip and her "Sunflower"!

Welcome to the second Monday in April! Can ya believe it?! Where has the year gone? It's flying by!! So, I'm curious, how many of you have started your 2013 Christmas cards already?? Me? Not so much! hehe! But I'm sure enjoying making "warm weather" cards!! And, as luck would have it, I have a new Sugar Nellie DT project that just happens to be a "warm weather" kind of card!! It makes me think of sunshine!

This sweet little image is from Sugar Nellie's "Home Grown Sherbet Pips" Collection! She's called "Posy Pip" and is available HERE at Funky Kits. Isn't she adorable? I just love that hair!! And, to match my yummy papers, I decided that Posy Pip's flower should be a sunflower today! hehe! Here's a close-up . . .

Once again, I pulled out my trusty Copic Sketch Markers . . . although I'm still working on painting with Distress Inks! And, believe me, more practice is definitely necessary!! It seems that, for every one "acceptable" image, I end up tossing 2 or 3 right into the "circular bin"! I like to call those my "studies"! hehe!! Oh . . . and I decided to do something a bit different this week and create a side-opening card. Here's a side view . . .

My card "recipe" . . .

Image inked onto Cryogen Metallic White cardstock
So Saffron & Always Artichoke cardstock: Stampin' up

DPs: "French Country" by Graphic 45
Corner die: Classic Corners by SCACD
Scalloped rectangle & square dies: Spellbinders
Edge punch: Martha Stewart
So Saffron ribbon: Stampin' Up
Pearls, flower, & charm: My stash
Sentiment (inside): Inkadinkado
Colored with Copics & Colored pencils

A peek at the inside . . .

And, one more . . .

I hope you've enjoyed looking at my newest Sugar Nellie project! I sure enjoyed creating it! Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. I'll be back tomorrow with another new card!! Hope to see you then! Big hugs . . . .