A Floral Splash of Spring

This past week, I've had my grandchildren visiting, and could have used a fresh fall of snow....so of course none!  Today we finally get some, and now they are outside having some fun with Grandpa.   Soooooo, time to post a little card.

 

No digital image this time, but a floral background stamp, which I coloured with different coloured markers before stamping.  The stamp is no longer available, as the company went out of business, but this technique will work with any of the large background stamps available. 

I've used green DI for distressing....both the sentiment tag and the image, and I've added a couple of black rub-ons for a little extra detail.  The tag was made on my Silhouette, something I sometimes forget to use now that I have my labels dies.  Tut-tut, how could this be!

I hope you enjoyed your visit, and maybe you can take away a few ideas.  Have a wonderful day!

A few challenges that are open to my theme:

Stamp Something - Something with Flowers

CES Challenges - #25 Flowers and Flutterbys

One Stop Craft Challenge - #120 Spring Flowers

Crafts and Me Challenges - #24 Time to spread your wings

The Creative Cottage - #33 Fabulous Florals

Lexi's Creations - #34 Flowers

Oldie but a Goodie Challenge - SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Corrosive Challenges - #105 Distressing

A Purse-O-nal Wish and a Blog Hop

It's that time again....for a mini Blog Hop at DZ Doodles.  We do hope you will play along with us this month, checking out the DT's creations and having a peek at some of Diane's new images.  As you will see, the theme this time is Purse-O-nal.....  I think we all love our purses, whether they be a fashion statement or just something to hold all those things we need...or not!

I've played in Photo Shop this time, working with the one Pocket Purse image but using it three times.  I've also added some silver heat embossing and sponged with blue distress inks, after cutting the Nestie shape.  The flowered DP behind the image has been punched along the edges with a MS punch, and a fine ivory ribbon has been threaded through.

So, for the mini blog hop, your next stop will be JuelMarie.   Make sure you leave a comment at each stop for your chance to win 3 of the lovely purse images or sentiments.  Full details can be found on the home blog here.

And now for a few challenges:

Digital Tuesday Challenge - #99 Punches

A Spoon Full of Sugar - #140 Birthday Wishes

Scrap-Creations - Birthday Cards

Stamps R Us Challenges - #15 For the Girls Moving Along with the Times - #87 Fashion Do You Stack Up - #8 Anything Goes

The Wonder of Spring

Oh, how I look forward to the colours of spring.....and the warmer weather that goes along with it!   Sooooo, today another card with that spring to summer feel.

This sweet little image from Mo's DP2 was a freebie a few weeks back, and has been waiting so patiently on my desk.  I've coloured with my Tombow markers and a water brush for a nice soft look, and then distress inks create the background.

I love these colours, they go so well to together....but come picture day, I hope she's an only child.  I recall trying to get a group or family shot when my girls were younger....trying to get outfits that complemented each other.  Of course there are many other photos, which we laugh at now, where just about every colour is in the mix!  There is something to be said about black and white sometimes!

This card design is really quite simple, as I've let the image steal the show.  I've used a Nestie, an MS punch and a bit of ribbon;  a striped DP and some coordinating cardstock from my stash.  After all was done, I then added the flower, made from a Fred She Said file, where you simply cut them out and shape, adding a gem and a bit of stickles for an accent.

Ooops, almost forgot to mention......my sentiment is a new stamp that I just received from Stampotique!  I think it should get lots of use, don't you?

Thanks again for visiting and please blow some of that warmer weather my way!

A few challenges:

Mo's Digital Challenge - #71 Spring Colors with handmade flower

CES Challenges - #24 Spots and Stripes

Stamptacular Sunday - #99 Someone Special (my granddaughter)

There's Magic in the Air - Children's Birthday Card

Aud Sentiments - #22 trendy sayings

Stamps R Us Challenges - #15 For the Girls

Crafty Creations Challenge -#107 At the bottom of my garden...lives

Crafty Sentiments - Spring

Just a Swinging.....

Here's hoping you are all staying warm and cozy tonight!  It's a cold one here, so maybe it's time to make some Spring/Summer cards to nudge Mother Nature along!

This is another of the images available in one of the packages for the Help for Katie fundraising benefit, created by Make It Crafty.  We also have a garden swing, and I so look forward to enjoying it once again!  My husband and I usually sit there and enjoy our coffee....just a swinging! LOL

A Martha Stewart punch was used to create the dark green frame, and the three butterflies both complement the DP and add some dimension. 

I've coloured the image with both Prismas and markers, but the background is all sponged with distress inks.  We don't see many rainbows here, but I do love to see the colours of the sky at sunrise or sunset. 

I hope you've enjoyed your visit and can take away just a little bit of inspiration.  Happy crafting!

Some challenges for this card:

Make It Colourful - #7 Smooth Gradients

Sassy Studio Designs - #60 Use a Punch

Digi Doodle Shop - #57 Anything Goes

Totally Papercrafts - #54 Do It With Digis

Allsorts Challenge - #91 Inspired by Nature

Creative Craft World - Use a Square Card

Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps - #48 Punches

Days of Wine and Roses...

Another fun image from Just Inlined with that special touch of humour!   Ted and Agnes could be used for that Special Day, or as a reminder of that day.....an Anniversary.   Whatever, just don't forget the wine or the roses....especially the wine!

I've gone with an easel card this time.  They are not difficult to make.....but I don't find them easy to photograph.  I've coloured with Prismas, adding glossy accents to all the glass and the eyes, though it doesn't show in the photo.  A bit of sparkle for the lovely bride and they are ready to rumble......!

The sentiment, I found over at Ginger's House, and the DP is an older Basic Grey that I had in my stash.  I've used the Nestie Label Two die for the image and a Nellie Snellen die for the sentiment.

Thanks once again for visiting, and hopefully I brought a smile to your day!

A few fun challenges for some fun and inspiration:

The Secret Crafter - #122 Fancy Folds

Kaboodle Doodles - #55 Break Tradition

Incy Wincy Designs - #81 Punches or Dies

Totally Papercrafts - #54 Do It With Digis

Bottoms Up!

Well, it's now Friday evening and tomorrow the weekend is upon us.  I'll be a bit busy with my grandkids this week, so I'm not sure how many cards I will be able to make....but you never know....

This little card is sure to bring a chuckle.....or not!  That depends how one feels about needles, and whether or not they are on the agenda!  This is a Just Inklined image, but only available through the Help for Katie fundraising benefit.  Tomorrow, Saturday, is the last day that it will be available, and the button is still on my sidebar if you are interested.

I have followed the sketch at Wags and Whiskers, but oops....that was for last week!  So I'm off to a good start!

Here are a few challenges I've found, and they provide lots of inspiration.  Be sure to check them out.

Paper Sundaes - #56 - Pick Your Sundae Toppings! (Flowers and lace paper ribbon)
Incy Wincy Designs - #81 COLOR ME WONDERFUL (copics and Prismas)
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #70 One for the Men (this image has to be for a Guy!!)
Fairie Fun Fridays - #46 All In The Fine Print (used a script stamp)
Digital Tuesday Challenge - #98 Use a Die Cut (Nestie Die)
Digi Doodle Shop - #57 Anything Goes
Totally Papercrafts - #54 Do It With Digis
Stamp Something - Something Funky
PaperPlay Challenges - #7 Add Shine (glossy accents on needle, stickles)

Winter Birthday Hugs

Surprise!!  Look who's back.....one of my little treasures is visiting again and has been working on this card.  This is an image from Digi's with Attitude, which was given as a freebie last month.  Once again she coloured with pencil crayons, then made the card from papers in my stash.  She used the snowflake punch this time and stickles, adding a stamp and sponging with blue distress inks.  She's going home tomorrow but want to enter this card in a couple of challenges first.

Thanks for visiting....have a nice day!
Challenges:
Children's Challenge Corner - #18 Anything
Stitchy Bear Kids - February Challenge

The "Olden Days"...

Do you remember asking your Mom for stories of the "Olden Days" when she was little?  I could sit for hours listening....or rather, asking a million questions!   Then one day, enough was enough......she still told the stories, but I wasn't to call them the "Olden Days" anymore! LOL

This adorable little image is from Whoopsie Daisy, whose challenge I won again last week!  Whoohoo!  So, you're sure to see a few more cards using Linnie's digis over the next little while.

This time I've coloured with me new Promarkers that I won, but as I only have five colours I've used Prismas for shading and some additional colour, and copics for the skin tones.  You will note that I have used four different sizes of the same Nestie die around the image, using the 'out of the box' technique.

The purchased card blank was pre-embossed, so I just had to add my distress inks to match my images.  A few little flowers and gems, and a bit of ribbon and I was done!

A couple of challenges that gave me inspiration for my card:

Whoopsie Daisy - Free and Easy

One Stitch at a Time - #49 Make It Pretty

Bunny Zoes Crafts - #9 Spring - Flowers Everywhere

Digital Tuesday Challenge - #98 Use a Die Cut

ABC Challenge - O is for Old Fashioned

You're the Bestest!

Good morning friends and fellow bloggers.  Just because Valentine's Day is past doesn't mean that we can't use hearts on our cards, but it does mean that we are getting closer to spring.  We can just hope that Mother Nature is in agreement!

Today's card is for the new challenge at DZ Doodles, and this week it is a sketch challenge. 

This lovely sketch from Valerie is nice and easy to work with, so I do hope you will give it a try.  Maybe you will be the lucky person to win one of Diane's new images.  There are lots of new ones for you to choose from in the store.

This time around I have used the Flowerd Heart image, colouring with both markers and Prismas.  The card blank is a new purchase from Michael's.....already embossed!   It just needed to be sponged with distress inks to highlite the pattern.  I've also made good use of some gold peel-off stickers for the embellishments.  They've been in my stash for ages, but I forget to use them....

Some challenges I can enter with this card:

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #89 Valentines

Winter Wonderland - To the One I Love

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #69 Valentines/Love

Stamp Something - Something for your Valentine

Allsorts Challenge - #90 It's all about the sentiment

Cupcake Craft Challenges - #129 I ♥ You

Pear Tree Designs - #36 Valentine's Day

Kaboodle Doodles - #54 Hearts and Flowers

Stampin for the Weekend - #3 St Valentines' Day

Stamps R Us Challenges - #14 Valentine/Love

Wee Stamps...so cute!

You just might want to check this out!  A new digital stamp company, going by the name of Wee Stamps, is offering this lovely sweet image for free.  Be sure to check out Sylvia's blog for details.

A Special Tag for a Special Little Person

This weekend I received some wonderful news.....my son-in-law landed a new job, and now my youngest daughter and her family are moving to our area!  Currently they live 2 1/2 hrs away...in major snow country.  My husband and I couldn't be happier, but my little granddaughter is so sad to be  leaving her friends.  This little tag is for her, and I'm thinking she could make some more when she visits next...to give to her friends.

There are so many challenges this week, looking for hearts....I don't know why!!  And a couple more looking for tags or something other than a card.   It works for me!

This image is one that I won from Whoopsie Daisy, isn't she sweet?  Linnie makes such adorable little girl images, be sure to check them out.  I've coloured her with my new Promarkers from Letraset, that I just received in the mail, adding shading with my Prismas.  These were another winning....I've been very lucky lately.

Now here is a list of challenges that I can enter.....lots of inspiration there, and not necessarily for Valentine's.

Whoopsie Daisy - Give us your Heart

Meljen's Designs - #45 Gift Tags

Digital Tuesday Challenge - #97 From the Heart - Valentines theme

Papertake Weekly - Have a Heart

Stampin' Royalty - #58 HEARTS, HEARTS, and more HEARTS

PaperPlay Challenges - #6 Hearts & Flowers but not Valentine

Cute Card Thursday - #151 Hearts and Flowers

Crafty Cardmakers - #39 Hearts

The Stampman Challenges - #16 Hearts theme

Lollipop Crafts - #25 Anything but a Card

Pear Tree Designs - #35 Free For All

Karen's Doodles - #49 Photo Inspiration

Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Anything but a Card

Man's Best Friend

Let the wind blow high, let the wind blow low......I do remember that song and OMG are the winds cold tonight!  There are only a few flurries happening, but the snow blowing off the fields......nasty!   So lets think of better things and better days ahead...

How about this little puppy.....he looks so peaceful and comfortable as he sits among the leaves and flowers.  Just one of the many beautiful images from Just Inklined, and you can find him here.

He was a treat to colour, and this time I've used both water colours and distress inks to achieve the desired tones.  The image and mat have both been edged in gold after being cut with my Nestie die.

A simple card to make, the patterned DP has been cut to fit each folded section of the card.  Then a stamped sentiment, and a stamped verse behind the image and I'm done, with only one little embellishment in the bottom corner.    Sweet.....it can even go in the mail!

Thanks once again for your visit and your lovely comments.  May your weekend be warm and sunny....or if not, may you stay warm and cozy!

Be sure to check out these challenges that I've entered for more inspiration:

ABC Challenge - N is for Neutrals

Critter Sketch Challenge - #51 Critter/animal image

Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge -Spotlight on Water

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenges - #6 Birthday Wishes

Totally Papercrafts - #53 Clean and Simple

Going Fishing...

Good morning fellow bloggers....and I am so happy to say...it really is!  The plumbers are finally gone and the water problems are hopefully fixed.....anyone who thinks well water is cheaper than city water can think again!  So today I have the house to myself...

So, with water as my theme and springtime as my dream, how about a little fishing!  This is one of the images available through the Help For Katie fundraiser, and provided by Sassy Cheryl's.  Isn't it sweet?  I'll add a sentiment and verse later, when I decide what I will use it for...there are many possibilities.

After colouring with Prismas, I've cut out the image with a Nestie and then sponged the edges with DI.  The mat was created using an MS corner punch.  Brads are the only embellishment, and with the plaid DP, are in keeping with a masculine theme.

Well, thanks again for visiting, and be sure to stay warm and cozy....its very cold here today, so I'll be staying inside!  For more inspiration, be sure to check out the challenges I'm entering.  Have Fun!

Challenges:

Sassy Cheryl's - #50 Some Color Inspiration

Fab & Funky Challenges - #58 Colour Combo

PaperPlay Challenges - #5 Stamp It Out

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #68 Tartan or Plaid

One Stitch at a Time - #48 Do It WIth A Digi

Pear Tree Designs - #35 Free For All

Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes

February Blog Hop at Just Inklined

Good morning everyone!  Another month's gone by, and it's time for the next Blog Hop at Just Inklined.  This month being February, our theme is LOVE, and you'll be seeing a number of new images from the latest release.  If you've simply arrived at my blog for a visit, be sure to scoot back over to Cathy's blog where all the love begins.....

I'm a definite fan of humorous cards, as I'm sure you've noticed!  I truly believe laughter is good for the soul!  This image, Cupid You're Mine, really caught my fancy and will hopefully give a chuckle, but it's too bad I couldn't think of a brilliant witty sentiment.  Mine is rather bland, though in truth I spent a lot of time thinking on it.  I really had a mental block and I think I will blame it on the weather!

Most of my colouring has been done with Prismas, and I now have Copics for the skin tones.  This is my first time making this type of easel card, and all of the added embellishments were made on my Silhouette. 

Thanks once again for visiting, and now your next stop is Toni's blog, where you are sure to find something special.  Enjoy!

Cupid....Mini Blog Hop

Today we're having a mini blog hop at DZ Doodles, to celebrate the release of 3 sweet little cupid images.  You can find them here in the store, or you could complete the hop for a chance to win whichever one is your favourite.

So, without further ado, if you've arrived here from Jen's blog, you're moving right along.....otherwise, you should start back here at the beginning. 

I've coloured the image with Prismas and glitter pens, and used white card stock and a Silhouette cutting file to make the little card.  Easy to finish, just some distress inks and a few stars.

Next on the hop is JuelMarie, with something extra special!  Be sure to leave your comments at each stop along the way, for your chance to win.  As always, we love to hear from you.  Good Luck!

DZ Doodles

Jen

Joyce  (You are here)

JuelMarie 
Rosalien

Valerie

DZ Doodles

  
Challenges I've entered:

Delightful Challenges - COME FLY WITH ME

Raise the Bar Challenge - #52 Hearts

Polka Doodle - #5 With Hearts

Winter Wonderland - Reach for the Stars

Fussy and Fancy - #29 Valentine with No Red or Pink

Digi Doodle Shop - #45 Valentines

Stamp Something - February Digi Day

The Secret Crafter - #120 Valentine

Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - #52 Valentines/Love

Do It With Digis - #3 Valentines

Just for Fun

Well, its definitely been an abnormal weekend....at least I hope so.  We are having plumbing problems again, with no water pressure.  Yesterday, the plumber came....not 'til about 6pm, and came back today to install a new pump.  Still not fixed...back again tomorrow.  Also, this weekend....more snow!  Ice formed inside the auger of the snow blower which wrecked the belt.  Its working now, but I think this was a Murphy's Law weekend.  At least I got a card made!

This card was made with a few challenges in mind.

I finally used a Bugaboo image...a freebie from last week.  I've used two embossing patterns, two Nestie dies, both dots and stripes, and zero embellishments.  I've also coloured the girl's outfit blending blue and purple.   Whewww!

All of these ideas work for the challenges below.  Be sure to check them out and join the fun!

Challenges:

Catch the Bug  - Anything Goes

Southern Girls Challenge - Dry Embossing

Scrap-Creations - Friendship

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #88 In The Roll Of A Die

Phindy's Place - #41 Embossing

Make It Colourful - #5 Blend Blue and Purple together

Stamp Scrap and Doodle - Dots and Stripes

Charisma Cardz - #5 NO EMBELLISHMENTS

Totally Stampalicious -NO REASON AT ALL

Sweet Treats in a Candy Box

Can you believe it is now February!  The time seems to be going by so fast....until I look outside and see the snow, which of course seems to have been here forever!  We don't really have that much, it's just that I have been waiting for spring since November!

So how about this little project...does it not remind you of sunny days and warmer weather?  Maybe I just need to stop making winter cards, and then Mother Nature will take the hint.

The template for this candy box is a freebie for the month of February at DZ Doodles, and today is the start of their new challenge.  It would be perfect for a few Valentine treats, and you have until February 16th to try your hand at the challenge.  Maybe you can win one of Diane's adorable images!

 

 I've used the Fluttering Threesome digi, a gorgeous set of 3 butterfly images that you can find here,

I've made the box from a heavy weight, double sided DP, only adding a few ribbons and trim, as the butterflies are really my embellishment.

For more inspiration be sure to check out the rest of the team's creations here

and also the following challenges that I will be entering.

Challenges:

Moving Along with the Times - #83 Spring

CES Challenges - #21 Bold and Bright

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - #96 “WHATEVA!”

Stampin for the Weekend - #2 Getting Warmed Up

Everybody-Art-Challenge -Bag or Box Paper Playtime - #36 January Digi Day Top Tip Tuesday - #20 Girly

It's Snow Fun......*#?!

Welcome again fellow bloggers.  Well, here we are, waiting on the storm.....wondering how much more snow we'll get!  Hopefully it won't be as bad as they are forecasting.

I'm definitely not a snow fan, nor do I participate in snow sports, but I was definitely taken with this Snowman Skiing image from Just Inklined!  Isn't it amazing?  He's having so much fun....no concerns about falling or how cold it is.   It makes for a perfect winter birthday card, for a special someone turning 60.  Happy Birthday Bruce! 

I've coloured with Prisma's, touching up with markers for some additional depth, and adding some clouds with DI.  The DP is from Cosmo Cricket, chosen because the recipient is one of those 'Man in Plaid' type of fellas.  The sentiment is computer generated, and hopefully brings a smile!

Thanks once again for visiting, and good luck to everyone who might be experiencing some weather!  Let me know what's happening in your part of the world.

Some challenges I will enter with this card:

Fab & Funky Challenges - #57 Delight in your Digi

DCD Christmas Club - #51 A Winter Birthday card + Blog Hop

Stamp Something - Winter Somethings

The Crazy Challenge - #52 Happy Birthday to Us

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes