MFT Weekly Sketch #13

Yay, I found some time to play!  It's funny, if I don't post for a couple days it feels like a dry spell, haha.  I'm up early, because the inlaws are here and I knew there wouldn't be a ton of time later to post.  I made this last night for the MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge that is going on over at Splitcoaststampers.  The sketches are just too good to pass up!  I used the set called Lovin' from the Oven from MFT, and then made the sentiment with stickers.

Stamps:  Lovin' from the Oven

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Paper:  unknown blue, OA Modern Homemaker, buttercream

Accessories:  Copics, OA Modern Homemaker stickers, glossy glaze, oven mitt chipboard, sponge

Everyone is awake, so I better get off of the computer.  I don't want to be THAT daugher-in-law, haha.  Be sure to come back tomorrow for the Clearly Inspired Challenge info!

Christmas Get Sketchy

I guess you can't get started too early on Christmas cards, haha.  I made this for the Get Sketchy challenge using my Clear Dollar Stamps SOM set called Yearly Occasions.  It's FREE for spending $50 over at CDS!  I chose a CAS approach to my card. . .sometimes I just really love that look.  Plus, these would be sooo easy to duplicate for Christmas :)

Stamps:  Yearly Occasions March SOM

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  CDS Worn parchment, BG Jovial

Accessories:  cream ribbon, corner chomper

TESC135 & Wee Memories

With a lack of sleep this morning I was able to create.  It's pretty sad that I got up before the sun even came up on a weekend.  I suppose I should thank my shoulder pain for helping me create stuff while everyone was sleeping?  Regardless, I've got this fun card to show you for 2 different challenges.  

Have you heard?!  Taylored Expressions joined Splitcoaststameprs as a member company AND they brought back the ever-loved sketches!  I used the sketch to create this one with a new Spring set called Easter Joy, along with my March TE KI Kit, and the Cloud Duo Die.  I took a little creative liberty with the clouds. . .they were supposed to be circles, but I really {heart} those clouds ;)

I also made this for the Wee Memories challenge which is Anything Goes!  Jenny always has such great challenges, even if I can't participate every week.

 That rising sun made the perfect backdrop to that wonderful sentiment.

 I popped the panel up with dimensionals, and then popped the clouds up as well.

Stamps:  Easter Joy

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Paper:  March TE KI Kit, parchment

Accessories:  Copics, sponge, TE Cloud Duo Die, March TE KI Kit, dimensionals

If rain holds off there will baseball and softball all day :D

Gel-a-tins CAS

I have another card to share with you using the Honey Bear set from Gel-a-tins!  I decided that my last 3 cards were pretty involved (at least for me), so I made a CAS card.  I've always been a fan of CAS, because sometimes those really are the most beautiful.  I made it for the CES challenge of 'Die Cut Crazy'.  While I didn't really go 'crazy' with my die cuts, it is a CAS so even one is pretty good.

Stamps:  Honey Bear

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, CDS Fresh Papaya

Paper:  unknown yellow, SU Basic Black, CDS Cottonball White

Copics:  C5, C7, YR31, YR23 & airbrush

Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, dimensionals, corner chomper

I may show you something I worked on last night if time permits.  We have baseball and softball allllll day long.  Have a great day!

iCopic & MFTWSC12

Scroll down to see the Guest Bar-tender card.

I had a little fun playing yesterday with a new set from MFT called You're so Tweet.  I used the sketch from MFT over at Splitcoaststampers.  I also used the colors from the iCopic blog challenge which was green, lime, and turquoise.  I added some touches of red for pop, but tried to focus on the colors asked for.

 Of course I HAD to do up the inside, because it looks so cute to do that.

 I also added some dimension to the little girls dress by first coloring her dress with the turquoise, and then spritzing some colorless blender on a piece of fabric.  The fabric was then pressed to her dress, and this is what you get.  You have to color the dress first and do the technique after, THEN you can color the rest of the image.  It kind of gives it a denim look.

Stamps:  You're so Tweet

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Real Red

Paper:  MME For the Record, CDS Cottonball White, CDS Eclipse Black

Copics:  BG72, BG49, E33, E00, E02, R27, C5, C7, YG03, YG07

Accessories:  dimensionals, fabric, colorless blender, crocheted flower, heart brad, MME For the Record stickers

Raise the Bar & Card Patterns

That's right!  I get to be the Guest Bar-tender over at Raise the Bar for today!  I was so excited to see my little card up there last week, that I jumped on this week's challenge.  This week's challenge is called Now Boarding.  We were to create a card inspired by another country.  I bought this set called Konnichiwa from My Cute Stamps last week, in their efforts to raise money for Japan.  The images are darling, and I just couldn't say no to helping.

My sketch comes from Card Patterns.  I loved the sketch and just had to give it a try :D

Stamps:  Konnichiwa

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, CDS Hot Cocoa

Paper:  March TE KI Kit, watercolor

Accessories:  markers & aqua brush, Labels 11 Nestabilities, dimensionals, March TE KI Kit, scalloped edge punch, Copics & airbrush

Head on over to Raise to Bar. . .you could be next week's Guest Bar-tender!

Gravity

I write down challenges in a book every morning in the hopes that I might have time to be inspired by a few, and I came across the CES Challenge.  Their challenge was to be inspired by a song.  Since I was sitting in my 'craft cave' listening to some music, like I often do, I thought this would be a great challenge to try.  Now, I listen to a vast array of things from Christian music, to Michael Buble, to Journey, to Allison Krause.  There is even a little Hewey Lewis and the News in there, haha.  When the song by Allison Krause called 'Gravity' came on, I decided to make this card.  Now I've never pictured myself scooting back into my small town, but that would be quite an entrance.  I do have friends back home, but all of my family has moved fairly far from there, so the likelihood that I may go back is slim.

I used this fun Paper Smooches set called Spiffy Scooter.  The papers from MME were too perfect not to use.

 I put a some Stickles on the lights.

Stamps:  Spiffy Scooter

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Paper:  MME Good Day Sunshine, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  Copics, dimensionals, sponge, Swiss Dots, Tiny Bubbles, & Argyle embossing folders, white gel pen, Icicle Stickles

Here's hoping for some more 'craft cave' time :)

WINNERS for the CDS Blog Hop!

Our winners are:

Cassie's blog (me, hehe) - TR (blog A Touch of Sparkle, Shine & Color)

Laurie's blog - PAT (mspfd) (blog Stamp, Paper and Ink)

Congratulations!

Please contact Lori at Lori@cleardollarstamps.com to claim your prize!

($10 in Clear Stamps or Digi Stamps)

Taylored Expressions March Blog Hop

Yay, it's March Blog Hop time for Taylored Expressions!  The theme was spring and as usual Sankari gave us a great sketch to work with.  I used my Sweet Celebrations set, because secretly I'm in love with Cuppie and his little friends. . .okay it's really no secret.  I'm always in need of birthday cards, and so I thought I would use one of my latest purchases. . .the Spring Project Pantry Kit

 The saying on the inside is so darn cute, that I just HAD to decorate the inside.

 Such yummy Cuppie friend goodness ;)

Stamps:  Sweet Celebrations

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Rose Red

Paper:  Spring Project Pantry Kit

Accessories:  Copics & airbrush, Circle Nestabilities, dimensionals, light blue half back pearls

Now I know you'll want to check out all of the rest of the TE Customers and the gorgeous things they are bringing to this Spring table, so get to hoppin'!

A Couple of Challenges

I have another Gel-a-tins card to show you featuring the adorable Honey Bear set!  I stamped the flowers in Versamark ink and then embossed clear embossing powder over the images.  From there, there was lots of sponging.  I really like the look of shaped cards, but I never seem to make them.  

This is for the Spoon Full of Sugar challenge to use ribbon, pearls, and flowers.  It is also for the Paper Sundaes challenge of embossing.

Stamps:  Honey Bear

Ink:  Versamark, SU So Saffron, SU More Mustard

Paper:  buttercream, MME Hattie

Accessories:  Copics BG72 & BG75, clear embossing powder, Square & Scalloped Square Nestabilities, sponge, MME Hattie brad, cream ribbon, dimensionals

I'm hoping to get a little craft time later.  The CDS Blog Hop ends soon, so head over to Clearly iStamp for all the details.  Tomorrow is the Taylored Expressions Blog Hop, so be sure to come back tomorrow!

Creative Belli Challenge

If you are looking for the CDS blog hop go HERE.

I have a card to show you this morning in between all the blog hops.  I made this card using Scriptures of Peace from Clear Dollar Stamps.  I love these scriptures, because believe it or not they are perfect for military family.  Those that are military know what I mean.  I made this card for the Creative Belli Challenge to use something that started with a 'C'.  Mine is my cute little bird charm.  The essence of the Creative Belli Challenge is to use something that you have, but haven't used in a while.  I used some copper spritz that I just had to have, but have never used.  It seemed to fit perfectly with these Mabel papers from MME.

Stamps:  Scriptures of Peace

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black

Paper:  buttercream, MME Mabel

Accessories:  MME Mabel ribbon & trinkets, Scallop Edge punch, Open Scallop Die-namics (MFT), Copper shimmer spritz, clear embossing powder

Take Your Blogger to Work Day

The awesome and oh-so-sweet Gina, over at Hiya Luv is hosting an event called

Take Your Blogger to Work Day

What a fun way to get to know a few people and how they came to be doing what they are doing.  Gina provided a few questions for us to think about to get us started so here we go!

1. When you were growing up, what did you hope to become? What was your dream career?

I always wanted to go to Harvard and become a lawyer.   

2. Through the years in elementary school, high school, college, etc. did your dream career evolve? What influenced you?

The law always has fascinated me.  In high school I was always voted the Public Defender or District Attorney for Government Day.  When I realized how expensive a school like Harvard was I had to rethink that, haha.  Accounting was always another thing that fit my fancy, and I seemed to excel at it so I made it my major in college. 

3. What is your career today? Is it your dream job? How did you get there? What do you hope for your career in the future?

I married my awesome husband in college and 2 months after we married I found out I was 5 weeks pregnant.  I knew that I was not going to be able to get my masters at that point, so I changed my major to Business Management.  I ended up graduating with an almost 1 year old and being 7 months pregnant with the second.  Do you think I was determined?

I am now a SAHM who home schools her kids and spends any free time I have making cards.  I sometimes sell them too, hehe :D

4. What is your day like? What are your typical tasks? 
Well, I home school my kids, so school starts around 8:30 a.m. every morning and lasts until mid afternoon.  In between I'm doing laundry, making a few cards, taking care of cleaning, planning dinner. . .

5. What do you love about your job? What is challenging?
I love it all!  I love that I married a man that is okay with and encourages this life.  Sure, we may have to do without a few extras, but we are blessed by our decision.  I am certainly not a teacher by trade, but I do believe that God has given me what I need on a daily basis to be able to teach. . .proof that this is God and not me.  It is challenging to teach, but the 'ah ha' moments make it all worth it.

6. Do you hope to stay in this job forever? Where do you see your career self in the future?
We take each year as it comes, and to be honest I don't plan too far ahead.  I'm constantly in prayer about making sure we are in His will.  Who knows where I'll end up.  For now, I'm just loving the day-to-day.

7. How does your blog/shop/creativity contribute from your career? Or does it distract? 
My blog is my 'out' if you will.  I make cards, because it's something I feel blessed to do, and I think it makes me a better mom and teacher for my kids.  It also shows them that there is more to me, even though being a mom is enough.  It shows them that it's important to take time to recharge the batteries :)

Thank you for stopping by to learn about my 'career', and thank you sweet, Gina, for putting this on!  I'm looking forward to learning more about more of you :D

CDS Blog Hop: It's a Zoo

Yay for monthly blog hops that show off some Clear Dollar Stamps goodness!  You should have come from Lori's blog, so if not head on over there because it's the start.  This month the CDS Design Team is showing off some fun animal stamps and digis for the 'It's a Zoo' theme.  

I made this fun box using the Scalloped Edge Treat Box SVG.  Talk about easy!  SVG's are a fantastic time saving tool if you own a Cricut, and if you don't you should really think about it.  I paired my box up with one of my favorite sets, Critter Tales.

 I embossed this cute little flamingo and used my Tombows to watercolor him.  I just love this image.

Stamp:  Critter Tales

Ink:  Versamark Onyx Black

Paper:  CDS Watercolor, SU dps, Cottonball White (CDS)

Accessories:  Scalloped Edge Treat Box SVG, dimensionals, Tombows, black embossing powder, Bubble Gum ribbon (CDS), Mustard Seed ribbon (CDS), white gel pen

You'll want to be sure and get through the whole hop and comment on each, because there are 2 $10 gift certificates for CDS stamps or digis up for grabs, and they will be chosen at random.  Your next stop in the hop is Barb.  Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the hop!

Paper Smooches

I should not be sitting here having made a card and now posting it.  I should be getting ready to go to ball games, but alas I have an addiction to all things paper crafty, haha.  I promise. . .as soon as I'm done I'll go get a shower. . .promise!

I have this fun card that uses images from the Paper Smooches set called Birthday Buddies.  I {heart} Kim's images.  I made this with a couple of challenges in mind.

Simon Says -- Birthday

Scrappy Saturday -- Cute & Cuddly

Stamps:  Birthday Buddies

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  K&C Memories Sophie, CDS Worn Parchment, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  TE Cloud Die, orange brads, Copics

Ok, I NEED to get a shower.  Wish us luck on games :D

Clearly Inspired Challenge #24

It's a sketch over at CIC24, and we all know how I love a good sketch!  There are 2 challenges a month over at Clearly iStamp, and prizes are given at the end of the second challenge depending on the total number of participants for both challenges.

 I decided to use one of my favorite newer sets from Clear Dollar Stamps called We Go Together.  This set has 3 main images with lots of fun sentiments.

Stamps:  We Go Together

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  CDS Worn Parchment, CDS Cottonball White, CC Togetherness

Accessories:  Copics & airbrush, Labels 17 & Tags Trio Nestabilities, dimensionals, green buttons

I'm hoping for more stamping today, but we just bought a new Kindle for my son (I've been playing with it too).  He struggles with Dyslexia, and it seemed to be the only eReader out there that had a text-to-speech option.  We're certainly hoping it gives him even more confidence and helps him along this journey.

I'm participating in a few blog hops over the next few days, so be sure to stop by and check out all the bloggy goodness that will be transpiring :D